Perioperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy in previously irradiated head and neck cancer.

Title
Perioperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (PHDRB) in previously irradiated head and neck cancer: Initial results of a Phase I/II reirradiation study.

Source
Brachytherapy. 5(1):32-40, 2006 Jan-Mar.

BACKGROUND:

This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of salvage surgery and perioperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (PHDRB) at the dose/fractionation schedule proposed in patients with previously irradiated, recurrent head and neck cancer or second primary tumors arising in a previously irradiated field.

CONCLUSIONS:

Surgical salvage and PHDRB at the dose/fractionation proposed are feasible in this high-risk population. Toxicity is high, but not substantially different from other reirradiation series. Four-year local control results are encouraging taking into account that 22 of 25 patients (88%) had either close or microscopically positive margins.