Re-Irradiation Therapy for Locally Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: A National Survey of Practice Patterns. (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rwigema, Jean-Claude M.; Choi, Jehee; Lee, Nancy Y.; Heron, Dwight E.; Chen, Allen M.
• Is Part Of: Cancer investigation. Volume 35:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 393
• Page End: 402
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Salvage therapy -- recurrent -- head and neck cancer -- practice patterns -- re-irradiation; Cancer -- Periodicals; Oncology -- Periodicals; Medical Oncology -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2017.1310222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0735-7907

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using a customized survey consisting of two de-identified clinical scenarios with a total of 86 questions, we showed that substantial variability exists regarding recommendations for therapy of recurrent head and neck cancer. For inoperable gross recurrence arising in a previously irradiated field, recommendations were re-irradiation with curative intent (73%), re-irradiation with palliative intent (4%), chemotherapy alone (5%), and referral to tertiary center (18%). After salvage surgery, only 33% recommended adjuvant re-irradiation, with the remainder preferring observation (46%), chemotherapy alone (10%), and referral to tertiary center (11%). Significant differences were observed with respect to dose, fractionation, technique, and systemic therapy recommendations.