What Researchers Did
This study reviewed the role of reirradiation, particularly brachytherapy, for recurrent head and neck cancer not amenable to treatment with curative surgery alone.
What They Found
Reirradiation can substantially improve local tumour control for recurrent head and neck cancer, with a minimum dose of at least 60 Gy recommended, preferably delivered via brachytherapy. Radiobiological considerations dictate the use of small fraction sizes to optimize treatment. Utilizing advanced imaging and conformal radiotherapy techniques, such as 3D planning and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, is crucial for applying high tumoricidal doses while minimizing critical normal tissue exposure.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with recurrent head and neck cancer who are not candidates for surgery may benefit from reirradiation, especially with brachytherapy. This approach offers a practical option to improve local tumour control by delivering precise, high-dose radiation.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
This review did not present new clinical trial data and highlighted the need for further investigation into hyperbaric oxygen's role in reducing reirradiation morbidity.