A review on re-irradiation for recurrent and second primary head and neck cancer

The purpose of this paper is to review the results of studies regarding radiation as primary or adjuvant treatment modality for head and neck recurrences or second primary tumours (SPT) in previously irradiated areas, with emphasis on acute and late radiation induced morbidity, locoregional control and survival. The criteria for the studies to be included in this review were: (1) re-irradiation for locoregional recurrent disease or SPT in the head and neck region, (2) squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx, and (3) a minimum of 10 patients included in the study. Studies were divided in four categories, including (1) external beam re-irradiation, (2) re-irradiation with brachytherapy, (3) re-irradiation in combination with chemotherapy and (4) postoperative re-irradiation. Most studies were retrospective using heterogeneous treatment regimens and including heterogeneous groups of patients. A total number of 27 studies were included. Overall survival, locoregional control and acute and late radiation-induced morbidity are reported. High dose reirradiation as salvage treatment in case of recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer should be considered, particularly when salvage surgery is not feasible. Although long term survivors are reported is some studies, the relatively high incidence of treatment-related morbidity emphasize the need for further optimisation in order to improve locoregional control and reduce the risk on late morbidity.