[Possibilities in current radiotherapy of head and neck malignancies]

Radio-oncology ranks highly in the treatment concept of tumours of the head and neck. Radiotherapy alone yields excellent rates of remission and cure with good cosmetic and functional results if applied in an early stage. Advanced tumours require the use of combined treatment modalities including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The results of radiotherapy show a close relation to the applied dose in the target volume. This dose depends on the histology of the tumour, its localisation, its size, and the extent of involvement of lymph nodes. Radio-oncologically one can expect an increase in the rate of cure in higher tumour stages by the use of interstitial brachycurie therapy, intraoperative radiotherapy, hyperthermia and the employment of radiosensitisers of low toxicity. Close interdisciplinary cooperation is essential for achieving the best possible success of treatment.