Management of advanced cervical metastasis using intraoperative radiotherapy

Seventy-five patients who had advanced cervical metastasis with possible invasion of the deep muscles or carotid artery were approached with aggressive resection and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). All metastatic nodes were greater than 3 cm, 65% were fixed on clinical examination, and 35% involved the carotid artery. Forty-six (61%) of the patients had previously received irradiation. Fifteen of the patients required extended neck dissections with carotid resections and grafting. After the resection an average single dose of 2000 cGy of electron beam IORT was delivered. At 2 years, the local control rate within the IORT port was 68% and the absolute survival rate was 45%. Local control rates for close and microscopic margins (76% and 73%, respectively) were significantly better than the control rate for gross residual disease (25%, P < .05). The combination of extended neck dissection, including carotid artery resection if necessary, and IORT appears to offer improved control.