Patients with recurrent or new primary head and neck tumors that have appea
red in previously irradiated areas and that are nonresectable may be consid
ered for a course of reirradiation. Selection of patients who are likely to
benefit from reirradiation is important, taking into account the high risk
of complications. Patients with a long time period since the first course
of irradiation (preferably a minimum of one year), whose recurrent tumor is
localized, and who do not manifest chronic tissue damage from the previous
radiation course may benefit from reirradiation. Recurrent tumors arising
in the larynx or nasopharynx may have better outcomes compared with other s
ites. An aggressive therapeutic approach may cure some of these patients.