Re-irradiation of head and neck tumors - Benefits and toxicities

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.