Background: The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the outcomes and toxicity of carbon-ion re-irradiation (CIR) in patients with rare head and neck cancers (HNC). There is a paucity of data regarding treatment approaches in this patient cohort, which we aim to address in this work.
Methods: Thirty-two (n = 32) consecutive patients with uncommon HNC treated between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed in terms of clinical outcomes, patterns of failure, and toxicity.
Results: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) was the most common histology (22%). Patients received a median cumulative dose equivalent in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) after CIR of 128.6 Gy (range, 105.8-146.5 Gy). The local and distant control rates 1 year after CIR were 66 and 72%. No serious acute or late toxicity (≥ grade 3) after CIR was observed.
Conclusions: CIR may represent an effective and safe treatment alternative to palliative systemic therapies in these rare indications.
Keywords: Carbon ions; Head and neck cancer; Mucoepidermoid carcinoma; Particle therapy; Salvage re-irradiation.