Re-irradiation with scanned charged particle beams in recurrent tumours of the head and neck: acute toxicity and feasibility

Abstract

Background: Treatment of surgically unresectable recurrence in the head and neck region remains a therapeutic problem with the only curative option being a second course of radiation with a tumouricidal dose. We report initial toxicity and efficacy of charged particle therapy in this situation.

Methods: Treatment-related side-effects of patients treated with charged particle beams for recurrent tumours of the head and neck were prospectively collected and patient data was retrospectively analysed with regard to toxicity and efficacy of the treatment according to CTCAE v. 4.03 and RECIST.

Results: Treatment was tolerated well without any severe acute toxicity. In non-chordoma/chondrosarcoma patients, overall response rate was 53.3% at 8 weeks post RT. 4/5 chordoma/chondrosarcoma patients showed no signs of further tumour progression.

Conclusion: Initial experience of re-irradiation with scanned particle beams in recurrent tumours of the head and neck seems feasible and encouraging. Further follow-up is needed to investigate potential late effects.