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Reirradiation of Skull Base Tumors With Advanced Highly Conformal Techniques

  • Head and Neck Cancers (EY Hanna, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Oncology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Skull base reirradiation is challenging due to complex anatomy, enrichment of treatment-resistant clonogens, and increased risk of severe treatment complications. Without local therapy, early mortality is certain and tumor progression can result in debilitating symptoms. Modern radiotherapy advancements, such as image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), particle therapy, and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT), are attractive for skull base reirradiation.

Recent Findings

Although limited by their retrospective nature and heterogeneous patient populations, several studies have demonstrated that reirradiation with these highly conformal techniques is feasible. Compared to IMRT or particle therapy reirradiation, SRT reirradiation appears promising with lower toxicity and increased convenience.

Summary

Here, we provide thorough explanations for each technology and summarize the most relevant and recent studies, with particular attention to efficacy and toxicity. Skull base reirradiation using these extremely conformal therapy techniques requires meticulous treatment planning and should be delivered by experienced teams.

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  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Unit 97, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Jennifer C. Ho & Jack Phan

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Both co-authors (JCH and JP) contributed to the research, writing, editing, and review of this manuscript and approved the final manuscript for submission.

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Correspondence to Jack Phan.

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Jennifer C. Ho and Jack Phan declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Head and Neck Cancers

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Ho, J.C., Phan, J. Reirradiation of Skull Base Tumors With Advanced Highly Conformal Techniques. Curr Oncol Rep 19, 82 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-017-0639-9

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