Reirradiation of head and neck cancers

Locally advanced head and neck cancers are primarily treated by a multimodal approach, including a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, local relapse rate in a previously irradiated area remains high. Reirradiation for a non-operable recurrence or a new primary tumour is now a therapeutic option thanks to technical progresses. This review presents results of published series in terms of toxicity and tumour response. All the publications are heterogeneous (population, dose, fractionation, concomitant chemotherapy or targeted therapy) and it is thus difficult to compare results. Reirradiation is feasible and appears less toxic with new techniques such as image guided radiotherapy (IMRT) or stereotactic radiotherapy, which could offer precise radiation delivery while sparing healthy tissues. Concomitant chemotherapy or targeted therapy may improve local control. Prospective evaluation of tumour response and complications is necessary. (authors)