Preliminary results of the French experiment of ENT cancers re-irradiation using a tomo-therapy apparatus

Despite treatment associating surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, recurrences of ENT cancers are frequent. Thus, the intensity-modulated conformational irradiation opens new perspectives because of its high conformity to the target volume and because it allows sane tissues to be saved in case of re-irradiation. The authors report the analysis of characteristics of patients treated in three French institutions between 2007 and 2009 with a tomo-therapy apparatus to re-irradiate ENT cancer recurrences. The analyzed aspects have been the initial tumour characteristics, the recurrence characteristics, dosimetric data and carcinologic results. They demonstrate the feasibility of irradiations with such an apparatus, even for important target volumes. Local control is correct with a low toxicity. Short communication