Feasibility of Re-irradiation using carbon ions for recurrent head and neck malignancies after carbon-ion radiotherapy

Abstract

Background and purposeLocoregional recurrence after carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for primary head and neck malignancies, such as malignant mucosal melanoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and sarcoma, occurs occasionally. However, the treatment options are limited. We report on the toxicity and efficacy of re-irradiation using carbon ions for recurrent head and neck malignancies after CIRT. Materials and methodsData of 48 patients with recurrent head and neck malignancies treated with re-irradiation with CIRT at our institution (2007–2016) were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one patients (43.8%) had malignant mucosal melanoma, 17 (35.4%) had adenoid cystic carcinoma, six (12.5%) had bone and soft tissue sarcomas, and four patients (8.3%) had other disease types. Tumor recurrences at re-irradiation were located in the paranasal cavity (n = 18, 37.5%), nasal cavity (n = 9, 18.8%), nasopharynx (n = 4, 8.3%), orbit (n = 3, 6.3%), cavernous sinus (n = 3, 6.3%), and at other sites (n = 11, 22.9%). The median dose of initial CIRT and that at re-irradiation were 57.6 Gy and 54.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]), respectively. None of the patients received concurrent chemotherapy. ResultsThe median follow-up period after re-irradiation was 27.1 months. Five patients (10.4%) developed Grade 3 acute toxicities and 18 (37.5%) developed Grade ≥3 late toxicities, including Grade 5 central nervous system necrosis in one patient. The 2-year local control, locoregional control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates were 40.5, 33.5%, 29.4%, and 59.6%, respectively. ConclusionRe-irradiation using carbon ions may be a reasonable treatment option with tolerable toxicity for patients with recurrent head and neck malignancies after CIRT.