The combination of volumetric arc radiation therapy and boost high-dose rate interstitial brachytherapy for T3N2c tongue cancer: a technical report.

Abstract

Currently, tongue cancers are primarily managed by surgery, and interstitial brachytherapy is only recommended for a selected group of early state T1-2N0 patients who refuse surgery or are medically inoperable. In this report, a case with T3N2cM0 tongue cancer who has been effectively treated by the combination of concurrent chemoradiotherapy involving volumetric arc therapy and boost high-dose rate interstitial brachytherapy is presented. Of course, surgery remains the main treatment strategy for tongue cancer patients; however, the authors believe that if volumetric arc therapy is carefully planned to reduce the mandible dose as much as possible and high-dose rate interstitial brachytherapy with a mouthpiece that protects the mandible is combined, it is possible to treat T3N2 disease, and this can be considered for patients who want to preserve organ function.