GEORCC recommendations on target volumes in radiotherapy for Head Neck Cancer of Unkown Primary.

Abstract

Head Neck Cancer of Unknown Primary (HNCUP) is a rare condition, representing approximately 5-10% of all head neck cancers. Radiotherapy, adjuvant or radical, is usually employed in the treatment of those patients. To date, no specific guidelines for the optimal definition of the target volume to be irradiated have been published. In recent years, there have been advances in the knowledge of the molecular biology of HNCUP, its diagnostic imaging and the implementation of sophisticated radiotherapy techniques with enhanced precision in target localization and treatment delivery. These progresses have provided valuable information about the natural history of HNCUP that will allow for establishment of the best treatment for each patient, including standardized, consistent and reproducible target volumes definitions. Several recommendations regarding how to choose volumes when contouring HNCUP in clinical practice are reported, in order to achieve a high rate of loco-regional control while avoiding unnecessary toxicity.

• Authors: Joaquín Cabrera Rodríguez, Jon Cacicedo, Jordi Giralt, Enrique García Miragall, Marta Lloret, Fernando Arias, María Angeles González Ruiz, Jorge Contreras
• Journal: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (Crit Rev Oncol Hematol) Vol. 130 Pg. 51-59 (Oct 2018) ISSN: 1879-0461 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 30196912 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Topics

• Head and Neck Neoplasms (radiotherapy)
• Humans
• Neoplasms, Unknown Primary (radiotherapy)
• Practice Guidelines as Topic (standards)
• Radiotherapy Dosage
• Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted (methods)
• Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated (methods)