Chemoreirradiation for recurrent salivary gland malignancies
Received 8 June 2009; received in revised form 23 February 2010; accepted 7 March 2010. published online 12 April 2010.
Abstract
Background and purpose
To report our experience in treating recurrent salivary gland malignancies using concurrent chemotherapy and reirradiation.
Materials and methods
Between 1986 and 2007, 14 patients with locoregionally recurrent salivary gland cancer underwent maximal surgical resection followed by adjuvant 5-fluorouracil and hydroxyurea-based chemotherapy concurrently with 1.5Gy twice daily or 2Gy daily reirradiation. Each cycle consisted of chemoreirradiation for 5 consecutive days followed by a 9-day break. The median reirradiation dose was 66Gy (R 30–72Gy) after a mean radiation treatment interval of 48months.
Results
The median follow-up for all patients was 18months (R 2–125months) and 41months for survivors. The parotid gland (n=6) and minor salivary glands (n=6) were involved more commonly than the submandibular gland (n=2). Locoregional control at 1 and 3years was 72.2% and 51.6%, respectively. Actuarial overall survival at 3 and 5years was 35.7% and 26.8%, respectively. Tracheostomies and feeding tubes were placed in 2 and 8 patients, respectively. Six patients had feeding tubes at last follow-up or death.
Conclusions
Concurrent chemotherapy and reirradiation for recurrent salivary malignancies result in promising locoregional control for patients with recurrent salivary gland malignancies.
ABSTRACT