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Proton therapy for head and neck paragangliomas: A single institutional experience
Author(s) -
Kang Kylie H.,
Lebow Emily S.,
Niemierko Andrzej,
Bussière Marc R.,
Dewyer Nicholas A.,
Daly Jillian,
McKenna Michael J.,
Lee Daniel J.,
Loeffler Jay S.,
Busse Paul M.,
Shih Helen A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.26044
Subject(s) - medicine , proton therapy , head and neck , head and neck cancer , retrospective cohort study , radiology , radiation therapy , surgery
Background Although slow growing, head and neck paragangliomas (HNPG) can cause significant morbidity. We evaluated the efficacy of proton therapy in the management of HNPG. Methods Retrospective review of an institutional proton therapy experience of treating patients between 1997 and 2016; 37 patients and 40 tumors were included. Results Proton therapy was delivered to a median of 50.4 Gy(RBE) (range: 45‐68). Having a genetic/family predisposition for HNPG was associated with multifocal tumors ( P = .02) and younger diagnosis age ( P = .02). Twenty‐six (70%) patients had symptom improvement posttreatment, and 65% of treated tumors showed ≥20% volumetric shrinkage. The 5‐year recurrence‐free and overall survival rates were both 97%. Grade 2 to grade 3 toxicities (54%) included subjective hearing impairment (19%), middle ear inflammation (14%), and dry mouth (8%). There were no grade 4‐5 toxicities. Conclusions Patients with HNPGs can be effectively and safely treated with proton therapy with excellent tumor control, successful volumetric tumor reduction, and symptomatic improvement.