Head and neck region consolidation radiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation with hippocampal avoidance delivered with helical tomotherapy after induction chemotherapy for non-sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma of the upper airways

Pierfrancesco Franco, Gianmauro Numico, Fernanda Migliaccio, Paola Catuzzo, Domenico Cante, Paola Ceroni, Piera Sciacero, Pierpaolo Carassai, Paolo Canzi, Maria R. La Porta, Giuseppe Girelli, Valeria C. Borca, Massimo Pasquino, Santi Tofani, Franca Ozzello, Umberto Ricardi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Non-sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas (NSNECs) of the head and neck are considered an unfrequent clinico-pathological entity. Combined modality treatment represents an established therapeutic option for undifferentiated forms where distant metastasis is a common pattern of failure.Methods: We report on a case of NSNEC treated with sequential chemo-radiation consisting of 6 cycles of cisplatin and etoposide followed by loco-regional radiation to the head and neck and simultaneous prophylactic cranial irradiation to prevent from intracranial spread, delivered with helical tomotherapy with the 'hippocampal avoidance' technique in order to reduce neuro-cognitive late effects.Results: One year after the end of the whole combined modality approach, the patient achieved complete remission, with no treatment-related sub-acute and late effects.Conclusions: The present report highlights the importance of multidisciplinary management for NSNECs of the head and neck, as the possibility to achieve substantial cure rates with mild side effects with modern radiotherapy techniques.

Original languageEnglish
Article number21
JournalRadiation Oncology
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Feb 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Head and neck
  • Hippocampus avoidance
  • Non-sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma
  • Prophylactic cranial irradiation
  • Radiotherapy
  • Tomotherapy

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