Decision making in the management of recurrent head and neck cancer Journal Article


Authors: Ho, A. S.; Kraus, D. H.; Ganly, I.; Lee, N. Y.; Shah, J. P.; Morris, L. G. T.
Article Title: Decision making in the management of recurrent head and neck cancer
Abstract: Despite substantial improvements in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment, the major obstacle to long-term survival remains disease recurrence. Salvage options are often limited due to prior therapy and the escalated morbidity of retreatment. The costs of treatment must be measured against the anticipated quality and quantity of life recovered, even with resectable disease. This review surveys the recurrent HNSCC literature to better guide decision making. Across multiple studies, negative prognostic factors include impaired performance status, advanced recurrent stage, brief disease-free interval, previous chemotherapy, and nonlaryngeal sites of recurrence. When possible, surgical salvage remains the principal option for durable disease control, quality of life preservation, and cure. Nonsurgical therapies have also demonstrated measurable improvements in locoregional control. Interpretation of salvage literature must be tempered by recognition of significant selection bias. The decision for salvage therapy must be individualized, with management that involves well-informed patients resulting in the best outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords: cancer recurrence; quality of life; head and neck cancer; reirradiation; salvage surgery
Journal Title: Head & Neck
Volume: 36
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1043-3074
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  
Date Published: 2014-01-01
Start Page: 144
End Page: 151
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/hed.23227
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 23471843
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 2 January 2014 -- CODEN: HEANE -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Dennis Kraus
    268 Kraus
  2. Nancy Y. Lee
    871 Lee
  3. Luc Morris
    278 Morris
  4. Ian Ganly
    430 Ganly
  5. Jatin P Shah
    721 Shah
  6. Allen Szu Hao Ho
    17 Ho