TITLE:
Radiation Therapy of Head and Neck Paragangliomas: Experience from Radiotherapy Department at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat (Morocco)
AUTHORS:
Guy N’da, Amine Lachgar, Oswald Houessou, Sanae El Majjaoui, Hanane El Kacemi, Tayeb Kebdani, Nourredine Benjaafar
KEYWORDS:
Paraganglioma, Head and Neck, Radiotherapy
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.12 No.5,
May
27,
2021
ABSTRACT: Background and Purpose: Paragangliomas are rare tumors of the head and neck. Their management remains problematic and varies considerably depending on the center. This study reported 14 years
of experience in the management of head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGls). We aimed
to assess the therapeutic results of these tumors in terms of local control and
overall survival. Materials and Methods: We included 16 patients
followed for HNPGls and treated by radiotherapy from January 2006 to June 2018
in the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. Results: The median age
was 44.5 years (15 - 67). 13 patients were female and three male with a sex
ratio of 4.3. Cervical mass was the common sign (56.3%). All
patients received radiation therapy. This radiation was exclusive in 43.7% of
cases or adjuvant to partial surgical resection in 56.3%. The median dose of
radiotherapy was 54 Gy (46 - 60) and it was delivered by a three-dimensional
conformal radiotherapy technique in 15 patients and volumetric modulated arc
therapy in one. There were few acute complications such as grade I and II
mucositis and dermatitis. After a median follow-up of 5.6 years (2 - 13.4),
local control, defined by radiological stability or regression, was obtained in
14 patients, two patients progressed and one died. Progression-free survival
rates at 5 and 7 years were 93.8% and 78.1% respectively, and overall survival
at 5 and 7 years was 92.3%. Conclusions: Surgery is the first-line treatment for HNPGls.
When surgery is not possible or incomplete, radiotherapy has its place
in the therapeutic strategy of this rare disease for long-term local control.