Radiosurgery for palliation of base of skull recurrences from head and neck cancers

Abstract

Background. Seven patients received stereotaxic radiosurgery for 10 lesions at the base of the skull (BOS) from recurrent head and neck malignant neoplasms. Methods. A radiation dose of 17.5–35.0 Gy was delivered as a single fraction. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 14 months. Results. Nine lesions were symptomatic, and the symptoms improved in five and stabilized in four lesions. In addition, a significant radiographic response was observed in 4 of 10 recurrences. Cranial nerve signs developed in two patients, and an area of asymptomatic necrosis developed in one patient in the temporal lobe tip. Conclusions. From their brief experience, the authors conclude that stereotaxic radiosurgery may be a promising treatment in locally controlling recurrent head and neck cancers that involve the BOS. Cancer 1992; 70:1980–1984.