Radiation therapy in the treatment of head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract

The use of radiation therapy is an important part of multimodality treatment for rhab-domyosarcoma. The specific doses, treatment volumes, and techniques used in radiation therapy can vary dramatically based upon a number of factors including location, tumor size, and molecular characteristics, resulting in complex decisions in treatment planning. This article reviews the princi-ples of evaluation and management for head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma including a summary of the historical studies upon which current management is based.