Soft tissue sarcoma of the head and neck

Abstract

Bone and soft tissue sarcomas of the head and neck account for approximately 1% of all head and neck neoplasms. There are many histological subtypes of sarcomas, and most of them show resistance to radiotherapy. Therefore, the prognosis for local control and survival of patients with unresectable sarcomas are poor. The physical characteristics of carbon ions offer the theoretical benefit of more localized delivery of a radiation dose and greater relative bio- logical effectiveness than that of photons. Previously, we reported the effects of carbon ion radiotherapy on 27 patients with unresectable bone and soft tissue sarcomas of the head and neck. A total dose of 70.4 Gy equivalent was administered in 16 fractions. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of all patients were 74.1 and 57.6%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year local control rates were 91.8 and 80.4%, respectively. Acute and late normal tissue reactions were within acceptable limit. Thus, carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) can be a promising treatment option for unresectable bone and soft tissue sarcomas of the head and neck.