Al-Mamgani A et al. – Currently, the great majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are electively irradiated bilaterally to reduce the increased risk of contralateral regional failure (cRF). Based on the current study, a less conservative approach for unilateral elective nodal irradiation is justified.

Methods

• A review was conducted of published studies (n = 11; 1116 patients ) involving treatment of HNSCC.

Results

• The incidence of cRF in patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated unilaterally was 2.4%.
• The incidence of cRF was higher in patients with tumours involving the midline (12.1%).
• Alow incidence of cRF was also noted in patients with HNSCCs treated by local excision combined with unilateral neck dissection or sentinel node procedure.