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Proton Beam Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

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Head and Neck Cancer

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Abstract

The goal of multimodality therapy for head and neck cancer is to improve the therapeutic ratio by increasing the tumor control probability and decreasing treatment-related toxicity. Due to the close spatial relationship of head and neck cancers to numerous normal anatomical structures, conventional photon radiation therapy can be associated with significant acute and long-term treatment-related toxicities. Superior dose localization properties of proton radiation therapy allow smaller volumes of normal tissues to be irradiated than is feasible with any photon technique. Initial clinical experience with proton radiation therapy in the treatment of head and neck cancers is promising. Prospective trials are underway to define the role of proton radiation therapy in the treatment of head and neck and skull base tumors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Annie W. Chan

Authors
  1. Danielle N. Margalit
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  2. Judy A. Adams
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  3. Annie W. Chan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Annie W. Chan .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Dept of Radio-Oncology, Genolier Swiss Medical Network, 4 Route du Muids, Genolier, CH-1272, Switzerland

    Jacques Bernier

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Margalit, D.N., Adams, J.A., Chan, A.W. (2011). Proton Beam Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer. In: Bernier, J. (eds) Head and Neck Cancer. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9464-6_43

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9464-6_43

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