Purpose: The records of 33 patients of recurrent salivary gland tumors of the head and neck regions were analysed.
Patients and methods: 33 patients with recurrent salivary gland tumors were treated with fast neutrons of a 14 MeV DT generator. All patients had been operated several times. 10 patients had been irradiated before with photons or electrons. 24 patients had macroscopic tumor. In many cases advanced tumors were treated.
Results: The median follow-up of our patients is 33 months. 6 patients are still alive without disease. 5 patients are alive with local recurrence or tumor progression. The calculated survival rate for all patients is 45% at 5 years. The calculated control rate for all patients is 43% at 5 years. Most of the late side effects according to the RTOG/EORTC-score were moderate. Only in one case severe late side effects could be observed.
Conclusion: According to the literature advanced recurrences of salivary gland tumors should be treated with fast neutrons.