Background: Seven patients received stereotaxic radiosurgery for 10 lesions at the base of the skull (BOS) from recurrent head and neck malignant neoplasms.
Methods: A radiation dose of 17.5-35.0 Gy was delivered as a single fraction. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 14 months.
Results: Nine lesions were symptomatic, and the symptoms improved in five and stabilized in four lesions. In addition, a significant radiographic response was observed in 4 of 10 recurrences. Cranial nerve signs developed in two patients, and an area of asymptomatic necrosis developed in one patient in the temporal lobe tip.
Conclusions: From their brief experience, the authors conclude that stereotaxic radiosurgery may be a promising treatment in locally controlling recurrent head and neck cancers that involve the BOS.