Function Preservation in Head and Neck Cancers

Interdisciplinary and Regional Cooperation Towards Head and Neck Cancer Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) Implementation in Southeast Asia

“…The main role of traditional BRT in HNC has been in early and accessible disease, such as in the lip, oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx and superficial (skin and mucosal) cancers, where sufficient doses could be given for long-term tumor control while allowing for anatomic and functional organ preservation. [10,11] Previously, the evidence for effectiveness and safety of BRT for HNC came largely from rich, decades-long experience with the use of temporary low-dose-rate wire implants in high-volume centers and a few, small clinical trials (Table 1). In 2009, the Head and Neck Working Group of the European Brachytherapy Group [Groupe Européen de Curiethérapie-European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (GEC-ESTRO)] published a consensus guideline to guide and harmonize clinical practice and outcomes reporting.…”