Work

Efficacy and Safety of Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Paragangliomas: A Retrospective 23-Year Analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGs) are rare, typically benign, hypervascular tumors arising from neural crest cells. Although surgery is known as the primary treatment, radiotherapy (RT) is preferred for large and inoperable tumors. This study evaluated the results and safety of RT. Methods: Fifteen patients with radiologically or histologically confirmed HNPG treated with RT between 2001 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Most patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with a median dose of 45 Gy. Treatment-related toxicities were graded according to CTCAE criteria. Local control (LC) was estimated with using Wilson score method. Results: With a median follow-up of 96 months, all patients achieved stable or improved symptomes, without local recurrence, resulting in a 100% LC rate. RT was well tolerated, with no acute or late toxicities ≥ grade 2. Conclusions: RT, particularly IMRT, provides excellent long-term LC with minimal toxicity in patients with HNPG. RT represents an effective and well-tolerated treatment option, especially for patients with unresectable disease or high surgical risk.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm15031062

Authors: Kimia Cepni, Meltem Dagdelen, Huseyin Oner, Bahar Cepni, Huriye Senay Kiziltan, Omer Erol Uzel

Institutions: Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, İstanbul Başakşehir Çam ve Sakura Şehir Hastanesi, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, University Hospital Heidelberg

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal and Paraganglionic Tumors

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137