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Abstract Background To evaluate the effectiveness and toxicities of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods One hundred and eighty-four previously irradiated NPC patients with recurrent disease and re-irradiated by IMRT between February 2005 to May 2013 had been reviewed. The disease was re-staged I in 33, II in 27, III in 70 and IV in 54 patients. Seventy-five percent of the patients received cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Results The median survival time was 33 months. The 3-year actuarial rates of local recurrence–free survival (LRFS), distant metastases–free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 85.1, 91.1, and 46.0%, respectively. About 53% of the patients experienced Grade 3–4 late toxicities. Forty-four patients died of massive hemorrhage of the nasopharynx caused by radiation induced mucosal necrosis. Multivariate analysis indicated that chemotherapy and time interval between initial radiotherapy and re-irradiation were independent predictors for DMFS. Conclusion IMRT is an effective method for patients with locally recurrent NPC. Massive hemorrhage of the nasopharynx is the major sever late complication and also the leading cause of death. Early recurrence is negative factor for DMFS. Combination of chemotherapy can improve DMFS, but not for OS. Optimal salvage treatment strategies focusing on improvement of survival and minimization of late toxicities are warranted.

Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a malignancy with one of the highest fatality rates. We reviewed our recent clinical experience with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with surgery and chemotherapy for the management of ATC. Methods: 13 patients with ATC who were treated by IMRT in our institution between October 2008 and February 2011, have been analyzed. The target volume for IMRT was planned to include Gross tumor volume (GTV): primary tumor plus any N + disease (66 Gy/33 F/6.6 W), with elective irradiation of thyroid bed, bilateral level II through VI and mediastinal lymph nodes to the level of the carina (54-60 Gy). Seven patients received surgical intervention and eleven patients had chemotherapy. Results: The median radiotherapy dose to GTV was 60 Gy/30 fractions/6 weeks. The median survival time of the 13 patients was 9 months. The direct causes of death were distant metastases (75%) and progression of the locoregional disease (25%). Ten patients were spared dyspnea and tracheostomy because their primary neck lesion did not progress. Conclusion: The results showed that IMRT combined by surgery and chemotherapy for ATC might be beneficial to improve locoregional control. Further new therapies are needed to control metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]