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Is there a time frame between surgery and radiation, after which, the benefit of adjuvant radiation is lost and no longer indicated for head and neck cancers?

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Radiation Oncology · University of Iowa

Unfortunately, there are some patients that have post-operative delays. I don't know that the value of adjuvant RT "is lost" beyond 6-8 weeks, but we know the oncologic outcome can be worse. I would consider getting a high quality reassessment imaging either with CT, MRI and/or PET/CT of head and ne...

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Radiation Oncology · Henry Ford Health System

There is no such well-defined time frame for radiation therapy in an adjuvant setting beyond which the benefit of RT is definitely lost. In general, the sooner the RT is started , the better it is. If a patient is 3-4 months out from surgery a discussion regarding potential benefits vs risks can be ...

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Radiation Oncology · University of Florida

Probably 6 weeks; 8 at the most. The higher the risk (positive margins, ECE), the shorter the window.

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