What is your approach to adjuvant radiotherapy for head and neck cancer after resection and reconstruction with a free tissue (muscle and bone) flap?

Topics: Head and Neck Cancers • Radiation Oncology

How much time is recommended to wait before? Does the dose or fractionation need to be modified given the flap? Does the scar need to have bolus?

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution

I work closely with our reconstructive surgeons to get their opinion on the health of the flap. In most cases, I am able to start radiation within the recommended 4-6 week window. There may be occasional cases where the flap has not been "taken" or the patient had to go back to the OR for a failed f...

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Radiation Oncologist at Ohio State University
What % of expected dose do you accept for your OSL...

Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution

Start postop RT within 6 weeks. Limit dose to 60 Gy/30 fractions if possible.

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