Radiotherapy for salivary gland cancer: REFCOR recommendations by the formal consensus method

Objective

To determine the indications for radiotherapy in salivary gland cancer and to specify the modalities and target radiation volumes.

Material and methods

The French Network of Rare Head and Neck Tumors (REFCOR) formed a steering group which drafted a narrative review of the literature published on Medline and proposed recommendations. The level of adherence to the recommendations was then assessed by a rating group, according to the formal consensus method.

Results

Postoperatively, radiotherapy to the primary tumor site ± to the lymph nodes is indicated if one or more of the following adverse histoprognostic factors are present (risk > 10% of locoregional recurrence): T3–T4 category, lymph node invasion, extraglandular invasion, close or positive surgical margins, high tumor grade, perineural invasion, vascular emboli, and/or bone invasion. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is the gold standard. For unresectable cancers or inoperable patients, carbon ion hadrontherapy may be considered.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy in salivary gland cancer is indicated in postoperative situations in case of adverse histoprognostic factors and for inoperable tumors.