Paraganglioma of the head and neck region, treated with radiation therapy, a Rare Cancer Network study.

BACKGROUND: Paraganglioma of the head and neck (HNPGL) are rare often benign tumors. Surgery and radiation therapy (RT) are the main treatment choices. We present an analysis of outcome and toxicity after RT from 13 institutions of the Rare Cancer Network.

METHODS: Data were collected using a questionnaire concerning patients' characteristics, treatment, and outcome. A total of 81 patients with 82 HNPGL were analyzed.

RESULTS: The median follow-up was 48 months (1-456). Sixty-two lesions were treated with conventional RT and 20 lesions with stereotactic RT. Local control (LC) was achieved in 69 out of 77 lesions. Late toxicity occurred in 17 patients. Patients treated with stereotactic RT experienced neither disease progression nor late toxicity. Four patients with a follow-up longer than 20 years experienced disease progression.

CONCLUSION: RT for HNPGL offered good local control with acceptable toxicity. Stereotactic RT might offer better results. Long-term follow-up is required.