[Other therapeutic alternatives: radiotherapy and chemotherapy].

Abstract

Paragangliomas are rare tumors and most are benign: less than 10% show criteria for malignancy. In the head and neck, the main locations are carotid, jugulo-tympanic and vagal. Surgery continues to be the mainstay of treatment but both external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) have been shown to be effective therapeutic alternatives. EBRT requires large volumes to cover the lesion, while radiosurgery allows administration of a high dose in a smaller volume, with high precision, which should reduce the number of long-term complications. The results in terms of local control with both treatment modalities are good, as reflected in published series. The role of chemotherapy is restricted to malignant paragangliomas. The treatment used includes the combination of chemotherapy, which provides short-lasting responses, and the role of new molecular targets is currently being investigated. The present article reviews the indications and results of the non-surgical treatment of paragangliomas.

• Authors: Adelaida Nieto Palacios, Roberto Martínez Alvarez, Elvira del Barco Morillo
• Journal: Acta otorrinolaringologica espanola (Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp) Vol. 60 Suppl 1 Pg. 130-6 (Feb 2009) ISSN: 0001-6519 [Print] Spain
• Vernacular Title: Otras alternativas terapéuticas: radioterapia y quimioterapia.
• PMID: 19245783 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Head and Neck Neoplasms (drug therapy, radiotherapy)
• Humans
• Paraganglioma (drug therapy, radiotherapy)