MOBETRON™ intra-operative radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a UK first.

BackgroundHead and neck cancer is one of the common cancers worldwide. Despite comprehensive treatment programmes, the recurrence rate of these cancers is high with loco-regional recurrence rates of 40-50 per cent. Current salvage options have limited efficacy and significant morbidity. Intra-operative radiotherapy or intra-operative electron radiotherapy offers a potential for improved locoregional control when combined with surgical salvage with less morbidity.Case reportWe report the implementation of intra-operative electron radiotherapy treatment and a case of management of a patient with locoregional recurrence after previous external beam radiotherapy treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil.ConclusionThis is the first UK head and neck cancer case treated with MOBETRON™ intra-operative radiotherapy. The patient remained disease free for over three years with no adverse side-effects. Intra-operative electron radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment to surgical salvage for recurrent head and neck cancer HNC may improve locoregional control, survival and quality of life.