Late Toxicities of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma

Purpose/objectives

To examine the late effects of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck.

Materials/methods

All 1-year survivors of pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma treated with IMRT at a single institution from 1999 to 2014 were assessed for long-term complications. Late toxicities were graded according to CTCAE version 4.03.

Results

Among 30 patients, median age at IMRT was 7.4 (1.5–20.8) years, median follow-up was 7.7 (1.2–14.4) years, and median IMRT dose was 50.4 (36–50.4) Gy. Tumor subsites included parameningeal (80%), orbit (13%), and other (7%). Common late toxicities were facial disfigurement (n = 23, 77%), growth hormone deficiency (n = 11, 37%), cataract (n = 10, 34%), and dental problems (n = 10, 33%). Twenty-two patients (73%) had ≥2 late toxicities and 14 patients (47%) had ≥3 late toxicities. Seventeen patients (57%) experienced grade 2 toxicity and 10 patients (33%) had grade 3 toxicity. Grade 3 toxicities included visual disturbance, cataract, facial disfigurement, chronic sinusitis/otitis, and hearing loss. Severe facial deformity was noted in nine patients (30%), and three patients underwent cosmetic surgery. Patients with severe facial deformity were treated at younger ages (median 6.0 years vs. 8.1 years for patients with no/nonsevere facial deformity) and more likely to have infratemporal fossa tumors. There were no secondary solid malignancies.

Conclusions

Late radiation toxicities are common in survivors of pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma treated with IMRT. While the majority of late effects are mild–moderate, they can significantly impact quality of life, particularly facial disfigurement.

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