ABSTRACT
Using a customized survey consisting of two de-identified clinical scenarios with a total of 86 questions, we showed that substantial variability exists regarding recommendations for therapy of recurrent head and neck cancer. For inoperable gross recurrence arising in a previously irradiated field, recommendations were re-irradiation with curative intent (73%), re-irradiation with palliative intent (4%), chemotherapy alone (5%), and referral to tertiary center (18%). After salvage surgery, only 33% recommended adjuvant re-irradiation, with the remainder preferring observation (46%), chemotherapy alone (10%), and referral to tertiary center (11%). Significant differences were observed with respect to dose, fractionation, technique, and systemic therapy recommendations.
Declaration of interest
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.