Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Science or Art?

Background: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or radiosurgery has emerged as a viable highly precise technique that delivers a hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen with a high biologic effective dose. In addition to patient convenience, this dose is thought to provide acceptable local control while keeping toxicity to a minimum due to the typical small target size. The aims of this paper are to review recent outcomes with the application of SBRT in the management of head and neck cancer. Methods: Research and online content related to head and neck cancer SBRT were reviewed focusing on dose fractionation schedules, incorporation of systemic therapy and long term toxicity. Results: SBRT technique provided convenient precise approach in the management of primary as well as recurrent head and neck cancer with adequate local control rates and tolerable long term toxicity profile. Conclusion: The use of stereotactic body radiotherapy is still evolving and multiple studies are needed to optimize the dose fractionation of SBRT and its integration with systemic therapy.