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Postoperative radiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer in patients with cardiac pacemakers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2013

Federico L. Ampil ,
Cherie-Ann Nathan ,
Ghali Ghali  and
David Kim
Federico L. Ampil*
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, LA, USA
Cherie-Ann Nathan
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, LA, USA
Ghali Ghali
Affiliation:
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, LA, USA
David Kim
Affiliation:
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, LA, USA
*
Correspondence to: Federico L. Ampil, Division of Therapeutic Radiology, Louisiana State University Health, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA. Tel: (318) 675 5334. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

The clinical situation of coexisting significant cardiac arrhythmias complicating head and neck cancer (HNC) is uncommon, accounting for <11% of comorbid illnesses present in this particular cohort of individuals. Little is documented about the outcomes of these people with cardiac pacemakers (CP) when surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy is rendered. The authors report two cases wherein full-course postoperative irradiation was administered without any patient mishap. Appropriately indicated adjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced HNC can be conducted safely and effectively in patients with CPs. Implementation of essential precautionary measures is encouraged to avoid any serious, unwanted cardiac events.

Keywords

arrhythmiacardiac pacemakerhead neck cancerradiotherapy
Type
Short Communication
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 13 , Issue 1 , March 2014 , pp. 115 - 118
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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