Is a tailored strategy using proton beam radiotherapy for reirradiation advantageous for elderly women? A case report.

BACKGROUND

The management of primary or recurrent vaginal tumours in an aging population is challenging for gynecologic and radiation oncologists. In patients unsuited for surgery and already irradiated on the pelvis, proton beam radiotherapy may be worthwhile due to its ballistic advantages.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of an 80-year-old woman with a squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina after a history of pelvic radiation and vaginal brachytherapy delivered for a previous endometrial adenocarcinoma. She received proton beam radiotherapy with a complete response after 12 months and mild toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The complexity of reirradiation management in the frail and elderly population requires attention. Efforts should be focused on maintaining autonomy and quality of life in order to improve adherence and clinical compliance to the treatment. In the era of the tailored approach, hadrontherapy can play an important role to minimize toxicity, obtain good local control, and reduce the overall treatment time.