Effectiveness of radiotherapy for elderly patients with non‐melanoma skin cancer of the head

Aim To assess the effectiveness of conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for local control and cosmesis in elderly patients (age 70 years or older) with non-melanoma skin cancer of the head. Methods A retrospective review of 15 patients undergoing definitive radiation (11 patients) or postoperative radiation (4 patients) for squamous cell carcinoma (9 patients) and basal cell carcinoma (6 patients) of the head was undertaken. At each follow-up visit, a radiation oncology resident and/or medical student was requested to examine the patient's head and neck, and determine the initial location of the cancer without reviewing their medical record. Results No patient developed a loco-regional recurrence. The residents and medical students were unable to determine the initial location of the cancer because of the skin normalcy. Conclusion Conventionally fractionated radiotherapy is effective for local control and provides excellent cosmesis for elderly patients with skin cancer of the head. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 601–605.