BACKGROUND: Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder 
characterized by bone marrow failure and increased risk of cancers including 
acute myelogenous leukemia and various solid tumors, especially head and neck 
cancer. Management of head and neck cancer in the setting of FA is complicated 
by pancytopenia, poor tolerance of chemotherapy, and potentially increased 
radiosensitivity. There are limited reports on tolerance of radiotherapy (RT) in 
patients with FA.
METHODS: We report a case of a patient with FA who presented with a small oral 
tongue cancer that was excised. He rapidly developed extensive locoregional 
recurrence and underwent surgical resection followed by postoperative RT with 
concurrent cetuximab.
RESULTS: Both RT and cetuximab were well tolerated with manageable toxicities. 
Unfortunately, the patient died of early locoregional disease progression.
CONCLUSIONS: RT with concurrent cetuximab was well tolerated and may be an 
appropriate option in patients with FA. However, many patients have a poor 
prognosis due to aggressive disease.