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Accelerated versus conventional fractionated postoperative radiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer: results of a multicenter Phase III study.

Authors :
Sanguineti G
Richetti A
Bignardi M
Corvo' R
Gabriele P
Sormani MP
Antognoni P
Source :
International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics [Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys] 2005 Mar 01; Vol. 61 (3), pp. 762-71.
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether, in the postoperative setting, accelerated fractionation (AF) radiotherapy (RT) yields a superior locoregional control rate compared with conventional fractionation (CF) RT in locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx.<br />Methods and Materials: Patients from four institutions with one or more high-risk features (pT4, positive resection margins, pN >1, perineural/lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular extension, subglottic extension) after surgery were randomly assigned to either RT with one daily session of 2 Gy up to 60 Gy in 6 weeks or AF. Accelerated fractionation consisted of a "biphasic concomitant boost" schedule, with the boost delivered during the first and last weeks of treatment, to deliver 64 Gy in 5 weeks. Informed consent was obtained. The primary endpoint of the study was locoregional control. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis.<br />Results: From March 1994 to August 2000, 226 patients were randomized. At a median follow-up of 30.6 months (range, 0-110 months), 2-year locoregional control estimates were 80% +/- 4% for CF and 78% +/- 5% for AF (p = 0.52), and 2-year overall survival estimates were 67% +/- 5% for CF and 64% +/- 5% for AF (p = 0.84). The lack of difference in outcome between the two treatment arms was confirmed by multivariate analysis. However, interaction analysis with median values as cut-offs showed a trend for improved locoregional control for those patients who had a delay in starting RT and who were treated with AF compared with those with a similar delay but who were treated with CF (hazard ratio = 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.2-1.1). Fifty percent of patients treated with AF developed confluent mucositis, compared with only 27% of those treated with CF (p = 0.006). However, mucositis duration was not different between arms. Although preliminary, actuarial Grade 3+ late toxicity estimates at 2 years were 18% +/- 4% and 27% +/- 6% for CF and AF, respectively (p = 0.10).<br />Conclusion: Accelerated fractionation does not seem to be worthwhile for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after resection; however, AF might be an option for patients who delay starting RT.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0360-3016
Volume :
61
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
15708255
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2004.07.682