Concomitant boost technique using accelerated superfractionated radiation therapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Abstract

Of 142 patients irradiated for American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage III or IV head and neck carcinoma, 100 patients were eligible for analysis with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. In one group, 50 patients were treated with conventional once-a-day (QD) fractionation to doses in excess of 6600 cGy. The other 50 patients were treated prospectively with accelerated superfractionated radiation therapy using a concomitant boost twice-a-day schedule (BID). Patients received conventional fractionation (180 cGy/fraction) combined with a boost field of 160 cGy/fraction BID after a 4-hour to 6-hour interval 3 days per week during part of their treatment course. After 3 years, locoregional tumor control was 62% in the BID group versus 33% in the QD group (P = 0.003). Disease-free survival was 60% and 30%, respectively, for the BID and QD groups (P = 0.002), and adjusted survival was 66% and 38%, respectively, for the BID and QD groups (P = 0.03). Overall survival approached statistical significance in favor of the BID group (P = 0.06). Complete tumor responses were observed in 63% of patients treated in the BID group 1 to 3 months after completion of radiation therapy. Of these, 84% remain free of local recurrence. Of the 19 patients with persistent disease 1 to 3 months after treatment, 47% remain locally controlled. Superfractionated accelerated radiation therapy produced superior local control and disease-free and adjusted survival rates relative to a group of patients treated QD.