title: Single fraction per day versus two fractions per day versus radiochemotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
abstract: From January 1978 to January 1988, 859 patients with T3-T4, NO-3, MO were randomly allocated to receive either: Group A--60Co 60, 60 Gy in 30 fractions; Group B--60Co, 70.4 Gy in 64 fractions; Group C--60Co, 60 Gy in 30 fractions plus chemotherapy (5 Fu, 250 mg/m2/IV every 2 days). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were combined simultaneously. The average age was 56 years; the male/female ratio was 802/57. Median performance status (ECOG scale) was 1 (range 0-2). The TNM distribution as UICC criteria was T3 529 patients; T4 330 patients; No 217 patients; N1 52 patients; N2 319 patients; and N3 271 patients. The primary sites were nasopharynx 92, oral cavity 252, hypopharynx 119, larynx 310, and others (sinuses and unknown primary)86. Complete response was achieved in 188/277 patients in Group A (67.8%), 254/282 patients in Group B (90%), and 289/300 in Group C (96.3%). All patients were followed and statistical analysis shows a significant improvement in median duration of response, as well as survival for Groups B and C compared with Group A. No significant differences were seen between Group B and C. The acute toxicity was mucositis, skin toxicity, bone marrow depression. A mean temporary weight loss of 4.9 Kg was observed with a range of 2.3-10.5 Kg.
authors: Radiotherapy and Oncological Department, I. Policlínico, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Sanchíz
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Millá
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Torner
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Bonet
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Artola
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Carreño
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Moya
authors: D
authors: D
authors: Riera
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Ripol
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Cirera
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D011897:Random Allocation