title: Continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy in locally advanced carcinoma of the head and neck region.
abstract: Shortening of the overall duration of radiotherapy would reduce the possibility repopulation of tumor during treatment. Most clinical trials of such accelerated radiotherapy have incorporated a split course to improve normal tissue tolerance. Any interruption, however, even for the week-end, may allow repopulation to occur. A scheme of radiotherapy has been used during which treatment was given 3 times per day on each of 12 consecutive days without interruption for the week-end. In a pilot study a significant improvement in survival and local tumor control has been achieved in 48 patients with head and neck tumors when comparison was made with a previously treated group. A randomized controlled clinical trial is planned.
authors.affiliation: Marie Curie Research Wing, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, England.
authors.forename: M I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Saunders
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dische
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Grosch
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Fermont
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Ashford
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Maher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D013997:Time Factors