Fast neutrons in the treatment of head and neck cancers: the results of a multi-centre randomly controlled trial.
The results are presented of a multi-centre randomly controlled trial of fast neutron irradiation and mega-voltage X-rays in the treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region. No significant difference was observed in local tumour control rates. Salvage surgery was performed in a similar number of patients in the two groups. Late morbidity was also similar in the two treatment groups. Patients in a subgroup with cancer of the larynx treated by photons had a significantly better survival than those in the neutron treated group.
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005214:Fast Neutrons; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009502:Neutrons; D011379:Prognosis; D011827:Radiation; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011897:Random Allocation