Altered fractionation in definitive irradiation of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
The likelihood of local control after radiation therapy may be improved by increasing total dose or decreasing overall time. The probability of late complications increases with dose per fraction. Altered fractionation techniques usually employ two or more fractions per day using a dose per fraction that is similar or less than that employed in conventional fractionation. Altered fractionation may be broadly classified as hyperfractionation or accelerated fractionation. Data suggest that altered fractionation schedules may improve local control (and to a lesser extent, survival) compared with conventional irradiation.
Mendenhall
W M
WM
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0385, USA. mendewil@shands.ufl.edu
Amdur
R J
RJ
Siemann
D W
DW
Parsons
J T
JT
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods*