Simultaneous radiochemotherapy versus concomitant boost radiation for advanced inoperable head and neck cancer

• Published in: Acta oncologica Vol. 39; no. 4; p. 523
• Main Authors: Schäfer, U, Schüller, P, Micke, O, Willich, N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 2000
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - drug therapy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - radiotherapy; Cisplatin - administration & dosage; Disease Progression; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Fluorouracil - administration & dosage; Head and Neck Neoplasms - drug therapy; Head and Neck Neoplasms - pathology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0284-186X
• DOI: 10.1080/028418600750013456

In this prospective, non-randomized study we compare the results of simultaneous radiochemotherapy (RCT) with those of concomitant boost treatment (CBT) in advanced head and neck cancer. From January 1993 to March 1999, 77 patients were treated with cisplatin, 5-FU, and 70.2 Gy (accelerated split-course); from January 1995 to March 1999, a further 33 patients received CBT to a total dose of 72 Gy. Toxicities were prospectively recorded according to RTOG/EORTC criteria. Acute and subacute reactions did not differ significantly. Severe late effects (III/IV) remained anecdotal (one fistula). Therapy-associated mortalities were 3%(RCT) vs. 0% (CBT), most tumors responding well to therapy (CR + PR: RCT: 72%, CBT: 63%). The 2-year probabilities for freedom from locoregional progression amounted to 42% (RCT) and 31% (CBT); p > 0.05. Tumor-specific 2-year survival amounted to 40% (RCT) and 34% (CBT); p > 0.05. Both of the treatment concepts yield high remission rates with moderate toxicities. Nevertheless, median time to recurrence is still fairly short. We could not find any differences for local control and survival. For patients who are not able to complete the full three courses of radiochemotherapy, the concomitant boost schedule presents a good alternative.