Hyperfractionated versus accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy in the treatment of supratentorial malignant gliomas

ABSTRACT

This study is an attempt using multiple daily fractionated radiation therapy in the form of hyperfractionation [HF] or accelerated hyperfractionation [AHF]in 42 eligible patients 2-3 weeks after surgery; patients were randomly divided into two groups and received a wide field irradiation on Cobalt 60 machine. Group I[arm I] included 22 patients received 1.2 Gy twice daily fractions separated by 6h/5 days/week to a total dose of 64.8 Gy [HF]. Group II [arm II] included 20 patients received 1.6 Gy twice daily fractions separated by 6h/5 days/week to a total dose of 54.4 Gy [AHF]. Overall response after one year was 45% in group I and 40% in group II. The median survival time for patients was 11 months and 10.4 months in groups I and II, respectively. Toxicity was more or less equal in both groups