Conventional Radiation Therapy with Chemo Boost in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Combining chemotherapy with radiation toimprove tumor control and organ preservation rates havebeen the subject of intensive investigation in various cancersduring the last several decades. Cytotoxic agents have beengiven before (induction or neoadjuvant chemotherapy), after(adjuvant chemotherapy), or concurrently with radiation.Study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acute radiationtoxicities by using concomitant chemo boost schedule in thetreatment of squamous cell carcinoma of Head and Neckregion' in Locally advanced diseases.Material and Methods: 28 patients with squamous cellcarcinoma of Head and Neck region' in Locally advanceddiseases were randomly assigned to radiation therapy byConventional 200 cGy / # /35# / 7 weeks or chemotherapyadded at last two weeks (Days 26 - 35) 10 days.Results: The overall local control rate with concomitant boostschedule in our study is 79%. This is 17% higher than that ofconventional fractionation schedule (62%). The incidence ofGrade 1 and 2 mucositis is 43% (control 38%). No patienthad Grade 3 or 4 mucositis requiring parenteral nutrition ortreatment interruptions.Conclusion: Concomitant chemo boost schedule offers theprospect of an improvement in the therapeutic ratio in clinicalradiotherapy.