Conventional Radiotherapy versus Accelerated Fractionation Radiotherapy in Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancers – A Prospective Comparative Study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Treatment of locally advanced lesions of head and neck cancers includes a combined modality approach suchas surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy.Aim: The aim of the study was to study the treatment response by locoregional control and radiation toxicity of conventionaland accelerated fractionation RT in squamous cell head and neck cancers.Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients were included in each group, Group A received accelerated six fractions perweek and Group B received conventionally fractionated radiation therapy. The patients were assessed for locoregional diseaseresponse and radiation toxicities weekly during RT and at the end of treatment.Results: In this study, 4 patients were dropped out and 26 patients completed the treatment in each group. About 86% of thepatients in the accelerated fractionation arm and 82% of the patients in conventional arm showed complete response. Radiationtoxicities were slightly higher in accelerated fractionation compared to conventional fractionation RT.Conclusion: Accelerated fractionation with concurrent chemotherapy can be considered as an alternative treatment strategyto conventional chemoradiation.