Hyperfractionated or accelerated radiotherapy in head and neck cancer: a meta-analysis.

Background: Several trials have studied the role of unconventional fractionated radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, but the effect of such treatment on survival is not clear. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess whether this type of radiotherapy could improve survival.

Methods: Randomised trials comparing conventional radiotherapy with hyperfractionated or accelerated radiotherapy, or both, in patients with non-metastatic HNSCC were identified and updated individual patient data were obtained.

[The role of hemoglobin concentration in the outcome of definitive radiotherapy of the oropharyngeal cancer].

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx is potentially curative by radiotherapy. The impact on the treatment results have factors related to neoplasm, to the patient and factors related to the method of radiotherapy. The aim of this paper is evaluation of the impact of hemoglobin concentration (Hb) on treatment results in these patients.

A multicentre randomized/controlled trial of a conventional versus modestly accelerated radiotherapy in the laryngeal cancer: influence of a 1 week shortening overall time.

Background And Purpose: To compare in a phase III study the loco-regional control, disease-free survival and overall survival induced by an accelerated regimen (AF) as compared with conventional regimen (CF) and to analyze the early and late post-radiation morbidity in both arms.

Materials And Methods: Patients with age < or = 75, WHO 0-1, suitable for a radical course of radiotherapy T1-T3, N0, M0, stage of glottic and supraglottic laryngeal cancer were randomized to either CF: 66Gy given in 33 fractions over 45 days or AF: 66Gy given in 33 fractions over 38 days (2 fractions every Thursday). A total of 395 patients were included from 05.

Normobaric oxygen as a sensitizer in radiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer.

The aim of this study was to evaluate radiosensitizing effect of normobaric oxygen breathing in radiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancers. Forty seven patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (7% in Stage III and 93% in Stage IV) were entered in the study. Breathing the pure, normobaric oxygen was given for 15-20 min in the treatment room.