[Concomitant radiotherapy-chemotherapy for unresectable cancers of the head and neck: a retrospective analysis of 130 patients].

Objectives: We analyzed retrospectively the files of 130 patients with unresectable cancer of the head and neck who were given concomitant radiotherapy-chemotherapy between January 1993 and February 2000.

Patients And Methods: The series included 41 patients with grade III cancer, 64 grade IVA, and 25 grade IVB. Treatment combined radiotherapy (70.2 Gy centered on the tumor with 50.4 Gy on the lymph nodes) and chemotherapy using three cycles of cisplatinium combined with 5-fluorouracil in continuous infusion for 120 hr.

Results: Local control was achieved in 51% of the patients at two years and 48% at five years. Overall survival was 45% at two years and 33% at five years, all grades included.

Conclusion: Univariate analysis of prognostic factors points out the importance of the nutritional status before and during treatment.