Related Experiment Videos
Concomitant boost radiotherapy in oropharynx carcinomas
S Bieri1, A S Allal, P Dulguerov
1Division of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. jbernier@siak.ch
Acta Oncologica (Stockholm, Sweden)
|March 2, 1999
Summary
Concomitant boost radiotherapy for oropharynx cancer is feasible, showing a 69.5% locoregional control rate at three years. While acute toxicity was higher with chemotherapy, late complications were not excessive.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Oropharynx carcinomas present a significant treatment challenge.
- Advanced stages (III-IV) are common in oropharynx cancer patients.
- Optimizing radiotherapy schedules is crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and toxicity of a concomitant boost radiotherapy schedule in patients with oropharynx carcinomas.
- To assess the oncological outcomes, including locoregional control and overall survival, of this accelerated radiotherapy technique.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-five patients with resectable or unresectable oropharynx carcinomas were treated.
- A concomitant boost radiotherapy schedule was employed, delivering a total dose of 69.9 Gy over 5.5 weeks.
- Chemotherapy was administered to 35% of patients; 20% had prior neck dissections.
Main Results:
- The concomitant boost schedule was completed by all but one patient, indicating feasibility.
- High rates of acute toxicity (88% grades 3-4) were observed, particularly when combined with chemotherapy.
- At three years, the actuarial locoregional control rate was 69.5% and overall survival was 60%.
Conclusions:
- Concomitant boost radiotherapy is a feasible treatment for oropharynx carcinomas.
- The schedule did not appear to increase the risk of late complications, though acute toxicity warrants attention.
- Further randomized trials are needed to compare concomitant boost schedules against conventional fractionation for efficacy.