[Evidence-based medicine (EBM) for radiation therapy--head and neck cancer]

In the treatment of head and neck cancer, radiotherapy has usually been given priority over surgery to preserve the organ involved in the cancer. Although many randomized trials have been reported in this field, there are few studies that can be useful to select the treatment methods for head and neck cancer. The treatment methods presented in the randomized trials performed in America and Europe are not always practiced in Japan. The fact is that the facilities in each hospital and the capability of doctors in surgery and radiation oncology influences the decision of the treatment policy. It is desirable for radiation oncologists in Japan to provide evidence good enough to convince surgeons and patients and to establish standard treatments for head and neck cancers suitable for this country.