Simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced head-and-neck squamous cell...

To perform a Phase I radiation dose-escalation trial to determine the maximal tolerable dose (MTD) deliverable to the gross tumor volume (GTV) using an accelerated fractionation with simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy regimen with parotid gland sparing as the sole therapy in the treatment of locally advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. The primary objective was the definition of the MTD using established criteria of quantifying acute dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Secondary objectives included analysis of failure patterns, tumor control rates, and toxicity.

Between July 1999 and June 2002, eligible patients with bulky Stage II to Stage IVB head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma, excluding laryngeal primaries, were enrolled. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was delivered with 6-MV photons using a "sliding-window" technique. Enrollment of 6 patients for each dose level was planned; if DLTs were seen in >2 of 6 patients, the previous dose was to be expanded by an additional 6 patients to confirm that dose level as the MTD. All schedules administered a total of 30 fractions, but with escalating doses per fraction (2.27, 2.36, and 2.46 Gy) to achieve a total dose to the GTV of 68.1, 70.8, and 73.8 Gy, respectively. The remaining target tissues were constrained to receive the same dose in all patients regardless of the GTV dose level. The clinical target volume, defined as tissue within 1 cm around the GTV (at high risk of subclinical disease), received 60 Gy in 30 fractions of 2.0 Gy. The electively irradiated target volume, defined as the clinically uninvolved lymph node-bearing tissues, received 54 Gy in 30 fractions of 1.8 Gy. The parotid glands were spared to the degree possible without compromising target coverage. Acute toxicity was scored weekly using National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. DLT was defined as any Grade 4 acute toxicity or any acute toxicity requiring either a dose reduction or a treatment break of >5 treatment days.

Of 18 men and 2 women (average age, 57 years; range, 37-80 years), 17 presented with oropharyngeal primary tumors, and 1 each with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx. None of the 6 patients at dose level 1, and 2 of the 6 patients initially enrolled at dose level 2, developed DLT. Both patients treated at dose level 3 required a 3-day treatment break and dose reduction after rapid development of Grade 3 toxicity (by Day 15). Six additional confirmatory patients subsequently enrolled at dose level 2 completed treatment without DLT. At least 50% of the total parotid gland volume received <30 Gy in 14 patients (average, 54% of volume), with an average mean dose of 32 Gy. In contrast, >/=50% of the distal parotid gland volume received <25 Gy in 15 patients (average, 63% of volume), with an average mean dose of 24 Gy. With a median follow-up of 20 months from the date of enrollment and 28 months for surviving patients, the actuarial 2-year local control (primary site), regional control (nodal sites), and distant control rate was 76.3%, 66.7%, and 71.8%, respectively.

Dose level 2, 70.8 Gy in 30 fractions of 2.36 Gy, was defined as the MTD deliverable to the GTV using this accelerated fractionation with simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy regimen with parotid gland sparing as the sole treatment for locally advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. Adequate parotid sparing was achievable in most cases. Early toxicity, tumor control, and survival rates compared favorably with the outcomes after other accelerated regimens.