Hyperfractionation in advanced head and neck cancer

This preliminary study was undertaken to observe tumour response and normal tissue tolerance to hyperfractionation. This study showed encouraging locoregional control rate in advanced head and neck cancer. Responses T4 tumors are poor and are prone to recur. This indicates that probably greater dose is needed to control T4 disease. We used 7920 cGy for T4 and late T3 status tumour. This dose is well tolerated by patients. Control of T4 tumours may further be increased by increasing total dose, but in view of inadequate clear cut numerical data of tissue tolerance derived by L-Q = Linear Quadratic formula which is still under clinical trial, further increase in total dose cannot be overemphasized. Longer follow up is necessary to assess the long term control rate and late tissue reaction. There is a need of randomized controlled clinical trial to compare hyperfractionation and conventional fractionation. In next phase we are undertaking randomized study of twice daily, daily and weekly fractionation in advanced head and neck cancer.