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Base-of-tongue carcinoma: treatment results using concomitant boost radiotherapy
A C Mak1, W H Morrison, A S Garden
1Division of Radiotherapy, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|September 30, 1995
Summary
Accelerated radiotherapy with a concomitant boost effectively treats squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue. This technique offers high disease control with minimal severe late complications, potentially avoiding planned neck dissections.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Background:
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue is a challenging diagnosis.
- Optimizing radiotherapy techniques is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Accelerated fractionation schedules aim to enhance tumor control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of accelerated fractionated radiotherapy using the concomitant boost schedule.
- To assess survival rates, locoregional control, and toxicity in base of tongue cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- 54 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue were treated with a concomitant boost schedule.
- Radiotherapy involved standard fields (1.8 Gy/fraction) and a daily boost (1.5 Gy/fraction).
- Median primary tumor dose was 72 Gy over a median of 42 days.
Main Results:
- 5-year actuarial overall survival was 59%, and disease-specific survival was 65%.
- 5-year locoregional control rate was 76%, with high local control for T1-T3 tumors.
- High rates of acute mucositis (94%) but limited severe late complications were observed.
Conclusions:
- The concomitant boost fractionation schedule is highly effective for selected patients.
- This regimen demonstrates a favorable therapeutic ratio with high disease control.
- Complete neck disease response suggests planned neck dissection may not be necessary.