[DAHANCA (Danish Head and Neck Cancer)--20 years of cooperation]

A review of the DAHANCA-group's projects concerning cancer of the head and neck over 20 years is presented. Apart from the first, all projects were randomized trials. Two projects with neoadjuvant chemotherapy have not shown any notable tumour control or better survival. More than 1800 patients suffering from cancer of the head and neck treated in the five oncological centres of the country were included in the three projects concerning radiosensitizers and radiotherapy. The radiation has been accelerated during the years making it more effective. Each of the three projects has improved the local control rate by 11-15% and the survival is enhanced by 11-13% for each project. Cooperation between our five oncological centres has given good results and increased the survival for patients with head and neck cancer. It is now routine to give the radiosensitizer tablets Nimorazol 1 1/2 hours before radiation and to give six fractions weekly to patients with squamous cell cancer in the supraglottic region, pharynx and oral cavity.