Preliminary results of fast neutron teletherapy of metastatic cervical adenopathy

Between September 21, 1973 and May 9, 1975, 36 patients with metastatic cervical adenopathy from cancers primarily arising in the pharynx or oral cavity, including six with bilateral cervical involvement, received fast neutron teletherapy at the University of Washington. At the conclusion of treatment, the masses were no longer palpable in nine of 42 (21%) heminecks and were reduced more than 50% in 23 (55%). In 12 patients with partial regression, the masses eventually disappeared, so that in all, 21 heminecks (50%) or 20 patients (56%) were controlled for periods up to 66 weeks. Fixed cervical masses were controlled in 11 of 23 (48%) patients. These results, which must be sustained for longer observation periods, are comparable to results reported in the literature. Treatment was well tolerated; therefore, doses can be raised to study the influence on tumor control.