Fractionated Radiation Therapy in Treating Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Launched by RADIATION THERAPY ONCOLOGY GROUP · Oct 10, 2008

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine whether hyperfractionation and/or accelerated fractionation (split-course or with a concomitant boost) improves the locoregional control rate over standard fractionation radiotherapy in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. II. Determine the disease-free survival and overall survival of these patients treated with different radiotherapy fractionation schemes. III. Determine the acute and late toxicities of each fractionation schedule. IV. Compare the quality of life on the two regimens.

OUTLINE: Randomized study. Arm I: Radiotherapy....

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Eligibility criteria

• • DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including lymphoepithelioma and anaplastic carcinoma Biopsy from the primary or regional nodes acceptable No adenocarcinomas The following stages and sites are eligible: Stage III/IV oral cavity, including: Anterior 2/3 of the tongue Buccal mucosa Floor of mouth Hard palate Gingiva Retromolar trigone Stage III/IV oropharynx, including: Tonsil and pillars Faucial arch and soft palate Posterolateral pharyngeal walls Stage II/III/IV base of the tongue and hypopharynx Stage III/IV supraglottic larynx, including: Ventricular band Arytenoid Supra- and infrahyoid epiglottis Aryepiglottic fold (tumors at glottic and subglottic sites excluded) Nonpalpable nodes detected only on CT or MRI must be at least 1.0 cm in diameter or contain necrosis to prove N+ disease No metastasis below the clavicle clinically or radiologically
• • PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: At least 18 Performance status: Karnofsky 60-100% Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: Medically able to withstand radiotherapy No second malignancy within 5 years except nonmelanomatous skin cancer Follow-up by participating radiotherapist required
• • PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to head and neck No planned combined external beam and interstitial boost irradiation Surgery: No prior surgery (other than biopsy) No planned combined pre- or postoperative programs Radical neck dissections allowed if lymph nodes are greater than 3 cm prior to radiotherapy or involvement persists after treatment Resection of persistent disease at the primary site may be performed 6 weeks after completion of radiotherapy