Unorthodox fractionation in the treatment of head and neck tumors. [Palliative effectiveness and morbidity]

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1979 · Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0360-3016(79)90727-2· OSTI ID:5643850

Pilepich, M V; Munzenrider, J E; Rene, J B

A group of 95 patients with advanced squamous carcinomas of the head and neck area received split-course radiotherapy with palliative intent. The fractionation scheme comprised three separate courses, 2 to 3 weeks apart. During the first course, the patients received 800 rad on the first day and 400 rad on the second and third days. The second and third courses consisted of 2000 rad given in five treatments. Fields were smaller than those used in patients who are treated radically. The spinal cord and larynx were shielded whenever possible. Although meaningful palliation was observed in the majority of patients, the observed local control rate was low. Acute radiation related morbidity was mild to moderate in most cases. Late sequelae appear acceptable in a few long term survivors whose small number, however, precludes meaningful conclusions. Split-course irradiation using a large priming dose appears to be an effective means of palliation which can be achieved with a greatly reduced number of fractions and with acceptable treatment related morbidity. However, the advantage of this type of fravctionation in achieving local tumor control could not be substantiated.

• Research Organization: Univ. School of Medicine, Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 5643850
• Journal Information: Int. J. Radiat. Oncol., Biol. Phys.; (United States), Vol. 5:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
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DELAYED RADIATION EFFECTS
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MALFORMATIONS
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MINUTES LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
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NUCLEI
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RADIATIONS
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560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man
550603 - Medicine- External Radiation in Therapy- (1980-)