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Category: Volume 07 Issue 11 November 2019
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Title: Outcome of Palliative Fractionated Radiotheraphy in Locally Advanced Inoperable Head and Neck Cancer

Authors: Dr Jissy Mathew, Dr Mahadeven R, Dr Ajith Kumar V R, Dr Shehna A Khader, Dr Jewel Joseph

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i11.53

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Hypofractionated radiotherapy has been used for palliation in locally advanced inoperable head and neck cancer patients. A cyclical hypofractionated regime RTOG 8502 originally used for palliation in advanced pelvic malignancy has proved to be effective in palliation of locally advanced inoperable head and neck cancer. Radiation is delivered in 2 fractions of 3.7 gray per day at 6 hrs interval on 2 consecutive days with cycles repeated at 4 weeks gap. A prospective observational study was done in radiotherapy department Government medical college Thrissur with the primary objective of assessing the palliative response when RTOG 8502 regime is used in patients with locally advanced inoperable head and neck cancer. Secondary objectives of the study were to assess the quality of life, tumor response, toxicity and overall survival.  

Methods: 51 patients who satisfied inclusion criteria and included in the study population was treated with palliative radiation using RTOG 8502 regime (3.7 gy twice daily at 6 hours interval over 2 consecutive days repeated at 4 weeks).

Conclusion: Palliative hypofractionated radiotherapy using RTOG 8502 regime (quad shot) is an effective palliative treatment modality in locally advanced inoperable head and neck cancer. With excellent palliative response, radiobiological effect sparing normal tissue toxicity and improved overall survival it offers a better quality of life at low cost, best suited for centres with crowded population and poor patient compliance.

Keywords: Locally advanced head and neck cancer-Palliative fractionated radiotherapy -Palliative response-quality of life.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Ajith Kumar V R

Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Government Medical College Chest Hospital, Thrissur, India