Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
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Meta Analysis Comparative Study
Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent radio-chemotherapy versus concurrent radio-chemotherapy alone as treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC): A meta-analysis of randomized trials.
Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and 5 FU (TPF) before radiotherapy (RT) or radio-chemotherapy (RT-CHX) has been shown to improve overall survival (OS) compared to induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5 FU in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). Whether TPF induction before RT-CHX improves clinical outcome in comparison with RT-CHX alone is still a matter of debate. Recently, the results of 5 randomized trials addressing this question have become available. ⋯ Additional induction CHX with TPF before RT-CHX does not improve OS and PFS in locally advanced HNSCC compared to definite RT-CHX.
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As proton beam radiation therapy (PBRT) may allow greater normal tissue sparing when compared with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), we compared the dosimetry and treatment-related toxicities between patients treated to the ipsilateral head and neck with either PBRT or IMRT. ⋯ The unique properties of PBRT allow greater normal tissue sparing without sacrificing target coverage when irradiating the ipsilateral head and neck. This dosimetric advantage seemingly translates into lower rates of acute treatment-related toxicity.