The aim of this study is to evaluate the response rates and toxicity of hypofractionated radiation therapy in locally advanced head & neck cancer patients who are not fit for concurrent chemoradiation or surgery.

Material and Methods: Thirty patients were eligible for radical treatment (metastatic excluded) were received a total dose of 50 Gray (Gy) in 16 fractions, 3.125 Gy per fraction, total treatment time 3 weeks.

Results: The overall response rates (CR + PR) were 70% and Stage wise [III, IVA and IVB ] overall  response were 90.9%, 66.66% & 42.8%. Of all primaries. The hypopharyngeal cancer patients had the worst response rates with progressive disease in 20-33% of patients and laryngeal cancer patients having best response rates. Only one patient develop grade 4 mucositis for which he was hospitalized for conservative management. Despite the high rate of acute skin and mucosal toxicities, There were no dropouts or treatment breaks more than 7 days due to adequate nutritional and supportive management provided to the patients. The chronic grade 2 and 3 toxicities were higher for skin and mucous membrane.

Keywords: hypofractionated radiotherapy, locally advanced head and neck cancer.

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Dr Manoj Kumar Gupta

Resident Doctor, Radiotherapy Department, ATRCTRI, S.P. Medical College, Bikaner