Context:A significant number of patients with head-and-neck cancers have an incurable disease with limited life expectancy. The objective of the present study was to compare two different short courses of hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy regimens to evaluate symptoms, disease response, and acute toxicity.Materials and Methods:Previously untreated 50 patients of Stage IV B and IV C head and neck cancers were randomized to receive conventional hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy 30 Gy/10 fractions/2 weeks (control group) or Quad Shot regimen (study group) 14 Gy in 4 fractions given twice a day at least 6 h apart for 2 consecutive days. This regimen was repeated at 4 weekly intervals for a further two courses if there was no tumor progression.Results:Symptom relief was similar among the two schedules for pain (60.86 vs. 57.17), dysphagia (60.86 vs. 52.17%), and hoarseness (43.85 vs. 38.09%). Overall response (that is partial response and stable disease) was seen in majority (>70%) of the patients in both the groups. Treatment was very well tolerated with no patient experiencing more than Grade 3 toxicity in the control group and Grade 2 toxicity in the study group.Conclusions:Quad Shot regimen is an effective hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy schedule with minimal toxicity, good symptom relief, and response rate as compared to conventionally used regimen (30 Gy/10 fractions/2 weeks).

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Background: Tetracycline has been used to treat periodontal disease due to its unique ability to reduce degeneration of collagenous matrix. The present study was conducted to assess role of tetracycline fibres in adjunct to scaling and root planning. Materials & Methods: 40 patients of chronic periodontitis were divided into 2 groups pf 40 each. Group I underwent scaling and root planning whereas group II patients underwent scaling and root planning followed by local application of tetracycline gel. Patients were recalled regularly at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months to assess plaque index, gingival index and Probing pocket depth. Results: The mean plaque index 1 month was 0.54 and 0.42, at 3 months was 0.72 and 0.54 and at 6 months was 0.76 and 0.60 in group I and II respectively. Gingival index was 0.44 and 0.28 at 1 month, 0.52 and 0.40 at 3 months and 0.68 and 0.56 at 9 months in group I and II respectively. Probing pocket depth at 1 month was 1.50 and 1.20, at 3 months was 1.46 and 1.38 and at 6 months was 1.40 and 1.24 in group I and II respectively.