No abstract

This paper reports the results of a new technique of radiotherapy that has not been described previously in the literature. Twenty-seven patients with nonresectable Stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region were treated with a palliative course of radiotherapy, lasting three days, with a total dose of 1800 rad. Patients selected were those thought least likely to benefit from radiotherapy and who could not be admitted to the hospital due to a shortage of beds. Evaluation of response one month after the three-day regimen of treatment showed symptomatic improvement in 78%, objective responses in 70%, and improved performance status in 70% of patients. Thirty percent had complete relief of symptoms, and in 18.5% of patients the tumor disappeared completely. The dose of 1800 rad caused negligible toxicity. As a result of tumor reduction and improved performance status, 19 of the 27 patients were then able to complete a full course of radiotherapy as outpatients. None of the 27 patients has been cured of tumor, but five patients have survived periods of 12 to 17 months from the first day of treatment. Standard palliative radiotherapy for head and neck squamous carcinoma is usually a course of treatment lasting six weeks using a dose of 6000 rad. A randomized study is suggested to compare the efficacy of standard radiotherapy with that of the new three-day regimen.