In our analysis, IMRT was associated with a significantly lower incidence of Grade 3 or greater xerostomia, acute toxic effects to skin and mucous membranes than 3D-CRT. In addition, compared to 3D-CRT, IMRT had lower rates of Grade 3 or greater mucositis and skin toxicity as well as less feeding tube use during radiotherapy. Our analysis showed potentially less toxicity in patients treated with IMRT in comparision to 3D-CRT.

After induction chemotherapy, HFRT seems to be more efficacious than CFRT in locally advanced HNSCC, by increasing significantly the probability of progression-free survival and locoregional control.