Hyperfractionated radiotherapy improves overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

A multi-institutional, randomized phase III trial of fractionation in locally advanced head and neck cancer demonstrated improved local-regional control and improved overall survival with no increase in late toxicity with hyperfractionated radiation therapy (HFX). Patients enrolled in the study, RTOG 9003, were 18 years or older and have previously untreated, locally advanced squamous cell cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx or supraglottic larynx in stage III or IV or stage II-IV carcinoma of the base of the tongue or hypopharynx. Patients were randomized to four different treatment arms; all treatments were delivered 5 days a week, and twice-daily treatments had a minimum interfraction interval of 6 hours. At 5 years posttreatment, patients in the HFX arm had the highest overall survival rates.