Radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin in the treatment of head and neck cancer

Radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, toxicity and efficacy of postoperative and definitive radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin in locoregionally advanced or high risk head and neck cancer. Material and methods: Patients with head and neck cancer of stage III-IVb or patients with insufficient margins of resection after initial surgery were included in the study of postoperative radiotherapy. Radiotherapy consisted of 70 Gy/ 7 weeks/ 35 fraction after R1/2 resection and 60- 64 Gy/ 6-6,5 weeks/ 30-32 fraction after R0 resection, respectively. Patients with head and neck cancer of stage II-IVb without initial resection were included in the study of definitive radiochemotherapy. Radiotherapy consisted of 70 Gy / 7 weeks / 35 fraction. All patients received concurrent cisplatin 40 mg/m2 weekly. Results: Postoperative radiochemotherapy: Between 6/2002 and 12/2008, 100 consecutive patients WHO 2, male to female ratio 84/16, median age 54 years were treated. Tumours of the oropharynx were the most frequent (49%) and stage IV was predominant (86%). 96% patients received the full radiation treatment as planned. Median total tumor dose was 66 Gy. Omission of weekly cisplatin had been..