Cancer of the pharynx and radiotherapy

Dr. B Cummings (Princess Margaret Hopital, Toronto) reported, at the recent American Society of Therapeutic Radiology meeting, a study of hyperfractionated radiation therapy (twice daily radiotherapy) versus conventional radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced larynx and pharynx cancer. In this trial, in 331 patients, there was a 10% survival advantage amongst patients receiving hyperfractionated radiotherapy. Whether this approach will prove superior to once daily radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy (e.g. weekly cis-paltin) has yet to be proven or trialled.