A Comparison of the Toxicities in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers Treated With Concomitant Boost Radiotherapy Versus Conventional Chemoradiation

Purpose: To compare the objective and patient-reported toxicities of concomitant boost radiotherapy (CBRT) and concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers. Methods and material: In this prospective study, 46 patients with histologically proven stage III-IVA head and neck cancer were randomly assigned to receive either concurrent chemoradiation to a dose of 66 Gy in 33 fractions over 6.5 weeks with concurrent cisplatin (40 mg/m2 IV weekly; control arm) or accelerated radiotherapy with concomitant boost radiotherapy (study arm) to a dose of 67.5 Gy in 40 fractions in five weeks. Acute toxicity was evaluated using RTOG toxicity criteria. The assessment was done weekly after initiation of treatment, at the first follow-up (six weeks), and at three months. The four main patient-reported symptoms of pain, hoarseness of voice, dryness of mouth, and loss of taste were also compared between the two groups to assess patient quality of life during treatment. Results: The mean treatment duration was 37 days in the CBRT arm and 49 days in the CRT arm. Treatment-related interruptions were less in the study group,17.3% in the study, and 27.2% in the control with insignificant P-value. Grade III laryngeal toxicity was significantly higher in the study group (P=0.029). Other acute grade I-III toxicities (pharyngeal, skin, mucositis, and salivary) were comparable in both CRT and CBRT arms. Grade IV toxicities were seen only in the CBRT arm but were resolved at the first follow-up. Haematological toxicities and renal toxicities were significantly higher in the CRT arm, with significant P-values of 0.0004 and 0.018, respectively. Conclusion: In patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, concomitant boost radiotherapy is well tolerated with acceptable local toxicity and minimal systemic toxicity as compared to conventional chemoradiation. It is a feasible option for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer not fit for concurrent chemoradiation.