Comparison of high fractional dose continuous versus conventional split course radiation therapy in advanced head and neck cancer

110 cases of advanced head and neck cancers are presented. All were treated with radiation therapy alone. 60 patients were treated by high dose per fraction and 50 by conventional split course schedule. Patients were randomized in two groups. The first group was treated by continuous high dose per fraction schedule to a dose of 44 Gy in 11 fractions over 13 days as against the other group where a conventional split course schedule was used delivering 35Gy in 15 fractions in 3 weeks followed by 25Gy in 10 fractions in two weeks after a rest of 2 weeks. Although the patients treated with the high dose per fraction schedule showed better early response rate, there was no difference in the long term survival. (author). 20 refs., 5 tabs