Fast neutrons in radiotherapy

The editorial discusses the discrepancies between the results of fast neutron trials carried out in Hammersmith and Edinburgh between 1971 and 1982 and concludes that unless factors such as the 5% dose difference, fractionation schedule and different stage distributions adequately explain the different results between the two centres, it is difficult to be optimistic about the likely contribution of neutron therapy to the improved treatment of squamous carcinoma of the head and neck. (UK)