Journal of Head & Neck Physicians and Surgeons · Published 2026-01-01 · DOI 10.4103/jhnps.jhnps_5_26
Background: Prolonged overall treatment time in laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma contributes to accelerated tumor repopulation and poorer outcomes. In resource-limited settings, socioeconomic factors further increase treatment interruptions. Accelerated radiotherapy may reduce treatment duration, but concerns regarding acute toxicity remain. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acute toxicity of a seven-fractions-per-week accelerated radiotherapy regimen, with or without concurrent chemotherapy, in laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: This prospective pilot study included 92 patients with stage I–IV laryngopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated between June 2020 and March 2021 at a tertiary cancer center in Northeast India. Patients received 70 Gy in 35 fractions delivered 7 days/week, with weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2) when indicated. Treatment was delivered using two-dimensional telecobalt radiotherapy with aluminum tissue compensation. Acute toxicity was assessed weekly using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria. Results: Grade 3 mucositis occurred in 23.9% of patients and Grade 3–4 skin toxicity in 17.4%. Eighteen patients (19.6%) completed planned chemoradiation within 35 days. At 3 months, 50% achieved complete clinical response at both primary and nodal sites. Median overall survival was 841 days, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 71.4% and 53.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Seven-day-per-week accelerated radiotherapy appears conditionally feasible with acceptable acute toxicity in resource-constrained settings. Further randomized studies are warranted to evaluate long-term outcomes.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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