Abstract

To check the toxicity and efficacy profile of hypo fractionated palliative irradiation (the "Christie Regimen") and standard palliative radiation in patients with HNSCC (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma). Methods: This was a prospective randomized study carried out at Department of Radiation Oncology, Kamineni Academy of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, L.B. Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India between June 2021 to May 2022. In two arms, approximately 40 cases of locally advanced Head and Neck malignancies were analyzed. Results: The loco regional control in Arm A and Arm B was characterized by complete response (CR) (50% and 60%), partial response (PR) (40% and 30%), and static response (SD) (10% and 10%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.220056). In both limbs, there were more Grade II skin reactions. In Arms A and B, grade III skin reactions to radiation were 10% and 10%, respectively. Additionally, arms A and B had a higher incidence of Grade I and Grade II mucosal reactions. Both groups had grade III mucosal responses to radiation, which is statistically insignificant. Frequent Grade III and Grade II reactions occur in the oesophagus, larynx, and salivary ducts of both groups. The patients were observed for a minimum of nine months. The quality of life of Arm A and Arm B had improved in terms of pain, performance status and weight loss after 9 months. Conclusion: Thus, it may be stated that, despite the fact that Response rates were not significantly different, QOL improvement favored Christie regimen regimens with acceptable toxicities. The hypo fractionated irradiation regimen required less time overall, and this radiobiological superiority is helpful for facilities like ours where the patient load is significantly higher than the radiation facility's capacity. To confirm the long-term effects of this regime, additional research with extended follow-up will be required.

Description

.