Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a major contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with particularly high incidence rates in India and Tamil Nadu. Locally advanced, unresectable HNSCC presents a significant therapeutic challenge. This study a...
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KIMS Foundation and Research Center
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Journal of Medical and Scientific Research |
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| author | Perumal S Kumari PM Rajendran K |
| author_facet | Perumal S Kumari PM Rajendran K |
| author_sort | Perumal S |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a major contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with particularly high incidence rates in India and Tamil Nadu. Locally advanced, unresectable HNSCC presents a significant therapeutic challenge. This study aimed to assess the immediate loco-regional response rates following treatment with hyperfractionated radiotherapy combined with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin, as well as to evaluate acute toxicity and prognostic factors influencing treatment outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 30 patients with biopsy-confirmed stage III or IV unresectable HNSCC. All patients received hyperfractionated radiotherapy (72 Gy in 120 cGy per fraction, twice daily) concurrently with weekly paclitaxel (40 mg/m²) and carboplatin (AUC = 1). Supportive care included nutritional support, smoking cessation counseling, and dental care. Treatment response was assessed using CT scans and RECIST criteria.
Results: The study observed favorable loco-regional control, with most patients achieving either partial or complete responses. Acute toxicity was manageable, with mucositis, xerostomia, and dysphagia being the most frequently reported side effects. Tumor size and patient performance status were significant prognostic indicators of treatment response.
Conclusion: Hyperfractionated radiotherapy combined with concurrent paclitaxel and carboplatin demonstrates encouraging loco-regional control and acceptable toxicity in patients with locally advanced, unresectable HNSCC. These findings support its use as an effective therapeutic option; however, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these outcomes and refine treatment strategies.
Keywords: squamous cell carcinoma; head and neck cancer; hyperfractionated radiotherapy; paclitaxel; carboplatin; loco-regional response |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-24d09a4a5bb7401ea5f8440857ac41bb |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2321-1326 2394-112X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | KIMS Foundation and Research Center |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Medical and Scientific Research |
| spelling | doaj-art-24d09a4a5bb7401ea5f8440857ac41bb2025-08-20T03:15:38ZengKIMS Foundation and Research CenterJournal of Medical and Scientific Research2321-13262394-112X2025-06-01132188194http://dx.doi.org/10.17727/JMSR.2024/13-33Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinomaPerumal S0Kumari PM1Rajendran K2Department of Oncology, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Dandeeswarar Nagar, Rose Avenue, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600100, IndiaDepartment of Medicine, Tirunelveli Medical College, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627011, IndiaDepartment of Community Medicine, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004, IndiaBackground: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a major contributor to cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, with particularly high incidence rates in India and Tamil Nadu. Locally advanced, unresectable HNSCC presents a significant therapeutic challenge. This study aimed to assess the immediate loco-regional response rates following treatment with hyperfractionated radiotherapy combined with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin, as well as to evaluate acute toxicity and prognostic factors influencing treatment outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 30 patients with biopsy-confirmed stage III or IV unresectable HNSCC. All patients received hyperfractionated radiotherapy (72 Gy in 120 cGy per fraction, twice daily) concurrently with weekly paclitaxel (40 mg/m²) and carboplatin (AUC = 1). Supportive care included nutritional support, smoking cessation counseling, and dental care. Treatment response was assessed using CT scans and RECIST criteria. Results: The study observed favorable loco-regional control, with most patients achieving either partial or complete responses. Acute toxicity was manageable, with mucositis, xerostomia, and dysphagia being the most frequently reported side effects. Tumor size and patient performance status were significant prognostic indicators of treatment response. Conclusion: Hyperfractionated radiotherapy combined with concurrent paclitaxel and carboplatin demonstrates encouraging loco-regional control and acceptable toxicity in patients with locally advanced, unresectable HNSCC. These findings support its use as an effective therapeutic option; however, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these outcomes and refine treatment strategies. Keywords: squamous cell carcinoma; head and neck cancer; hyperfractionated radiotherapy; paclitaxel; carboplatin; loco-regional responsehttps://jmsronline.com/archive-article/radiotherapy-paclitaxel-carboplatin-head-neck-squamous-cell-carcinomasquamous cell carcinomahead and neck cancerhyperfractionated radiotherapypaclitaxelcarboplatinloco-regional response |
| spellingShingle | Perumal S Kumari PM Rajendran K Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Journal of Medical and Scientific Research squamous cell carcinoma head and neck cancer hyperfractionated radiotherapy paclitaxel carboplatin loco-regional response |
| title | Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma |
| title_full | Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma |
| title_fullStr | Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma |
| title_full_unstemmed | Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma |
| title_short | Hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma |
| title_sort | hyperfractionated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced unresectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma |
| topic | squamous cell carcinoma head and neck cancer hyperfractionated radiotherapy paclitaxel carboplatin loco-regional response |
| url | https://jmsronline.com/archive-article/radiotherapy-paclitaxel-carboplatin-head-neck-squamous-cell-carcinoma |
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