METHODS
A total of 65 patients (49 primary; 16 postoperative) who received curative radiotherapy (median 70 Gy) with conventional fractionation schedule were enrolled into the study. Concomitant cisplatin were administered either 60-80 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (n=57) or 40 mg/m2 weekly (n=8).
RESULTS
Concurrent chemotherapy was completed in 46.1% patients. Premature chemotherapy termination was done due to grade 3 adverse event (41.6%), patients’ refusal (19.4%) or physician decision (33.3%). Initial Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) significantly predicted concurrent chemotherapy completeness (KPS ≥90, 63.8% vs KPS <90, 24.1%; p=0.001).
CONCLUSION
Despite the promising results, concurrent CRT requires careful consideration for toxicity. Initial performance status prior to CRT might be a predictor for unplanned chemotherapy stopping due to side effects.
Keywords: Chemoradiotherapy; cisplatin; concurrent; head and neck cancer; side effect; squamous cell carcinoma
