A Study On Clinical Response And Toxicity In Locally Advanced Head And Neck Cancers

Background: Treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer is a clinical challenge and requires aggressive and concerted measures. Radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy is the standard curative treatment strategy for the locally advanced head and neck cancer. The ultimate aim of radiation therapy is the maximum local control of the tumour with minimal toxicity. Objectives: To assess the clinical response of treatment using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST) (version1.1) criteria. To assess the toxicities among the study population during chemo-radiation. Methodology: Hospital based observational prospective study was conducted at Department of Radiation oncology, in a Tertiary cancer care centre among Head and neck Cancer patients. Results: Most common site of head and neck cancer in the study was oral cavity followed by oropharynx and hypo pharynx. At the end of 4th week 58.33% had grade1 and 33.33% grade 2 mucositis. Response to treatment was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Mucositis was significant toxicities during treatment followed by dysphagia and radiation dermatitis. Complete response is seen in 50% of the patients clinically and radiologically. No patient died during treatment or at follow up.