Hypofractionated radiotherapy of head and neck cancer: research progress and clinical value in COVID-19 pandemic
10.3760/cma.j.cn113030-20210715-00266
- VernacularTitle:头颈部肿瘤大分割放疗的研究进展及在新冠疫情中的临床价值
- Author:
Shilong SHAO
1
;
Churong LI
;
Sihao CHEN
;
Shanshan HE
;
Zuxian ZHONG
;
Dan WANG
;
Mei FENG
;
Peng ZHANG
;
Shichuan ZHANG
Author Information
1. 电子科技大学医学院，成都 610041
- Keywords:
COVID-19;
Head and neck neoplasms;
Hypofractionated radiotherapy
- From:
Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology
2022;31(6):569-573
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Radiotherapy is an essential part of comprehensive treatment, as well as a radical treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). The COVID-19 has continued so far, imposing a great impact on cancer care. Since conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT, 2 Gy/F) requires as long as more than six weeks of treatment time, a huge challenge for epidemic control is created for both hospitals and patients. Hypofractionated radiotherapy (Hypo-RT) may be more suitable than CFRT for patients during pandemic by increasing the fraction size, thus reducing fraction number and treatment duration. Early studies have explored the application of Hypo-RT in HNC in palliative setting, which partially proved its safety and effectiveness. Recently, the efforts have been made in definitive treatment using hypofractionated regimen, as well as its combination with systemic treatment and immunotherapy. Indeed, regarding the pandemic of COVID-19, Hypo-RT has been recommended by several expert consensus in the HNC. In this review, relevant research progress was summarized and clinical implication of Hypo-RT in COVID-19 pandemic era was discussed.
