Hypofractionated radiotherapy of head and neck cancer:research progress and clinical value in COVID-19 pandemic
Shao Shilong1,2, Li Churong2, Chen Sihao2,3, He Shanshan2,3, Zhong Zuxian2,4, Wang Dan2,3, Feng Mei2,5, Zhang Peng1,2, Zhang Shichuan1,2
1School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610041, China; 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital&Institute, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory Of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610041, China; 3College of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; 4School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610041, China; 5The Third of People's Hospital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610072, China
Abstract：Radiotherapy is an essential part of comprehensive treatment, as well as a radical treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). The COVID-19has continued so far, imposing a great impact on cancer care. Since conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT, 2Gy/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.
Shao Shilong,Li Churong,Chen Sihao et al. Hypofractionated radiotherapy of head and neck cancer:research progress and clinical value in COVID-19 pandemic[J]. Chinese Journal of Radiation Oncology, 2022, 31(6): 569-573.
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