Turk Onkoloji Dergisi, cilt.23, sa.1, ss.1-11, 2008 (Scopus)
Objectives: In this study, we assessed the side effects and the factors related to patients, disease and, treatment that might change the decision for concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced head and neck cancer. 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.