Phase I-II study of short-course accelerated radiotherapy (SHARON) for palliation in head and neck cancer

Aim: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of a short-course accelerated radiotherapy and its feasibility for symptomatic palliation of advanced head and neck cancer or head and neck metastases from any primary site. Patients and Methods: A phase I trial in four dose-escalation steps was planned: total dose ranged between 14 and 20 Gy in a total of four fractions administered twice a day. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was determined as grade 3 or more toxicity occurring during treatment. The MTD obtained was used to plan a phase II trial. Results: A total of 48 patients were treated. In the phase I trial, the 20 Gy dose level was determined to be the MTD. In the phase II trial, the palliative response rate was 82.7%, with a median duration of palliation of 3 months. Conclusion: Short-course accelerated radiotherapy was well tolerated and effective for palliation. These findings may help design future prospective randomized studies.