Randomized Comparison of Accelerated Versus Standard Postoperative Radiotherapy for Intermediate- and High-Risk Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Starting More Than Six Weeks After Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether accelerated radiotherapy, which involves six treatments per week, is more effective than standard radiotherapy with five treatments per week for treating intermediate- and high-risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma HNSCC when started more than six weeks after surgery. This randomized trial aims to assess outcomes such as locoregional recurrence-free survival, progression-free survival, overall survival, treatment toxicity, and treatment duration. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving conventional radiotherapy with five daily treatments per week, and the other receiving accelerated radiotherapy with six treatments per week, including twice daily treatments on one day. The radiation dose is determined by the treating radiation oncologist following standard care guidelines. The study focuses on patients beginning postoperative radiotherapy between 42 and 112 days after surgery. During the study, participants will undergo regular assessments including patient-reported outcomes at baseline, end of radiotherapy, and at intervals up to 24 months post-treatment. Researchers will monitor survival outcomes and treatment-related toxicities for up to five years. The total participation time may extend over several years to fully evaluate long-term effects and treatment success.

Postoperative Radiotherapy for Intermediate- and High-risk Patients With HNSCC Greater Than 6 Weeks After Surgery