Prophylaxis of early radiation injuries to intact tissues following exposure to combined photon-neutron radiotherapy for malignant head and neck tumors
Vazhenin, A.V.; Lukina, E.I.; Kuznetsova, A.I.; Munasipov, Z.Z.; Mokichev, G.V.
Voprosy Onkologii 56(4): 404-407
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 0507-3758 PMID: 20968017 Document Number: 643832
Our data are presented on comparison of early- and late-response and complications in 320 patients with head and neck tumors after combined photon-neutron radiotherapy (CPNT) alone or in conjunction with cisplatin. Laser therapy via the LGN-222 quartz installation alternating with irradiation sessions was used to prevent and palliate radiation injuries. As a result, the incidence of acute (grade I-II) reactions was significantly lowered and severe fast-neutron-induced complications were avoided. Grade I (RTOG) skin and mucous membrane injuries were rarer in the main group receiving laser therapy (2.47%) as compared with controls (8.93%) (p < or = 0.02). Grade II injuries totaled 11.6% as compared with 5.57% in control (p < or = 0.02). No damage to skin and mucous membranes in grade III-IV (RTOG) was reported. Use of cisplatin was followed by a rise in frequency of both focal (90%) and diffuse (10%) film-coated membrane epithelite (p < or = 0.02). However, radiation-related response was aborted within 10-14 days after treatment in all cases. Our procedure may be used as a method of choice in prophylaxis of severe tissue damage and CPNT-induced complications.