Altered fractionation in definitive irradiation of squamous cell carcinomaof the head and neck

The likelihood of local control after radiation therapy may be improved by increasing total dose or decreasing overall time. The probability of late c omplications increases with dose per fraction. Altered fractionation techni ques usually employ two or more fractions per day using a dose per fraction that is similar or less than that employed in conventional fractionation. Altered fractionation may be broadly classified as hyperfractionation or ac celerated fractionation. Data suggest that altered fractionation schedules may improve local control (and to a lesser extent, survival) compared with conventional irradiation. Curr Opin Oncol 2000, 12:207-214 (C) 2000 Lippinc ott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.