Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition).
Vol 27, No 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2009: LBA6006
© 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology

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Abstract

First results of a phase III multicenter randomized controlled trial of intensity modulated (IMRT) versus conventional radiotherapy (RT) in head and neck cancer (PARSPORT: ISRCTN48243537; CRUK/03/005)

Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom; The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom; University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom; Addenbrooke's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom; The Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, Ipswich, United Kingdom; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom

LBA6006

Background: Xerostomia is the most common late toxicity of RT to the head and neck. IMRT dose distributions reduce the dose delivered to parotid gland. PARSPORT investigated the role of IMRT in reducing xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: The PARSPORT trial compared two radiotherapy delivery methods in the treatment of patients with pharyngeal tumors (T1–4, N0–3, M0). Patients received 65Gy in 30 fractions over 6 weeks delivered using either CT planned parallel opposed lateral fields or parotid-sparing IMRT. Stratification was by site of tumor and center. The primary endpoint was incidence of LENT-SOMA G2 xerostomia one year after treatment. Secondary endpoints included acute toxicities (CTCAE v3) and other late RTOG and LENT-SOMA radiation toxicities. Proportions of patients with G2 toxicity were compared using exact tests. For secondary endpoints a significance level of 1% was used. Results: 94 patients (47 RT; 47 IMRT) were randomized between 2003 and 2007 from six UK centers. 80 patients had oropharyngeal tumors and 14 hypopharyngeal. Radiotherapy was given as primary treatment in 71 patients and post-operatively in 23. 22 patients had AJCC stage I/II disease. Median follow-up was 31.9 months (IQR: 26.6 –38.8). Twelve month LENT-SOMA G2 xerostomia scores were observed in 74% (25/34) of RT and 40% (15/38) of IMRT patients (p=0.005). Corresponding values at 18 months were 71% (15/21) and 29% (9/31) (p=0.004). On the RTOG scale, 12 month G2 xerostomia was reported in 64% (21/33) RT vs 41% (15/37) IMRT patients (p=0.06). The 18 month incidence was 81% 17/21 RT vs 20% (6/30) IMRT (p<0.001). Acute radiotherapy related G2 fatigue was more prevalent in the IMRT group (76% vs 41% p=0.001). No differences in acute mucositis or pain scores were seen. At 12 months, no statistically significant differences were seen in other late toxicities. No differences were observed between overall survival and locoregional control rates. Conclusions: Sparing the salivary glands through use of IMRT significantly reduces the incidence of xerostomia in patients with pharyngeal tumors.

Author Disclosure

Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Role Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Elekta, Varian Medical Systems

Abstract presentation from the 2009 ASCO Annual Meeting