Treatment Interruption and Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of 3 Randomized Clinical Trials.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Historical evidence demonstrated that delays or interruptions in radiotherapy (RT) are associated with poorer oncologic outcomes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Substantial concerns arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, when treatment schedules were frequently disrupted.

Objective

To determine the association of RT interruptions with locoregional failure (LRF) and overall survival (OS).

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective review and secondary analysis of 3 randomized clinical trials (NRG/RTOG 0129, 0522, and 1016) included patients enrolled in the trials who were treated with RT. Patients with HNSCC were grouped as (1) p16-positive oropharynx (p16+ OPSCC) and (2) p16-negative oropharynx and all other subsites regardless of p

SUBMITTER: Gharzai LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12679426 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature