Hyperfractionated radiotherapy improves survival in head and neck cancer patients

The use of an intensified form of radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers can improve overall survival rates compared with standard radiation therapy, according to results from a large study presented at the 2013 European Cancer Congress. A comparison of altered fractionation radiotherapy with standard fractionation radiotherapy in a meta-analysis of more than 11,000 patients showed an eight percent reduction in the risk of death in the AFRT group, as well as a nine percent reduction in the risk of progression or death. Read more here.