Nonstandard fractionation schedules in radiation therapy of head and neck cancer: a review

The authors present an updated review of the clinical trials on hyperfractionated and accelerated fractionation schedules in radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. The available results in terms of survival and local control, and acute and late toxicity data are summarized in order to show the current status of this research field. The new breed of fractionation schedules that are on study, designed on the ground of new rationales, are presented as well. Finally, an introductory overview of combination therapy including non standard fractionation radiotherapy associated with chemotherapy is reported.