Ang K K, Byers R M, Peters L J, Maor M H, Wendt C D, Morrison W H, Hussey D H, Goepfert H
Department of Clinical Radiotherapy, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990 Feb;116(2):169-72. doi: 10.1001/archotol.1990.01870020045012.
From 1983 through 1988, 83 patients with high-risk cutaneous malignant melanoma (primary lesion thicker than 1.5 mm or palpable lymphadenopathy) of the head and neck region were enrolled in a study designed to assess the efficacy of a few large doses of radiation (24 to 30 Gy in 4 to 5 fractions). The actuarial 2-year locoregional control rates for the three groups were 95%, 90%, and 83%, respectively. Corresponding survival rates were 80%, 71%, and 69%. The majority of failures were due to distant metastases. Locoregional control rates were better than those reported earlier with surgery alone for comparable patients. The treatment morbidity was minimal.
