Radiation therapy for primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the head and neck in stage I-II.

From September 1977 through January 1983, 34 previously untreated cases with primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the head and neck in stage I-II were treated at our department. 16 cases were classified into stage I and 18 into stage II. Patients were treated with 4 MV X-ray (40 to 45 Gy) which encompassed Waldyer's ring and supraclavicular region with or without chemotherapy. The survival rates at three years were 93% and 50% in stage I and II, respectively. Stage, surface markers (T- and B-cell analysis) and initial primary site and the level of lymph node involvement were important prognostic factors. Chemotherapy in pre- or post-irradiation was essential, especially for cases in stage II. It was also indicated that the adequacy of radiation portal with special reference to anatomical consideration was necessary.