Third progress report on the British Institute of Radiology fractionation study on 3F/week or 5F/week treatment of larynx and pharynx

Abstract

It must be emphasised that this is an interim report; only two complete years can be analysed so far and the trial is not yet halfway through; hence no significant comparisons of survival rate are possible. Patients are being admitted to the trial at about 60 per year. We are just beginning to transfer information from the data forms on to punched cards; the chasing of missing information has not been completed. The present analysis was done by hand notes from the original data sheets merely to obtain an impression whether any grossly bad effects were being produced in the three fraction per week series and to ensure that the system of randomisation was effective. The figures presented here cannot be quoted as definite; they are only approximate. Nevertheless, we feel that we should present them to informed readers as an early progress report. The trial is designed to answer two questions. (1) Would three fractions per week, with specific dose reductions of 10–15 per cent (depending upon the overall time and number of fractions (2nd Progress Report, 1968)) have a similar effect on normal tissues and/or on tumours as five fractions per week given in the same overall time? (2) Could a co-operative trial of this kind be carried through successfully in the United Kingdom with its tradition of independent consultants? In each centre the same overall time is maintained for 3F/week as for 5F/week although some centres employ a three-week overall time and others a six-week period.