Surgery-ineligible elderly patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region gain clinical benefit from definitive weekly hypofractionated radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the role of definitive weekly hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of surgery-ineligible elderly patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region (cHNSCC).

METHODS

Eligible elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) with cHNSCC were included. Patients received definitive weekly hypofractionated RT, using megavoltage electrons, to a total dose of 56-64 Gy (8 Gy per fraction). Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), defined as the percentage of patients with a complete (CR) or partial response (PR). Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), pain response, tolerability, and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 19 patients with 27 lesions were included and treated with definitive weekly hypofractionated RT. All patients received the prescribed total dose. ORR was 92.6%, including 70.4% of lesions with a CR and 22.2% with a PR. Median DOR was 12 months. No severe toxicity occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed the satisfying efficacy and acceptable toxicity of definitive weekly hypofractionated RT for cHNSCC in elderly patients. Our results establish weekly hypofractionated scheduleas a promising treatment option for elderly patients with cHNSCC.