Hypofractionation in XXXX multiforme.

@entity1 @entity7841 @entity463
PURPOSE: To compare conventional fractionation with hypofractionation in @entity1 with a @entity463 multiforme. Endpoints of the analysis are overall survival and palliative effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1988 to 1998, 155 @entity1 with pathologically confirmed @entity463 multiforme were prospectively analysed. @entity1 without @entity7841 and @entity1 receiving an interstitial boost were excluded from this analysis. Three different radiation schemes were used in subsequent periods; 33x2, 8x5 and 4x7 Gy. In the last 5 years a scheme of 4x7 Gy conformal @entity7841 was given to poor prognosis @entity1 . The more favourable group received the conventionally fractionated scheme up to 66 Gy. RESULTS: Median survival was 7, 5.6 and 6.6 months for the 33x2, 8x5 and 4x7 Gy, respectively. In general, @entity1 in the hypofractionation group had far worse prognostic factors compared with @entity1 treated with the conventional scheme. The period of neurological improvement or stabilisation was similar between the 4x7 and 33x2 Gy group. CONCLUSION: An extreme hypofractionation scheme of 4x7 Gy conformal @entity7841 in poor prognostic @entity463 @entity1 is well tolerated, convenient for the @entity1 and provides equal palliation without negative effects on survival compared with conventional fractionation.
