Evaluation of Rapid Radiation Treatment Schedules Utilizing Two Treatment Sessions per Day

Abstract

The authors studied normal human skin reactions to two different rapid radiotherapy schedules of 2 sessions per day and evaluated their effectiveness in relief of pain and local tumor control. Patients were randomized to three treatment groups: Schedule A (control): conventional one treatment per day regimen totalling 3,760 rads in 22–23 days; Schedule B: 2 sessions per day totalling 3,440 rads in 10–11 days; and Schedule C: 2 sessions per day totalling 3,568 rads in 10–11 days. The pattern and magnitude of skin reactions in the three schedules are nearly identical but tumor regression and pain relief were achieved faster in the rapid fractionation schedules.