Multicenter phase 3 trial of hyperfractionated versus standard fractionated IMRT for locally advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Reirradiation in standard fractionation for locally advanced recurrent nasopgharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after a previous course of high-dose radiotherapy is often associated with substantial late toxicity. A phase 3 trial at three centers in Guangzhou (China) investigated efficacy and safety of hyperfractionated IMRT compared with standard fractionated IMRT for locally advanced recurrent NPC. Hyperfractionated IMRT resulted in lower incidence of severe late complications (34% versus 57%) and in longer overall survival (74,6% versus 55,0% at three years).