A Comparison of Acute Oral Mucositis Between Morning and Afternoon Radiotherapy in Patients Receiving Radiation Treatment for Cancer of the Head and Neck

Fecha de inicio: 2 de agosto de 1999

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically or cytologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, pharynx (oropharynx, hypopharynx, or nasopharynx), or larynx eligible for radical radiotherapy TX, T1-4, NX, N0-3, M0 Directly visible area of mucosa including 2 or more protocol specified anatomical locations in the radical target volume At least 6 cm^2 in area irrespective of shape No M1 disease Intention to deliver radiotherapy to a radical dose without chemotherapy May have had surgical resection of the primary or neck nodes Postoperative macroscopic or microscopic residual disease that is eligible for radical radiotherapy is allowed Patients with completely resected disease who are judged to be at high risk of relapse and who are eligible for radical radiotherapy are allowed PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 16 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Hemoglobin ≥ 10 g/dL Granulocyte count ≥ 1,500/mm^3 Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3 Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Not specified Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception HIV negative Must have normal sleeping habits (i.e., normal circadian rhythm) Must have had dental assessment and necessary prophylactic dental extractions carried out No connective tissue diseases (e.g., systemic lupus, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis) No organic brain syndrome related to chronic alcohol excess or other cause of sufficient severity that would preclude cooperation with treatment No active uncontrolled infection No history of psychiatric or neurological disorder that would preclude study compliance PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 6 months since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics No prior radiotherapy to the head and neck region Surgery: See Disease Characteristics Other: No other concurrent oral hygiene regimen other than that described in the protocol No concurrent radioprotective drugs or therapy