A randomized double-blind phase III study of nimorazole as a hypoxic radiosensitizer of primary radiotherapy in supraglottic larynx and pharynx carcinoma. Results of the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Study (DAHANCA) Protocol 5-85

J. Overgaard, H.S. Hansen, M. Overgaard, L. Bastholt, A. Berthelsen, L. Specht, B. Lindelov, K. Jorgensen

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskning

522 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

PURPOSE: A multicenter randomized and balanced double-blind trial with the objective of assessing the efficacy and tolerance of nimorazole given as a hypoxic radiosensitizer in conjunction with primary radiotherapy of invasive carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx and pharynx. PATIENTS AND TREATMENT: Between January 1986 and September 1990, 422 patients (414 eligible) with pharynx and supraglottic larynx carcinoma were double-blind randomized to receive the hypoxic cell radiosensitizer nimorazole, or placebo, in association with conventional primary radiotherapy (62-68 Gy, 2 Gy per fraction, five fractions per week). The median observation time was 112 months. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that the outcome (5-year actuarial loco-regional tumor control) was significantly related to T-classification (T1-T2 48% versus T3-T4 36%, P = 0.0008), neck-nodes (N- 53% versus N+ 33%), pre-irradiation hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (high 46% versus low 37%, P = 0.02) and sex (females 51% versus males 38%, P = 0.03). Overall the nimorazole group showed a significantly better loco-regional control rate than the placebo group (49 versus 33%, P = 0.002). A similar significant benefit of nimorazole was observed for the end-points of final loco-regional control (including surgical salvage) and cancer-related deaths (52 versus 41%, P = 0.002). This trend was also found in the overall survival but to a lesser, non-significant extent (26 versus 16%, 10-year actuarial values, P = 0.32). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed the most important prognostic parameters for loco-regional control to be positive neck nodes (relative risk 1.84 (1.38-2.45)), T3-T4 tumor (relative risk 1.65 (1.25-2.17)) and nimorazole (relative risk 0.69 (0.52-0.90)). The same parameters were also significantly related to the probability of dying from cancer. The compliance to radiotherapy was good and 98% of the patients received the planned dose. Late radiation-related morbidity was observed in 10% of the patients, irrespective of nimorazole treatment. Drug-related side-effects were minor and tolerable with transient nausea and vomiting being the most frequent complications. CONCLUSION: Nimorazole significantly improves the effect of radiotherapeutic management of supraglottic and pharynx tumors and can be given without major side-effects
Udgivelsesdato: 1998/2
OriginalsprogDansk
TidsskriftRadiotherapy & Oncology
Vol/bind46
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)135-146
Antal sider11
ISSN0167-8140
StatusUdgivet - 1998

Bibliografisk note

DA - 19980430IS - 0167-8140 (Print)LA - engPT - Clinical TrialPT - Clinical Trial, Phase IIIPT - Journal ArticlePT - Multicenter StudyPT - Randomized Controlled TrialPT - Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tRN - 0 (Placebos)RN - 0 (Radiation-Sensitizing Agents)RN - 6506-37-2 (Nimorazole)SB - IM

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