[Prophylaxis of early radiation injuries to intact tissues following exposure to combined photon-neutron radiotherapy for malignant head and neck tumors].

Our data are presented on comparison of early- and late-response and complications in 320 patients with head and neck tumors after combined photon-neutron radiotherapy (CPNT) alone or in conjunction with cisplatin. Laser therapy via the LGN-222 quartz installation alternating with irradiation sessions was used to prevent and palliate radiation injuries. As a result, the incidence of acute (grade I-II) reactions was significantly lowered and severe fast-neutron-induced complications were avoided. Grade I (RTOG) skin and mucous membrane injuries were rarer in the main group receiving laser therapy (2.47%) as compared with controls (8.93%) (p < or = 0.02). Grade II injuries totaled 11.6% as compared with 5.57% in control (p < or = 0.02). No damage to skin and mucous membranes in grade III-IV (RTOG) was reported. Use of cisplatin was followed by a rise in frequency of both focal (90%) and diffuse (10%) film-coated membrane epithelite (p < or = 0.02). However, radiation-related response was aborted within 10-14 days after treatment in all cases. Our procedure may be used as a method of choice in prophylaxis of severe tissue damage and CPNT-induced complications.

[Role of fast neutrons in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma].

The report deals with our data on evaluation of combined photon-neutron radiotherapy (CPNT) received by 33 patients with soft tissue sarcoma at the Clinic of the Urals Neutron Therapy Center. Follow-up ranged 10-80 months (median--68 months). Complete response was reported in 100% (control--45%). All the patients survived 12 months after treatment (control--85%); 5-year survival was 42 and 22%, respectively. Our modality appeared to be the only means of ionizing radiation dose dispensation in cases of early relapse after photon therapy when there was a glimmer of hope of stabilization.

[Long-term results of combined photon-neutron radiotherapy for malignant salivary gland tumors at the Ural Neutron Therapy Center].

An evaluation of combined photon-neutron radiotherapy (CPNT) of malignant tumors of the salivary gland (31) is presented. Overall 1-year survival was 100%, 2 years--95%, 3 years--65%, 4 years--57% and 5 years--47%. Radiation-related injury incidence did not vary dramatically: CPNT--15%, photon therapy--11%. Most relapse occurred within the first 24 months.

[Neutron-photon radiotherapy of brain tumors]. / Neitronno-fotonnaia luchevaia terapiia opukholei golovnogo mozga.

The data on combined photon-neutron radiation therapy of brain tumors (23 patients) are presented. Total focal dose (NSD) of photon radiation was 48-60 isoGy; neutron radiation--2.4 Gy (OBE equivalent to gamma radiation of 14.4 Gy). Out of 23 patients, 15 (65.2%) had suffered from tumor disease for a long time which continued after surgery or combined treatment, while 8 (34.8%) were followed up after treatment for primary brain tumor. First symptoms were evaluated. Dehydration therapy was given to 16 (69.6%). Photon- neutron radiation therapy follow-up was up 12 months. Immediate results were assessed every week. The number of complaints went down by approximately 12-15%; improvement was reported in 13 (56.5%), stabilization--9 (39.2%), deterioration--1 (4.8%). According to CT examination of the brain one month later, condition at focal site was unchanged in 17 (73.9%), 10% regression of tumor--6(26.1%). General aggravation of symptoms without roentgenological signs of tumor progression was registered in one case 3 months later. Brain tumor relapsed in still another patient 4 months later. All patients survived 12 months. These indices were 1.5-2 times higher than those for treatment of similar pathology using photon component alone.