Correlation of Currently Used Radiobiological Parameters with Local Control and Acute and Late Mucosal Toxicity in Randomised Studies of Altered Fractionation for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Currently used parameters for tumour accurately predict outcomes in randomised trials of altered fractionation. Although the relationship may be more complex for late mucosal reaction, the presence of a correlation is noteworthy given the infrequent reporting or occurrence of this toxicity. In the future, radiobiological modelling with the addition of volumetric parameters will be highly relevant, given attempts to dose escalate with intensity-modulated radiotherapy in poor risk patients and de-escalate in patients with an excellent prognosis.