Photon/Proton Radiation Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancers

A Clinical Outcomes Protocol of Photon/Proton Beam Radiation Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancers

The purpose of this study is to collect information from the questionnaire and medical records to see what effects proton radiation has on cancer and collect and analyze morbidity outcomes: incidence of xerostomia (dry mouth) and tumor control.

This is an outcomes study and is designed to collect information from the questionnaire and medical records to see what effects proton radiation has on cancer and collect and analyze morbidity outcomes: incidence of xerostomia (dry mouth) and tumor control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx (tonsillar pillars, tonsillar fossa, soft palate, base of tongue).

• Stage-grouping:

  • Stage I (T1N0)
  • Stage II (T2N0)
  • Favorable Stage III (T1N1/T2N1) and selected stage IV (T1-T2 early N2b)2 or less lymph node and 2 or less cm diameter lymph node
  • Unfavorable stage III and selected stage IV (any T, N2c/N3)

• Surgery of the primary tumor/lymph nodes is limited to incisional/excisional biopsies.

• Will receive treatment with proton radiation.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of distant metastasis.
• Previous irradiation for head and neck cancer.