T1-T2N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx treated with radiation therapy.
OBJECTIVE
The end results after radiation therapy for T1-T2N0 glottic carcinoma vary considerably. We analyze patient-related and treatment-related parameters that may influence the likelihood of cure.


METHODS
Five hundred nineteen patients were treated with radiation therapy and had follow-up for >or= 2 years. Three patients who were disease-free were lost to follow-up at 7 months, 21 months, and 10.5 years. No other patients were lost to follow-up.


RESULTS
Local control rates at 5 years after radiation therapy were as follows: T1A, 94%; T1B, 93%; T2A, 80%; and T2B, 72%. Multivariate analysis of local control revealed that the following parameters significantly influenced this end point: overall treatment time (P < .0001), T stage (P = .0003), and histologic differentiation (P = .013). Patients with poorly differentiated cancers fared less well than those with better differentiated lesions. Rates of local control with laryngeal preservation at 5 years were as follows: T1A and T1B, 95%; T2A, 82%; and T2B, 76%. Cause-specific survival rates at 5 years were as follows: T1A and T1B, 98%; T2A, 95%; and T2B, 90%. One patient with a T1N0 cancer and three patients with T2N0 lesions experienced severe late radiation complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiation therapy cures a high percentage of patients with T1-T2N0 glottic carcinomas and has a low rate of severe complications. The major treatment-related parameter that influences the likelihood of cure is overall treatment time.
Mendenhall
W M
WM
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, USA. mendewil@shands.ufl.edu
Amdur
R J
RJ
Morris
C G
CG
Hinerman
R W
RW
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D016019:Survival Analysis