Definitive radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate definitive radiotherapy (RT) for treatment of base of tongue cancer.


METHODS
There were 333 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue treated with definitive RT and had follow-up from 0.2 to 26.2 years. Follow-up on living patients ranged from 1.2 to 26.2 years (median, 6.6 years).


RESULTS
Local control rates at 5 years were: T1, 98%; T2, 92%; T3, 82%; and T4, 53%. The 5-year rates of local-regional control rates were: I-II, 100%; III, 82%; IVA, 87%; and IVB, 58%. The rates of absolute and cause-specific survival at 5 years were as follows: I-II, 67% and 91%; III, 66% and 77%; IVA, 67% and 84%; and IVB, 33% and 45%. Severe complications developed in 52 patients (16%).


CONCLUSIONS
Our data and review of the pertinent literature reveal that the local-regional control rates and survival rates after RT were comparable to those after surgery, and the morbidity associated with RT was less.
Mendenhall
William M
WM
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0385, USA. mendewil@shands.ufl.edu
Morris
Christopher G
CG
Amdur
Robert J
RJ
Hinerman
Russell W
RW
Werning
John W
JW
Villaret
Douglas B
DB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011832:Radiation Injuries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014062:Tongue Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome