Comparison between conventional and intensity-modulated post-operative radiotherapy for stage III and IV oral cavity cancer in terms of treatment results and toxicity.
The aim of this study was to assess the treatment results and toxicity profiles of post-operative conventional radiotherapy (Conv-RT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for stage III and IV oral cavity cancer. During the period from April 2002 to December 2005, a total of 49 patients with stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity were treated with radical surgery followed by post-operative RT. Twenty-seven patients received Conv-RT while 22 received IMRT. Only three patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. With a median follow-up time of 3.3 years, the 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates for patients who received Conv-RT vs IMRT were comparable. There was no significant difference in acute toxicity between the two different RT techniques. However, in terms of late toxicity, patients receiving IMRT had significantly less moderate to severe xerostomia and dysphagia than those receiving Conv-RT (36% vs 82%, p=0.01 for xerostomia and 21% vs 59%, p=0.02 for dysphagia). Post-operative Conv-RT and IMRT are equally effective in terms of tumor control for locally advanced oral cavity cancer. Patients receiving IMRT had comparable acute and significant less late toxicity than those receiving Conv-RT.
Chen
Wen-Cheng
WC
Department of Radiation Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia-Yi, #6, Chia-Pu Road, Putz City, Chiayi, Hsien, Taiwan.
Hwang
Tzer-Zen
TZ
Wang
Wen-Hung
WH
Lu
Chang-Hsien
CH
Chen
Chih-Cheng
CC
Chen
Chien-Ming
CM
Weng
Hsu-Huei
HH
Lai
Chia-Hsuan
CH
Chen
Miao-Fen
MF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D050397:Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology