Outcome of T1N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx treated with short-course radiotherapy to a total dose of 50 Gy in 16 fractions: the Birmingham experience.
OBJECTIVE
To review the results of hypofractionated radiotherapy in T1N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.


METHODS
A series of 100 patients treated with radiotherapy between 1993 and 2001 was reviewed. The median age was 67 years. The median follow-up was 7 years (range 3-14 years). Radiotherapy was delivered to a total dose of 50 Gy in 16 fractions treating daily, 5 days a week over 21 days.


RESULTS
Locoregional control rates with radiotherapy alone were 92% at 2 years and 88% at 5 years. After salvage surgery, the ultimate locoregional control rate was 96%. The relapse-free survival rates at 2 and 5 years were 85 and 70%, respectively. The cause-specific survival rates at 2 and 5 years were 99 and 97%, respectively. Overall survival rates at 2 and 5 years were 91 and 76%, respectively. Second primary cancers occurred in 21% of patients, primarily in the lung.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiotherapy to a total dose of 50 Gy in 16 fractions for T1N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx offers high locoregional control rates with voice preservation. These results from a hypofractionated radiotherapy schedule are comparable with other longer fractionation schedules and offer potential for optimising resource usage.
Cancer Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK. nelliecheah@yahoo.co.uk
N L C
NL
Cheah
S
S
Lupton
A
A
Marshall
A
A
Hartley
J
J
Glaholm
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018307:Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome