Concurrent chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy boost for base of tongue cancer treatment outcomes.

Abstract

e16026 Background: Concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) and brachytherapy boost (BT) for base of tongue (BOT) cancers have been associated with high rates of organ preservation, swallowing function and better therapeutic ratio. We report our experience of long term outcomes for BOT patients (pts) treated with reduced dose CCRT with BT. Methods: Single institute retrospective study of 89 BOT cancer pts with characteristics as follows: median age 57 (41-82yr) Male: 89% and staged as follows: II 11%, III 10%, IVA/B 79%; T1:8%, T2:45%, T3: 30%, T4: 17%, N2/3 80%. Pts were treated initially with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to a median dose of 60Gy (45-72Gy) followed by a base of tongue brachytherapy boost [median dose 18Gy (9-30Gy)]. Concurrent chemotherapy or biologic therapy was given in 81% (mostly given as single agent Cisplatin and to lesser extent, Carboplatin, Erbitux, taxanes or combined). Planned neck dissection performed in 79%. EBRT was delivered with a 2D technique in 61% and IMRT in 39%...