Radiation Therapy for Management of T1–T2 Glottic Cancer at a Private Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze patients with T1-T2N0 squamous cell carcinomas of the glottic larynx treated at a private institution, to review the pertinent literature, and to compare our outcomes to those of academic institutions. A total of 118 patients were treated with radiation therapy between May 1987 and August 2006 at a private institution and followed up for ≥2 years. Three patients were lost to follow-up between 18 and 19 months. The 5-year local control rates were: T1a, 91%; T1b, 95%; T2a, 96%; and T2b, 100%. The 5-year ultimate local control rates after irradiation and including patients who were successfully salvaged with surgery after a local recurrence were: T1a, 94%; T1b, 100%; T2a, 96%; and T2b, 100%. Eight (7%) of the 118 patients developed a local recurrence. There were no isolated regional or distant recurrences. The 5-year overall survival rates were: T1a, 73%; T1b, 78%; T2a, 62%; and T2b, 69%. The 5-year cause-specific survival rates were: T1a, 96%; T1b, 100%; T2a, 100%; and T2b, 100%. Two patients experienced severe complications. Patients with limited T1aN0 cancers may be treated with either transoral laser excision or RT. Those with more advanced T1-T2N0 cancers are treated with definitive RT. We do not advocate elective nodal irradiation, even for those with bulky T2B malignancies. The addition of concomitant weekly cisplatin 30 mg/M² is considered for patients with T2B cancers. Open parotid laryngectomy is reserved for salvage of suitable patients with a local recurrence.