Definitive radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall

William M Mendenhall; Christopher G Morris; Jessica M Kirwan; Robert J Amdur; Mikhail Vaysberg; John W Werning

doi:10.1016/j.prro.2012.03.008

Definitive radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall

Pract Radiat Oncol. 2012 Oct-Dec;2(4):e113-e119. doi: 10.1016/j.prro.2012.03.008. Epub 2012 Apr 13.

Authors

William M Mendenhall¹, Christopher G Morris², Jessica M Kirwan², Robert J Amdur², Mikhail Vaysberg³, John W Werning³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida. Electronic address: mendwm@shands.ufl.edu.
² Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.
³ Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.

PMID: 24674173
DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2012.03.008

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the results of definitive radiation therapy (RT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall.

Methods and materials: Between 1964 and 2009, 170 patients were treated with definitive RT; all living patients had a 1.7-year minimum follow-up.

Results: The 5-year rates of local control and ultimate local control were the following: T1, 93% and 93%; T2, 84% and 91%; T3, 60% and 62%; and T4, 44% and 44%. Multivariate analysis revealed stage I-II tumors, female gender, and altered fractionation were associated with improved local-regional control. The 5-year cause-specific and overall survival rates were the following: I, 88% and 50%; II, 89% and 57%; III, 49% and 31%; IV, 35% and 21%; and overall, 50% and 31%, respectively. Fatal complications occurred in 9 patients (5%).

Conclusions: Local-regional control and survival are related to extent of disease and treatment technique. Although outcomes have improved in recent years, the morbidity of treatment is significant and a substantial proportion of patients die due to cancer.