Definitive radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate

✍ Scribed by Bhishamjit S. Chera; Robert J. Amdur; Russell W. Hinerman; Christopher G. Morris; Douglas B. Villaret; John W. Werning; William M. Mendenhall

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 125 KB
• Volume: 30
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1043-3074
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.20848

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background.

We report the University of Florida experience with soft‐palate carcinoma treated with radiotherapy alone or combined with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or neck dissection for residual disease in the neck.

Methods.

A total of 145 patients treated with curative intent from 1963 to 2004 were included. Potential follow‐up was ≥2 years.

Results.

Local control rates at 5 years were: T1, 90%; T2, 91%; T3, 67%; T4, 57%. Nodal control rates at 5 years were: N0, 90%; N1, 82%; N2, 68%; N3, 71%. Ultimate local‐regional control rates at 5 years were: stage I, 89%; stage II, 88%; stage III, 96%; stage IVA, 63%; stage IVB, 43%. In multivariate analysis, overall treatment time significantly affected local and ultimate local‐regional control, and nodal stage significantly affected overall survival. Overall survival rate at 5 years was 44%. Cause‐specific survival rate at 5 years was 73%.

Conclusions.

The likelihood of cure after definitive radiotherapy is relatively high and is impacted by disease extent and overall treatment time. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008