Abstract
Background
Limited data evaluate intensityโmodulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cancers of the hypopharynx and larynx. We report clinical outcomes and failure patterns for these patients.
Methods
Between September 2001 and December 2007, 42 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hypopharynx (n = 23) and larynx (n = 19) underwent IMRT, 11 postoperatively and 31 definitively. Thirtyโsix received systemic therapy. Median followโup was 30 months among surviving patients.
Results
Three local failures occurred within the highโdose region and 3 occurred in regional nodes. Seven patients developed distant metastasis as the initial failure. Threeโyear actuarial estimates of locoregional control, freedom from distant metastasis, and overall survival rates were, respectively, 80%, 72%, and 46%.
Conclusions
IMRT provides good locoregional control for SCC of the hypopharynx and larynx compared with historical controls. Locoregional relapses occurred in the highโdose volumes, suggesting adequate target volume delineation. Hypopharyngeal tumors, which fare worse than laryngeal tumors, warrant investigation of more aggressive treatment. ยฉ 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011