Results of Radiotherapy in Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Shin, Byung Chul; Yum, Ha Yong; Moon, Chang Woo; Jeong, Tae Sik

Abstract

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, survival rate and complications of radiation therapy and chemoradiation treatment in hypopharyngeal cancer.
METHODS
AND MATERIALS: From January 1984 to December 1999, 56 patients who had hypopharyngeal carcinoma treated with curative radiation therapy were retrospectively studied. Twenty four patients (42.9%) were treated with radiation therapy alone (Group I) and 32 (57.1%) treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation (Group II). Total radiation dose ranged from 40.5 to 83. 5 Gy (median 67.9 Gy). Radiotherapy was given with conventional technique in 9 patients (16.4%), with hyperfractionation I (1.15~1.2 Gy/fr., BID) in 26 (47.2%), hyperfractionation II (1.35 Gy/fr., BID) in 18 (32.7%), and accelerated fractionation (1.6 Gy/fr., BID) in 2 (3.6%). In chemotherapy, 5-FU (1,000 mg/m2 daily for 5 consecutive days) and cisplatin (100 mg/m2 on day 1) were administered in a cycle of 3 weeks interval, and a total of 1 to 3 cycles (average 2..3 cycles) were given prior to radiation therapy. Follow up duration was 1~195 months (median 28 months).
RESULTS
Overall 2 and 5 year survival rates were 40.6% and 27.6%; 50.0% and 30.0% in Group I, and 36.4% and 26.3% in Group II, respectively. Complete local control rates in Group I and II were 70.0% and 67.7%, respectively. The response to radiotherapy and nodal stage were statistically significant prognostic factors. The complication rate was increased in Group II and was decreased in hyperfractionation.
CONCLUSION
The response to radiotherapy and nodal stage were valid factors to indicate the degree of control over the hypopharyngeal cancer. The induction cisplatin, 5-Fu chemotherapy was not valid in terms of local control rate and survival rate, but did contribute to an increased complication rate. The use of hyperfractionation was valid to reduce the late radiation complications.