Significance and therapeutic implications of tumor regression following radiotherapy in patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and pharyngolarynx

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The prognostic significance of tumor regression following radiotherapy was evaluated in 1,897 patients with oro‐ and pharyngo‐laryngeal cancer. Complete tumor regression occurred in 62% and 80% at the end of treatment and 2 months later, respectively. Complete regression was significantly higher for early tumors than for advanced stages and for exophytic lesions compared to deeply infiltrative cancers. Depending on tumor location, 75% to 90% of T1, T2 stages and 50% to 80% of more advanced tumors were locally controlled in patients who experienced complete tumor regression at 2 months. The local failure rate was at least 80% for those who did not have complete regression. The local failure rate for the incomplete responder was the same for early and advanced tumors. Complete tumor clearance following radiotherapy is a reliable indicator of permanent local control. Tumor regression after a dose of 5,000 to 5,500 cGy should be used as a guide to select patients who could be treated by either radical irradiation or surgery.

This publication has 19 references indexed in Scilit: