Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2003 Dec;46(12):1058-1063.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Hypopharyngeal Cancer

• Wang SG
• Lee BJ
• Goh EK
• Kim TW
• Ahn JH
• Chung JS
• Kim DW
• Nam JH

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Hypopharyngeal cancer is notorious for its poor prognosis and severe surgical morbidity with functional deficits. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy between the neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and surgery with postoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of hypophayngeal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical records of 64 patients, treated for hypopharyneal cancer at Pusan National University Hospital from March 1986 through May 2000, were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-three patients were grouped into the chemotherapy and radiotherapy (CRTx) group, who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Thirty-one patients were grouped into the operation and radiotherapy (ORTx) group, who received laryngectomy with or without reconstruction and postoperative radiotherapy. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of three years survival rate between CRTx group and ORTx group (p>0.05). Laryngeal preservation rate was 45% in CRTx group but 3% in ORTx group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Although this had not been a randomized study of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy versus surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy, the survival rate of CRTx group appears to be as identical as ORTx group and more effective in the preservation of the larynx.

Keyword

Hypopharyngeal neoplasms; Neoadjuvant therapy; Radiotherapy; Organ preservation

MeSH Terms

Busan
Drug Therapy*
Humans
Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms*
Laryngectomy
Larynx
Medical Records
Neoadjuvant Therapy
Organ Preservation
Prognosis
Radiotherapy*
Retrospective Studies
Survival Rate