XLV Evaluation of Supervoltage Radiation Therapy for Carcinoma of the Larynx a Ten-Year Follow-up

Abstract

The records of 76 patients who received 2 Mev radiation therapy for carcinoma of the larynx during an 8-year period are reviewed. Salvage of recurrent carcinoma of the larynx by surgery effectively allowed 6 of 11 patients to live more than 10 yr. after 2 Mev. radiation therapy. In no instance did any significant complication follow surgical intervention that could be attributed to the effect of radiation therapy upon soft tissue. Salvage of recurrent cancer of laryngeal origin by 2 Mev. radiation therapy following initial surgical treatment of 8 patients and 400 kv radiation therapy of 1 patient, however, failed to produce a single survival of 10 years'' duration. In none of the patients who received 2 Mev. radiation therapy was there any indication that secondary malignant change might occur within irradiated tissue. There was 1 patient, however, who had received 2 Mev. radiation therapy for a carcinoma developed 9 years after radiation therapy.