Randomized study of local control and survival following radical surgery or radiation therapy in oral and laryngeal carcinomas

Abstract

From 1971 to 1975, 100 patients with glottic, supraglottic, and oral cavity lesions were prospectively randomized between primary radiation treatment and primary surgery. Local control and survival were similar with either treatment for lesions of the oral cavity or supraglottic larynx. Comparison between radiation alone and surgery alone for T1 and T2 glottic laryngeal lesions showed local control rates of 76% and 100% (P=0.32); after secondary salvage attempts, local control rates were 82% and 100%, respectively (P=0.52). Neither result approached statistical significance. Successful radiation for early glottic larynx lesions resulted in superior deglutition and equivalent voice function compared to successful primary treatment with conservation laryngectomy. For oral cavity lesions, swallowing was impaired in the same percentage of radiated and operated patients, but fewer primary radiation patients had articulation difficulties. Among the patients with supraglottic larynx lesions, aspiration was not a problem with either radiation or surgery, but successful radiation perhaps maintained a slightly better voice quality.