Radiotherapy for Verrucous Carcinoma

Abstract

Radiotherapy of verrucous carcinoma has frequently been associated with anaplastic transformation and poor response. No anaplastic transformation was observed in the 6 patients receiving radiotherapy as the primary treatment, and control of disease was favorable compared with 5 surgically treated patients. Four of the 6 undergoing radiotherapy are alive NED [with no evidence of disease] 1-4 yr later. Review of the literature and of the University of California [USA] cases fails to substantiate an increase in anaplastic transformation in verrucous carcinoma patients. Verrucous carcinoma should be treated as other squamous cells carcinomas of similar sites and stages.