Organ preservation with radiotherapy for T1-T2 carcinoma of the pyriform sinus

Purpose. To report long-term results using radiotherapy with or without a planned neck dissection for T1-T2 carcinoma of the pyriform sinus. Methods. An analysis of 101 patients treated at the University of Florida with RT with or without a planned neck dissection for organ preservation. Results. The 5-year local control rates after RT were 90% for T1 cancers and 80% for T2 lesions. The only parameter that significantly influenced local control in univariate analyses was apex involvement for T1 tumors. Multivariate analysis revealed no parameter that significantly affected local control. Cause-specific survival rates at 5 years were as follows: stage I-II, 96%; stage III, 62%; stage IVA, 49%; and stage IVB, 33%. The absolute survival rates were as follows: stage I, 57%; stage II, 61%; stage III, 41%; stage IVA, 29%; and stage IVB, 25%. Moderate to severe long-term complications developed in 12% of patients. Conclusions. RT alone or combined with a planned neck dissection resulted in local control with larynx preservation in a high proportion of patients. The chance of cure is comparable to that observed after conservation surgery, and the risk of major complications is lower. The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy is unlikely to improve the probability of organ preservation, but might improve locoregional control for patients with advanced nodal disease. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.