Concurrent chemotherapy with intensity‐modulated radiation therapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and oropharynx: A retrospective single‐institution analysis

Background We present outcome data from concurrent chemotherapy and intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx and oropharyx. Methods Eighty patients with laryngeal ( n = 15) or oropharyngeal ( n = 65) SCC underwent concurrent IMRT and chemotherapy (cisplatin or carboplatin/paclitaxel). Results The 3‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were 81.2% and 78.3%, respectively, with a median follow‐up of 31.2 months. There was a statistically significant correlation between OS and DFS with N classification ( p = .0001), but not with disease site or T classification. Toxicities compared favorably with prior reports using conventional radiation therapy. Conclusions This retrospective analysis reveals a very good outcome and an acceptable toxicity profile for patients with locally advanced SCC of the oropharynx and larynx treated with chemotherapy and IMRT concurrently. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009