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Significance and therapeutic implications of tumor regression following radiotherapy in patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and pharyngolarynx
Author(s) -
Bataini Jean P.,
Jaulerry Christian,
Brunin Francoise,
Ponvert Dominic,
Ghossein Nemetallah A.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.2880120106
Subject(s) - medicine , radiation therapy , regression , basal cell , cancer , carcinoma , surgery , oncology , psychology , psychoanalysis
Abstract The prognostic significance of tumor regression following radiotherapy was evaluated in 1,897 patients with oro‐ and pharyngo‐laryngeal cancer. Complete tumor regression occurred in 62% and 80% at the end of treatment and 2 months later, respectively. Complete regression was significantly higher for early tumors than for advanced stages and for exophytic lesions compared to deeply infiltrative cancers. Depending on tumor location, 75% to 90% of T 1 , T 2 stages and 50% to 80% of more advanced tumors were locally controlled in patients who experienced complete tumor regression at 2 months. The local failure rate was at least 80% for those who did not have complete regression. The local failure rate for the incomplete responder was the same for early and advanced tumors. Complete tumor clearance following radiotherapy is a reliable indicator of permanent local control. Tumor regression after a dose of 5,000 to 5,500 cGy should be used as a guide to select patients who could be treated by either radical irradiation or surgery.