Concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for tonsillar carcinoma: Preliminary report

The purpose of this study is to test the toxicity of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and evaluate the treatment outcome of the patients with tonsillar carcinoma. From October 1990 to July 1996, 12 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of tonsillar region underwent concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The median radiation dose was 70 Gy. The regimen of chemotherapy consisted of CDDP and 5-FU for 2 or 4 courses. Treatment-related reactions, local control and survival outcome were recorded and analyzed. With a median follow-up of 28 months (range, 9-67 months), 8 of 12 patients were still alive without evidence of recurrence. The 2-year local control, disease-free, and overall survival rates were 100%, 100%, and 83%, respectively. One patient developed metastasis to the lung and three others died of unrelated causes. Treatment-related reactions were moderate and tolerable. The speech and swallowing functions were preserved in all surviving patients. Concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy is an effective treatment for tonsillar carcinoma. Excellent local control and functional preservation can be achieved with acceptable side effects. The promising and function-preserving treatment justifies a larger trial in the future.

Duke Scholars

Author Andrew T. Huang Medicine, Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy