Results of a randomized clinical trial of preoperative irradiation versus postoperative in treatment of tumors of the hypopharynx

Preoperative radiotherapy vs postoperative radiotherapy in the management of patients with primary tumors of the hypopharynx was evaluated by a prospective, randomized clinical trial. A statistically significant difference (p less than 1%) existed in favor of postoperative radiotherapy relative to survival rates, complications, and quality of survival. The postoperative radiotherapy group showed a 56% 5-year survival rate compared to 20% in the preoperative radiotherapy group. An analysis of the results is discussed.