Radiotherapy in the treatment of carcinoma of the vocal cords: Results of a 10‐year experience

A 10-year period of treatment at the Department of Radiotherapy of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital was analysed retrospectively to assess the efficacy of "radical" irradiation in patients with early glottic cancer (Stages I and II). From June, 1964, to June, 1974, 120 patients were treated primarily with radiotherapy, which was followed by salvage laryngectomy for those with locally recurrent disease. Patient follow-up ranged from 0.5 to 12 years (mean, 6.2 years). The incidence of disease recurrence after radiotherapy was 13.7% for patients with Stage-I disease and 13.6% for patients with Stage-II disease. The five-year actuarial probability of local tumour control was 85% for patients with Stage-I disease. Ninety-one patients (77.8%) remain alive and well without disease recurrence, with an actuarial five-year survival probability for patients with stage-I disease of 93.8%. "Radical" irradiation for early glottic cancer can result in excellent survival rates with a small probability of local recurrence and few complications.