Definitive radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue
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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
William M Mendenhall1, Christopher G Morris, Robert J Amdur
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0385, USA. mendewil@shands.ufl.edu
Objective:
To evaluate definitive radiotherapy (RT) for treatment of base of tongue cancer.
Methods:
There were 333 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the base of tongue treated with definitive RT and had follow-up from 0.2 to 26.2 years. Follow-up on living patients ranged from 1.2 to 26.2 years (median, 6.6 years).
Results:
Local control rates at 5 years were: T1, 98%; T2, 92%; T3, 82%; and T4, 53%. The 5-year rates of local-regional control rates were: I-II, 100%; III, 82%; IVA, 87%; and IVB, 58%. The rates of absolute and cause-specific survival at 5 years were as follows: I-II, 67% and 91%; III, 66% and 77%; IVA, 67% and 84%; and IVB, 33% and 45%. Severe complications developed in 52 patients (16%).
Conclusion:
Our data and review of the pertinent literature reveal that the local-regional control rates and survival rates after RT were comparable to those after surgery, and the morbidity associated with RT was less.