Advanced supraglottic carcinoma: a comparative study of sequential treatment policies

Data from 131 consecutive patients with operable stage III or IV (American Joint Committee) supraglottic carcinoma were analyzed. Based on existing treatment policies at the time of presentation, patients received either preoperative radiation therapy (RT) (48 patients), surgery alone (42 patients), or postoperative RT (41 patients). Preoperative RT dose levels were either 2,000 rad in five fractions (33 patients) or 5,000 rad in 25 fractions (15 patients). Postoperative RT dosages were 5,000 to 6,000 rad in 6 to 6 1/2 weeks. Surgical procedures included either subtotal or total laryngectomy and radical neck dissection. Tumor control was achieved in 21 of 42 patients (50%) treated with surgery alone, 23 of 48 patients (48%) treated with preoperative RT, and 29 of 41 patients (71%) treated with postoperative RT (P = 0.005). The actuarial, recurrence-free survival at 5 years was 36% and 35%, respectively, in the surgery alone or preoperative RT groups as compared to 55% in postoperatively irradiated patients. The authors conclude that advanced but resectable supraglottic carcinomas may be best treated with surgery followed by RT, rather than with surgery alone or with combined preoperative RT and surgery.