Radiotherapy of oral tongue cancer

The results in the treatment of oral tongue cancer are analysed to suggest a highly specified therapeutic program. Two hundred and thirty-two cases, radiologically treated at the Istituto del Radio Alberti, Brescia, Italy, from 1964 to 1978 are considered. Depending on the staging, exclusive interstitial curietherapy, exclusive external radiotherapy, or external plus interstitial therapy were applied. The therapy of locoregional lymph nodes was surgical and/or radiological. The statistical analysis deals with actuarial survival, local remission, recurrences and radionecroses. Particular attention is paid to N0 cases that became N positive. The suggested therapeutic program depends strictly on the staging and defines also the optimal doses.