Radiotherapy for verrucous carcinoma

Radiotherapy of verrucous carcinoma has frequently been associated with anaplastic transformation and poor response. No anaplastic transformation was observed in the 6 patients receiving radiotherapy as the primary treatment, and control of disease was favorable compared with 5 surgically treated patients. Four of the 6 undergoing radiotherapy are alive NED 1-4 years later. Review of the literature and of the University of California cases fails to substantiate an increase in anaplastic transformation in in verrucous carcinoma patients. We recommend that verrucous carcinoma be treated as other squamous cell carcinomas of similar sites and stages.