Cancer of the pyriform fossa: hyperfractionated radiotherapy as a primary treatment modality

Carcinoma of the pyriform fossa carries one of the worst prognoses of all head and neck cancers. A prospective trial was set up to study the efficacy of hyperfractionated radiotherapy as a primary treatment modality in the management of these patients. Seventeen patients entered the trial and were followed for up to 3 years. Results for local control, regional control and survival compare favourably with patients treated primarily with surgery with or without radiotherapy. Hyperfractionated radiotherapy offers a logical and standardized approach to the management of this tumour and reduces the significant morbidity associated with the use of surgery as a primary treatment.