Combined surgery and postoperative radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Korea: analysis of 110 cases

The treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains controversial. This study reviews the authors’ experience of treating OSCC, evaluates the oncologic outcome and assesses the factors affecting local/regional recurrence. A retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive OSCC patients treated primarily by surgery and/or postoperative radiotherapy was carried out. 82% of patients had advanced disease (stage III or IV). The 5-year overall survival and disease specific survival rates (DSSR) were 58% and 65%, respectively. The DSSR of the soft palate or posterior pharyngeal wall, tonsillar area, and base of tongue were 80%, 62%, and 51%, respectively (P < 0.05). The 5-year DSSR according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer stages was 94% for early stage and 56% for advanced stage (P < 0.05). The overall recurrence rate was 38% (42 patients). The most frequent site of recurrence was the neck (46%). Only 14% of patients with recurrences were treated successfully. Positive resection margins and the presence of pathologic lymph nodes influenced the recurrence at the primary lesion and in the neck, respectively, in a statistically significant manner. Surgery and postoperative radiotherapy provided a superior outcome in patients with advanced OSCC. A randomized study is required to assess the oncologic and functional superiority of surgery or chemoradiation.