Clinical outcome of oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with platinum-based chemoradiotherapy

SummaryTo determine the efficacy, feasibility, and toxicity of treated with platinum-based chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma. A retrospective survey of 91 patients who underwent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital between 1971 and 2003. The radiotherapy dose ranged from 50 to 74 Gy (median, 66 Gy). Nine patients who had a tumor in the base of the tongue were also treated with arterial infusion chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 63 months (range, 2–190 months), 26 (29%) patients developed recurrence. Five patients (5%) developed distant metastases. The 5-year overall survival was 66%, and the relapse-free survival was 51.6%. The 5-year local control rate was 79%. The 5-year local control rate for each subsite was: anterior wall, 90%; lateral wall, 80%; posterior wall, 67%; and superior wall, 64%. The 5-year overall survival was 85% for stage I–II and 62% for stage III–IV. Two patients developed grade 3 (mandibular bone necrosis) or 4 (laryngeal edema) late toxicities. No acute or late grade 5 toxicities were observed. In this study, platinum-based chemoradiotherapy provided good local control for oropharyngeal carcinoma. Although acute and late toxicities occurred, they were considered tolerable.