Background/aim: The present study aimed to analyze the treatment outcome after definitive radiotherapy (dRT) using volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC), including an examination of late toxicities.
Patients and methods: A total of 62 patients with HPC, who underwent dRT using VMAT, were analyzed. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), laryngoesophageal dysfunction-free survival (LEDFS), and locoregional control (LRC) were calculated.
Results: The median follow-up period was 49 months. The 3- and 5-year OS, PFS, LEDFS, and LRC rates were 77% and 60%, 61% and 56%, 66% and 53%, and both 79%, respectively. Regarding late toxicities, 11 (17.7%) patients developed grade ≥2 late toxicity. Grade 3 dysphagia was observed in 4 (6.5%) patients, and grade 2 xerostomia in 6 (9.7%).
Conclusion: VMAT was an effective treatment for HPC, with a low incidence of late toxicities.
Keywords: Hypopharyngeal cancer; laryngoesophageal dysfunction-free survival; volumetric-modulated arc therapy.
Copyright© 2020, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.