A retrospective study of 131 cases of carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and transoral robotic surgery for the posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) is associated with poor oncological outcomes based on current literature data. We reported the preliminary outcomes of a potential new treatment protocol based on neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

METHODS

A retrospective single-center case series was performed including a total of 20 patients diagnosed with a SCC of the PPW between October 2010 and September 2021. All patients successfully completed TORS with neck dissection after NCT. Adjuvant treatment was performed in the presence of adverse pathologic features. Loco-regional control (LRC), overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were defined as the time from surgery to tumor recurrence or death, as appropriate. Survival estimates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Surgical data and post-operative functional outcomes were also reported.

RESULTS

Estimated 3-year LRC, OS, and DSS rates (95% Confidence interval) were 59.7% (39.7-89.6), 58.6% (38.7-88.8), and 69.4% (49.9-96.6). The median hospital stay was 21 days (IQR 17.0-23.5). Oral diet and decannulation were achieved after a median of 14 days (IQR 12.0-15.0). Feeding tube and tracheostomy dependence after 6 months was observed in 3 (15%) and 2 (10%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of NCT followed by TORS for PPW SCC treatment appears to have good oncological and functional outcomes for both early and locally advanced cancers. Further randomized trials and site-specific guidelines are needed.

Surgical treatment of T2-3 posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma with preservation of laryngeal function

BACKGROUND

Posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma indicates a poor prognosis. Previous treatments predicted negative influence to the pronunciation and swallowing function. The present study focuses on improving survival rate while improving quality of life.

AIM

To investigate on the surgical techniques of the preservation of laryngeal function of posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma of T2-T3 were studied. All primary lesions were removed and the defects were repaired with the radial forearm free flap (RFFF).

RESULTS

The 3-year overall survival rate was 51.9%. All patients could maintain daily caloric intake by feeding orally, and remove the gastric tube 28-61 days after operation. Assessed swallowing function by Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing. When eating solid food, 66.67% patients had food residue; no food entered airway, and all patients had Penetration-Aspiration Scale of level 1. As for liquid, 11.11% patients had level 5, 16.67% level 4, 27.78% level 2 and 44.44% level 1.

CONCLUSIONS

By preserving the integrity of larynx and superior laryngeal nerve with repairing the defects of posterior wall of hypopharynx with RFFF, patients with T2 and T3 stage posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma could live a better quality of life.

A systematic review of different treatment strategies for the squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the literature available about the posterior pharyngeal wall squamous cell carcinomas, with a special focus on oncologic outcomes.

METHODS

A comprehensive research was performed on PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library datasets for published studies meeting the established criteria. The last search was conducted on December 8, 2019.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in the review, for a total of 534 patients (median age 60.4; male: n = 359, 67.2%). Six of the studies evaluated the oncologic outcomes of primary surgery, while three studies focused on results achieved through primary radiotherapy. Two studies evaluated both surgery and radiotherapy outcomes for the treatment of early or advanced posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary surgery associated with adjuvant radiotherapy would seem to ensure better oncologic outcomes, especially for locally advanced tumors. Moreover, this systematic review showed that oro- and hypo-pharyngeal wall tumors are similar in terms of clinical and biological behavior.

Transoral robotic surgery for squamous cell carcinomas of the posterior pharyngeal wall

Posterior pharyngeal wall squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are rare and have an associated poor prognosis. Progress in transoral resection techniques, in particular, transoral robotic surgery (TORS), have renewed the role of surgery in their treatment. This article presents the oncological and functional results obtained by the French Group of Head and Neck Robotic Surgery for TORS for posterior pharyngeal wall SCC-curative surgery. This retrospective, multicentre study presents data collected between September 2009 and November 2013 for patients treated with TORS for posterior pharyngeal wall SCCs. Analysis of patient characteristics, tumour and treatment details were completed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate overall survival rates and recurrence-free survival rates. Student's t test and Chi² test were also calculated. 23 patients were included (mean age of 62 years). 12 patients had a prior HNSCC. Ten patients had pT1 cancers. The overall two-year survival rate was 59%, but 89% for pT1 compared to 28% for pT2-T3 (p = 0.01). It was noted that TORS was simple to perform, but generated significant post-operative dysphagia. Two cases of spondylodiscitis were reported as specific post-operative complications of TORS. In conclusion, TORS is a treatment solution for selected posterior pharyngeal wall SCCs. It provides a possible alternative to medical treatment for early pT1 lesions and is often the only remaining curative solution in patients previously treated with radiotherapy. In cases of bulky resection, or when there is a past medical history of radiotherapy, a tissue reconstruction by forearm free-flap may be indicated.

Treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall: Radiotherapy versus surgery

BACKGROUND

Treatment strategy in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the posterior pharyngeal wall is still being debated.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis according to delivered treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty patients were treated between 1997 and 2011. Eighty-nine patients (49.4%) received surgery +/- radiotherapy (RT), whereas 91 (50.6%) received definitive RT +/- chemoradiotherapy (RT/CRT). Five-year overall survival (OS) was 33.4%. There was a significant 5-year OS benefit in surgical treatment versus RT/CRT (43% vs 24.1%; p = .002). Multivariate analysis showed that current smokers, T3 to T4 classification, well-differentiated SCC, and nonsurgical treatment were associated with reduced OS. Subgroup analysis showed significant survival benefit of surgical treatment compared with RT/CRT in patients with T1 to T2 but not in T3 to T4 disease.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management translated into a survival benefit, even in early T classification. These results should be interpreted with caution for selection bias. Surgery remains the standard of care in localized posterior pharyngeal wall SCC. Primary CRT should be considered for nonoperable disease. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1722-E1729.

Traditional transcutaneous approaches in head and neck surgery

The treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies remains a challenging task for the head and neck surgeon as the chosen treatment modality often has to bridge the gap between oncologically sound radicality and preservation of function. Due to the increase in transoral laser surgery in early tumor stages and chemoradiation in advanced stages, the usage of traditional transcutaneous approaches has decreased over the recent past. In addition, the need for a function-sparing surgical approach as well as highest possible quality of life has become evident. In view of these facts, rationale and importance of traditional transcutaneous approaches to the treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies are discussed in a contemporary background. The transcutaneous open partial laryngectomies remain a valuable tool in the surgeon's armamentarium for the treatment of early and advanced laryngeal carcinomas, especially in cases of impossible laryngeal overview using the rigid laryngoscope. Open partial laryngetomies offer superior overview and oncologic safety at the anterior commissure, especially in recurrencies. In select advanced cases and salvage settings, the supracricoid laryngectomy offers a valuable tool for function-preserving but oncologically safe surgical therapy at the cost of high postoperative morbidity and a very demanding rehabilitation of swallowing.In hypopharyngeal malignancies, the increasing use of transoral laser surgery has led to a decline in transcutaneous resections via partial pharyngectomy with partial laryngectomy in early tumor stages. In advanced stages of tumors of the piriform sinus and the postcricoid area with involvement of the larynx, total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy is an oncologically safe approach. The radical surgical approach using circumferent laryngopharyngectomy with/without esophagectomy is indicated in salvage cases with advanced recurrences or as a primary surgical approach in patients where chemoradiation does not offer sufficient oncologic control or preservation of function. In cases with impending reconstruction, fasciocutaneous free flaps (anterolateral thigh flap, radial forearm flap) seem to offer superior results to enteric flaps in cases where the cervical esophagus is not involved leading to better voice rehabilitation with fewer complications and postoperative morbidity. In salvage situations, the Gastroomental Free Flap has proven to be a valuable tool.In conclusion, the choice of a surgical treatment modality is influenced by the patient's anatomy, tumor size and location as well as the surgeon's personal expertise.

Definitive radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall

PURPOSE

To analyze the results of definitive radiation therapy (RT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 1964 and 2009, 170 patients were treated with definitive RT; all living patients had a 1.7-year minimum follow-up.

RESULTS

The 5-year rates of local control and ultimate local control were the following: T1, 93% and 93%; T2, 84% and 91%; T3, 60% and 62%; and T4, 44% and 44%. Multivariate analysis revealed stage I-II tumors, female gender, and altered fractionation were associated with improved local-regional control. The 5-year cause-specific and overall survival rates were the following: I, 88% and 50%; II, 89% and 57%; III, 49% and 31%; IV, 35% and 21%; and overall, 50% and 31%, respectively. Fatal complications occurred in 9 patients (5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Local-regional control and survival are related to extent of disease and treatment technique. Although outcomes have improved in recent years, the morbidity of treatment is significant and a substantial proportion of patients die due to cancer.

Role of larynx-preserving partial hypopharyngectomy with and without postoperative radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx

The purpose of this study was to examine the treatment outcomes of larynx-preserving partial hypopharyngectomies for hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Forty-three patients underwent partial hypopharyngectomy and reconstruction using faciocutaneous free flaps with and without postoperative radiotherapy between 1998 and 2009. Primary tumor sites were pyriform sinus in 35 and posterior pharyngeal wall in 8 patients. Thirty patients received postoperative radiotherapy. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 63% and 67%, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between pathologic N stage and primary site and disease-specific survival rates (N0/N1 stage; 93% vs. N2/N3 stage; 43%, p<0.001 and pyriform sinus; 80% vs. posterior pharyngeal wall; 29%, p=0.012, respectively). Recurrences occurred in 15 (35%) patients. Among them, two patients were successfully rescued. Primary partial hypopharyngectomy with laryngeal preservation can be achieved with favorable oncologic outcomes. Factors that affected prognosis were advanced stage neck disease and posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma.

Definitive radiotherapy alone or combined with a planned neck dissection for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall

BACKGROUND

In the current study,the authors analyzed the results of definitive radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall.

METHODS

Between 1964 and 2000, 148 patients were treated with definitive radiotherapy. All patients had a 2-year minimum follow-up.

RESULTS

The following 5-year rates of local and ultimate local control were obtained: T1 disease, 93% and 93%; T2 disease, 82% and 87%; T3 disease, 59% and 61%; and T4 disease, 50% and 50%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that twice-daily fractionation (P = 0.0009), American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage I-II disease (P = 0.0051), and oropharyngeal primary site (P = 0.0193) were associated with improved locoregional control. The following 5-year absolute and cause-specific survival rates were obtained: Stage I, 56% and 89%; Stage II, 52% and 88%; Stage III, 24% and 44%; Stage IV, 22% and 34%; and overall, 30% and 49%, respectively. Eight patients (5%) died of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Locoregional control and survival were found to be related to site, extent of disease, and fractionation schedule. Although outcomes have improved in recent years, the morbidity of treatment was significant in the current study and a substantial proportion of patients died secondary to the malignancy.

Surgical management of posterior pharyngeal wall carcinomas: functional and oncologic results

BACKGROUND

The optimal primary treatment for posterior pharyngeal wall tumors remains controversial.

METHODS

To assess the relevance of surgical treatment from a functional and oncologic point of view, we reviewed the cases of 77 patients surgically treated between 1984 and 1995. Among them 23 had been previously irradiated. Fifty-five patients underwent a conservative surgery (CS) sparing the larynx; 19 direct closures, 6 reconstructions of the posterior wall with a thoracic myocutaneous flap, 15 with a platysma flap, and 15 with a free forearm flap were performed. Twenty-two patients underwent radical surgery (RS). All previously untreated patients had postoperative radiotherapy. The functional assessment concerned the CS group. Oncologic results, especially local control and survival were studied for the whole group.

RESULTS

Of the 55 patients who underwent CS, 53 (96%) had their canula and 49 (89%) their feeding tube removed. At 1 year, in the platysma and free forearm groups, 21 of the 24 assessable patients were back to exclusive oral intake. For patients treated by primary surgery followed by radiotherapy, the rate of local failure was 11% (18% for tumors greater than 4 cm), and the 5-year survival rate was 35%. For patients who had previous radiotherapy, the rates were, respectively, 52% and 16%.

CONCLUSION

The satisfactory functional results, caused by the improvement of reconstructive procedures, allow conservative surgery even in the case of large tumors. Oncologic results, especially local control, suggest that primary surgery followed by radiotherapy is effective for the treatment of posterior wall cancer. The oncologic results of surgery in a previously irradiated area are poor, and CS is not recommended in these cases.

Salvage brachytherapy of posterior pharyngeal wall squamous cell carcinoma in a previously irradiated area

PURPOSE

Brachytherapy performed in patients with posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma in a previously irradiated area is evaluated in terms of local control, survival, and complications.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between January 1982 and July 1993, 14 patients were treated with interstitial low dose rate brachytherapy alone for posterior pharyngeal wall squamous cell carcinoma in a previously irradiated area (local recurrences in five cases and second tumors in nine cases). Tumor size ranged from 1 to 4 cm. No patient had a macroscopic nodal involvement or metastase at the time of diagnosis. Median dose delivered was 55 Gy (39 to 60 Gy).

RESULTS

Thirteen patients were assessed for local control. Twelve of them achieved complete macroscopic response within 2 months after brachytherapy. Local relapse occurred in five patients, from 5 to 29 months after brachytherapy. One patient developed distant metastatis without loco-regional relapse. Disease free survival was 69, 59, and 37% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively; overall survival was 78, 50, and 21% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Three patients were still alive without recurrence (8, 8, and 10 years after treatment). We did not observe any severe acute or delayed toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, interstitial brachytherapy should be considered as a potentially curative treatment for selected patients with posterior pharyngeal wall squamous cell carcinoma in a previously irradiated area. There are no reports in the literature on this subject.

Preservation of the larynx after resection of a carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx: versatility of a free flap patch graft

BACKGROUND

Preservation of the larynx after resection of a pharyngeal tumor remains a challenging problem for the head and neck surgeon.

METHODS

Nine patients with T1 or T2 carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx (UICC 1987), who were treated surgically between 1984 and 1994, were studied. All patients underwent surgical resection of the tumor with laryngeal preservation and immediate reconstruction with free flap transfer. A free forearm flap was transferred in four patients and a free jejunal patch graft, in five patients.

RESULTS

There was one flap loss, due to venous thrombosis. Successful larynx preservation was achieved in the remaining eight patients (89%). Although there was one local control failure, three patients remained free of disease for more than 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Laryngeal preservation surgery using a free flap patch graft has proven very beneficial in selected cases with a carcinoma of the posterior wall of the hypopharynx.

The value of computed tomography scan versus an explorative surgical approach for removal of squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall

BACKGROUND

The prevertebral fascia plays a key role in surgery of posterior pharyngeal wall tumors. Invasion of the prevertebral muscles determines the irresectability of the tumor and accurate diagnosis of invasion posteriorly is a prerequisite for major ablative surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed to define the value of CT scanning versus open neck exploration with regard to the resectability of posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma. The predictive value of preoperative CT scans was assessed and compared with the outcome of open neck exploration and resectability of the primary tumor, using the final histopathology report as a gold standard.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients with 20 tumors were included in this study. Overall the CT scan was correct concerning prevertebral muscle status in 4 out of 20 (20%), whereas open neck exploration was correct in 18 tumors (90%).

CONCLUSION

The predictive value of a suspicious CT scan in determining prevertebral muscle invasion is extremely low in this study. Open neck exploration seems to be superior for determining resectability of posterior wall carcinoma.

Disease-specific survival and locoregional control in tonsillar carcinoma

In a nationwide survey on oropharyngeal carcinoma in the Netherlands (1986-1990), 380 patients with a tonsillar carcinoma were retrospectively studied. The records of 268 (71%) men and 112 (29%) women with a median age of 59 yr (range 31-91), who had squamous cell carcinoma (272 patients, 98%) or undifferentiated carcinoma (8 patients, 2%) were reviewed with respect to treatment, disease-specific survival and locoregional control. Distribution by stage according to the UICC'92 system was: 27 patients (7%) stage I, 59 (15%) stage II, 99 (26%) stage III, 182 (48%) stage IV and 13 patients (3%) unknown stage. Using a previously reported revised staging system the following distribution was obtained: 118 patients (31%) stage I, 120 (31%) stage II, 67 (18%) stage III, 54 (14%) stage IV and 21 patients (6%) with an unknown stage. Treatment consisted of radiotherapy alone in 231 patients (61%), surgery and radiotherapy in 101 (27%), surgery alone in 30 (8%), chemotherapy in 5 (2%) and 13 patients (3%) did not receive any treatment. At 5-yr the overall survival was 32%, the disease-specific survival 42% and the locoregional control 61%. In patients treated with radiotherapy alone the disease-specific survival was 39%, for surgery and radiotherapy 53% and for surgery alone 83%. The disease-specific survival according to UICC'92 stage was 71% in stage I, 59% in II, 50% in III and 32% in stage IV (P < 0.0001). In the revised staging the survival figures were 63% in stage I, 43% in II, 31% in III and 9% in IV (P < 0.0001). The two staging systems appeared to be comparable in prognostic discrimination; the clinical relevance of the revised stage might, however, be slightly superior to the UICC'92 version. The difference in results after radiotherapy alone and surgery + radiotherapy remained significant, also after adjusting for stage (P < 0.0001).

Squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal walls treated with radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of fractionation schedule, chemotherapy, and tumor location on local control and survival in patients treated with definitive irradiation for carcinoma of the pharyngeal walls.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between May 1971 and December 1991, 74 patients with previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal walls (excluding nasopharynx, tonsil, and pyriform sinus) were treated with radical megavoltage irradiation with or without chemotherapy at Oregon Health Sciences University.

RESULTS

Two-year local control rates by stage were: T1: 100%, T2: 55%, T3: 31%, and T4: 29% . Twice-a-day irradiation improved local control rates as compared with once-a-day irradiation for patients with Stage T3 lesions, with 5 out of 7 (71.4%) vs. 4 out of 19 (21%) patients controlled at 2 years (p = 0.015). No improvement was seen in 2-year local control of all stages when chemotherapy was used in conjunction with once-a-day fractionation; however, six of eight patients (75%) treated with twice-a-day irradiation combined with either induction or concurrent chemotherapy had local control. The 2-year local control rate of 100% (6 out of 6) for the group of patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and b.i.d. irradiation (all with Stage T3 and T4 tumors) is a dramatic improvement over the 2-year local control rate of 30% (10 out of 33) for our entire group of patients with Stage T3 and T4 tumors. Local control rates did not differ by tumor location on the pharyngeal walls. Adjusted disease-specific survival rates by stage were: 1: 100%, II: 85%, III: 58%, IV: 40%. Overall survival rates by stage were: I: 75%, II: 67%, III: 33%, IV: 30%.

CONCLUSION

We advocate radical irradiation as the primary therapy for pharyngeal wall carcinomas with the use of twice-a-day fractionation for Stages T2-T4. Our preliminary results with concurrent chemotherapy and b.i.d. irradiation for advanced T3 and T4 tumors appear to be comparable to reported results with hyperfractionated radiation alone. The relative contribution of chemotherapy to b.i.d. irradiation cannot be determined from this small retrospective series; however, in view of the relatively poor results for patients with advanced stage disease, we feel this treatment combination deserves further investigation.

The relation of radiosensitivity of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma to DNA ploidy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine the radiosensitivity of T1, N0, M0 squamous cell carcinomas of the hypopharynx treated solely with external beam radiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nuclear DNA content and cell cycle kinetics of 29 archival paraffin-embedded specimens suitable for interpretation were analyzed with an ELITE flow cytometer (Coulter Diagnostics, Opa Locka, FL).

RESULTS

In the radiosensitive group with no evidence of disease for 36 months, 86% of the tumors were diploid and 14% were aneuploid. The mean DNA index for this group was 1.02. In the radioresistant group, with recurrence within 36 months, 80% of the tumors were aneuploid, and 20% were diploid. The mean DNA index for this group was 1.32.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings could have clinical significance because if aneuploidy occurs in an early hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the clinician might select surgical resection over radiation therapy.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall: characteristics compared with the lateral wall

Squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior oro- and hypopharyngeal wall (SCCPPW) is a relatively rare tumour. A retrospective investigation of 63 patients with SCCPPW and 449 patients with carcinoma of the lateral oro- and hypopharyngeal wall, treated between 1964 and 1992, has been carried out. Most SCCPPW were asymptomatic, macroscopically superficial and at early stages. They were usually detected by chance during an examination for a different type of malignancy. Fifty-seven percent of SCCPPW patients had multiple tumours; however this occurrence did not alter the survival rate. The crude five-year survival rate for SCCPPW was 22 percent and was not significantly different from that of patients with lateral wall tumours. Moreover, both local control and recurrences also were not statistically different.

Carcinoma of the soft palate and the posterior oropharyngeal wall

Between 1966 and 1984, 14 patients with carcinoma of the soft palate and eight patients with a posterior oropharyngeal wall carcinoma were treated at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. In the soft palate group, the majority of patients (10) had small tumours T1-T2; the median patient delay was 1 month (range 0-5). Eleven patients were treated with radiotherapy and three with surgery, as single treatment modalities. Tumour control was achieved in 10 patients following initial treatment. Five-year results for tumour control and overall survival were 67% and 41%, respectively. In the posterior wall group all patients had advanced tumours (T3-T4), after a median patient delay of 4 months (range 0-6). Six patients were treated with radiotherapy, one with surgery only and one with a combination of these. Following the initial treatment, tumour control was achieved in half of the patients. Five-year tumour control was 50%, and overall survival at 5 years was 38%. In conclusion, the tumours in these two sub-sites of the oropharynx differ significantly in the extent of the primary tumour (P < 0.01), posterior wall tumours being more advanced on admission, after a significantly longer history (P < 0.01).

Pharyngeal wall carcinoma treated with radiotherapy: impact of treatment technique and fractionation

PURPOSE

To determine whether a modification in treatment technique and the routine use of twice-daily fractionation have influenced the likelihood of local control in carcinomas of the hypopharyngeal and/or oropharyngeal wall.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between October 1964 and July 1990, 99 patients with invasive, previously untreated T1-T4 squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall were treated with continuous-course, external-beam radio-therapy with curative intent at the University of Florida. All patients had a minimum 2-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The 2-year local control rates for patients treated with once-daily vs. twice-daily fractionation were T1, 100% each; T2, 67% vs. 92%; T3, 43% vs. 80%; and T4, 17% vs. 50%. The 2-year local control rates for patients treated with our former technique (posterior border placed at middle of the vertebral body when the portals were reduced off the spinal cord) vs. our current, modified technique (posterior border placed at posterior edge of the vertebral body) were T1, 100% each; T2, 57% vs. 100%; T3, 46% vs. 73%; and T4, 29% vs. 75%. The parameters of T stage, fractionation schedule, primary site, (oropharynx vs. hypopharynx) treatment technique, and lateral vs. posterior pharyngeal wall location were evaluated in a multivariate analysis for the end point of local control. T stage (p = .003), fractionation schedule (p = .001), and primary site (p = .028) were of independent prognostic significance.

CONCLUSION

Twice-daily fractionation was the most important treatment-related variable in this patient population.

Squamous carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall

We have reviewed a 12-year experience with 295 patients treated for squamous carcinoma of the pharynx in order to focus on 78 patients whose lesions arose in the posterior wall. Surgery was the definitive therapy for the primary tumor in 57 (73%), including 3 treatment groups. Thirty-two patients had limited resections that preserved the larynx, involving local excision (7 patients), anterior pharyngotomy (7 patients), lateral pharyngotomy (6 patients), median labiomandibular glossotomy (6 patients), or median mandibulotomy with paralingual extension (6 patients). The second group consisted of 21 patients with more extensive tumors who required a laryngectomy and complex reconstruction, often with postoperative radiotherapy. Finally, there were four patients who developed metachronous second primaries in the pharynx subsequent to a laryngectomy. All required flap reconstruction. Of the 21 patients whose primary treatment was radiotherapy, 5 had lesions that were implanted after access was provided by a mandibulotomy. Cumulative 5-year survival was 32% and ranged from 44% in those with favorable lesions to 15% in those with extensive tumors. Our experience highlights the variety of treatment approaches available in patients with pharyngeal carcinomas confined to the posterior wall. Surgery in this setting carries acceptable morbidity and yields survival rates that compare favorably with those achieved by external radiation therapy alone. Results in patients with extensive lesions still leave much to be desired, despite radical surgery and aggressive radiotherapy. Innovative brachytherapy techniques using surgery for access deserve further investigation.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the pharyngeal wall treated with irradiation

This is an analysis of 74 patients with 75 squamous cell carcinomas of the pharyngeal wall treated with radical irradiation at the University of Florida between October 1964 and December 1984. All patients have a 2-year follow-up and 69% have a minimum 5-year follow-up. All patients were treated with continuous-course irradiation: 56 with once-a-day fractionation and 18 with twice-a-day fractionation. Patients treated with the split-course technique are not included in this series. Sixty-three patients were treated with external beam irradiation alone; 11 patients underwent an interstitial implant to the primary lesion following external beam irradiation. The local control rates with irradiation are as follows: T1, 3/4; T2, 12/21; T3, 12/27; and T4, 2/10. Only two patients were salvaged by operation for a local recurrence following irradiation. There was an improvement in the rate of local control with the use of twice-a-day fractionation and a decrease in the rate of local control with the combination of external beam irradiation and interstitial implant, compared with external beam irradiation alone. The 5-year determinate survival rates by AJCC stage are as follows: I, no data; II, 4/9; III, 3/16; and IV, 1/18.

Therapeutic concepts of brachytherapy/megavoltage in sequence for pharyngeal wall cancers. Results of integrated dose therapy

This is a follow-up report on lateral, posterior oro-, hypopharyngeal wall cancer treatment based on a new therapeutic concept. Ir-192 or I-125 brachytherapy and craniocervical megavoltage irradiation are effective with improved local control and NED (no evidence of disease) survival rates. Local failure rate is 14% and actuarial survival (NED) is 82% at 5 years in 14 patients treated thus far.

Treatment of posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma

Thirty cases of posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma (seen in the Emory University system between 1977 and 1982) are reviewed. The study was implemented to resolve the question, "Which therapeutic alternative is preferred for the treatment of the lesion--radiation or therapy?" From our clinical experience, a treatment plan of primary surgery with postoperative radiation appears to be preferred over a treatment plan of radiation for cure with surgery held for salvage. A current review of the literature on the treatment of posterior wall carcinoma will be presented along with a review of our series.