RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Stage III-IV Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma JF Anticancer Research JO Anticancer Res FD International Institute of Anticancer Research SP 349 OP 354 VO 24 IS 1 A1 INCENZO TOMBOLINI A1 MARIO SANTARELLI A1 NICOLA RAFFETTO A1 VITTORIO DONATO A1 MAURIZIO VALERIANI A1 ANTONIO FERRETTI A1 R. MAURIZI ENRICI YR 2004 UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/24/1/349.abstract AB Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of radiation therapy alone, employing standard fractionation, in stage III-IV hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Fourteen (38.9%) stage III and 22 (61.1%) stage IV patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma were submitted, with curative intent, to exclusive radiotherapy to the primary tumor and regional draining lymph nodes, level II, III, IV, V and VI. Total dose ranged from 68 to 72 Gy. Results: The 5-year overall survival (OS) and diseasespecific survival (DSS) rates were 15.6% and 28.1%, respectively. Five-year OS in stage III and IV patients was, respectively, 33% and 5% (p=0.028) and DSS was, respectively, 50% and 16% (p=0.029). Five-year OS and DSS rate in N0 versus N+ patients were respectively 37.5% and 75% versus 8.3% and 12.5% (p=0.07 and p=0.05). Conclusion: Overall survival at 5 years for III-IV hypopharyngeal tumor treated with radiotherapy alone is poor. It is possible that the addition of the best radiation fractionation to the best concurrent chemotherapy may improve the results, with acceptable toxicity.