Concurrent hyperfractionated radiotherapy and carboplatin with transoral debulking microsurgery for T2N0 glottic cancer.

BACKGROUND Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with transoral debulking microsurgery for T2N0 glottic cancer. METHODS Thirty patients with T2N0 glottic cancer treated with concurrent hyperfractionated radiotherapy (RT) and carboplatin were retrospectively analyzed. Median total dose of RT was 72 Gy. Nineteen of 30 patients also received transoral debulking microsurgery during or before CRT. The remaining 11 patients who demonstrated complete response or good partial response at 36 to 45.6 Gy were not treated with transoral debulking microsurgery. RESULTS Local recurrence developed in 5 patients; 4 of these patients did not undergo transoral debulking microsurgery. The 3-year local control rate was significantly better for CRT with transoral debulking microsurgery (95%) than for CRT alone (61%) (p = .02). CONCLUSION CRT with transoral debulking microsurgery may have a positive impact on the local control of T2N0 glottic cancer, which justifies further evaluation to confirm its definite benefit.