Hyperfractionated radiotherapy of T2 glottic carcinoma for the preservation of the larynx

To preserve the laryngeal function in cases of T2 glottic carcinoma, we performed hyper-fractionated radiotherapy on 21 cases with T2 glottic carcinoma from 1992 to 1999. The total dose administered ranged from 72 to 74.4 Gy. After radiation, two cases had neck lymph nodal recurrences, but both were salvaged by radical neck dissection. Only one case had local recurrence. She died of lung metastasis. No major complications, such as laryngeal necrosis, were seen in any of the cases. Statistical processing was performed, based on the Kaplan-Meyer method, with the results being that the 5-year-survival rate was 95.2% and the 5-year-laryngeal preservation rate was 95.2%. Hyperfractionated radiotherapy was useful for preserving the larynx in cases of T2 glottic carcinoma.