Outcomes utilizing intensity-modulated radiotherapy in oropharyngeal cancers: Tonsils versus base of tongue.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to present the outcomes of oropharyngeal cancers treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) especially the differences between tonsillar and base of tongue (BOT) primaries.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 124 patients with biopsy proven squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx, treated with IMRT.

RESULTS: Human papillomavirus (HPV) association correlated with improvement in survivals in both tonsillar and BOT primaries. At the 2-year median follow-up, the cumulative incidences of locoregional recurrences were 8% in both the tonsil and BOT groups (P = .76) but the distant metastases were 8% in the tonsil group versus 26% in the BOT group (P = .009). Thirty percent of tonsil primaries has ≥N2c neck disease as compared to 54% of BOT. Incidence of distant metastases increases with advanced nodal classification, especially >N2c.

CONCLUSION: Even though the locoregional controls are excellent with IMRT and chemotherapy, these patients continue to fail distantly, particularly significant for the BOT group and for nodal stage >N2c.