Radiation therapy for early glottic carcinoma (T1N0M0). The final results of prospective randomized study concerning radiation field

From 1982 to 1992, 273 patients with early glottic carcinoma entered into the prospective randomized study concerning radiation field (5 x 5 cm2 vs 6 x 6 cm2). Total radiation dose administered was 60 Gy in 30 fractions over a 6-week period. The 5-year recurrence free survival rates were 88% in both groups (no significant difference). Minor chronic complication such as persistent arytenoid edema was more frequently observed in group of large field while acute mucosal reaction and skin reaction showed no significant differences. It is concluded that a small field (5 x 5 cm2) with an appropriate angle of wedge filter and shell fixing devise is recommended to avoid adverse effect with keeping local control of early glottic carcinoma. (author)