Quantitative analysis from CT is prognostic for local control of supraglottic carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether pretreatment imaging with CT was prognostic for control of the primary site in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx.

METHODS

Pretreatment CT studies were obtained on 28 patients treated definitively with radiation therapy for supraglottic larynx cancer between 1991 and 1997. Follow-up ranged from 20-58 months.

RESULTS

Local control was achieved in 61% of patients. Tumor volumes ranged from 0-68.6 cm(3), with a median of 3.1 cm(3). Local control rates for tumors with volumes greater than or less than 8 cm(3) were 20% and 70%, respectively (p =.0077). Mean tumor volumes for patients with and without recurrences were 10 cm(3) and 3.4 cm(3), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that quantitative analysis from CT imaging is prognostic for control of the primary site when radiation therapy is given for treatment of supraglottic cancer.