Evaluation of the results of radiotherapy for carcinoma involving the external auditory canal or middle ear

To evaluate the results and significance of radiotherapy for carcinoma involving the external auditory canal or middle ear. Six patients underwent radiotherapy. Five patients had squamous cell carcinoma and one had ceruminous adenocarcinoma. In addition to radiotherapy, two patients underwent complete resection, and the other patient underwent incomplete resection. Total radiation doses ranged from 30 to 88 Gy (2 Gy/fraction, 5 fractions/week). The post-treatment survival period ranged from 8 months to 7 years (mean, 3 years, 11 months). Two patients treated by radiotherapy alone (doses of more than 60 Gy) lived for more than five years. The prognosis of patients with advanced cancer involving the external auditory canal and middle ear is generally poor. Based on even this limited clinical experience, a tumor dose of at least 70 Gy should be delivered for local control of advanced cancer. To avoid complications, several plans such as application of the shrinking field technique are recommended.