Radiation therapy of early carcinoma of the true vocal cords

The results of radiation therapy of 92 patients with early carcinoma of the vocal cords are reported. The cumulative survival rate at 3 years is 86% and at 5 years is 81%, including the failures salvaged by subsequent surgery. A major proportion of patients failing had original tumor involvement of both true cords and/or the subglottic region. Of the 18 patients who had local recurrence of tumor, seven were salvaged by hemilaryngectomy and three by a total laryngectomy (three other patients died of intercurrent disease). The value of conservative surgery with preservation of the voice in the management of localized recurrent tumor is emphasized. A close cooperation between the surgeon and the radiation therapist will always work in the best interest of the patients.