The influence of the gap in postoperative radiotherapy patients with carcinoma of the larynx

Abstract

The aim of study was to evaluate the influence of gap in postoperative irradiation on the outcome. For this purpose the retrospective review the cases histories of 311 patients after total laryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy between 1986 and 1990 was performed. All patients were divided into 3 groups : A- without gap (160 patients), B- with short gap up to 7 days (94 patients) and C- with long gap over 7 days (57 patients). The endpoint in analysis was loco regional rate control. All patients had a minimum follow up 3 years. Based on our data it was calculated that the prolongation of treatment resulted in decrease in loco regional control. The correlation between length the gap and decrease the outcome of treatment was very strong (p<0,001). It is very important to avoid any gaps during course of radiotherapy.