The ability of tumor volume to predict local control in surgically treatedsquamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx

Purpose. Pretreatment CT Volumetric measurement of the primary tumor has be en shown to be a predictor of local control in patients with laryngeal carc inoma treated with radiation therapy (RT) alone. A direct association has b een demonstrated between tumor Volume of supraglottic squamous cell carcino ma (SGSCCA) and local control. However, the association between tumor volum e of SGSCCA and local control has not been investigated in patients treated surgically. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship be tween SGSCCA tumor Volume and local control in patients treated surgically. Materials and Methods. Primary site tumor volume was calculated from pretre atment CT studies in 37 laryngeal supraglottic carcinomas treated surgicall y. All patients had clinical follow-up for evidence of recurrent tumor alon g the surgical margins at the primary site for a minimum of 2 years after c ompletion of treatment. Statistical analysis consisted of Mantel-Haenszel c hi-square tests and Fisher's exact test. Results. Overall local control rate was 92% (33 of 37). Tumor volume was si gnificantly associated with local control (p < .05). Local central rate for tumors with volumes <16 cc was 94% (32 of 34) (p < .05). Conclusions. Pretreatment CT Volumetric analysis is useful for predicting l ocal control in patients with SGSCCA carcinoma treated surgically. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.