Integrated treatment in locally advanced carcinoma of the oropharynx

Background and Objectives: Oropharyngeal carcinoma tends to be aggressive a nd deeply infiltrative of nearby sites, with an high incidence of lymphnode metastases. The last treatment decision generally depends on the stage of the lesion and the patient's general status. Oropharyngeal tumor is general ly treated by integrated treatments. Methods: We retrospectively studied 115 patients with locally advanced orop haryngeal tumors treated in our institution with combined therapies compare the results in two differents groups of patients (surgery plus radiotherap y and chemotherapy plus radiotherapy). Results: The 3-year overall survival rate in patients who underwent surgery plus radiotherapy was 82% and in those who underwent chemotherapy plus rad iotherapy was 49%. Conclusion: The results suggest that surgery followed by radiotherapy seems to be the best treatment in the case of locally advanced oropharyngeal tur ner. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.