Quantitative analysis from CT is prognostic for local control of supraglottic carcinoma

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pretreatment imaging with CT was prognostic for control of the primary site in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx. Methods. Pretreatment CT studies were obtained on 28 patients treated defin itively with radiation therapy for supraglottic larynx cancer between 1991 and 1997. Follow-up ranged from 20-58 months. Results. Local control was achieved in 61% of patients. Tumor volumes range d from 0-68.6 cm(3), with a median of 3.1 cm(3). Local control rates for tu mors with volumes greater than or less than 8 cm(3) were 20% and 70%, respe ctively (p = .0077). Mean tumor volumes for patients with and without recur rences were 10 cm(3) and 3.4 cm(3), respectively. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that quantitative analysis from CT ima ging is prognostic for control of the primary site when radiation therapy i s given for treatment of supraglottic cancer. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, I nc.