Feasibility of single vocal cord irradiation as a treatment strategy for T1a glottic cancer

BACKGROUND Generally, radiotherapy for patients with early glottic cancer includes treatment of the whole larynx. This study was conducted to evaluate the treatment outcomes and toxicity in patients who received single vocal cord irradiation (SVCI) for T1a classification glottic cancer. METHODS A total of 34 patients diagnosed with clinical T1aN0M0 classification squamous cell carcinoma of the glottis who received radiotherapy to the single vocal cord were included for analysis. RESULTS Median follow-up period was 41.3 months (range, 6.4-124.5 months). The 3-year and 5-year local control (LC) rates were both 96.8%. Grade 3 radiation dermatitis was observed as severe acute toxicity in two (6%) patients. No patients experienced any severe late toxicity events during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS SVCI showed good LC, low acute and late toxicities, and reasonable voice recovery. SVCI may be considered a feasible treatment strategy for patients with T1a glottic cancer.