Early glottic carcinoma: Treatment according patient's preference?

Background. To analyze the results in early (stage I and II) glottic carcinoma of a single institution with a patient- oriented concept. Methods. After diagnostic workup and multidisciplinary coun- seling, either radiotherapy or CO2 laser surgery was chosen with respect to the patient's preference. Results. Sixty-five patients underwent laser surgery and 75 had radiotherapy. For T1 tumors, the 5-year overall survival, dis- ease-specific survival, and initial local control rate after laser sur- gery and radiotherapy were comparable (OS, 85% vs 88%; DSS, 96% vs 93%; LCR, 86% vs 85%). In contrast, initial local control for T2 tumors was significantly more favorable after surgery (OS, 83% vs 78%; DSS, 83% vs 88%; LCR, 89% vs 67%). Larynx preservation was significantly higher after surgery in T1 tumors (96% vs 82%) and in T2 tumors (89% vs 77%). Conclusions. Selection of the treatment modality according to patient's preference results in a comparable control of disease for T1 tumors. The initial local control for T2 tumors is significantly better after surgery. In both stages laser surgery warrants a bet- ter larynx preservation rate. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 1051-1056, 2003