Critical evaluation of a prospective study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with S-1 for early glottic carcinoma.

AIM To improve the outcomes of radiotherapy alone for T2 glottic carcinoma (GC), we initiated a prospective study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with S-1 for patients with early GC, primarily T2 cases. We report the efficacy and safety of this protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eligible patients had T1b or T2 glottic squamous cell carcinomas. Patients received S-1 (55.3 mg/m(2)/day, once daily) and radiotherapy (2 Gy/day, five days/week, to a total of 30 fractions). RESULTS Thirteen patients were eligible. Complete responses were observed in all 13 patients (100%). At a median follow-up duration of 53 months (range=23-68 months), the 3-year local control and overall survival rates were both 100%. Grade 3 dermatitis occurred in only one patient. CONCLUSION This chemoradiotherapy protocol is well -tolerated and effective in patients with early glottic carcinoma. Furthermore, due to its once-daily administration, this protocol is considered to be easier than usual chemoradiotherapy, and makes outpatient-treatment possible.