Impact of primary tumor volume on local control after definitive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND The impact of primary tumor volume (pTV) on local control after definitive radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unclear. METHODS Pertinent literature was reviewed to address the impact of pTV on local control after definitive RT for HNSCC. RESULTS Reproducibility of pTV calculations is probably influenced by interobserver variability and may be reduced by relying on experienced observers. The impact of pTV on local control after definitive RT is probably influenced by primary site. A relatively limited impact of pTV on local control after RT for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) might be attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity. CONCLUSION pTV may be a useful parameter to select patients for treatment with definitive RT, particularly for those with laryngeal SCCs. Patients with high-volume primary cancers, in which the probability of local control with a functional larynx is low, are likely better treated with surgery.