Assessment of quality of voice after 3D conformal hypofractionated radical radiotherapy in early-stage glottic cancer: A prospective study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes in terms of oncological outcomes, toxicities, and impact of quality of voice on livability of early glottic cancer (EGC) (T1) patients after hypofractionated radiotherapy. Material and Methods: 30 patients of early glottic carcinoma, staged cT1a-T1bN0M0 with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Performance Status (ECOG PS ≤ 2). Exclusion criteria included ECOG PS > 2, T2–T4 disease, and any other head and neck malignancy. Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) was used to score voice outcomes of patient’s pre- and post-radiation. Results: All the subjects were predominantly smokers (80%) having hoarseness of voice as the most common presenting complaint (76.7%) followed by dry cough (13.3%) and foreign body sensation (10%). On posttreatment response assessment, there has been a significant reduction in VHI-10 scores from pre-radiotherapy (RT) to 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-radiation completion in all three domains (functional, emotional, and physical), as well as total scores, with a significant P value (<0.05) being observed. Conclusion: The use of modest hypofractionated regimen (63 Gy in 28 fractions) in patients of early glottic disease (T1a and T1b) posttreatment completion provides good oncological outcomes with better quality of voice being observed.