Efficacy of adjuvant external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy in squamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue: Long-term outcomes.

Abstract

Purpose: Squamous cell carcinoma of oral tongue (TSCC) poses a significant health challenge. Radiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (BT) offering distinct advantages. This study investigated the long-term outcomes associated with each technique.

Material and methods: A retrospective analysis was done reviewing medical records of patients diagnosed with TSCC between 2012 and 2022, who underwent surgery and received adjuvant curative-intent radiotherapy. Patients were categorized based on treatment modality: EBRT alone, EBRT combined with brachytherapy (EBRT+ BT boost), or BT alone. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated at 5 years.

Results: A total of 84 patients were included, with 57 receiving EBRT, 14 receiving BT alone, and 13 receiving EBRT + BT boost. The median follow-up was 70 months. The 5-year OS rates were 68% for EBRT, 88% for BT alone, and 92% for EBRT + BT boost. The 5-year DFS rates were 62% for EBRT, 88% for BT alone, and 84% for EBRT + BT boost. The 5-year LRC rates were 85% for EBRT, 100% for BT alone, and 92% for EBRT + BT boost. No significant differences between these modalities in terms of median OS, DFS, and LRC were observed.

Conclusions: This study explored the long-term outcomes of EBRT and EBRT + BT boost in TSCC patients. While the initial findings suggest potentially improved outcomes with the combined approach, more studies are necessary for validation. Future research should investigate the impact of these techniques on treatment-related toxicities, providing a more comprehensive picture.