[Radiation therapy of tumors of the hypopharynx (author's transl)].

A follow-up study of 69 patients with malignant tumors of the hypopharynx is reported. They were treated either with Cobalt-60-gamma-rays or with 19 MeV Betatron X-rays mainly up to a dose of 60 Gy over a 6 week period. 53 of the 67 patients with carcinomas had very large tumors (T3 and/or N3). The 3-year survival rate in group N0 was 15%, and in group N1--3 7%. These rates could not be improved on by radical operations prior to radiotherapy. 51 of the 67 patients with carcinomas died due to local or regional disease. 7 patients developed distant metastases. These results could not be improved on by increasing the dose to 70,0 Gy.