The Patterns of Care Outcome Studies: results of the National practice in carcinoma of the larynx.

The Patterns of Care Study conducted a survey of patients with glottic and supraglottic carcinomas treated in 1973 and 1974. Patients for this study were randomly selected from all types of treatment facilities, including those with full and part-time therapists and large and small institutions. Detailed evaluation and treatment parameters were recorded for a total of 707 patients. Overall three-year recurrence free survival for glottic carcinoma was: Stage I, 90%; Stage II, 78%; Stage III, 65%; and Stage IV, 23%. For supraglottic carcinoma the rates are: Stage I 78%, Stage II, 60%, Stage III, 34% and Stage IV, 30%. The use of surgery in this study for advanced lesions varied among different departments. For advanced lesions, those treated with combined radiation and surgery had improved survival; this was also related to completeness of work-up and departmental equipment.