Radiotherapy for Primary Tracheal Carcinoma: Experience at a Single Institution

BACKGROUND: There is limited understanding of tracheal carcinoma (TC) because of its rarity. We examined the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT) for patients with primary TC. METHODS: We analyzed the records of 32 patients with primary TC who received RT at our center between November 1996 and December 2016. RESULTS: Thirteen patients received adjuvant RT and 18 received definitive RT. Eight patients achieved complete remission (CR) after definitive RT. Among all patients, the 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 46.9% and the locoregional progression free survival (LRPFS) rate was 68.1%. Univariate analysis indicated the 5-year OS was better in those with adenoid cystic adenocarcinoma than squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.001); the 5-year LRPFS was better in patients who received surgical resection than those who did not (92.9% vs 46.4%, P = 0.013) and in patients who received postoperative RT than in those who received definitive RT (91.7% vs 50.1%, P = 0.038). A sub-group univariate analysis indicated the 5-year PFS was better for those who received at least 68 Gy of radiation (44.4% vs 13.0%, P = 0.044). Patients who achieved CR had a better 5-year PFS than those who did not (57.1% vs 10%, P = 0.006). No patients had a toxicity of grade 3 or more. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant and definitive RT are safe and effective treatments for TC. Patients who received dosages of 68 Gy or more and who had complete tumor regression following definitive RT seemed to have better long-term survival.