Purpose : The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, survival rate and complications of radiation therapy and chemoradiation treatment in hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods and Materials : From January 1984 to December 1999, 56 patients who had hypopharyngeal carcinoma treated with curative radiation therapy were retrospectively studied. Twenty four patients $(42.9\%)$ were treated with radiation therapy alone (Group I) and $32;(57.1\%)$ treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation (Group II). Total radiation dose ranged from 40.5 to 83. 5 Gy (median 67.9 Gy). Radiotherapy was given with conventional technique in 9 patients $(16.4\%)$, with hyperfractionation I ($1.15~1.2$ Gy/fr., BID) in 26 $(47.2\%)$, hyperfractionation II (1.35 Gy/fr., BID) in 18 $(32.7\%)$, and accelerated fractionation (1.6 Gy/fr., BID) in 2 $(3.6\%)$. In chemotherapy, 5-FU ($1,000;mg/m^2$ daily for 5 consecutive days) and cisplatin ($100;mg/m^2$ on day 1) were administered in a cycle of 3 weeks interval, and a total of 1 to 3 cycles (average 2..3 cycles) were given prior to radiation therapy. Follow up duration was $1~195$ months (median 28 months). Results : Overall 2 and 5 year survival rates were $40.6\%;and;27.6\%;;50.0\%;and;30.0\%$ in Group I, and $36.4\%;and;26.3\%$ in Group II, respectively. Complete local control rates in Group I and II were $70.0\%;and;67.7\%$, respectively. The response to radiotherapy and nodal stage were statistically significant prognostic factors. The complication rate was increased in Group II and was decreased in hyperfractionation. Conclusion : The response to radiotherapy and nodal stage were valid factors to indicate the degree of control over the hypopharyngeal cancer. The induction cisplatin, 5-Fu chemotherapy was not valid in terms of local control rate and survival rate, but did contribute to an increased complication rate. The use of hyperfractionation was valid to reduce the late radiation complications.