Transoral laser microsurgery in treatment of pT2 and pT3 glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma - results of 391 patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate oncological and functional results of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in patients with T2 and T3 glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A retrospective chart analysis was carried out. Cases were classified into categories pT2a, pT2b, and pT3. Treatment was exclusively TLM ± selective neck dissection and adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy. Three hundred ninety-one patients were treated by TLM; 142 cases were category pT2a, 127 were pT2b, and 122 were pT3. Median follow-up was 71 months. Five-year overall, recurrence-free, and disease specific survival rates were 72.2%, 76.4%, and 93.2% for pT2a tumors, 64.9%, 57.3%, and 83.9% for pT2b tumors, and 58.6%, 57.8%, and 84.1% for pT3 tumors, respectively. Larynx preservation was achieved in 93% (pT2a) and 83% (pT2b and pT3). Results are comparable to open partial or total laryngectomy and superior to primary (chemo)radiotherapy. TLM results in a lower morbidity and superior function compared to standard treatment.