Larynx Preservation Protocol Research Articles

Is precision medicine the solution to improve organ preservation in laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer? A position paper by the Preserve Research Group.

In locally advanced (LA) laryngeal/hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LHSCC), larynx preservation (LP) strategies aim at the cure of the disease while preserving a functional larynx, thus avoiding total laryngectomy and the associated impact on the quality of life. In the last decades, apart from transoral and open-neck organ preservation approaches, several non-surgical regimens have been investigated: radiotherapy alone, alternate, concurrent or sequential chemoradiation, and bioradiotherapy. Despite major progress, the identification of reliable and effective predictors for treatment response remains a clinical challenge. This review examines the current state of LP in LA-LHSCC and the need for predictive factors, highlighting the importance of the PRESERVE trial in addressing this gap. The PRESERVE trial represents a pivotal initiative aimed at finding the optimal therapy for laryngeal preservation specific to each patient through a retrospective analysis of data from previous LP trials and prospectively validating findings. The goal of the PRESERVE trial is to develop a comprehensive predictive classifier that integrates clinical, molecular, and multi-omics data, thereby enhancing the precision and efficacy of patient selection for LP protocols.

Diagnostic efficacy of positron emission computerized tomography scans in suspicious laryngeal findings postorgan preservation treatment.

Larynx preservation protocols (LPP) for glottic primary squamous cell carcinoma has gained popularity worldwide. Direct laryngoscopy (DL) with biopsy is mandated when recurrence is suspected. The efficacy of 18Fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission computerized tomography (PET-CT) as alternative first-line diagnostic investigation in suspected recurrence was evaluated. A retrospective study of patients with suspicious fiber-optic findings at more than 12 weeks after LPP. Sensitivity, specificity, and the negative predictive value (NPV) of DL and PET-CT were compared. Seventy-two patients presenting 105 cases of suspicious events were included in this study. Fifty-two events were initially investigated by DL and 53 events by PET-CT. The sensitivity of DL and PET-CT was 56.25% and 100%, respectively. The NPV was 84% for DL and 100% for PET-CT (p=0.015). Negative PET scans after LPP are highly accurate in ruling out recurrent/persistent disease and may spare the patient from negative biopsies.

Prognostic Significance of Vocal Cord Mobility after Laryngeal Preservation Protocols in Locally Advanced Laryngopharyngeal Cancers: A Retrospective Analysis.

In the present study, we look at the prognostic implications of the recovery of vocal cord mobilityafter treatment in T3 laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers with fixed vocal cords. Patients with T3 laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma were considered for the study. All patients were treated with standard laryngeal preservation protocols as per treatment guidelines. Recovery of vocal cord functions was assessed with serial flexible laryngoscopic evaluation. Recovery of vocal cord mobility was compared with oncological outcomes. Twenty seven patients were available for final analysis. Cases, where vocal cords remained fixed or continued to have restricted mobility on follow up, were categorised as "unfavourable" and those with complete recovery of function as compared to pre treatment FOL as "Favourable". Thirteen (48%) patients did not regain complete mobility of vocal cords. Six patients from the 'unfavourable' group (46%) developed recurrence, whereas only one patient from the 'favourable' group (7%) had a recurrence (p = 0.03). The findings of the present study suggest that failure to regain complete vocal cord mobility after CTRT is a poor prognostic factor in T3 laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

Current Role of Total Laryngectomy in the Era of Organ Preservation.

In this article, we aimed to discuss the role of total laryngectomy (TL) in the management of patients with larynx cancer (LC) in the era of organ preservation. Before the 1990s, TL followed by radiotherapy (RT) was the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced LC. Over the last 30 years, various types of larynx preservation (LP) programs associating induction or concurrent chemotherapy (CT) with RT have been developed, with the aim of treating locally advanced LC patients while preserving the larynx and its functions. Overall, more than two-thirds of patients included in a LP program will not require total laryngectomy (TL) and will preserve a functional larynx. However, despite these advances, the larynx is the only tumor site in the upper aero-digestive tract for which prognosis has not improved during recent decades. Indeed, none of these LP protocols have shown any survival advantage compared to primary radical surgery, and it appears that certain LC patients do not benefit from an LP program. This is the case for patients with T4a LC (extra-laryngeal tumor extension through the thyroid cartilage) or with poor pretreatment laryngeal function and for whom primary TL is still the preferred therapeutic option. Moreover, TL is the standard salvage therapy for patients with recurrent tumor after an LP protocol.

CO2 Transoral Laser Microsurgery in Benign, Premalignant and Malignant (Tis, T1, T2) Lesion of the Glottis. A Literature Review

Carbon Dioxide transoral laser microsurgery represents a reliable option for the treatment of early glottic carcinoma (Tis–T2), with good functional and oncological outcomes, nowadays representing one of the main options in larynx preservation protocols. The development and improvement of laser devices means surgeons are able to use more precise instruments compared with classic cold dissection in laser-assisted phonosurgery. Secondary effects on voice, swallowing, or quality of life as well as complications have been well documented. Also, with the introduction of a new proposal for staging systems following the principle of the three-dimensional map of isoprognostic zones, the use of narrow-band imaging in clinical evaluation and intraoperative, and the implementation of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance during preoperative evaluation, the development of new tools to improve surgical quality and preliminary reports regarding the use of carbon dioxide laser in transoral robotic surgery suggests an exciting future for this technique.

Association of low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR) and high lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratios (LMR) with overall survival and response to induction chemotherapy (IC) when used to select patients (pts) with locally advanced squamous cell of the larynx (LSCC) for combined chemoradiation (CRT).

e17539 Background: University of Michigan Cancer Center (UMCC) protocol 9520 treated pts with stage III/IV LSCC with 1 cycle of cisplatin & 5-FU (PF) to select pts for definitive therapy. Pts whose tumors attained a ≥ 50% response after 1 cycle of PF underwent CRT. Those who had a < 50% response to IC were treated with total laryngectomy + RT. Correlative science from UMCC 9520 demonstrated that an increased percentage of CD4+ cells predicted response to PF & suggested improved survival. Published retrospective data also has demonstrated that lower NLR & higher LMR are associated with improved prognosis in p16- SCC of the oropharynx & pyriform sinus, while cancers with higher NLR & lower LMR have a worse prognosis. Similar to our previous correlative analysis, this study is also a secondary analysis of the predictive value of NLR & LMR in a prospective trial of bio-selective IC. Methods: NLR & LMR were calculated from pre-treatment CBC for all pts (N = 87) enrolled onto UMCC 9520. Results: All 87 pts received IC with PF. 65/87 (75%) responded to IC & received CRT. Results of response to IC compared the NLR & LMR ratios by logistic regression analysis & was used to create NLR & LMR cut points. Among pts with LMR ≥ 3, the response rate (RR) was 89% while the RR was 64% with LMR < 3 (p = 0.008). Among pts with NLR < 4.7, the RR was 79% while the RR of pts with > 4.7 was 58% (p = 0.06). Overall & disease specific survivals were greater in pts with LMR ≥ 3, (log rank p = 0.04, p = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: Higher LMR & lower NLR are associated with favorable responses to IC & LMR ≥ 3 is associated with improved survival. This data correlates strongly with our published results from UMCC 9520, whereby elevated circulating CD4+ lymphocytes predict response to IC & survival. This important information may help direct the design of future laryngeal preservation protocols.

Outcome of supracricoid laryngectomy in moderately advanced cancer larynx

Objective To assess the oncological outcomes of supracricoid laryngectomy in moderately advanced laryngeal cancer. Background Recently supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricohyoidopexy (CHP) or cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) and other surgical laryngeal preservation protocols have undergone major advancement to treat early and moderately advanced laryngeal tumors. SCPL with CHEP and CHP preserves the airway and laryngeal sphincter function with considerable decrease in the amount of risk of aspiration. Patients and methods A total of 10 patients with moderately advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (T2b toT4a) who were fit for surgery were recruited from two different specialized care centers in Egypt and India from January 2017 to January 2018. Patients with interarytenoid area involvement, cricoarytenoid joint involvement, pre-epiglottic space invasion, or subglottic extension were excluded. Results Patients were mainly T3 (four patients). They underwent SCPL with CHP in four cases and with CHEP in six cases. Preservation of one arytenoid was done in nine patients. The local control rate was 100%. Aspiration occurred in two cases. Both pexy rupture and salivary fistula occurred in one case. Removing of nasogastric tube and decannulation of tracheostomy were done in seven and six cases, respectively, before 1 month. Conclusion SCPL with CHEP and CHP was an effective treatment option with excellent oncological outcomes for T2b–T4a laryngeal cancer. Specific efficacy was revealed in cases with anterior commissure or paraglottic space involvement. Low rate of complications was reported in our study.

Locally advanced laryngeal cancer: Total laryngectomy or primary non-surgical treatment?

Between January 1997 and December 2013, the Charles University 3rd Medical School and Royal Vinohrady Teaching Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat oncology team treated 185 patients with advanced laryngeal cancer, which, from a surgical perspective, required a total laryngectomy. Overall, ~70% of these patients (n=129) underwent conventional treatment (i.e., total laryngectomy with post-operative radiotherapy), and ~30% (n=56) were treated with larynx preservation protocols (including primary radiotherapy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, or primary chemoradiotherapy). Patients treated with laryngeal preservation protocols had a 5-year survival probability of 48%, whereas those treated with total laryngectomy and post-operative radiotherapy had a 5-year survival probability of 63%. This difference was not statistically significant. However, patients who underwent primary surgical treatment survived for a significantly longer period (P<0.010). The sex of the patient did not have a statistically significant impact on patient survival probability. More extensive local disease and more advanced disease stages conferred a lower survival probability, but were not statistically significant; however, a lower survival probability in patients >70 years was identified to be statistically significant (P<0.010). Local disease recurrence and recurrent cervical nodal metastases had a statistically significant impact on the 5-year survival probability (P<0.001). A step wise Cox regression analysis was used to compare the parameters of sex, patient age, tumor extent, disease stage, choice of primary surgery, local recurrence and cervical nodal recurrence. In the first step, local recurrence was selected as the parameter having the greatest effect on survival (P<0.001); patient age >70 years (P<0.001) was selected in the second step; cervical nodal recurrence (P<0.001) in the third step; and disease stage (P<0.010) in the fourth step. Other parameters did not significantly affect survival. The results of the present study confirmed that primary non-surgical treatment is an alternative approach to total laryngectomy, and that an informed patient should determine the treatment approach. The decreased overall survival observed in more extensive tumors suggests that surgical treatment may be a better selection in these cases. Due to increased overall survival, primary non-surgical treatment may be recommended for younger patients. If the patient chooses primary non-surgical treatment, concomitant chemoradiotherapy is recommended. If the patient cannot tolerate cytostatic chemotherapy, radiotherapy alone is recommended.

Outcomes following laryngectomy refusal after insufficient response to induction chemotherapy.

To review patients who refused a total laryngectomy and were treated with radiotherapy (RT) after insufficient response to induction chemotherapy in a larynx preservation protocol for advanced-stage cancer of the larynx and to compare their outcomes with good responders. Retrospective cohort study. Eighty-six patients treated with induction chemotherapy followed by RT were included in the analysis: 75 good responders and 11 insufficient responders who refused surgery. We compared overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival (LEDFS) of the cohort populations in univariate and multivariate analyses. The median follow-up was 44 months. The 2-year and 5-year survival rates were respectively 72.2% and 58.8% for OS, 62.8% and 49.4% for DFS, and 59.5% and 44.3% for LEDFS. No survival endpoint was significantly decreased among insufficient responders, contrary to what we expected. When we focused on patients with an initially fixed larynx, the recovery of larynx mobility after induction chemotherapy was not associated with OS (P = 0.6055), DFS (P = 0.459), or LEDFS (P = 0.7403). To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first patient treatment evaluation focused on subjects who refused a total laryngectomy after insufficient response to induction chemotherapy in a larynx preservation protocol for advanced-stage cancer of the larynx. Surprisingly, these patients treated with RT in our cancer center did not experience decreased functional and oncologic outcomes compared to good responders. Further studies will explore the relevance of response criteria and their evaluation methods. 4. Laryngoscope, 127:1791-1796, 2017.

Induction chemotherapy-based larynx preservation program for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer: oncologic and functional outcomes and prognostic factors.

To evaluate oncologic and functional outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer included in an induction chemotherapy (ICT)-based larynx preservation program in daily clinical practice. All patients with locally advanced (T3/4, N0-3, M0) hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, technically suitable for total pharyngo-laryngectomy, treated by docetaxel (75mg/m(2), day 1), cisplatin (75mg/m(2), day 1) and 5-fluorouracil (750mg/m(2)/day, day 1-5) (TPF)-ICT (2-3 cycles) for larynx preservation at our institution between 2004 and 2013, were included in this retrospective study. Prognostic factors of oncologic (overall, cause-specific and recurrence-free survival: OS, SS and RFS) and functional (dysphagia outcome and severity scale, permanent enteral nutrition, larynx preservation) outcomes were assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 53 patients (42 men and 11 women, mean age 58.6±8.2years) were included in this study. Grade 3-4 toxicities were experienced by 17 (32%) patients during ICT. The rate of poor response (response <50% without larynx remobilization) to ICT was 10%. At 5years, OS, SS and RFS rates were 56, 60 and 54%, respectively. Four patients required definitive enteral nutrition (permanent enteral tube feeding). The rate of patients alive, disease-free and with a functional larynx at 2years was 58%. T4 tumor stage (p=0.005) and response to ICT <50% (p=0.02) were independent prognostic factors of OS. Response to ICT was significantly associated with the risk of permanent enteral nutrition (p=0.04) and larynx preservation (p=0.01). In daily clinical practice, a TPF-ICT-based larynx preservation protocol can be used in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer with satisfactory results in terms of tolerance, efficacy and oncologic and functional outcomes.

Oncologic and Functional Outcomes of Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatment of Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Supraglottic Larynx.

Nonsurgical treatment of advanced supraglottic laryngeal cancer is widely used as part of a larynx preservation protocol. However, recent studies have suggested that nonsurgical treatment may be associated with inferior survival. Furthermore, it is not clear whether preservation of the larynx provides superior voice or swallowing function in the long term. To test the hypothesis that surgical treatment of advanced-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx is associated with superior overall survival (OS), freedom from recurrence (FFR), and noninferior voice and swallowing function. Retrospective medical record review of patients treated for stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx between January 1990 and June 2013 at a tertiary referral center: 97 patients underwent surgical treatment and 138, nonsurgical treatment. Exclusion criteria included prior definitive treatment for laryngeal cancer or evidence of distant metastatic disease at presentation. The median follow-up for all 235 patients was 63 months. Surgical or nonsurgical therapy. Freedom from recurrence (FFR), OS, larynx preservation, voice graded from 1 to 5, and swallowing graded from 1 to 6 using our voice and swallowing function scales. Surgical treatment was associated with superior FFR (5-year FFR: 75% vs 55%; P = .006) but not OS (5-year OS: 52% vs 52%; P = .61). The larynx was preserved in 83% of patients in the nonsurgical group vs 42% of patients in the surgical group (P < .001). Voice function was superior in the nonsurgical group at all time points through 5 years after treatment (mean voice score, 3.8 vs 2.6; P < .001). Swallowing function was comparable between surgical and nonsurgical groups. Multivariable analysis revealed that advanced age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.43 per 10-year increment; 95% CI, 1.19-1.72) and clinical N stage (HR, 1.17 per 1-level increment; 95% CI, 1.05-1.30) were associated with worse OS, while treatment with chemotherapy was associated with superior OS (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41-0.92). Compared with surgical treatment, nonsurgical treatment as part of a larynx preservation protocol is associated with a higher likelihood of recurrence but has similar OS and should continue to be viewed as a viable alternative for the treatment of advanced supraglottic laryngeal cancer.

Quel choix pour l’oncologue radiothérapeute atteint d’un cancer du larynx localement évolué ?

PurposeTo analyse the therapeutic decision considered by radiation oncologists put in a position of being diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer of the larynx accessible either to a total laryngectomy or to an organ preservation protocol. Materials and methodsProspective analysis based on an anonymous survey filled by 104 radiation oncologists. ResultsA total of 30.7% of radiation oncologists surveyed did not consider any trade in their cure rate to preserve their larynx. The median percentage of cure that they were willing to trade was 10% (2–100%); and 0.9% of them were willing to trade 100% of their chance for cure in order to “avoid” total laryngectomy. A total of 16.3% of radiation oncologists would like to receive more information before making their decision. The additional information most frequently requested concerned the precise stage of the tumour and the potential remedial treatment in case of failure of the laryngeal preservation protocol. None of the analysed demographic variables influenced the choice to trade or not survival chance to preserve the larynx, the percentage of chance that radiation oncologists would consider exchanging, and/or the wish to receive additional information. ConclusionThis prospective study highlights that larynx preservation protocol is not the main therapeutic goal shared by all radiation oncologists put in a position of being diagnosed with an advanced stage cancer of the larynx. Total laryngectomy should remain a treatment option that as organ preservation protocols to be proposed and discussed.

Larynx Preservation Protocols: Long-Term Functional Outcomes in Good Responders to Induction Chemotherapy for Pyriform Sinus Carcinoma

Background/Aims: Larynx preservation for laryngopharyngeal carcinomas aims to avoid the mutilation of a total laryngectomy without compromising survival or functionality. The aim of the present study on pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of larynx preservation in good responders to induction chemotherapy (ICT). Methods: The study was carried out in a tertiary referral cancer center in France. The subjects were good responders to ICT for pyriform sinus SCC, subsequently treated with adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) - with or without concomitant chemotherapy - between 1999 and 2008. Only patients without recurrence at 3 years were included. The evaluated pharyngolaryngeal functions were airway patency, oral communication and oral feeding, based on a self-administered questionnaire and the patients' medical records. Results: Twenty-eight patients were retained. Two (7%) patients needed a tracheotomy during or after the treatment and 2 (7%) had total laryngectomy for a late local recurrence. At least 3 years after the end of treatment, all patients were exclusively fed by mouth. All the evaluated patients judged their voice performance as ‘adequate for everyday oral communication'. Conclusions: In the long run, patients with pyriform sinus SCC who are candidates for larynx preservation and respond favorably to ICT present a satisfactory functional outcome when treated with adjuvant RT.

Otorhinolaryngologists’ personal treatment preferences (total laryngectomy or laryngeal preservation) when faced with advanced stage laryngeal cancer

ObjectiveTo analyse the treatment options that otorhinolaryngologists would consider if faced with advanced stage laryngeal cancer amenable to total laryngectomy or an organ preservation protocol. Material and methodsProspective study conducted in a French Teaching Hospital based on questionnaires filled in by 163 otorhinolaryngologists in 2012, studying the percentage chance of cure that they would be prepared to trade-off to preserve their larynx, defining the additional information that they would like to receive and identifying any statistical associations between these parameters and various medical and socioeconomic variables. ResultsA total of 42.3% of otorhinolaryngologists would not consider the slightest trade-off to preserve their larynx and preferred to undergo total laryngectomy. In the group of otorhinolaryngologists who would consider a larynx preservation protocol (57.6%), the percentage chance of cure that they would be willing to trade-off to preserve their larynx ranged between 5 to 100% (median: 15%) and 4.2% of them were willing to trade-off all chances of cure (100%) to avoid total laryngectomy. The percentage of otorhinolaryngologists who would not consider trading off the slightest chance of survival to preserve their larynx increased from 29.3 to 49.5% (P=0.01) when they participated in multidisciplinary consultation meetings. In the group of otorhinolaryngologists who would consider a larynx preservation protocol, the median percentage survival trade-off that they would consider in order to preserve their larynx (i) decreased from 20 to 10% (P=0.004) when they participated in multidisciplinary consultation meetings and (ii) increased regularly with their number of years of practice (P=0.03) and their age (P=0.025). Finally, 25.1% of otorhinolaryngologists wanted to receive additional information, although none of the variables analysed affected this desire for more information. ConclusionTreatment options considered by otorhinolaryngologists faced with advanced stage laryngeal cancer were almost equally divided between total laryngectomy and larynx preservation. Number of years of practice and regular participation in head and neck cancer multidisciplinary consultation meetings were variables that significantly influenced this choice.

Pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma: oncological outcomes in good responders of induction chemotherapy-based larynx preservation protocols.

Induction chemotherapy-based larynx preservation protocols use chemotherapy to select exclusively patients with 'chemosensitive' tumors for a nonsurgical treatment with radiation therapy. This study on pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is interested in the oncological outcome of treatment based on radiation therapy when offered to patients with tumors responding to induction chemotherapy. This was a retrospective cohort study. The cohort included good responders to induction chemotherapy, subsequently treated with definite radiation therapy (with or without concomitant chemotherapy) for pyriform sinus SCC, in a tertiary referral cancer center. The primary endpoints were overall, laryngectomy-free and disease-free survival and the secondary endpoints were analysis of treatment failures and possibilities of salvage treatment. Forty-two patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were retained for analysis; 7% were stage II (3/42), 48% stage III (20/42) and 45% stage IV (19/42). At 1, 3 and 5 years, the overall survival was 95% (40/42), 74% (31/42), and 60% (SE ≈ 0.08), respectively. For the same intervals, the laryngectomy-free survival was 90% (38/42), 69% (29/42) and 50% (SE ≈ 0.08), respectively. The estimated 5-year disease-free survival was also 50%. Disease-free survival was significantly better for N0 patients. There was a 28% recurrence rate, mainly in the primary tumor site (9/11), with or without simultaneous nodal recurrence. Interestingly, more than one-third of all oncologic failures occurred beyond the first 3 years of follow-up. Salvage treatment was not possible or definitely inefficient in at least 2/3 of all recurrences. In candidates for larynx preservation for a pyriform sinus SCC, good response to induction chemotherapy followed by definite radiation therapy seems to be associated with a more favorable prognosis. Nevertheless, in case of locoregional recurrence the possibilities for efficient salvage treatment are limited.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx with subglottic extension: is larynx preservation possible?

Squamous cell carcinoma of larynx with subglottic extension (sSCC) is a rare location described to carry a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes and feasibility of larynx preservation in sSCC patients. Between 1996 and 2012, 197 patients with sSCC were treated at our institution and included in the analysis. Stage III-IV tumors accounted for 76%. Patients received surgery (62%), radiotherapy (RT) (18%), or induction chemotherapy (CT) (20%) as front-line therapy. The 5-year actuarial overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LRC), and distant control rate were 59% (95% CI 51-68), 83% (95% CI 77-89), and 88% (95% CI 83-93), respectively, with a median follow-up of 54.4 months. There was no difference in OS and LRC according to front-line treatments or between primary subglottic cancer and glottosupraglottic cancers with subglottic extension. In the multivariate analysis, age > 60 years and positive N stage were the only predictors for OS (HR 2, 95% CI 1.2-3.6; HR1.9, 95% CI 1-3.5, respectively). A lower LRC was observed for T3 patients receiving a larynx preservation protocol as compared with those receiving a front-line surgery (HR 14.1, 95% CI 2.5-136.7; p = 0.02); however, no difference of ultimate LRC was observed according to the first therapy when including T3 patients who underwent salvage laryngectomy (p = 0.6). In patients receiving a larynx preservation protocol, the 5-year larynx-preservation rate was 55% (95% CI 43-68), with 36% in T3 patients. The 5-year larynx preservation rate was 81% (95% CI 65-96) and 35% (95% CI 20-51) for patients who received RT or induction CT as a front-line treatment, respectively. Outcomes of sSCC are comparable with other laryngeal cancers when managed with modern therapeutic options. Larynx-preservation protocols could be a suitable option in T1-T2 (RT or chemo-RT) and selected T3 sSCC patients (induction CT).

Résultats de la radiothérapie dans les carcinomes épidermoïdes du larynx avec atteinte sous-glottique

BackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma of larynx with subglottic extension is a rare location described to carry a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze outcomes and feasibility of definitive radiotherapy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and methodsBetween 1998 and 2012, 56 patients with squamous cell carcinoma were treated at our institution and included in the analysis. Patients received definitive radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy alone (63%) or after induction chemotherapy (37%) at our institute. ResultsThe 5-year actuarial overall survival, progression-free survival and specific survival were 64% (CI 95%: 48–90), 45% (CI 95%: 28–61), 88% (CI 95%: 78–98), respectively, with median follow-up of 74months. The 5-year locoregional control was 69% (CI 95%: 56–83) and the 5-year distant control was 95% (CI 95%: 89–100). There was no difference in overall survival and locoregional control according to front-line treatments or between primary subglottic cancer and glotto-supraglottic cancers with subglottic extension. In the multivariate analysis, performance status of at least 1 and positive N stage were the only predictors for overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] [CI 95%]: 6.5 [1.3–34; P=0.03] and 11 [1.6–75; P=0.02], respectively). No difference of locoregional control was observed according to the first received therapy. The univariate analysis retrieved that T3–T4 patients had a lower locoregional control (HR: 3.1; CI 95%: 1.1–9.2, P=0.04), but no prognostic factor was retrieved in the multivariate analysis. In patients receiving a larynx preservation protocol, 5-year larynx preservation rate was 88% (CI 95%: 78–98), and 58% in T3 patients. The 5-year larynx preservation rate was 91% (CI 95%: 79–100) and 83% (CI 95%: 66–100) for patients who received radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy or induction chemotherapy as a front-line treatment, respectively. ConclusionThis analysis suggests that the results for squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy are comparable to those obtained for other laryngeal tumors. This thus suggests the feasibility of laryngeal preservation protocols for infringement subglottic for selected cases. Further studies are needed to clarify these preliminary data.

The study of auditory effects after concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer

Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and patterns of hearing loss after concomitant radiochemotherapy in patients enrolled in a larynx preservation protocol. Materials and Methods: The study comprised of audiological evaluation of 30 patients prior to and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment using pure tone audiometry and impedance audiometry. Results: At the end of 6 months, 43.33% suffered sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), 8.33% conductive hearing loss, 16.67% mixed hearing loss, and 6.67% showed improvement in hearing. Discussion: The possible mechanism for hearing loss are discussed and compared with the result of such studies in literature. Conclusion: There exist a small but definite potential risk of hearing loss after concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.

Laryngeal Organ Preservation Protocols: Are They Effective?

Objective: Understand the role of organ preservation protocol in locally advanced laryngeal carcinoma according to our experience and determine predictive factors. Method: The study selected all patients treated between 2004 and 2009. During the study period, all patients began treatment with induction chemotherapy (3 cycles of cisplatin and 5-fluoruracil in the majority of cases) followed by radiotherapy and concomitant or subsequent chemotherapy. The results were analyzed by clinical and image evaluation. Results: The study included 40 patients, with mean age of 55 years (range, 38 to 72 years), mainly men. Smoke and alcohol were present in more than 50%, and 70.7% had no comorbidities. Hypopharynx was the most common place (65.8%). At the end of induction chemotherapy 34.2% of patients had an answer &gt;80%. The overall survival is 59% at 3 years. The relapse rate was of 24.7% with an average of time of 8 months (4 to 56 months). No statistical differences were found between different groups of TMN staging system. Conclusion: Different studies have shown that chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy is a valid alternative to surgery in locally advanced operable head and neck cancer, involving the larynx. Our study confirms these results. Local and cervical disease staging did not contribute as a predictive factor for survival or relapse.

Toxicity, quality of life, and functional outcomes of 176 hypopharyngeal cancer patients treated by (Chemo)radiation: The impact of treatment modality and radiation technique

The main goal of the current study was to comprehensively address the impact of chemoradiation and radiation techniques on toxicity, quality of life (QoL), and functional outcome. Retrospective analysis of toxicity and functional outcome and prospective QoL assessment. From 1996 to 2010, 176 consecutive patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) were treated with (chemo)radiotherapy. End points were acute and late toxicity, QoL assessment, and functional outcome using laryngoesophageal dysfunction-free survival (LED-FS) defined by the Laryngeal Preservation Consensus Panel. Chemoradiation significantly increased grade 3 acute toxicity compared to radiotherapy alone (71% vs. 55%, P = .02). The 3-year grade ≥2 late toxicity was 32%. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) significantly reduced late toxicity compared to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) (24% vs. 44%, P = .007). Slight deterioration in QoL scores was observed on almost all scales, and was more pronounced in patients treated with chemoradiation, albeit not statistically significant except for xerostomia. Chemoradiation, compared to radiotherapy alone, improved LED-FS at 3 years (51% vs. 24% for the entire group and 83% vs. 63% for the 78 living patients at last follow-up, respectively [P = .05]). Compared to radiotherapy alone, chemoradiation significantly improved functional outcome, increased acute toxicity, but without significant increase in late radiation-induced side effects. Statistically significant deterioration in QoL scores was reported only for xerostomia. IMRT, compared to 3DCRT, reduced the incidence and severity of acute and late toxicity, thereby broadening the therapeutic window, and may allow dose escalation for further improvement of outcomes of laryngeal preservation protocols.