Laryngeal Preservation Research Articles

The efficacy and safety of radiotherapy combined chemotherapy for laryngeal preservation in advanced laryngeal cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

The appropriate use of surgery or chemoradiotherapy-based approaches for organ preservation has been the subject of much debate. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of improvement in overall survival for patients with laryngeal carcinoma. In this study, we performed a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety radiotherapy combined chemotherapy for laryngeal preservation in advanced laryngeal cancer. This protocol is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. We will search the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases from the inception dates to October, 2022, using the keywords "laryngeal cancer," "radiotherapy", and "chemotherapy." Cochrane "bias risk" tool is used to assess the bias risk of the quality of the included literature. All calculations were carried out with RevMan V.5.3 software. The results of this study will provide evidence for judging whether radiotherapy combined chemotherapy is superior to surgery for treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer. This review will provide directions and recommendations for future research and clinical practices of radiotherapy combined chemotherapy for laryngeal preservation in advanced laryngeal cancer.

Defining targets to improve care delivery for T4 larynx squamous cell carcinoma.

United States oncology trends consistently demonstrate that nearly half of T4a larynx carcinoma patients are treated with larynx preservation, despite national guidelines favoring laryngectomy. This study identifies clinical decision-making drivers and defines patient subsets that should become targets for care improvement. Retrospective analysis of patients with cT4 squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx from US National Cancer Database 2005-2016. Demographic data and survival rates between clinical pathways were compared. Survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method with statistical comparisons assessed by log-rank test. Of 11,556 patients with cT4 disease, laryngectomy (TL) was the initial treatment for 4627 (40%) patients. Larynx preservation via chemoradiation (CRT) occurred for 4307 patients. TL and CRT patients had similar Charlson-Deyo comorbidity indices and insurance status. TL patients had higher total tumor size, lower N3 rates and were more often seen at academic institutions (p < .0001). N0 surgery patients with adjuvant treatment demonstrated superior median survival (MS) compared to CRT (surgery + radiation MS: 69 months, surgery + chemoradiation MS: 66, CRT MS: 37.7), p < .0001. MS for N1/N2 disease patients was 56.5months for surgery + radiation and 35.5months for surgery + CRT, superior to CRT, MS 30.8months, p < .0001. Tri-modality N3 patients with up front surgery had similar MS compared to CRT (surgery + chemoradiation 21.3months vs. CRT 16.1), p=.95. National quality improvement initiatives are needed to promote guideline adherence and improve survival in advanced larynx cancer. Targets for such initiatives should be patients with limited or no nodal disease burden, that meet clear T4a imaging criteria. Level IV, non-randomized controlled cohort.

Delayed oral feeding reduces pharyngocutaneous fistula formation after open surgical treatment of primary hypopharyngeal cancer: A case-control study.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) formation following open surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) is a common and troublesome complication. To date, the postoperative protocol of restarting oral intake is not clear, and vast discrepancies exist in the literature and among institutions. This study aimed to explore the impact of a postoperative protocol of restarting oral intake on PCF formation after open surgical treatment of primary HPC, and its impact on overall survival (OS) and swallowing function based on the functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS). This was a prospective observational study of 42 patients who received open surgical treatment for primary HPC at Beijing Friendship Hospital between April 2019 and August 2021. This cohort included two groups: patients who restarted oral intake on the 10th postoperative day (Group 1), and those who started on the 20th (Group 2). The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact chi-squared test were used for comparing qualitative data among the groups. Group 1 (n = 27) and Group 2 (n = 15) were comparable in clinical characteristics. PCF occurred in 7 (25.9%) patients in Group 1, while none occurred in Group 2 (P = 0.038). The 2-year OS of all 42 patients was 75.6%; 65.8% and 93.3% for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = 0.07). The swallowing function was satisfactory (FOSS Grades 0-III) for 19 (70.4%) patients in Group 1 and 15 (100%) patients in Group 2 (P = 0.035). Laryngeal preservation was achieved in 25 (59.5%) patients, while decannulation was successful in 22 (88.0%) patients. Delayed oral feeding significantly reduces PCF after open surgical treatment of primary HPC, and improves the swallowing function outcome without jeopardizing the OS.

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.

Long-term outcomes and failure patterns of definitive radiotherapy for cervical esophageal carcinoma

Objective: To evaluate the long-term outcomes, failure patterns and prognostic factors of definitive radiotherapy in patients with cervical esophageal carcinoma (CEC). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 148 CEC patients who treated with definitive radiotherapy in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2001 to December 2017. The median radiation dose was 66 Gy (59.4-70 Gy) and 33.1% of patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates. The log rank test was used for survival comparison and univariate prognostic analysis. The Cox model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. Results: The median follow-up time was 102.6 months. The median survival time, 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 22.7 months, 49.9% and 28.3%. The median, 2- and 5-year progression-free survival were 12.6 months, 35.8% and 25.8%. The 2- and 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival were 59.1% and 50.8%. The 2- and 5-year distant metastases-free survival were 74.6% and 65.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that EQD(2)>66 Gy was the only independent prognostic indicator for OS (P=0.040). The median survival time and 5-year OS rate significantly improved in patients who received EQD(2)>66 Gy than those who received≤66 Gy (31.2 months vs. 19.2 months, 40.1% vs. 19.1%, P=0.027). A total of 87 patients (58.8%) developed tumor progression. There were 50 (33.8%), 23 (15.5%) and 39 (26.4%) patients developed local, regional recurrence and distant metastases, respectively. Eleven patients (7.4%) underwent salvage surgery, and the laryngeal preservation rate for entire group was 93.9%. Conclusions: Definitive radiotherapy is an effective treatment for cervical esophageal carcinoma with the advantage of larynx preservation. Local recurrence is the major failure pattern. EQD(2)>66 Gy is associated with the improved overall survival.

Treatment of Choice for Resectable Cervical Esophageal Cancer: Surgery and Definitive Chemoradiotherapy with or without Dose Escalation

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> Cervical esophageal cancer is rare subgroup which epicenter of tumor located between upper esophageal sphincter and sternum notch, for 5% to 10% of all esophageal cancers. Most of patients of cervical esophageal cancer needed hypopharyngectomy and laryngectomy for complete resection, pre-operative chemotherapy (CTx) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is needed, and even definitive CRT has been widely accepted treatment of choice for laryngeal preservation. We reviewed our institutional experiences to compare and tried to suggest the treatment directions for resectable cervical esophageal cancer. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> A total of 197 patients who were diagnosed as cervical esophageal cancer without distant metastasis between January 2001 and December 2020 were identified. Of those, 47 patients were excluded in this study because of unresectable stage (e.g., initial stage T4 or extensive nodal stage), 100 patients had definitive chemoradiotherapy and 50 patients had surgery. In surgery group, 16 patients received preoperative treatment (CRT; 6 patients, CTx alone; 10 patients) and 16 patients received postoperative treatment (CRT; 6 patients, CTx alone, 6 patients, radiotherapy alone; 4 patients). Definitive CRT group patients were divided into high-dose group (≥59.4 Gy, n=71), and standard dose group (<59.4 Gy, n=29). <h3>Results</h3> The median follow-up was 30 months (5-225 months) for surviving patients. Of 50 patients with median age 63 in surgery group, 21 (42%), 9 (18%), 18 (36%), 2 (4%) patients were stage I, II, III and IV respectively. Patients in CRT group was statistically significant different in age (median 67) and stage as 19 (19%), 30 (30%), 44 (44%), 7 (7%) patients were stage I, II, III, IV. There was no statistical difference in overall survival (OS) (3-year OS: 61.2% vs 62.9%, p=0.976) and progression free survival (PFS) (3-year PFS: 47.5 % vs 53.0%, p=0.589). Treatment related toxicity (Grade≥2) were significantly higher in surgery group than CRT group (14(28%) vs 12 (12%), p=0.015), even only 6 patients received hypopharyngectomy and laryngectomy. In subgroup analysis between high-dose group and standard dose group, OS and loco-regional failure free survival (LRFS) was significantly higher in high-dose group (3-year OS: 65.4% vs 51.7%, p=0.046, 3-year LRFS 68.7% vs 42.5%). There was no significant difference between two group (High-dose group 9 (12.7%) vs Standard dose group 3 (10.3%), p=0.106). <h3>Conclusion</h3> There was no significant difference in OS and PFS between surgery and CRT group although surgery group had patient selection bias for patients with earlier stage and younger age. Also, LRFS were better with high-dose CRT than standard group which lead to better OS and consequently achieved favor OS in general CRT group. High dose RT was not associated with higher toxicity rate, mainly because recent intensity modulated RT could give higher dose while saving normal organ toxicity. Thus, high dose CRT should be considered as initial treatment for cervical esophagus than surgery.

The impact of operability status on outcomes in patients with T4 larynx cancer undergoing larynx preservation.

Large analyses of T4 larynx cancer (LC) have raised concerns that larynx preservation (LP) contributes to reduced survival compared with laryngectomy (LGX). The role of operability has not been previously considered as a confounder. We queried the National Cancer Database for T4M0 LC diagnosed 2004-2015. Patients were categorized as undergoing LGX, chemoradiotherapy but operable (LP-operable), and chemoradiotherapy inoperable (LP-inoperable). Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Cox multivariate analysis (MVA) identified variables associated with OS. We identified 1405 LGX, 164 LP-operable and 1969 LP-inoperable patients. Compared with LGX, MVA demonstrated worse OS among LP-inoperable (HR 1.28 95%CI 1.17-1.40, p < 0.01) but not LP-operable patients (HR 1.12 95%CI 0.91-1.39, p=0.28). LP-operable patients did not have significantly worse OS than those undergoing LGX.

Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score is a prognostic marker for laryngeal cancer patients with curative resection.

To investigate the prognostic value of pre-treatment Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score in laryngeal cancer. Preoperative CONUT score was retrospectively calculated in 154 laryngeal cancer patients who underwent curative resection in our hospital from 2013 to 2016. The associations of CONUT with clinicopathological factors and survival were evaluated. The efficacy of CONUT score to predict prognosis was evaluated. The CONUT score was associated with body mass index (p=0.033), neutrophil (p=0.011), tumor size (p=0.017), pTNM stage (p=0.001), adjuvant radiotherapy (p < 0.001), negative pathologic factors (p < 0.001), and larynx preservation (p < 0.001). Patients with a higher CONUT score had worse overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-3.72, p=0.039) and disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.19-3.90, p=0.011). The area under the curve of CONUT score (0.728) was higher than Preoperative Nutritional Index (0.72), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (0.675), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (0.687). The CONUT score can be useful for predicting survival in laryngeal cancer patients after curative resection.

The management of advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers between years 20202021 single-centre experience

Introduction: Laryngeal cancer is the most frequent neoplasm of the head and neck region. Despite advances in chemo-radiotherapy (CRT), surgery still remains an important role in the management of laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal preservation techniques, including endoscopic laser resection, are becoming more popular nowadays. However, total laryngectomy (TL) remains a reasonable option for advanced disease in selected patients. The main aim of this study was to perform general characteristics of patients with advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer treated with TL as well as to perform a detailed analysis of the disease, treatment modalities and complications. Material and methods: This is a retrospective single-centre analysis. Baseline characteristics and preoperative clinical variables were collected. The study group consisted of 42 patients with advanced-stage carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx treated with TL between January 2020 and December 2021 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. Preoperative and postoperative clinical variables were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using R software (R version 4.0.3). Results: The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 63.6 +/- 9.2 years, 32 (76.2%) patients were male. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were: hoarseness (78.6%) and dyspnea (47.6%). There was no statistically significant association between symptoms present at diagnosis and the stage of diagnosed laryngeal cancer according to the TNM classification (T3, T4a, T4b). Stage III was observed in 33 (78.6%) patients, IVa in 8 (19%) and IVb in 1 (2.4%) patient. Of the 42 included patients, total laryngectomy was performed in 39 (92.9%) patients and pharyngolaryngectomy in 3 (7.1%) patients. Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis was implanted in all patients. Complications after surgery were observed in 5 (11.9%) patients. Squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in 100% of patients. Complementary therapy was performed in 36 (85.7%) patients. Conclusions: Our study population confirmed that patients suffering from advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer are mostly men aged over 60 years with the most common variant of smoking history of over 20 cigarettes per day for a period over 5 years. Symptoms at diagnosis and TNM classification staging of laryngeal cancer are not related parameters.

459. MULTIDISCIPLINARY TREATMENT STRATEGY FOR ADVANCED CERVICAL ESOPHAGEAL CANCER AIMED AT PRESERVING THE LARYNX

Abstract In the treatment of advanced cervical esophageal cancer, the availability of laryngeal preservation has a great effect on quality of life. Factors affecting laryngeal preservation include tracheal invasion of the tumor, extension to the pharyngeal side, and duplication of head and neck cancer. In our institute, we provide multimodal treatment aiming at preserving the larynx as much as possible. We report on preoperative treatment and surgical outcome for patients with advanced cervical esophageal cancer. Of the 713 cases of esophageal cancer surgery from 2014 to March 2021, 29 cases of advanced cervical esophageal cancer were examined for preoperative treatment and surgical outcome. In our institution, non-T4 cases are first introduced with Docetaxel + Cisplatin +5-FU (DCF) chemotherapy. For cT4 cases and cases who DCF therapy did not respond, we added radiation therapy to DCF for local control. For resectable cases, we performed esophagectomy actively. The primary diagnosis was StageII:III:IV = 6:19:4 (UICC 8th). Preoperative treatment was performed in 28 cases, 26 cases with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and 2 cases with chemoradiotherapy (CRT). NAC regimen was DCF in all cases. The therapeutic effect of NAC was evaluated PR in 15 of 26 cases and SD in 11. Laryngeal preservation was possible in 11 of 15 NAC-PR cases (73.3%) and 7 of 11 NAC-SD cases (63.6%), and the laryngeal preservation rate was higher in the NAC responder group. Recurrence was observed in 15 cases. 10 cases were in the laryngeal preservation group, but only 2 cases had local recurrence. This study suggests that the response of NAC may increase the laryngeal preservation rate. Laryngectomy does not necessarily contribute to the control of local recurrence. But patients with positive margins have a poor prognosis. And it is important to make an appropriate decision as to whether radiation therapy or surgery should be performed for patients who do not respond to chemotherapy.

347. DEFINITIVE CHEMORADIOTHERAPY WITH DOCETAXEL, CISPLATIN, AND 5-FLUOROURACIL (DCF-RT) FOR ADVANCED CERVICAL ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Recently, the selection rate of definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as a treatment option for cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has increased to preserve the larynx. However, many things about the regimen, irradiation field, or which is better treatment have not been determined. We have started definitive chemoradiotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF-RT) for advanced cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. We evaluated 20 advanced cervical ESCC patients (clinical stage II–IV, including T4b and/or M1 lymph node) in our department who received DCF-RT as the first-line treatment between December 2010 and August 2021. 16 males and 4 females. The pretreatment clinical stage included one stage II, five stage III, six stage IVa, and eight stage IVb cases (including 10 with T4b and 8 with M1 lymph node. Grade 3 or more adverse events included leucopenia (95%), neutropenia (90%), febrile neutropenia (55%). We attained CR in 17 patients (85%), SD in 2 patients, and PD in 1 patient. Of 17 patients with CR, 8 experienced recurrence and 9 continued exhibiting CR. Two patients who underwent salvage surgery. While the 2−/3-year overall survival rate was 60.2%/46.4%, the 2−/3-year recurrent-free survival rate was 51.4%/45.7%, respectively. DCF-RT for advanced cervical ESCC could be completed by the careful administration, and although a strong blood toxicity might occur, a favorable prognosis can be obtained with larynx preservation. Further observations are warranted to establish the long-term prognosis, late complications of radiotherapy, and the significance of salvage surgery.

CO2 transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma with anterior commissure involvement

ObjectiveAnterior commissure (AC) involvement is an unfavorable factor for transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) treatment of early glottic carcinoma (EGC). This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of TLM treatment for EGC with AC involvement. MethodsFrom 2008 to 2017, 177 patients with T1-T2 EGC with AC involvement were retrospectively included and divided into the TLM group (n=115) receiving CO2 laser TLM and the control group undergoing open surgery (n=62). The survival outcomes, postoperative complications, laryngeal preservation rate, recurrence and the phonological results were compared between groups. ResultThe TLM group had significantly reduced hospital stay, hospitalization costs, and intraoperative blood loss as compared with the control group. The tracheotomy rate was significantly higher in the control group (96.8% vs. 0%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 89.6% and 85.5% in the TLM group and control group, respectively. Log-rank test showed no difference in survival rate between the two groups. There was no significant difference in laryngeal preservation rate and overall recurrence rate between groups. In postoperative vocal function evaluation, there were significant differences in the overall grade (G), the roughness (R), the breathiness (B), Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10), Jitter, Shimmer, noise/harmonic ratio (NHR), maximum phonation time (MPT), phonation threshold pressure (PTP) between the two groups. ConclusionFor EGC with AC involvement, TLM has similar survival outcomes with the open surgery, but has better postoperative voice outcomes. Meanwhile, TLM can effectively reduce intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, hospitalization costs and postoperative complications.

Application of transverse cervical artery flap in laryngeal function preservation surgery of hypopharyngeal carcinoma

To explore the value and limitation of transverse cervical artery flap in laryngeal function preservation surgery of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Between January 2013 and December 2019, 18 male patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma were admitted. The patients' age ranged from 48 to 77 years, with a median age of 65 years. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 8 months (mean, 5 months). All patients were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma by biopsy before operation. According to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guidelines (2017, 8th ed), TNM staging was T2N0M0 in 9 cases, T2N1M0 in 2 cases, and T3N0M0 in 7 cases, and cTNM staging was stage Ⅱ in 9 cases and stage Ⅲ in 9 cases. The lesions of 15 cases were located in the piriform fossa of hypopharynx on one side, among which the esophageal entrance was involved in 4 cases. The lesions of 3 cases were located in the posterior wall of the hypopharynx with esophageal entrance involvement. After partial pharyngo- laryngectomy and bilateral neck lymph node dissection, the hypopharyngeal and laryngeal defects were repaired with transverse cervical artery flaps, the size of the flap ranged from 4 cm×3 cm to 6 cm×4 cm. The accompanying vein of transverse cervical artery (7 cases), external jugular vein (6 cases), and combination of both (5 cases) served as venous reflux. Retrograde external jugular venous reflux exercise was performed in 2 flaps with venous reflux obstruction during operation. The incisions at donor sites were directly sutured or via relaxed incision sutured. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy were supplemented within 3 months after operation. Tracheal cannula with air bag was used to prevent patients from aspiration in the early postoperative stage. The operation time was 4-6 hours, with an average of 4.5 hours. All patients were followed up 1-5 years (mean, 2 years and 6 months). Postoperative pathological examination showed that 7 cases had cervical lymph node metastases on the affected side, and there was no lymph node metastasis in cervical region Ⅴ; the remaining 11 cases had no lymph node metastasis. After operation, 16 flaps survived successfully, and 2 flaps with external jugular vein reflux were covered with white pseudomembrane, no flap necrosis was found after the pseudomembrane fell off. Four cases had no obvious accidental aspiration after operation; 14 cases had obvious accidental aspiration, of which 13 cases were significantly reduced at 3 months after operation, and 1 case still had obvious accidental aspiration at 6 months after operation, and the accidental aspiration decreased significantly after pulling out the gastric tube. All patients had no aspiration pneumonia. One case developed upper mediastinal lymph node metastasis at 1 year and 2 months after operation, and died of recurrence and pulmonary infection at 1 year and 3 months after operation. No recurrence or metastasis was found in the remaining 17 cases during follow-up. Tracheal cannula was successfully removed in 7 cases at 2-5 months after operation. Different degrees of accidental aspiration in 11 patients were confirmed by esophagography, so the tracheal cannula was retained. All patients had pronunciation function after operation. All incisions at the donor sites healed by first intention, and the shoulder joint function was normal. Using transverse cervical artery flap to repair the hypopharyngeal and laryngeal defects during hypopharyngeal carcinoma surgery in patients without lymph node metastasis in cervical region Ⅴ, can achieve good results of laryngeal function preservation. In cases with suspected lymph node metastasis in cervical region Ⅴ or venous dysplasia of accompanying vein of transverse cervical artery, there is a risk of tumor recurrence or flap necrosis, and the repair method needs to be cautiously employed.

Bioradiotherapy with Cetuximab May Reduce the Risk of Neck Node Relapse in Locoregionally Advanced Laryngeal Glottic Carcinoma: May HER1-Profile Be Useful in the Bioselection of Patients?

The aim of the study was to evaluate survival in patients with advanced glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated by bioradiotherapy (BioRT) with cetuximab and eventual salvage surgery (group A, n = 66) or upfront surgery (total laryngectomy or near-total laryngectomy) with or without postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) (group B, n = 66). The predictive role of HER1 expression in the bioselection of tumors was evaluated. Relapse-free (RFS), metastasis-free (MFS), overall (OS) survivals, salvageability, and rates of larynx preservation were analyzed. The two groups were balanced by propensity score method on their baseline characteristics. No significant differences in RFS and OS were found, while MFS results were significantly higher in group A (p = 0.04). Group A showed a 22% reduction in the probability of nodal metastasis (p = 0.0023), mostly in tumors with higher HER1 expression. The salvageability with TL at 3 years was 54% after prior BioRT and 18% after prior upfront NTL (p < 0.05). BioRT with cetuximab showed a reduction in the risk of lymph node relapse, particularly in the case of HER1 positive tumors, and it allowed to achieve a higher rate of functional larynx preservation and a higher salvageability compared with upfront surgery. HER1 analysis could be clinically useful in the bioselection of tumors that may benefit from BioRT with cetuximab, particularly in those with neck node metastatic propensity.

A Study of Peripheral Blood Parameters to Predict Response to Induction Chemotherapy and Overall Survival in Advanced Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Purpose: the purpose of this study was to screen peripheral blood parameters and construct models predicting the prognosis and induction chemotherapy (IC) response in locally advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients. Methods: A total of 128 stage III/IVa LSCC patients (who required a total laryngectomy) were enrolled in a retrospective study from January 2013 to September 2020 at Beijing Tongren Hospital of Capital Medical University. Among them, 62 patients received IC (IC group), and 66 patients immediately underwent a total laryngectomy (TL) after diagnosis (surgery group). Demographic information and peripheral blood parameters were collected for further analysis. The overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were compared between the two groups. The prognosis and survival were also compared between patients with laryngeal function preservation (LFP) and those with TL. Results: The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for IC response in the IC group showed that the AUC of the blood model based on the four peripheral blood parameters of fibrinogen (FIB), platelet (PLT), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and albumin (ALB) was significantly higher than the TNM stage model’s AUC (0.7932 vs. 0.6568). We constructed a nomogram blood model to predict IC response (C-Index = 0.793). Regarding the OS of all patients, an ROC analysis for overall survival, the Kaplan–Meier (K-M) method with a log-rank test, and multivariate analysis indicated age, clinical stage, FIB, and hemoglobin (HGB) were independent prognostic factors for the OS of LSCC patients. The blood–clinical logistic model (AUC = 0.7979) was constructed based on the four prognosis factors, which were superior to the blood (AUC = 0.6867) or clinical models (AUC = 0.7145) alone to predict OS. We constructed a nomogram model based on age, clinical stage, FIB, and HGB to predict OS for LSCC patients (C-Index = 0.792). Besides this, there were no significant differences in OS, PFS, and DSS between IC and surgery groups or LFP and TL groups. Conclusion: Peripheral blood parameters help predict IC response and overall survival. Furthermore, induction chemotherapy significantly improves laryngeal function preservation without lowering the survival prognosis.

Stratified treatment of localized cervical esophageal squamous cell carcinoma induced by neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy (SCENIC).

BackgroundDefinitive chemoradiation is the preferred treatment for cervical esophageal carcinoma (CEC), per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. However, in treatment failures, salvage surgery poses significant technical challenges. If non-responders could be identified, prior to chemoradiation, these patients may benefit from primary esophagectomy. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor is widely used and recognized as an effective treatment method in various cancers including esophageal cancer. Therefore, we propose to screen for treatment response to neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy to select patients who are radiosensitive and potential candidates for laryngeal preservation. While non-responders are likely to be insensitive to chemoradiation would be offered radical esophagectomy.MethodsA total of 36 patients with histopathologically-confirmed locally advanced CEC have been enrolled in our study. All participants will receive 2 cycles of induction therapy, which was tislelizumab combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin. Patients will be classified into 3 groups according to their response to induction therapy: a remarkable response (RR) group, limited partial response (LPR) group, and poor response (POR) group. Stratified patients will receive the following follow-up treatments: those in the RR group will receive dCRT, and those in the LPR and POR groups will undergo radical surgery. Then, participants in the RR group will be administrated with tislelizumab alone for 1 year. The choice of postoperative treatment for patients in the LPR and POR groups will depend on the patient’s condition, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or follow-up. The primary endpoint of the study is the 2-year event-free survival (EFS). The secondary endpoints are disease-free survival (DFS), regression-free survival (RFS), objective response rate (ORR), and 5-year overall survival (OS). At the same time, we will assess the patient’s quality of life (QoL).ConclusionsScreening CEC patients after immune-induction therapy combined with chemotherapy using different treatment strategies might lead to improvements in their QoL and OS time. No relevant double-endpoint studies have been reported until now. Our study is the first multicenter, prospective, exploratory study to seek the optimal treatment for locally advanced CEC patients. The results may offer high-level evidence for future CEC treatment.Trial RegistrationChictr.Org identifier: ChiCTR2200057732.

Comparison of Treatment Outcomes Between Total and Near Total Glossectomy with Larynx Preservation and Flap Reconstruction: A Single Institution Experience with 23 Patients.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and oncological outcomes of total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation (TGLP) compared to near-total glossectomy with laryngeal preservation (nTGLP).Methods:In this retrospective study, the data of 23 patients who underwent either TGLP or nTGLP between January 2010 and December 2020 in a tertiary university hospital were analyzed. The data including demographic findings, tumor stage, extent of surgery and technique, method of reconstruction, complications, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), and tracheostomy and gastric tube dependence during follow-up were assessed.Results:Of the 23 eligible patients, 15 had undergone nTGLP (Group 1) and 8 had undergone TGLP (Group 2). Tracheostomy dependence and gastric tube dependence rates at the sixth month were 3/19 (15.7%) and 12/19 (63.1%), respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups. OS and RFS at one year were 47.6% and 27.8%, respectively, for the study population. OS rate showed significance with nodal positivity and extranodal extension (p=0.004 for both) only, but not within patient groups (p=0.734).Conclusion:Both TGLP and nTGLP are feasible treatment options in patients with advanced tongue cancer with no differences in terms of functional and oncological results. Survival rates are still not satisfactory, and recurrences are high despite appropriate treatments. Proper selection of patients who are highly motivated and willing for long-term postoperative rehabilitation is essential.

Long-Term Outcomes of End-Flexible-Rigidscopic Transoral Surgery for Pharyngolaryngeal Cancer.

End-flexible-rigidscopic transoral surgery (E-TOS) is a new and minimally invasive transoral surgery for resection of Tis-selected T3 pharyngolaryngeal cancers. We evaluated long-term oncological outcomes and whether postoperative voice and swallowing function were preserved following E-TOS. In this retrospective single-center study, 154 patients treated with E-TOS using a curved retractor, flexible-tip rigid endoscope, and thin curved instruments were included. Their survival rate, larynx preservation rate, and disease control rate were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Postoperative voice function was evaluated using both objective and subjective tests. Postoperative swallowing function was assessed using the Hyodo score and the functional outcome swallowing scale. The 3-year and 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, disease-free survival, laryngectomy-free survival, local control, and loco-regional control rates post E-TOS were 89.8% and 82.2%, 95.6% and 92.3%, 78.5% and 70.3%, 87.2% and 80.9%, 93.9% and 92.5%, and 87.2% and 85.7%, respectively. Both objective and subjective postoperative voice and swallowing function tests were within normal limits in more than 90% of the patients. E-TOS is an effective, safe, low-cost, and minimally invasive transoral surgery for Tis-selected T3 pharyngolaryngeal cancer; it also preserves postoperative voice, larynx, and swallowing function. 4 Laryngoscope, 133:1415-1424, 2023.

Induction chemotherapy of modified docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil for laryngeal preservation in locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Previous studies have investigated the value of induction chemotherapy (IC) in organ preservation strategies for head and neck cancers. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sequential IC with radiotherapy as a laryngeal preservation strategy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma (LAHSCC). One hundred and forty-two consecutive patients with LAHSCC were retrospectively analyzed who received three IC regimens from 2015 to 2019. In the TP (docetaxel plus cisplatin), TPF (TP plus 5-fluorouracil), and TPX (TP plus capecitabine) IC groups, there were 51, 29, and 62 patients, respectively. The primary tumor objective response rates were 51%, 55.2%, and 71%, and the 3-year survival rates with preserved larynx were 36.6%, 31.8%, and 51.2%, respectively (p= 0.03). There was no difference in overall survival and the adverse events were tolerable. The TPX regimen displayed good efficacy and safety, indicating its potential as a therapeutic IC regimen for LAHSCC.

Oncologic outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery versus open partial laryngectomies in the management of early stage glottic carcinoma

BackgroundThe oncologic outcomes between transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and open partial laryngectomy (OPL) using comprehensive analysis in one clinical center is rare. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes of TLM in patients with early stage glottic carcinoma, and to compare the results with OPL. Subjects and methodsRecords of 425 glottic carcinoma patients with T1 - T2 stage treated with TLM, vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL), and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) from 2005 to 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and laryngeal function preservation (LFP) of these three treatments were assessed. ResultsOne hundred and twenty-two patients were treated with TLM. Regarding OPL, 167 patients underwent VPL, and 136 patients underwent CHEP. The mean age was 59.7 years, with men accounting for 97.2 % of all cases. The OS, DSS, and LFP rates of patients with anterior commissure (AC) involvement undergoing TLM were worse than those of patients without AC involvement, but these differences were not statistically significant. The 5-year OS, DSS, and LFP of patients undergoing TLM were 88.4 %, 89.9 %, and 83.5 %, respectively, and the oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing TLM, VPL, and CHEP were not statistically different. ConclusionGlottic carcinoma patients with early stage treated with TLM experience satisfactory oncologic outcomes. No compelling difference in oncologic outcomes among three treatments of TLM, VPL and CHEP, as well as VPL and CHEP can be alternatives to patients who are not suitable for receiving TLM.