Recent changes in the treatment of patients with advanced laryngeal cancer

Oxaliplatin Induces Immunogenic Cell Death in Human and Murine Laryngeal Cancer

Background

Cisplatin resistance is observed in patients with laryngeal cancer. The present study was designed to explore the efficacy of oxaliplatin on laryngeal cancer and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Cell viability was determined by using MTT assays. Cell apoptosis was determined by using annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were applied to determine the levels of calreticulin (CALR) and DiD (1,1-dioctadecyl-3,3,3,3-tetramethylindodicarbocyanine). Flow cytometry was applied to analyze the levels of CD83, CD86, IFN-γ-producing CD8⁺ T cells, and CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Tregs. The levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were determined by using a chemiluminescent ATP kit and cytokines were determined by using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). The levels of HMGB1 were determined by using Western blot and ELISA, respectively. The xenograft animal model was constructed to evaluate the antitumor effects of oxaliplatin.

Results

Oxaliplatin inhibited cell growth, promoted cell apoptosis, and induced the levels of CALR, ATP, and high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in Hep-2 cells. Oxaliplatin-treated Hep-2 cells increased the intensity of DiD and the levels of CD83 and CD86 in dendritic cells (DCs), as well as induced the supernatant IL-6 and TNF-α. Oxaliplatin-treated primary laryngeal cancer cell-pulsed DCs increased the IFN-γ-producing CD8⁺ T cells and suppressed CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Tregs. In vivo data showed that oxaliplatin suppressed tumor growth and increased the populations of CD86⁺CD80⁺ and CD8⁺CD45⁺ cells in the tumor tissues.

Conclusion

Treatment with oxaliplatin inhibited laryngeal cancer cells by inducing immunogenic cell death.

A comparison of the Thunderbeat and standard electrocautery devices in head and neck surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Purpose

New energy-based sutureless vessel ligation devices, such as the Thunderbeat (Olympus Medical Systems Corp., Tokyo, Japan), could reduce operative time and limit blood loss in head and neck surgery; however, efficacy and safety in major head and neck surgery have not been investigated in a prospective, randomized study.

Methods

This prospective, double-arm, randomized controlled trial consisted of two parts: total laryngectomy (TL) and neck dissection (ND). Thirty patients planned for TL were randomized in two groups. For the ND part, forty-two operative sides were likewise randomized. In both parts, Thunderbeat was used in addition to the standard instrumentation in the intervention groups, while only standard instrumentation was used in the control groups. Primary outcome values were blood loss, operative time and complication rate.

Results

For the TL part there was no difference in mean blood loss (p = 0.062), operative time (p = 0.512) and complications (p = 0.662) between both hemostatic techniques. For the neck dissection part, there was a reduction in blood loss (mean 210 mL versus 431 mL, p = 0.046) and in operative time (median 101 (IQR 85–130) minutes versus 150 (IQR 130–199) minutes, p = 0.014) when Thunderbeat was used. There was no difference in complication rate between both hemostatic systems (p = 0.261).

Conclusion

The Thunderbeat hemostatic device significantly reduces operative blood loss and operative time for neck dissections, without increase in complications. In TL, blood loss using Thunderbeat was comparable with the standard technique, but the operative time tended to be shorter.

Trial registration

UMCG Research Register, Reg. no. 201700041, date of registration: 18/1/2017

Impact of stage, management and recurrence on survival rates in laryngeal cancer

A retrospective, longitudinal study of 1,616 patients with primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) at a single center in Norway during 1983–2010 was undertaken to investigate overall survival, disease specific survival, disease-free survival, prognostic factors for overall survival, and impact of recurrence among all-stage laryngeal cancer patients over 15 years' follow-up. The prognostic impact of gender, age, smoking/alcohol, subsite, tumour, node and metastasis staging, period and modality of treatment were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard analyses. The importance of recurrence on survival was assessed based on case fatality rates. Five-year overall survival was 56.8%, 64.0% and 38.8%, and disease-specific survival was 80.2%, 87% and 61.6%, respectively, for the entire cohort and for glottic and supraglottic LSCC. Old age, advanced-stage LSCC and supraglottic cancer were associated with lower overall survival. The risk of disease-specific death plateaued after five years and varied significantly by subsite. Multivariate analysis of glottic LSCC revealed that surgical treatment improved overall survival, whereas old age, alcohol, T3-T4 status, positive N-status and no treatment were associated with worse survival. In supraglottic LSCC, age, alcohol, and positive N-status had a significant impact on overall survival by multivariate analysis. Five-year overall survival and disease-specific survival among patients with recurrent disease were 34% and 52%, respectively. In conclusion, marked difference in overall survival between glottic and supraglottic LSCC underline the importance of subsite-specific survival analysis. T-status and primary surgical management is essential only for glottic LSCC, emphasizing the importance of correct disease classification. Inferior outcomes in supraglottic LSCC are associated with old age, positive N-status, and improved follow-up routines are necessary. Primary tumor control is essential since recurrence impairs survival considerably in all subsites. The potential benefit of a primary surgical approach towards T3 LSCC awaits further investigation.

Quantitative pretreatment CT volumetry: Association with oncologic outcomes in patients with T4a squamous carcinoma of the larynx

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of CT-determined pretreatment primary tumor volume on survival and disease control in T4a laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 124 patients with T4a laryngeal cancer from 2000-2011. Tumor volume measurements were collected and correlated with outcomes.

RESULTS

Five-year overall survival (OS) for patients with tumor volume ≥21 cm³ treated with larynx preservation (n = 26 of 41) was significantly inferior compared to <21 cm³ (42% vs 64%, respectively; P = .003). Five-year OS for patients with tumor volumes ≥21 cm³ in the cohort treated with total laryngectomy followed by radiotherapy (RT; n = 42 of 83) was not statistically significant when compared to <21 cm³ (50% vs 63%, respectively; P = .058). On multivariate analysis, tumor volume ≥21 cm³ was a significant independent correlate of worse disease-specific survival (DSS; P = .004), event-free survival (P = .005), recurrence-free survival (RFS; P = .04), noncancer cause-specific survival (P = .02), and OS (P = .0002).

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment CT-based tumor volume is an independent prognostic factor of outcomes in T4a laryngeal cancer.

Patient Reflections on Decision Making for Laryngeal Cancer Treatment

Objective To describe the reflections of patients treated for laryngeal cancer with regard to treatment-related decision making. Study Design Cross-sectional survey-based pilot study. Setting Single-institution tertiary care cancer center. Subjects/Methods Adults with laryngeal carcinoma were eligible to participate (N = 57; 46% treated surgically, 54% nonsurgically). Validated surveys measuring decisional conflict and regret explored patients' reflections on their preferences and priorities regarding treatment-related decision making for laryngeal cancer and how patient-reported functional outcomes, professional referral patterns, and desired provider input influenced these reflections. Results When considering the level of involvement of surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists in their care, patients were more likely to believe that the specialist whom they saw first was the most important factor in deciding how to treat their cancer (Fisher's exact, ~χ² = 16.2, df = 6, P = .02). Patients who were treated for laryngeal cancer who reported worse voice-related quality of life recalled more decisional conflict ( P = .01) and experienced more decisional regret ( P < .001). Of the patients for whom speech was a top priority prior to treatment, better voice-related quality of life overall scores were correlated with less decision regret about treatment decisions ( P < .02). Of the patients for whom eating and drinking were top priorities prior to treatment, better MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory global scores were correlated with less decision regret about treatment decisions ( P < .002). Conclusion Patient priorities and attitudes, coupled with functional outcomes and professional referral patterns, influence how patients reflect on their choices regarding management of laryngeal cancer. Better understanding of these variables may assist in ensuring that patients' voices are integrated into individualized laryngeal cancer treatment planning.

Comparative effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical therapy for advanced laryngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

The treatment of patients with advanced stage laryngeal cancer includes surgery or concurrent chemoradiation (CRT). Although CRT has become more common in recent years, to the authors' knowledge, the effectiveness of complete CRT in improving survival over surgery has not been studied.

METHODS

The authors examined patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare claims-linked data set with locoregional laryngeal cancer who were diagnosed between 1997 and 2007. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses were conducted to compare overall and cause-specific 5-year survival rates between treatment modalities, adjusting for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. A propensity score-matched subcohort also was used to compare survival.

RESULTS

Of the 3212 patients in the study cohort, 42% underwent surgery and 18% underwent CRT. Only approximately one-quarter of patients who were treated with CRT completed the courses. In adjusted analyses, the authors were unable to reject the null hypothesis of no difference in 5-year all-cause or cause-specific mortality risk between patients treated with surgery and patients undergoing complete CRT (hazards ratio, 1.25 [95% confidence interval, 0.91-1.71; P = .16] and hazard ratio, 1.41 [95% confidence interval, 0.9-2.2; P = .14], respectively). Older age, not currently married, Medicaid eligibility, and prior cancer history were found to be associated with a higher risk of mortality (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced laryngeal cancer who underwent complete CRT were found to have overall and cause-specific survival rates similar to those of patients undergoing surgery. However, a substantial percentage of patients who initiated CRT did not complete the course. Although CRT provides organ preservation, the benefits and trade-offs of CRT and total laryngectomy should be discussed fully with patients. The importance of completing the full course of CRT should be emphasized. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2016;122:2845-2856. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Prevalence of swallowing and speech problems in daily life after chemoradiation for head and neck cancer based on cut-off scores of the patient-reported outcome measures SWAL-QOL and SHI

The objective of this study is to assess swallowing and speech outcome after chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer, based on the patient-reported outcome measures Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) and Speech Handicap Index (SHI), both provided with cut-off scores. This is a cross-sectional study. Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery of a University Medical Center. Sixty patients, 6 months to 5 years after chemoradiation for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) and SHI, both validated in Dutch and provided with cut-off scores. Associations were tested between the outcome measures and independent variables (age, gender, tumor stage and site, and radiotherapy technique, time since treatment, comorbidity and food intake). Fifty-two patients returned the SWAL-QOL and 47 the SHI (response rate 87 and 78 %, respectively). Swallowing and speech problems were present in 79 and 55 %, respectively. Normal food intake was noticed in 45, 35 % had a soft diet and 20 % tube feeding. Patients with soft diet and tube feeding reported more swallowing problems compared to patients with normal oral intake. Tumor subsite was significantly associated with swallowing outcome (less problems in larynx/hypopharynx compared to oral/oropharynx). Radiation technique was significantly associated with psychosocial speech problems (less problems in patients treated with IMRT). Swallowing and (to a lesser extent) speech problems in daily life are frequently present after chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Future prospective studies will give more insight into the course of speech and swallowing problems after chemoradiation and into efficacy of new radiation techniques and swallowing and speech rehabilitation programs.

Treatment complications and survival in advanced laryngeal cancer: a population-based analysis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Primary curative treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer may include surgery or chemoradiation, although recommendations vary and both are associated with complications. We evaluated predictors and trends in the use of these modalities and compared rates of complications and overall survival in a population-based cohort of older adults.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective population-based cohort study.

METHODS

Using Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) cancer registry data linked with Medicare claims, we identified patients over 65 with advanced laryngeal cancer diagnosed 1999 to 2007 who had total laryngectomy (TL) or chemoradiation (CTRT) within 6 months following diagnosis. We identified complications and estimated the impact of treatment on overall survival, using propensity score methods.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients receiving TL declined from 74% in 1999 to 26% in 2007 (P < 0.0001). Almost 20% of the CTRT patients had a tracheostomy following treatment, and 57% had a feeding tube. TL was associated with an 18% lower risk of death, adjusting for patient and disease characteristics. The benefit of TL was greatest in patients with the highest propensity to receive surgery.

CONCLUSION

TL remains an important treatment option in well selected older patients. However, treatment selection is complex; and factors such as functional status, patient preference, surgeon expertise, and post-treatment support services should play a role in treatment decisions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2b. Laryngoscope, 124:2707-2713, 2014.

T3-T4 laryngeal cancer in The Netherlands Cancer Institute; 10-year results of the consistent application of an organ-preserving/-sacrificing protocol

BACKGROUND

Both organ-preserving concurrent (chemo)radiotherapy ((C)RT) and organ-sacrificing surgery (total laryngectomy) are used for treatment of advanced laryngeal cancer. The purpose of this study was to present the assessment of our treatment protocol for T3 (C)RT and T4 disease (total laryngectomy + postoperative RT).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in 182 consecutive patients (1999-2008). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) in relation to stage and treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred two patients received RT (82.4% T3), 20 patients CRT (60.0% T3), and 60 patients total laryngectomy + RT (91.7% T4). Five-year OS: T3 52%, T4 48%, for RT 50%, for CRT 43%, and for total laryngectomy + RT 52%. Five-year laryngectomy-free interval was 72% after RT, and 83% after CRT.

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in survival according to T classification or treatment modality. Because the majority of T3 laryngeal cancers were treated with (C)RT and the majority of T4 with total laryngectomy + RT, this gives food for thought on whether the present protocol for T3 laryngeal cancer is optimal.

Autophagy interplays with apoptosis and cell cycle regulation in the growth inhibiting effect of Trisenox in HEP-2, a laryngeal squamous cancer

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the most common among several types of head and neck cancers. Current treatments have a poor effect on early and advanced cases, and further investigations for novel agents against LSCCs are desirable. In this study, we elucidate the cytotoxic enhancing effect of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) combined with L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in LSCC. The effect of BSO with As2O3 or Cisplatin (CDDP) on cell viability was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, cell cycle, and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry using 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA), propidium iodide (PI) and annexin V/PI. The acidic vacuolar organelles were visualized by fluorescence microscope and quantified using flow cytometry. Neither CDDP nor As2O3 when used alone reduced the cell viability. BSO was found to enhance only As2O3 sensitivity, leading to G2/M arrest and autophagy with no correlation of ROS induction. This result suggests that modulation of glutathione enhances autophagy, which interplays with apoptosis. In this study, we obtained initial preclinical evidence for the potential efficacy of these drugs in a combined therapy protocol.

Tumor volumetry as a prognostic factor in the management of T4a laryngeal cancer

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The role of tumor volume in T4a laryngeal cancer remains unclear among different treatment modalities. Using tumor volumetry, we investigated the impact of primary tumor volume on this subset of patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study of 62 T4a laryngeal cancer patients.

METHODS

From October 2002 to September 2010, 48 patients were treated with definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT), and 14 patients had undergone total laryngectomy. Tumor volume was calculated and was correlated with the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local control rate (LCR) data of each treatment group.

RESULTS

The 5-year OS, PFS, and LCR were significantly lower in the CRT group with tumor volume ≥ 15 cm(3) (22.5% vs. 48.7%, P = 0.009; 32.2% vs. 64.3%, P = 0.003; 45.2% vs. 67.3%, P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis showed that tumor volume was an independent poor prognosticator for OS, PFS, and LCR in the CRT group. For tumor volume ≥ 15 cm(3) , total laryngectomy provided a significantly higher 5-year OS and PFS (54.5% vs. 22.5%, P = 0.039; 80.0% vs. 32.2%, P = 0.017) than for those tumors treated with definitive CRT.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T4a laryngeal cancer with primary tumor volume ≥ 15 cm(3) had poorer survival outcomes after definitive CRT compared with total laryngectomy. It was also an independent poor prognosticator on LCR, PFS, and OS for those receiving definitive CRT. For patients with tumor volume ≥ 15 cm(3), total laryngectomy provided a better survival outcome than definitive CRT.

Causes of death of patients with laryngeal cancer

Despite remarkable advances in the care of patients with laryngeal cancer over the past several decades, including a growing awareness of therapeutic complications and attention to quality of life, little is known about the causes of mortality in this population. In addition to the laryngeal malignancy itself, acute and late or chronic treatment-associated causes, second primary cancers, intercurrent disease and psychosocial factors are all responsible for patient morbidity and mortality. We examine the current literature related to the causes of death in patients with laryngeal cancer, in the hope of guiding future interventions to improve the longevity and quality of life of individuals with this cancer.

Quality of life and deglutition after total laryngectomy

Introduction: Total laryngectomy creates deglutition disorders and causes a decrease in quality of life

Aim: To describe the impact of swallowing and quality of life of patients after total laryngectomy.

Method: A case series study. Patients completed a Swallowing and Quality of Life questionnaire composed of 44 questions assessing 11 domains related to quality of life (burden, eating duration, eating desire, frequency of symptoms, food selection, communication, fear, mental health, social functioning, sleep, and fatigue). The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and variability.

Results: The sample comprised 15 patients who underwent total laryngectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. Of these, 66.7% classified their health as good and 73% reported no restrictions on food consistency. The domains “communication” and “fear” represented severe impact and “eating duration” represented moderate impact on quality of life. The items with lower scores were: longer time to eat than others (domain “eating duration”), cough and cough to remove the liquid or food of the mouth when they are stopped (domain “symptom frequency”), difficulties in understanding (domain “communication”) and fear of choking and having pneumonia (domain “fear”).

Conclusion: After total laryngectomy, patients report that swallowing issues have moderate to severe impact in “communication,” “fear,” and “eating duration” domains.

Comorbid predictors of poor response to chemoradiotherapy for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To investigate whether a correlation exists between medical comorbidities and disease control following primary therapy of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective medical record review.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma between 1997 and 2011. The Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27 (ACE 27) index was used to evaluate severity of comorbid health. Ten-year disease-free survival rates and median disease-free intervals were calculated, and significant associations between disease recurrence and comorbid factors were determined using the log-rank test. Independent significant risk factors for disease recurrence were determined with the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

RESULTS

Of the 181 patients identified, 121 were treated nonsurgically with either primary radiotherapy (XRT) (49%) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (51%). Sixty patients (50%) experienced recurrence of their disease. The 10-year disease-free survival rate was 23.8%, and the median disease-free survival was 58 months (95% confidence interval, 12-108 months). Factors observed to be significantly associated with recurrence within 10 years after treatment were renal disease (P < .01), pulmonary disease (P < .01), malnutrition (P < .01), T size (P < .01), stage (P = .02), and ACE 27 Index (P < .01). Independent significant risk factors for recurrence were malnutrition (P < .01), T stage (P = .01), and ACE 27 (P < .01). Adjusted hazard ratios were 1.43 for T stage, 2.58 for ACE 27, and 2.15 for malnutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate that there is a significant association between increased comorbidity and recurrent disease in laryngeal carcinoma treated with XRT/CRT. The consideration of comorbid health in primary treatment planning may improve the success and survival of patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Chemoradiation for patients with large-volume laryngeal cancers

BACKGROUND

Patients with T4 laryngeal cancers, including those with large-volume (cartilage or tongue-base invasion) lesions, are often excluded from organ-preservation trials due to expectations of inferior outcome in terms of survival and function. We hypothesize that such patients indeed have acceptable survival and function when treated with organ-preservation strategies.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of a cohort of patients with T4 laryngeal cancer was carried out. Follow-up ranged from 0.18 to 15.6 years. All T4 laryngeal cancer patients who were enrolled in the University of Chicago concomitant chemoradiotherapy protocols from 1994 to the present were reviewed. This study was composed of 80 newly diagnosed T4 laryngeal cancer patients. Efficacy of treatment was determined through evaluations of survival and function. Survival was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier methods. Swallowing function was evaluated by an oropharyngeal motility (OPM) study and swallowing scores were assigned. Higher scores reflected increasing swallowing dysfunction.

RESULTS

Fifty-five of 80 patients (~69%) had documented large-volume tumor. Two- and 5-year overall survivals were 60.0% and 48.7%, respectively. Disease-specific 2- and 5-year survivals for the group were 80.1% and 71.3%, and 79.4 and 74.3%, respectively, for the 55 patients with large volume status. Progression-free survival rates were 52.6% and 47.6%. Forty-four of 65 patients (~68%) with OPM data had a Swallowing Performance Status Scale (SPSS) score of ≤5, indicating various degrees of swallowing abnormalities not requiring a gastrostomy tube. This is a functional-preservation rate of 67.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoradiation for patients with T4 laryngeal cancer appears to be an effective and reasonable option, particularly in light of the satisfactory survival and function-preservation rates.

Evaluation of the revised TNM classification in advanced laryngeal cancer

The latest revision of the UICCs TNM classification in 2002 subdivided advanced laryngeal carcinoma into the subcategories T4a and T4b, in order to emphasise the poor prognosis and inoperability of the latter group. Our study aims at evaluating the prognostic relevance of this subclassification. This retrospective analysis includes 163 patients treated for advanced laryngeal carcinoma between 1980 and 2002. The disease-free 5-year-survival rates for patients suffering from T4a and T4b laryngeal carcinoma were 32.4 and 6.7%, respectively (P = 0.003). The T-category and free margins proved to be significant prognostic factors. The survival of patients suffering from T4a carcinoma proved to be independent of specific location and number of invaded structures. This study confirms the much poorer prognosis for patients suffering from T4b carcinoma and thus supports the modified TNM classification.

Ten years single institutional experience of treatment for advanced laryngeal cancer in Kyoto University

CONCLUSION

It is important to suppress lymph node recurrence and distant metastasis to achieve better survival of advanced laryngeal cancer, especially supraglottic cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The therapeutic outcomes of 33 cases with advanced laryngeal cancer treated at Kyoto University Hospital between 2000 and 2008 were reviewed.

METHODS

Thirty-one males and two females were involved. Their ages ranged from 49 to 81 years (average 65.6 years). All tumors were squamous cell carcinoma, arising at the glottis in 21 cases and the supraglottis in 12 cases. Most glottic cancers (90.5%) and supraglottic cancers (83.3%) were classified as T3 or T4. Total laryngectomy with neck dissection was performed in the treatment of T3 or T4 cases. Two cases of T2 cancers were treated by radiotherapy (66-72 Gy) with neck dissection, and one case of T2 cancer was treated by radiotherapy (66 Gy). Partial laryngectomy with neck dissection was performed in one T3 case.

RESULTS

Five-year overall survival rates for stage III of glottic cancer, stage IV of glottic cancer, stage III of supraglottic cancer, and stage IV of supraglottic cancer were 100%, 40.9%, 100%, and 24.2%, respectively. Five-year disease-specific survival rates for stage III of glottic cancer, stage IV of glottic cancer, stage III of supraglottic cancer, and stage IV of supraglottic cancer were 100%, 56.3%, 100%, and 28.1%, respectively. No local recurrence occurred. Regional lymph node recurrence occurred in two cases- one patient with glottic cancer and one with supraglottic cancer. Both of them died of disease despite undergoing chemotherapy. One case initially had lung metastasis, and post-treatment distant metastasis occurred in the lung in four cases, in the skin in one, and in multiple organs in one case.

Social withdrawal after laryngectomy

This investigation focuses on the psychosocial concomitants of a laryngectomy. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 218 laryngectomized patients. Standardised questionnaires were used to assess patients' social activity (FPAL, EORTC QLQ-C30), intelligibility of speech (PLTT, FPAL), mental well-being (HADS), and perceived stigmatisation (FPAL). More than 40% of the patients withdrew from conversation. Only one-third of all patients regularly took part in social activities. About 87% perceived stigmatisation because of their changed voice and more than 50% felt embarrassed because of their tracheostoma. Almost one-third of the patients had increased anxiety and depression scores. Moderate objective speech intelligibility was found, though patients were not particularly satisfied with their voice. Social activity emerged to be independent from age, gender, treatment variables, and stage of disease. Multivariate analysis resulted in two independent factors representing two patterns of social withdrawal. On the one hand, there was withdrawal from conversation accompanied by increased depression and poor speech intelligibility. On the other hand, there were reduced social activities accompanied by increased anxiety and perceived stigmatisation.

Selective (intra-arterial), rapid infusion chemo-radiotherapy to preserve the larynx in advanced laryngeal carcinoma: preliminary results

Objectives:

We had previously treated patients with advanced stage laryngeal cancer by laryngectomy with or without post-operative radiotherapy. In order to improve such patients' quality of life, we sought to preserve the larynx by selective (intra-arterial), rapid infusion chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy.

Methods:

Chemotherapy was administered intra-arterially in the angiography suite via transfemoral catheterisation of the superior thyroid artery. Patients received up to four once-weekly infusions of cisplatin (75 mg/patient) with simultaneous intravenous administration of sodium thiosulphate, a neutralising agent. Patients also received external radiation simultaneously at a dose of 1.8 or 2.0 Gy per fraction, once daily for five days a week for 7 weeks.

Results:

Intra-arterial infusion chemo-radiotherapy was performed in eight patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma (four glottic, three supraglottic and one subglottic type carcinoma). A complete response was achieved at the primary site and at lymph node metastases in all eight patients. Overall toxic side effects were modest. No catheter-related thrombo-embolic complications were observed during any of the chemotherapy sessions.

Conclusions:

Selective (intra-arterial), rapid infusion chemo-radiotherapy may enable laryngeal preservation in patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma.

Concurrent Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Advanced Laryngeal Cancer

Objectives:

An intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy regimen (RADPLAT) provides remarkable local control for head and neck cancer. This study evaluates the efficacy of a reduced RADPLAT protocol in patients who are candidates for total laryngectomy.

Methods:

Forty-three patients with advanced laryngeal cancer were treated with 2 courses of intra-arterial cisplatin infusion (100 mg per body) during 40-Gy irradiation. The patients who showed a greatly diminished tumor received sequential irradiation. The patients with obvious residual disease received chemotherapy during the sequential irradiation. Poor responders, with less than 50% tumor reduction, underwent total laryngectomy.

Results:

Forty-two patients completed the protocol. All surviving patients were followed for at least 3 years. Thirty-four patients were alive (80% of the supraglottic cases and 87.5% of the glottic cases). Local control was achieved in 27 patients (67.5% of the 11 glottic cases and 64.0% of the supraglottic cases). The glottic cohort showed better progression-free survival rates than did the supraglottic cohort (68.8% and 45.0%, respectively; p = 0.019). There were 2 cases of grade 3 neutropenia and 3 cases of grade 3 mucositis. No patients required tube feeding. One patient required tracheostomy 3 months after the completion of the treatment protocol.

Conclusions:

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with a reduced dose of intra-arterial cisplatin is feasible for patients with advanced glottic cancer.

Early oral feeding following total laryngectomy

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether, in a developing world context, early oral feeding after laryngectomy is safe, cost-effective and appropriate.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective study of early oral feeding after laryngectomy, compared with retrospective, historical delayed feeding controls.

METHOD

Forty patients underwent total laryngectomy for advanced carcinoma of the larynx with or without hypopharyngeal involvement, not requiring tongue base resection or myocutaneous flaps, and were commenced on oral feeding on the second post-operative day. Thirty-nine laryngectomy patients previously managed in the same unit who had received conventional, delayed oral feeding served as controls.

RESULTS

Pharyngocutaneous fistulae developed in 20 per cent of the early feeding patients, compared with 15.4 per cent of the delayed oral feeding controls (p = 0.592). For patients who did not develop fistulae, hospitalisation was shorter in the early oral feeding group (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Early oral feeding for laryngectomy patients is recommended, both in developed and developing countries.