Harmful impact of treatment refusal in T3-4M0 endolaryngeal squamous cell carcinoma candidates for total laryngectomy: A STROBE analysis

Nivolumab immunotherapy rechallenge for progressive laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after failure of conventional treatment: A CARE case report

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of rechallenge with nivolumab as 5th-line therapy for locally and nodally failed laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma following conventional therapeutic modalities: radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

OBSERVATION

A 70-year-old male, with local and nodal progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after treatment with chemoradiotherapy and surgery, was initially treated for recurrence with carboplatin, 5-fluorouracile (FU) and cetuximab, followed by second-line nivolumab, and then two lines of conventional chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cetuximab followed by carboplatin and cetuximab. He underwent rechallenge with nivolumab in 5th line, achieving 12months' response, ongoing at the time of writing, and 42.5months' survival since initiation of exclusive systemic management after failure of conventional treatment.

CONCLUSION

This case report highlights the benefit of nivolumab rechallenge in 5th line following previous failure as stand-alone therapy in 2nd line for a patient with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma locally and nodally uncontrolled after conventional treatment. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of this approach are necessary to assess its contribution, as it is currently not a standard therapeutic option.

Sternohyoid or sternocleidomastoid muscle flap for tracheoesophageal puncture closure in irradiated patients: A CARE case series

INTRODUCTION

A novel technique for tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) closure is described in which the sternohyoid muscles are rotated and interposed between the tracheal and esophageal walls. The results of this technique are reported, following CARE guidelines, and compared with those obtained using the sternocleidomastoid flap. A literature review on the techniques previously described for TEP closure in irradiated patients is presented.

CASE SERIES

The novel technique was performed in six patients in whom the infrahyoid muscles were preserved during total laryngectomy. All received adjuvant radiotherapy. Successful closure was achieved in three cases; in one case a small leak was noted after initial closure and was successfully managed with simple sutures; and the other two failures occurred in patients with diabetes. The sternocleidomastoid flap was performed in five patients (only one with previous radiation) and success was achieved in two patients. In another patient a micro-fistular orifice appeared six months after the operation.

DISCUSSION

The sternohyoid muscles pose a low morbidity alternative to be considered in surgical TEP closure. Patient selection is a key factor to surgical success, and this technique should be reserved for small to moderate size fistulas and in the absence of multiple impaired wound healing conditions.

Survival Outcomes in T3 Laryngeal Cancers: Primary Total Laryngectomy vs. Concurrent Chemoradiation or Radiation Therapy-A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The management of cT3 laryngeal cancers remains controversial, with studies recommending surgical or non-surgical approaches. Despite the many papers that have been published on the subject, there is a lack of studies showing which treatment has better results in terms of survival.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the difference in survival outcomes following total laryngectomy (TL), concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) or radiation therapy (RT) alone in T3 laryngeal cancers.

METHODS

Search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases from 1995 to 2023 employing specific keywords and Boolean operators to retrieve relevant articles. Statistical analysis was conducted using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q-test and I2 statistic. Funnel plot asymmetry was assessed using rank correlation and regression tests.

RESULTS

The qualitative data synthesis comprised 10,940 patients from 16 included studies. TL was performed in 2149 (19.4%), CRT in 6723 (61.5%), RT in 295 (2.7%), while non-surgical treatment was not specified in 1773 (16.2%) patients. The pooled 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were TL = 73%, CRT = 74.7%, RT = 57.9%, 3-year OS rates were TL = 64.3%, CRT = 62.9%, RT = 52.4%, and 5-year OS rates were TL = 54.2%, CRT = 52.7%, RT = 40.8%. There was a significant heterogeneity in the included studies. There was no statistically significant difference in 2-year OS (logOR= -0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): -1.99 to 0.23), p = 0.12), 3-year OS (logOR = -0.6 (95% CI: -1.34 to 0.15), p = 0.11), and 5-year OS (logOR = -0.54 (95% CI: -1.29 to 0.21), p = 0.16) between TL and CRT. Instead, there was significant difference in 2-year OS (logOR= -1.2383 (95% CI: -2.1679 to -0.3087), p = 0.009), 3-year OS (-1.1262 (95% CI: -1.6166 to -0.6358), p < 0.001), and 5-year OS (-0.99 (95% CI: -1.44 to -0.53)), p < 0.001) between TL and RT alone.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

TL followed with adjuvant (chemo)radiation on indication and CRT with salvage surgery in reserve appear to have similar OS outcomes. Both resulted in better OS outcomes compared to RT alone in the treatment of T3 laryngeal cancers. If patients are unfit for chemotherapy, making CRT impossible, surgery may become the choice of treatment.