Quality of life and functional outcomes in the management of early glottic carcinoma: a systematic review of studies comparing radiotherapy and transoral laser microsurgery

Factors Impacting Provider Treatment Decision-Making in Early Glottic Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLMS) and radiotherapy (XRT) are mainstays of treatment for early glottic carcinoma (EGC). Here, we investigated case-dependent provider treatment preferences and identify factors which impact decision-making in EGC.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey of laryngologists, head-and-neck surgeons, and radiation oncologists presented five diagrammatic cases of progressively advanced EGC (T1/2, N0). Respondents indicated preference for TLMS or XRT and ranked factors which influenced their recommendation for each case. Analysis utilized descriptive statistics, Fischer's exact tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests for nonparametric data.

RESULTS

A total of 141 complete responses (69.5% laryngologists) were received. Most respondents practiced in academic settings (93.5%) and within multidisciplinary teams (94.0%). Anterior commissure involvement was the most important a priori tumor factor for case-independent treatment recommendation (Likert Scale: 4.22/5), followed by Laterality (Likert Scale: 4.02/5). Across all specialties, TLMS was recommended for unilateral T1a lesions. Laryngologists continued recommending TLMS in T2 lesions (41.0%) more than head-and-neck surgeons (5.0%) and radiation oncologists (0.0%). Across all cases, survival and voice outcomes were the most important clinical factors impacting treatment decisions. Radiation oncologists weighed voice more heavily than laryngologists in more complex presentations of EGC (rank: 1.6 vs. 2.7, Kruskall-Wallis: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In more complex clinical presentations of EGC, preference for TLMS compared to XRT differed across specialists, despite similar rankings of factors driving these treatment recommendations. This may be driven by differing experiences and viewpoints on case-dependent voice outcomes following TLMS versus XRT, suggesting a need for increased understanding of how tumor location and depth impact voice outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 134:3686-3694, 2024.

Spectro-acoustic voice parameters in transoral laser microsurgery vs exclusive radiotherapy for early-stage glottic carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

In early glottic squamous cell carcinoma, similar results have been described in terms of disease control between transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and radiation therapy (RT). During the past two decades, several studies compared subjective vocal outcomes of exclusive RT with those of TLM, showing a trend towards improving results for TLM over time. However, the objective differences in terms of spectro-acoustic voice parameters between exclusive RT and TLM have been less frequently investigated. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to evaluate voice quality after TLM and RT treatment for early glottic carcinoma, based on acoustic analysis parameters including jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio, fundamental frequency and maximum phonation time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A search of the English published literature was conducted on the Pubmed, Scopus and Cochrane databases following PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 441 titles were retrieved from the search. After full-text screening and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 12 articles were included. We found no significant differences between TLM and RT treatment in the considered acoustic analysis parameters, except for Shimmer, with more favorable values reported in the RT group.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the spread of the disease and expecting an improvement in long-term survival over time, well-designed and multicentric studies involving larger populations with a long-term follow up are mandatory to better assess objective voice outcomes in terms of spectro-acoustic voice parameters.

Individualized Dynamic Prediction Model for Patient-Reported Voice Quality in Early-Stage Glottic Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Early-stage glottic cancer (ESGC) is a malignancy of the head and neck. Besides disease control, preservation and improvement of voice quality are essential. To enable expectation management and well-informed decision-making, patients should be sufficiently counseled with individualized information on expected voice quality. This study aims to develop an individualized dynamic prediction model for patient-reported voice quality. This model should be able to provide individualized predictions at every time point from intake to the end of follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary cancer center.

METHODS

Patients treated for ESGC were included in this study (N = 294). The Voice Handicap Index was obtained prospectively. The framework of mixed and joint models was used. The prognostic factors used are treatment, age, gender, comorbidity, performance score, smoking, T-stage, and involvement of the anterior commissure. The overall performance of these models was assessed during an internal cross-validation procedure and presentation of absolute errors using box plots.

RESULTS

The mean age in this cohort was 67 years and 81.3% are male. Patients were treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (57.8%), single vocal cord irradiation up to (24.5), or local radiotherapy (17.5%). The mean follow-up was 43.4 months (SD 21.5). Including more measurements during prediction improves predictive performance. Including more clinical and demographic variables did not provide better predictions. Little differences in predictive performance between models were found.

CONCLUSION

We developed a dynamic individualized prediction model for patient-reported voice quality. This model has the potential to empower patients and professionals in making well-informed decisions and enables tailor-made counseling.

Voice After Cordectomy Type I or Type II or Radiation Therapy for Large T1a Glottic Cancer

OBJECTIVE

T_1a glottic cancer can be treated with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) or radiation therapy (RT). Dysphonia is the major disadvantage of TLM, and preservation of voice appears to be the best advantage of RT compared to TLM. Studies on voice outcomes of both options gave conflicting results, but there is a tendency toward better voice outcome after TLM compared to the past.

STUDY DESIGN

Nonrandomized retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

METHODS

In total, 172 patients with a cancer lesion involving more than two-thirds of 1 membranous vocal fold underwent cordectomy type I (n = 56) (C1 group) or type II (n = 59) (C2 group) or RT (n = 57) (RT group). GRBASI (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain, instability), videolaryngostroboscopy, Voice Handicap Index-30, acoustic analysis including F0, jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio, cepstral peak prominence, and cepstral spectral index of dysphonia using running speech, and aerodynamic analysis were performed before treatment and 6 and 24 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Study groups did not differ significantly on pretreatment voice outcomes (P > .05). The RT group had significantly better voice outcomes at 6 months posttreatment compared to the C1 and C2 groups (P < .05). The C1 group had significantly better voice outcomes at 6 months posttreatment compared to the C2 group (P < .05). The C1 group had significantly better voice outcomes at 24 months posttreatment compared to the RT and C2 groups (P < .05). The RT and C2 groups did not differ significantly at 24 months posttreatment (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Voice outcomes after C2 are equal to RT. C1 has better voice outcomes than RT. C1 and C2 can be the treatment of choice for large T_1a glottic cancers.

Longitudinal Patient-Reported Voice Quality in Early-Stage Glottic Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Patient-reported voice quality is an important outcome during counseling in early-stage glottic cancer. However, there is a paucity of adequate longitudinal studies concerning voice outcomes. This study aimed to investigate longitudinal trajectories for patient-reported voice quality and associated risk factors for treatment modalities such as transoral CO₂ laser microsurgery, single vocal cord irradiation, and local radiotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN

A longitudinal observational cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary cancer center.

METHODS

Patients treated for Tcis-T1b, N0M0 glottic cancer were included in this study (N = 294). The Voice Handicap Index was obtained at baseline and during follow-up (N = 1944). Mixed-effects models were used for investigating the different trajectories for patient-reported voice quality.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration was 43.4 (SD 21.5) months. Patients received transoral CO₂ laser microsurgery (57.8%), single vocal cord irradiation (24.5%), or local radiotherapy (17.5%). A steeper improvement during the first year after treatment for single vocal cord irradiation (-15.7) and local radiotherapy (-12.4) was seen, compared with a more stable trajectory for laser surgery (-6.1). All treatment modalities showed equivalent outcomes during long-term follow-up. Associated risk factors for different longitudinal trajectories were age, tumor stage, and comorbidity.

CONCLUSION

Longitudinal patient-reported voice quality after treatment for early-stage glottic cancer is heterogeneous and nonlinear. Most improvement is seen during the first year of follow-up and differs between treatment modalities. No clinically significant differences in long-term trajectories were found. Insight into longitudinal trajectories can enhance individual patient counseling and provide the foundation for an individualized dynamic prediction model.

Clinical and Therapeutic Considerations for Older Adults with Head and Neck Cancer

Approximately 30% of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at least 70 years of age, and this percentage is expected to increase as the population increases and lives longer. Elderly patients are underrepresented in head and neck oncology clinical trials, and there is minimal evidence on the management of HNSCC for this population. Subsequently, despite their best intentions, physicians may unknowingly recommend an ill-suited course of therapy, which may result in suboptimal oncological or functional outcomes or adverse events. Surgical approaches have the potential to carry a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in older adults, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities. Definitive radiation therapy treatment in patients with HNSCC frequently involves 7 weeks of daily radiation, sometimes with concurrent chemotherapy, and this demanding treatment can be difficult for older adult patients, which may lead to treatment interruptions, potential removal of concurrent systemic therapy, compromised outcomes, and diminished quality of life. There are clinical trials currently underway investigating altered fractionation regimens and novel, less toxic systemic treatments in this population. This review provides an overview of how best to approach an older adult with HNSCC, from initial work-up to treatment selection.

Voice Outcome After Carbon Dioxide Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Glottic Cancer According to the European Laryngological Society Classification of Cordectomy Types - A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Voice outcome after carbon dioxide transoral laser microsurgery (CO2TOLMS) for glottic cancer is of prime importance. However, a comprehensive overview according to the European Laryngological Society (ELS) classification of cordectomies is still lacking. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize data on voice outcome associated with individual types of ELS glottic cordectomy after CO2TOLMS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. The initial search identified 936 records of which 25 publications were then included. Voice outcome data (Voice Handicap Index [VHI] version 30, grade of dysphonia [G] and maximum phonation time [MPT]) were extracted per resection type. Weighted averages were calculated.

RESULTS

Data show a gradual increase in the VHI scores although they were still similar for all cordectomy types (range 14.2 to 21.5). The grade of dysphonia showed a gradual increase with increasing resection depth (range 1.0 to 1.9). There was a gradual decrease in the MPT (range 15.2 to 7.2).

CONCLUSION

Voice outcome is related to cordectomy type with mild dysphonia characterizing ELS type I, II and III cordectomies, while more extended cordectomies (ELS type IV, V and VI) result in moderate dysphonia and shortness of breath during phonation. The voice handicap experienced by patients is limited even in the more extended cordectomies.

Single vocal cord irradiation for early-stage glottic cancer: Excellent local control and favorable toxicity profile

OBJECTIVE

To validate the earlier reported promising oncologic outcomes and favorable toxicity profile following single vocal cord irradiation (SVCI) in an expanded cohort of patients with early-stage glottic cancer treated at our institute with longer follow-up time.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 2011 and January 2020, 111 consecutive patients with early-stage glottic cancer were treated with SVCI to the whole involved vocal cord (58.08 Gy, given in 16 fractions of 3.63 Gy). Setup verification was done using cone-beam CT, prior to each fraction. The endpoints were local control (LC), overall survival (OS), grade ≥ 3 toxicity and voice quality assessment using voice-handicap index (VHI) questionnaires.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 41 months (range; 8-84). Two patients developed in-field local failure (LF). The 3- and 5-year LC rates were 99.1% and 97.1%, respectively. As both patients with LF were successfully salvaged with total laryngectomy, the 5-year ultimate LC-rates was 99%. The 5-years OS was 80.6%. All patients finished treatment without any interruption. No patients developed acute grade ≥ 3 toxicity. Late grade 3 toxicity was reported in 7 patients (6.5%) out of 108 patients evaluable for late toxicity; 2 because of severe hoarseness and 5 because of laryngeal radionecrosis (4.5%). The 5-years laryngectomy-free survival was 98.1%. The VHI-scores improved over time, only 22% of patients had VHI > 30 at 3-years post-radiotherapy, compared to 38% at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Local control rate and laryngectomy-free survival of SVCI are excellent with favorable toxicity profile and good VHI-score. These results validate our early results.

Long-term Oncologic Results and Voice Outcomes in Patients With Glottic Cancer After Modified Type III Cordectomy

OBJECTIVE

Transoral laser microsurgery and radiotherapy provide high and comparable cure rates for the treatment of early glottic cancer. However, the voice outcomes after treatment remain controversial. A modified type III cordectomy technique was proposed in 2006, and preliminary results showed it to be an oncologically safe method with satisfactory voice outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate oncologic and voice outcomes after long-term follow-up of these patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary care academic center.

METHODS

Between 2006 and 2018, 42 patients with glottic cancer underwent a modified type III cordectomy. This technique resected the tumor and upper part of the vocal folds and preserved the lower part of the vocalis muscle as a scaffold to improve glottis closure. The oncologic results and voice outcomes were evaluated at a median follow-up of 68 months.

RESULTS

The primary tumor stages included 13 T1 (31%), 26 T2 (64%), and 3 T3 (7%). Eight patients (19%) had local recurrence, and 6 underwent successful salvage with transoral laser microsurgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy with laryngeal preservation. The 5-year rate of local control was 80%; laryngeal preservation, 95%; overall survival, 89%; and disease-specific survival, 97%. The final laryngeal preservation rate was 95% (40/42). The voice outcomes were satisfactory and comparable to those of patients who underwent type I and II cordectomies.

CONCLUSION

The modified type III cordectomy has been proven to be an oncologically safe method with satisfactory voice outcomes after long-term follow-up in selected cases of early glottic cancer.

Quality of life following treatment for T1a glottic cancer with surgery or radiotherapy: outcomes from the Head and Neck 5000 cohort

INTRODUCTION

Recent guidelines have stated transoral laser microsurgery be recommended for the management of T1a glottic carcinoma over radiotherapy. If radiotherapy offered superior quality of life (QoL) outcomes, this guidance would need revisiting. There is a paucity of good quality evidence on QoL outcomes.

DESIGN

This prospective cohort study aims to assess generic and disease specific patient reported QoL in patients treated with either surgery or RT for T1a glottic carcinoma.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were recruited as part of the multicentre, prospective Head and Neck 5000 cohort between 2011 and 2014.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Baseline demographic data were collected. All participants completed the EORTC QLQ C30 and EORTC QLQ H&N35 questionnaires at baseline, 4 months, 12 months, and after 36 months.

RESULTS

123 participants received radiotherapy only (n=68) or surgery only (n=55). Overall QoL scores were similar between both groups. The median (IQR) EORTC QLQ C30 summary scores at 12 months were 89.3 (79.1, 95.7) and 92.6 (74.4, 97.9) for the radiotherapy and surgery groups respectively. The equivalent summary scores for the EORTC QLQ H&N35 were 91.9 (83.8, 94.9) and 90.4 (85.5, 94.9). There was a modest difference in some QoL subscales between the groups but no differences existed beyond 4 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient reported QoL is similar following either radiotherapy or surgery for T1a glottic carcinoma. This data supports current guidance recommended TLM for this disease.

Impact of Transoral Radiofrequency Microsurgery and Radiotherapy on Long-term Swallowing Function in Patients with T1 Glottic Carcinoma

To compare the impact of transoral radiofrequency microsurgery (TRM) and radiotherapy (RT) on long-term swallowing function in patients with T1 glottic carcinoma. A total of 41 cases of T1 glottic carcinoma treated with TRM or RT alone more than 5 years ago were collected, including 17 cases treated with TRM (TRM group) and 24 cases treated with RT (RT group). The Chinese version of the Swallowing Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (CSWAL-QOL) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study results at the last follow-up (more than 5 years after TRM or RT) were assessed. The TRM group scored significantly better than the RT group on overall CSWAL-QOL, the Frequency score, and 6 out of 10 CSWAL-QOL dimensions. The RT group scored significantly better than the TRM group only on the Communication dimension. The dysphagia score (DS) and penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) score of the TRM group were better than those of the RT group. The overall CSWAL-QOL score, the Frequency score, DS, and PAS scores were not significantly different between patients who received conventional radiotherapy and patients who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The RT dose was correlated with the DS. TRM provides better swallowing outcomes as compared to RT in management of early glottic cancer. In addition, there is a correlation between RT dose and dysphagia. Prospective studies should be conducted to further evaluate the impact of TRM and RT on swallowing function.

Vocal-cord Only vs. Complete Laryngeal radiation (VOCAL): a randomized multicentric Bayesian phase II trial

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy, along with laser surgery, is considered a standard treatment option for patients with early glottic squamous cell cancer (SCC). Historically, patients have received complete larynx radiotherapy (CL-RT) due to fear of swallowing and respiratory laryngeal motion and this remains the standard approach in many academic institutions. Local control (LC) rates with CL-RT have been excellent, however this treatment can carry significant toxicities include adverse voice and swallowing outcomes, along with increased long-term risk of cerebrovascular morbidity. A recent retrospective study reported improved voice quality and similar local control outcomes with focused vocal cord radiotherapy (VC-RT) compared to CL-RT. There is currently no prospective evidence on the safety of VC-RT. The primary objective of this Bayesian Phase II trial is to compare the LC of VC-RT to that of CL-RT in patients with T1N0 glottic SCC.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty-five patients with T1a-b N0 SCC of the true vocal cords that are n ot candidate or declined laser surgery, will be randomized in a 1:3 ratio the control arm (CL-RT) and the experimental arm (VC-RT). Randomisation will be stratified by tumor stage (T1a/T1b) and by site (each site will be allowed to select one preferred radiation dose regimen, to be used in both arms). CL-RT volumes will correspond to the conventional RT volumes, with the planning target volume extending from the top of thyroid cartilage lamina superiorly to the bottom of the cricoid inferiorly. VC-RT volumes will include the involved vocal cord(s) and a margin accounting for respiration and set-up uncertainty. The primary endpoint will be LC at 2-years, while secondary endpoints will include patient-reported outcomes (voice impairment, dysphagia and symptom burden), acute and late toxicity radiation-induced toxicity, overall survival, progression free survival, as well as an optional component of acoustic and objective measures of voice analysis using the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice.

DISCUSSION

This study would constitute the first prospective evidence on the efficacy and safety of VC-RT in early glottic cancer. If positive, this study would result in the adoption of VC-RT as standard approach in early glottic cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03759431 Registration date: November 30, 2018.

Evolution of voice after transoral laser cordectomy for precancerous lesions and early glottic cancer

Purpose

To evaluate voice quality evolution after a transoral laser cordectomy (TLC) for precancerous lesions and early glottic cancer.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 18 patients scheduled for TLC for high-grade dysplasia, Tis, T1, and T2 glottic squamous cell cancers, from May 2017 to March 2020. Patients were grouped according to the extent of TLC: Group I (n = 11, 61.1%): unilateral subepithelial or subligamental cordectomy; Group II (n = 7, 38.9%): unilateral transmuscular, total, or extended cordectomy. Voice quality parameters, including dysphonia grade (G), roughness (R), breathiness (B), maximal phonation time (MPT), jitter, and shimmer, were evaluated before, and at 6 weeks and 6 months after the TLC.

Results

In Group I, the degree of G and R items remained without substantial improvement 6 weeks after surgery; however, improved above the pre-surgery level up to 6 months after surgery. The MPT, jitter, and shimmer did not change significantly at 6 weeks or 6 months post-TLC. In Group II, G, R, and B remained significantly impaired even 6 months post-surgery. Jitter, and shimmer worsened at 6 weeks, but reached preoperative levels at 6 months post-surgery. MPT was significantly worse at 6 weeks and remained deteriorated at 6 months post-surgery. All measured parameters were significantly worse in Group II than in Group I at 6 weeks and 6 months post-surgery. No patient required a phonosurgical procedure.

Conclusion

After a TLC, voice quality evolution depended on the extent of surgery. It did not improve at 6 weeks post-surgery. Improvements in less extent cordectomies occurred between 6 weeks and 6 months post-surgery. Understanding voice development over time is important for counseling patients when considering phonosurgical procedures.

T1a Glottic Cancer: Advances in Vocal Outcome Assessment after Transoral CO2-Laser Microsurgery Using the VEM

Patients with unilateral vocal fold cancer (T1a) have a favorable prognosis. In addition to the oncological results of CO₂ transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), voice function is among the outcome measures. Previous early glottic cancer studies have reported voice function in patients grouped into combined T stages (Tis, T1, T2) and merged cordectomy types (lesser- vs. larger-extent cordectomies). Some authors have questioned the value of objective vocal parameters. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory prospective study was to investigate TOLMS-associated oncological and vocal outcomes in 60 T1a patients, applying the ELS protocols for cordectomy classification and voice assessment. Pre- and postoperative voice function analysis included: Vocal Extent Measure (VEM), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), auditory-perceptual assessment (GRB), and 9-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI-9i). Altogether, 51 subjects (43 male, eight female, mean age 65 years) completed the study. The 5-year recurrence-free, overall, and disease-specific survival rates (Kaplan–Meier method) were 71.4%, 94.4%, and 100.0%. Voice function was preserved; the objective parameter VEM (64 ± 33 vs. 83 ± 31; mean ± SD) and subjective vocal measures (G: 1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7; VHI-9i: 18 ± 8 vs. 9 ± 9) even improved significantly (p < 0.001). The VEM best reflected self-perceived voice impairment. It represents a sensitive measure of voice function for quantification of vocal performance.

Shared Decision-making in Head and Neck Surgery: A Review

Importance

Shared decision-making is a partnership between physicians and patients whereby patient values and preferences are incorporated with the best medical evidence. Shared decision-making may reduce decisional conflict, improve value-choice congruence, and increase patient involvement. Despite potential benefit in many key areas of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, both clinical and research focuses on shared decision-making are scarce. Head and neck surgical oncology is of particular interest owing to the frequency by which preference-sensitive decisions must be made. Information used in this review was obtained between January 1 and February 1, 2020.

Observations

Various conceptual models have been developed in an attempt to define the concept of shared decision-making. More than 40 instruments have endeavored to measure the construct of shared decision-making. However, in head and neck surgery, few studies to date have explicitly done so. Situations of clinical equipoise, such as in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules and in the treatment of laryngeal cancer, are frequent. In contrast, value-option incongruence may occur when patient values do not align with the most oncologically sound treatment choice, such as when the resection and reconstruction of oral cancer may leave patients with significant sequelae. Several patient decision aids have been developed to improve shared decision-making in specific clinical scenarios, for example, in considering total laryngectomy or primary chemoradiotherapy.

Conclusions and Relevance

Despite its potential benefit, there is a dearth of research and clinical applications of shared decision-making in head and neck surgery. Shared decision-making represents an area of substantial need in this regard, and additional efforts should be put forth.

To what extent has the last two decades seen significant progress in the management of older patients with head and neck cancer?

INTRODUCTION

Life expectancy is rising and consequently also the number of older patients with head and neck cancer. Different treatment regimens are often applied for older patients. The aim of this study is to investigate how treatment patterns and survival rates have changed over the past 20 years in older patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

MATERIALS

Patient and tumour characteristics, treatment and 5-year survival data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry of patients aged ≥60 years diagnosed with HNSCC in 1990-1995 and 2010-2015 were compared using chi-square test and relative survival analysis.

RESULTS

Data of 14,114 patients were analyzed. Oral cavity cancer treatment did not change over time, while survival improved from 54% to 58% (p = 0.03). Oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer treatment shifted towards non-surgical, with survival improving from 31% to 51% (p < 0.01) and 26% to 34% (p < 0.01), respectively. Laryngeal cancer treatment changed towards surgery in stage I and non-surgical treatment in stage III and IV disease. Survival in laryngeal cancer stage I remained stable and favorable at a relative survival rate of around 90%. Survival non-significantly changed from 54% to 49% for stage III disease and from 37% to 33% for disease.

CONCLUSION

Relative survival increased for all head and neck cancer sites in older patients, except for laryngeal cancer. For oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and advanced laryngeal cancer, a shift towards non-surgical treatment modalities was observed.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy and surgery compared to standard radiotherapy in early glottic cancer

PURPOSE

Early-stage glottic laryngeal cancer is treated with surgery or radiotherapy (RT), but limited randomized data exists to support one modality over the other. This study evaluates survival differences in early glottic cancer patients treated with either surgery or RT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

14,498 patients with early glottic cancer diagnosed from 2004 to 2015 and treated with surgery or RT were identified in the National Cancer Database. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze differences in overall survival (OS) by treatment (surgery vs. RT) and radiation dose fractionation. Cox regression modeling and propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis were performed. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed.

RESULTS

Median follow-up and median OS for all patients were 49.5 and 118 months, respectively. The estimated 5-year OS for surgery and RT was 77.5% and 72.6%, respectively (P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, aHR (95% CI) for surgery compared to RT was 0.87 (0.81-0.94, P = 0.0004). Compared to RT regimen 63-67.5 Gray (Gy) in 28-30 fractions, worse survival was noted for RT regimen 66-70 Gy in 33-35 fractions (aHR 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.23, P = 0.0003). When compared with hypofractionated RT (63-67.5 Gy in 28-30 fractions), patients undergoing surgery no longer showed improved OS (aHR 0.94, 95% CI 0.86-1.02, P = 0.154). The finding was confirmed on PSM analysis (surgery aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87-1.05, P = 0.322).

CONCLUSION

In early glottic tumors, patients treated with surgery demonstrated improved survival compared to RT, but when hypofractionation was considered, there were no significant differences in OS between patients undergoing surgery or RT.

Occult Lymph Node Metastasis in Early-Stage Glottic Cancer in the National Cancer Database

OBJECTIVES

Early-stage glottic cancer (cT1-T2 cN0) may be treated by primary surgery or radiation. Elective treatment of the neck in clinically N0 disease is usually not performed due to low rates of regional lymph node metastasis. This study examines the role of elective neck dissection (END) and rate of occult nodal metastasis in cT1-T2 cN0 glottic cancer treated with primary surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients treated for early-stage glottic cancer. Demographic variables, disease characteristics, and overall survival were compared between the subgroups of patients who did and did not receive END. Factors predictive of occult lymph node metastasis were also identified using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight percent of the 991 patients in this cohort underwent END. Younger age, treatment at an academic facility, advanced T-stage, and higher tumor grade were associated with receiving END. Sixteen percent of the 372 patients undergoing END had occult nodal metastasis. Higher tumor histopathologic grade was associated with occult metastasis (P = .004). While undergoing END did not affect significantly survival, those with occult metastasis had poorer survival (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

END should be considered in cT1-T2 N0 glottic cancers with poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumor histopathology. While END itself may not improve overall survival, identification of occult nodal metastasis is an important finding for prognostication.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1139-E1146, 2021.

Voice Quality, Function, and Quality of Life for Laryngeal Cancer: A Prospective Longitudinal Study Up to 24 Months Following Radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To study the potential changes of health-related quality of life (HRQL), voice quality, and communicative function up to 24 months following radiotherapy for patients with laryngeal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 28 patients with laryngeal cancer, treated by curatively intended radiotherapy were included in this prospective longitudinal descriptive study. Patients were followed pre-radiotherapy, 12 months, and 24 months post-radiotherapy. At each time point, voice recordings and patient-reported outcome instruments (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire Core30, Head and Neck35, Swedish Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences after Laryngeal Cancer) were completed. Perceptual analysis using the Grade-Roughness-Breathiness-Asthenia-Strain was performed using the voice recordings.

RESULTS

Voice quality remains inferior to the voices of healthy controls both before and up to 24 months post-radiotherapy, demonstrating no statistically significant changes during the study period. Self-perceived communicative function revealed a trend toward improvement. Health-related quality of life remains mostly at stable levels, however, with statistically significant deterioration regarding dry mouth and sticky saliva. Generally, patients reported inferior scores compared to a normal population.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated no statistically significant changes over time in HRQL and perceptual voice quality at pre-radiotherapy compared to 24 months post-radiotherapy. However, the values remain inferior to the voices of healthy controls or a normal population.

Could the infiltration of the thyroarytenoid muscle define the pT2 glottic carcinoma?

BACKGROUND

The involvement of the thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle by glottic cancer may be related to an impaired vocal cord mobility, which is classified as cT2 disease. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the prognostic significance of TA muscle involvement in early glottic cancer treated with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).

METHODS

A review was conducted on a cohort of 209 patients consecutively treated with TLM for early glottic carcinoma. Univariate analysis was used to examine the prognostic meaning of clinical and pathological parameters.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis showed that TA muscle infiltration correlated significantly with a worse prognosis in terms of recurrence rate and disease-free survival, and this was confirmed even in the subcohort with pT1a glottic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary findings suggest that it could be considered as a criterion for upstaging a glottic cancer from pT1 to pT2.

Oncological and functional outcomes following transoral laser microsurgery in patients with T2a vs T2b glottic squamous cell carcinoma

Background

There is a paucity of evidence comparing oncological and voice outcomes between T2a and T2b glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients treated with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM). This study identified functional and oncological outcomes in this cohort.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients treated with TLM for T2 glottic SCC from 2003 to 2017.

Results

In total, 75 patients were included. Five-year local control rates were significantly different between T2a and T2b patients (75.2% vs 57.0%, p = 0.022). There was no difference in five-year survival between patients with T2a disease and T2b disease (69.5% vs 73.4%, p = 0.627). There was no significant difference in mean VHI-10 scores in the pre-operative period (18.3 vs 21.4, p = 0.409). However, patients with T2b disease had significantly worse perceived voice outcomes post-operatively (6.6 vs 21.3 p = 0.001). Patients with T2a disease saw significant improvements in mean VHI-10 scores following surgery (18.3 vs 6.6, p = 0.000), while T2b patients did not (21.4 vs 21.3, p = 0.979). The overall laryngeal preservation rate was 94.7%, with 11.5% of T2b patients requiring salvage organ sacrifice.

Conclusions

This study highlights positive functional outcomes for T2a glottic SCC. Patients with T2b disease appear to have significantly worse oncological and functional outcomes, including worse voice quality following surgery and higher rates of salvage laryngectomy.

Longitudinal analysis of Voice Handicap Index in early glottic cancer patients treated with transoral laser microsurgery: age, gender, stage and time dependence

Objectives

Transoral laser microsurgery is an increasingly common treatment modality for glottic carcinoma. This study aimed to determine the effect of age, gender, stage and time on voice-related quality of life using the Voice Handicap Index-10.

Methods

Primary early glottic carcinoma patients treated with transoral laser microsurgery were included in the study. Self-reported Voice Handicap Index testing was completed pre-operatively, three months post-operatively, and yearly at follow-up appointments.

Results

Voice Handicap Index improvement was found to be dependent on age and tumour stage, while no significant differences were found in Voice Handicap Index for gender. Voice Handicap Index score was significantly improved at 12 months and 24 months. Time versus Voice Handicap Index modelling revealed a preference for non-linear over linear regression.

Conclusion

Age and stage are important factors, as younger patients with more advanced tumours show greater voice improvement post-operatively. Patient's Voice Handicap Index is predicted to have 95 per cent of maximal improvement by 5.5 months post-operatively.

Voice Outcomes After Radiation for Early-Stage Laryngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVES

Radiation treatment for laryngeal cancer has been shown to cause tissue changes to the vocal folds, which can result in degradation of voice. Our objective in this study was to investigate changes in perceptual, acoustic, and patient-reported outcomes over an extended period of follow-up after radiation.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

METHODS

All patients treated with radiation for early-stage laryngeal carcinoma (in situ, T1, or T2) by a single surgeon from 2011-2018 were reviewed. Demographics and treatment information were recorded. Only patients with at least two dates of follow-up with acoustic data (cepstral spectral index of dysphonia [CSID]) and patient-reported surveys (voice handicap index-10 [VHI-10]) were included. Voice samples were rated by two senior speech-language pathologists on the grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain scale.

RESULTS

Of 115 patients with early-stage laryngeal cancer, 31 patients met inclusion criteria. The average follow-up from time of treatment was 9.6 years (range 3.0-20.3 years), and the average time in between the first and last voice recordings was 2.6 years (range 0.3-5.5 years). The lesions represented were carcinoma in situ (n = 4), T1 (n = 22), and T2 (n = 5). The VHI-10 scores worsened slightly (mean increase +0.27, median +1) from first to last measurements as did the CSID score (median increase +7.0, median +7.4), though neither reached statistical significance when correlated with time since radiation (P = 0.269 and P = 0.0850). Perceptual analysis as rated by two speech-language pathologists raters showed excellent inter-rater reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84), with no significant change over time (mean +0.39, median, with P = 0.347). Grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain, VHI-10, and CSID were all correlated (all pairwise comparisons P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Perceptual, acoustic, and patient-reported outcomes years after radiation for early-stage laryngeal cancer do not show voice degradation over time in this preliminary analysis. Further research with a larger cohort may elucidate voice changes in this population.

Functional outcomes in early (T1/T2) supraglottic cancer: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Organ preserving surgery (OPS) and radiotherapy (RT) are both accepted treatment options for early stage supraglottic cancer (SGC). Radiation has supplanted surgery in most cases, because of the perception that surgery results in poorer functional outcomes. However, evidence suggests that OPS with a neck dissection may be associated with improved survival. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of the literature to compare functional outcomes of OPS and RT for early SGC.

METHODS

We searched Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify studies. Studies were included if they reported functional outcomes on 10 or more patients with early stage SGC treated with radiation or OPS, including open partial laryngectomy, transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) or transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Two reviewers independently screened articles for relevance using pre-determined criteria.

RESULTS

From 7720 references, we included 10 articles (n = 640 patients). 50% (n = 320) of patients were treated with surgery. Three head-to-head RT versus OPS papers were included, however different outcome measures were used for each group. Intractable aspiration management (including total laryngectomy or permanent tracheostomy) following OPS was reported in five papers representing 186 patients; the definitive intractable aspiration management rate was 2.6% (95% CI 1.0-6.8%). Four papers reported permanent G-tube rate for the surgical group (n = 198), calculating a rate of 5.3% (95% CI 2.6-10.5%), this was not reported for the RT group in any papers. One study reported quality of life. Two studies reported objective voice measures.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review revealed a paucity of objective measures and significant data heterogeneity, rendering the comparison of functional outcomes following OPS versus RT for early SGC limited. Future research should include objective measures of functional outcomes including laryngectomy rate, g-tube rate, tracheostomy dependence, quality of life, and voice quality measures.

Community listeners' perceptions of voice function post-radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer

PURPOSE

Successful communication is influenced by communication partners, the community and communication environment. This study examines community members' perceptions of voice function following laryngeal cancer management compared to ratings by clinicians and patients.

METHOD

Sixty-six (Tis-T3) laryngeal cancer patients post-radiotherapy, 10 community members and three speech-language pathologists (clinicians) were recruited. Patients completed voice recordings and self-rated voice quality and acceptability, six months post-radiotherapy. Community members and clinicians rated patient voice recordings using (a) Voice Quality/Acceptability questionnaire, (b) Communicative Suitability Scale (voice function in different vocally demanding environments) and (c) a gender perception question.

RESULT

Ratings for voice quality differed significantly (p < 0.001) between community members and clinicians and approached significance (p= 0.08) between community members and patients. No significant difference for voice acceptability was noted between community members and clinicians/patients. Community members rated the irradiated voice significantly different (p ≤ 0.02) across communication environments with more vocally demanding environments being rated as "Barely Sufficient". Incorrect sex identification (gender perception) occurred with 25% of females.

CONCLUSION

Community communication partners identify functional voice impairments post-radiotherapy, particularly across more vocally demanding environments and for female speakers. Implications for voice rehabilitation including appropriate patient selection is highlighted.

Variation in prognosis of early laryngeal carcinoma after different types of cordectomy with transoral laser microsurgery

BACKGROUND

The lack of standardized treatment is problematic in laser surgery for laryngeal cancer, and may result in an increased recurrence rate. This study analyzed the prognosis of early laryngeal carcinoma after different types of cordectomy with laser surgery.

METHODS

A cohort of 818 patients with stage Tis or T1 primary early glottic squamous cell carcinoma treated with CO₂ laser surgery was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 818 patients, According to the Kaplan-Meier method, the rate of 5-year overall survival was 92.8%, and the rates for 5-year disease-specific survival and 5-year locoregional control were 96.9% and 91.3%, respectively. Among the T1 patients, type II cordectomy with laser surgery had a significant impact on the 5-year locoregional control rate, but no obvious impact on the 5-year overall survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS

There must be sufficient depth and extent of excision in T1 patientsand in early carcinoma especially those with possible microinvasive carcinoma.

Voice Profile Recovery and Quality of Life Changes After Microdirect Laryngoscopy in Three Categories of Glottis Lesions: Benign, Precancerous, and Malignant

The aim of the study was comparison of voice and life quality after microdirect laryngoscopy in three patient histopathological categories: benign, precancerous, and malignant glottic lesions. A totalnof 137 patients treated with microdirect laryngoscopy were included in the study. Each patient was evaluated with a multidimensional protocol before and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Final 1-year evaluations were achieved in 74.5% (102). The assessment included laryngovideostroboscopy (LVS), perceptual (GRBAS) grading, aerodynamic measures including maximum phonation time and phonation quotient and acoustic measurements (Kay Elemetrics Multi-Speech program), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaire; and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQoL-BREF). An improvement in mean value of LVS ratings was obtained in all three groups; however, only in benign lesion group was it consistently statistically significant for each time period (P < 0.001). Perceptual evaluation revealed significant improvement of G, R, and B parameters in benign lesions for each time period. In malignant neoplasms R and B parameters improved 3 and 6 months post microsurgery. In patients with benign lesions the maximum phonation time increased, but the improvement was significant only after 3 months. The acoustic parameters improved in all three groups. VHI significantly improved in patients with benign lesions after 3 and 12 months. VHI in the malignant neoplasm group significantly worsened on the first follow-up visit. Considering quality of life (QoL) results, only in patients with benign lesions was there a significant improvement in overall assessment of their QoL and general health.

Dose de-escalation to the normal larynx using conformal radiotherapy reduces toxicity while maintaining oncologic outcome for T1/T2 glottic cancer

We evaluated the efficacy of dose de-escalation to the normal larynx using conformal radiotherapy (CRT) for T1/T2 glottic cancer. For conventional RT (2DRT, n = 38), the laryngeal box received a median equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) of 66 Gy. For CRT (n = 42; 3D-CRT, 20; intensity-modulated RT, 22), clinical target volume (CTV)1 (gross tumor with a 3-mm margin) and CTV2 (laryngeal box) received median EQD2s of 66.6 Gy and 52.2 Gy, respectively. With a 71-month median follow-up, five-year local control and overall survival rates for 2DRT vs. CRT were 88.1% vs. 95.1% (p = 0.405) and 94.7% vs. 90.7% (p = 0.102), respectively. Grade 2 and 3 pharyngitis rates were 52.6% and 5.3% for 2DRT vs. 35.7% and 2.4% for CRT (p = 0.121). Grade 2 and 3 dermatitis rates were 42.1% and 2.6% for 2DRT vs. 35.7% and 0% for CRT (p = 0.013). The maximum phonation time increased from 12.1 ± 7.1 to 14.0 ± 6.6 seconds after 2DRT (p = 0.375) and from 12.0 ± 5.5 to 13.8 ± 10.1 seconds after CRT (p = 0.313). Fundamental frequency decreased from 150.6 ± 40.3 to 121.9 ± 30.2 Hz after 2DRT (p = 0.039) and from 138.5 ± 31.9 to 126.1 ± 23.7 Hz after CRT (p = 0.058). CRT can effectively de-escalate the normal larynx dose while maintaining oncologic outcome and voice quality.

Conventional fractionation should not be the standard of care for T2 glottic cancer

Background

The aim of this study was to report outcomes and late toxicity following hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy for T2 glottic cancers. We highlight the importance of hypofractionated treatments with shorter overall treatment times, in improving outcomes for T2 glottic cancers. We also compare the biologically effective dose of hypofractionated regimes, with conventional fractionation.

Methods

One hundred twelve patients with T2 glottic cancer were treated between January 1999 and December 2005. All patients were prescribed a hypofractionated accelerated radiotherapy dose of 52.5 Gray in 3.28 Gray per fraction, delivered over 22 days. Radiobiological calculations were used to assess the relationship of fraction size and overall treatment time on local control outcomes and late toxicity.

Results

The 5-year overall survival was 67%, the 5-year local control was 82%, and the 5-year disease-specific survival was 90%. The respective 5-year local control for T2a and T2b disease was 88.8 and 70.8% (p = 0.032). Severe late toxicity occurred in two patients (1.8%). Radiobiological calculations showed an increase in local control of nearly 12%, with a 10 Gray increase in biologically effective dose.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that accelerated hypofractionated regimes have improved local control and similar late toxicity compared with conventional fractionation schedules. This supports the use of hypofractionated regimes as the standard of care for early glottic laryngeal cancers.

Outcomes of transoral laser microsurgical management of T1b stage glottic cancer

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the oncological and voice outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery for tumour stage T1b stage glottic cancer patients.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study in a tertiary care head and neck cancer centre included tumour–node–metastasis stage T1bN0M0 glottic cancer patients scheduled to undergo transoral laser microsurgery from January 2002 until June 2014. Kaplan–Meier five-year analyses of local control, overall survival, disease-specific survival and laryngeal preservation were performed. Voice Handicap Index-10 scores and maximum phonation times were also recorded.

Results:

Twenty-one participants with a mean age of 66.8 years were enrolled. The mean follow up was 56.5 months. Kaplan–Meier 5-year survival analysis illustrated a local control rate of 82 per cent, overall survival of 88 per cent, disease-specific survival of 100 per cent, and laryngeal preservation of 100 per cent. The pre-operative Voice Handicap Index-10 score was 19.1 ± 9.47 (mean ± standard deviation (SD)) and the post-operative scores were 13.5 ± 9.29 at three months, 10.44 ± 9.70 at one year and 5.83 ± 4.91 at two years. The pre-operative maximum phonation time was 16.23 ± 5.46 seconds (mean ± SD) and the post-operative values were 14.44 ± 6.73 seconds at three months, 15.27 ± 5.71 seconds at one year and 14.33 ± 6.44 seconds at two years.

Conclusion:

Transoral laser microsurgery yields relatively high rates of oncological control and acceptable voice outcomes, and thus shows utility as a primary treatment modality for T1b glottic cancer.

Evidence and evidence gaps of laryngeal cancer surgery

Surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer has been established for decades. In addition to total laryngectomy, which was first performed in 1873, a large number or organ preservation surgical techniques, like open partial laryngectomy, transoral laser microsurgery, and transoral robotic surgery have been developed. Studies on laryngeal cancer surgery are mainly retrospective case series and cohort studies. The evolution of chemoradiation protocols and their analysis in prospective randomized trials have led to an increasing acceptance of non-surgical treatment procedures. In addition to an improvement of prognosis, in recent years the preservation of function and maintenance of life quality after primary therapy of laryngeal cancer has increasingly become the focus of therapy planning. Significant late toxicity after chemoradiation has been identified as an important issue. This leads to a reassessment of surgical concepts and initiation of studies on laryngeal cancer surgery which was additionally stimulated by the advent of transoral robotic surgery in the US. Improving the evidence base of laryngeal cancer surgery by successful establishment of surgical trials should be the future goal.

Transoral laser microsurgery versus radiotherapy for T2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review of local control outcomes

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews comparing treatment of early glottic cancer with transoral surgery or radiotherapy demonstrate similar oncological outcomes. Most studies of 'early-stage' laryngeal cancer include Tis, T1a, T1b and T2 cases. The data are dominated by patients with T1 and Tis tumours, although extrapolating these results and applying them for T2 cases may be inappropriate. No previous systematic reviews have focused on T2 cancers as a separate group.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW

This review compares local control outcomes for T2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma, treated with transoral microsurgery or external beam radiotherapy.

TYPE OF REVIEW

This is a systematic review of case series and comparison studies, focusing on oncological outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Independent searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database were conducted by two authors, using the search terms: laryngeal/glottic/vocal cord combined with carcinoma/cancer/tumour and laser/microsurgery or radiotherapy. Studies of adult patients treated for primary T2N0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with laser surgery or curative radiotherapy were included.

EVALUATION METHOD

Full text of studies satisfying the inclusion criteria were reviewed with extraction of local control and survival data and laryngeal preservation rates. The primary endpoint is local control at 5 years.

RESULTS

Initial searches identified 3252 studies. Following full-text review of 183 papers, 59 studies met the inclusion criteria, all level IV evidence. A total of 48 studies specified 5-year local control for 1156 patients treated with transoral laser surgery and 3191 patients treated with radiotherapy. Weighted averages of local control at 5 years demonstrated similar results: 75.81% for radiotherapy versus 77.26% for transoral laser surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this review indicate no difference in 5-year local control between radiotherapy and transoral surgery for T2 glottic SCC. The data demonstrated higher rates of local failure for T2b compared with T2a cases, although outcomes were similar between laser excision and radiotherapy for each substage. Further research focusing upon functional outcomes for T2 glottic tumours is imperative to guide decision-making, ideally with subgroup analysis of T2a and T2b cases.

Therapeutic effects of sequential chemoradiotherapy with pemetrexed and cisplatin on locally advanced laryngeal cancer

Objective:

To explore the therapeutic effects of sequential chemoradiotherapy with pemetrexed and cisplatin on locally advanced laryngeal cancer (LALC).

Methods:

Fifty LALC patients who were treated in our hospital between January 2010 and January 2012 were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group (n=25). The two groups were given conventional radiotherapy in the same manner, before which two cycles of chemotherapy were performed. The observation group intravenously infused with 500 mg/m² pemetrexed on d1 and 25 mg/m² cisplatin on d1-3, with 28 days as a cycle. The control group was intravenously infused with 25 mg/m² cisplatin on d1-3 and 400 mg/m² fluorouracil, with 28 days as a cycle. The short-term effects and adverse reactions of both groups were observed after treatment, and their survival was observed by follow-up for five years.

Results:

The response rate was 84% (21/25) in the observation group and 64% (16/25) in the control group, between which the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The differences in the incidence rates of short-term adverse reactions such as grade III-IV gastrointestinal reactions and bone marrow suppression were not statistically significant between PC regimen (pemetrexed combined with cisplatin) and PF regimen (cisplatin combined with fluorouracil) (P>0.05). The incidence of long-term adverse reactions such as grade III-IV laryngeal edemas, laryngeal cartilage inflammation and laryngeal cartilage necrosis showed no significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). The median survival was 3.3 years after PC chemotherapy and 2.8 years after PF chemotherapy, between which the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The levels of serum tumor markers significantly decreased after PC and PF treatments compared with those before (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Combining PC chemotherapy with radiotherapy has satisfactory short-term therapeutic effects on LALC, and the resulting adverse effects can be tolerated. Therefore, this strategy is worthy of promotion and application in clinical practice.

Quality of Life After Conservation Surgery for Laryngeal Cancer

Quality of life preservation has become an essential goal of treatment in the management of laryngeal carcinoma. Although established treatments of reference such as total laryngectomy and chemoradiation protocols have focused on survival and anatomic preservation of the larynx, they still generate considerable functional morbidity with detrimental effects on quality of life. Transoral and transcervical partial laryngectomy techniques can offer significant advantages when used prudently after proper patient selection. The growing relevance of those techniques in the management of advanced and recurrent laryngeal carcinoma deserves particular attention, with potential for improved quality of life without compromising oncologic outcomes.

Voice Outcomes of Transoral Laser Microsurgery of the Larynx

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is the mainstay in the treatment of early (TisT1T2) glottic cancer. Current knowledge concerning voice quality and voice-related quality of life in patients treated using TLM is based on small cohort studies using various instruments to evaluate these functional results. The bulk of the literature indicates that subjective and objective measurements of voice quality can return to normal or almost normal values after TLM, generally after 6 to 12 months and particularly after cordectomy types I, II, and III.

Voice and Functional Outcomes of Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Early Glottic Cancer: Ventricular Fold Resection as a Surrogate

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate the oncological and functional outcomes with transoral laser microsurgery (TOLM) of patients with early glottic cancer.

Methods

We have prospectively evaluated patients treated with TOLM for Tis, T1 or T2 glottic squamous cell carcinoma. Evaluation of oncological outcomes, and voice and functional outcomes was assessed using voice-handicap index 10 (VHI-10) and performance status scale for head & neck cancer patients (PSS-H&N). Predictors of poor voice quality were evaluated using Student’s t-test.

Results

Thirty patients were included, with 17.7 months mean follow-up. There were no cases of locoregional recurrence. Twelve patients (40%) were considered as having a problematic voice outcome. Four subjects out of 30 (13.3%) had significant problems with understandability of speech. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in VHI-10 score were found with tumor stage and partial resection of the ventricular fold.

Conclusions

We report excellent oncological and functional outcomes in early glottic cancer treated with TOLM, with advanced tumors and partial resection of the ventricular fold as a surrogate predicting worse voice outcomes.

Voice outcomes following radiation versus laser microsurgery for T1 glottic carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Systematic review of literature on patient-reported voice handicap following T1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma treatment using transoral laser microsurgery or radiation therapy.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (1997-2013).

REVIEW METHODS

These data sources were searched for papers reporting Voice Handicap Index (VHI) after treatment of early glottic carcinoma. Review and reference cross-checking were performed using a priori selection criteria. Study data were abstracted and publication quality categorized independently by 2 authors. Corresponding authors were contacted to maximize data for analysis. Meta-analysis was performed only with studies that included both treatment modalities, to reduce heterogeneity and maximize rigor; random effects modeling was used to pool results.

RESULTS

Eighteen publications were identified that reported VHI data following surgery and radiotherapy for T1 glottic carcinoma. No studies were randomized. When studies that reported multiple T-stages or systematic treatment selection bias were excluded, 8 retrospective cohort studies describing 362 patients were suitable for meta-analysis. Follow-up time (mean, 47 months; range, 1-298 mo) and extent of surgical excision varied across studies. Six studies showed no VHI difference between treatment arms; 2 favored radiotherapy over surgery (1 of which reported transmuscular cordectomy for all surgical patients); and none favored surgery. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in posttreatment VHI between radiotherapy and surgery (mean difference, -5.52; 95% confidence interval, -11.40, 0.36; heterogeneity I (2) = 61%, P = .01).

CONCLUSION

VHI scores were comparable following transoral laser microsurgery and radiation therapy for T1 glottic carcinoma in the current literature, suggesting no clinically significant difference in functional voice outcomes between treatment types.

Radiotherapy versus open surgery versus endolaryngeal surgery (with or without laser) for early laryngeal squamous cell cancer

BACKGROUND

This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 2, 2002 and previously updated in 2004, 2007 and 2010.Radiotherapy, open surgery and endolaryngeal excision (with or without laser) are all accepted modalities of treatment for early-stage glottic cancer. Case series suggest that they confer a similar survival advantage, however radiotherapy and endolaryngeal surgery offer the advantage of voice preservation. There has been an observed trend away from open surgery in recent years, however equipoise remains between radiotherapy and endolaryngeal surgery as both treatment modalities offer laryngeal preservation with similar survival rates. Opinions on optimal therapy vary across disciplines and between countries.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of open surgery, endolaryngeal excision (with or without laser) and radiotherapy in the management of early glottic laryngeal cancer.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014, Issue 8); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 18 September 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing open surgery, endolaryngeal resection (with or without laser) and radiotherapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified only one randomised controlled trial, which compared open surgery and radiotherapy in 234 patients with early glottic laryngeal cancer. The overall risk of bias in this study was high.For T1 tumours, the five-year survival was 91.7% following radiotherapy and 100% following surgery and for T2 tumours, 88.8% following radiotherapy and 97.4% following surgery. There were no significant differences in survival between the two groups.For T1 tumours, the five-year disease-free survival rate was 71.1% following radiotherapy and 100.0% following surgery, and for the T2 tumours, 60.1% following radiotherapy and 78.7% following surgery. Only the latter comparison was statistically significant (P value = 0.036), but statistical significance would not have been achieved with a two-sided test.Data were not available on side effects, quality of life, voice outcomes or cost.We identified no randomised controlled trials that included endolaryngeal surgery. A number of trials comparing endolaryngeal resection and radiotherapy have terminated early because of difficulty recruiting participants. One randomised controlled trial is still ongoing.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is only one randomised controlled trial comparing open surgery and radiotherapy but its interpretation is limited because of concerns about the adequacy of treatment regimens and deficiencies in the reporting of the study design and analysis.

Treatment expectations and quality of life outcomes of patients with laryngeal cancer based on different treatment methods

The treatment expectations of patients with laryngeal carcinoma and their quality of life after treatment were evaluated. We enrolled patients who were receiving treatment for epidermoid carcinoma of the larynx between January 2011 and January 2012. Their expectations from the treatment were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) prior to and at the end of the treatment. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ C 30 and EORTC H&N 35 questionnaires 3 months after completion of the treatment. In addition, the Beck Depression Inventory was used for mood assessment of the patients after treatment. As per the VAS scores pre-treatment, no differences were found between treatment expectations of early and advanced-stage tumors groups in pre-treatment expectations, but post-treatment evaluation statistically found difference between two groups in terms of average VAS score. Emotional, cognitive, and social functions of the EORTC QLQ C 30 questionnaire were the most affected items in the advanced-stage tumor group. Sense and speech problems in the symptom scales of the EORTC H&N 35 questionnaire were found to be significantly higher in patients with advanced-stage tumors than in those with early stage tumors. The present study is the first to assess the treatment expectations of patients with laryngeal carcinoma by using the VAS. Although the treatment expectations of the patients with early and advanced-stage tumors did not differ according to VAS scores in pre-treatment evaluation, early stage groups had better score than advanced-stage group. VAS was an easy and a simple applicable method for evaluating treatment expectations.

Transoral laser surgery for laryngeal cancer

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) was pioneered in the early 1970s as an approach to treat laryngeal pathology with precision and minimal thermal damage to the vocal cords. Over the last four decades, TLM has become an integral part of the treatment paradigm for patients with laryngeal cancer. TLM is one of the primary treatment options for early-stage laryngeal tumors. However, in recent years, surgeons have begun to develop TLM into a more versatile approach which can be used to address advanced laryngeal tumors. Although functional outcomes following TLM for advanced laryngeal disease are scarce, survival outcomes appear to be comparable with those reported for organ preservation strategies employing external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and chemotherapy. In addition, TLM plays an important role in the setting of recurrent laryngeal cancer following primary irradiation. TLM has been demonstrated to decrease the need for salvage total laryngectomy resulting in improved functionality while retaining comparable oncologic outcomes. The aim of this review is to elucidate the indications, techniques, and oncological outcomes of TLM for advanced laryngeal cancers.

Assessment of functional outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets from the perspective of the multi-professional team: results of 4 Delphi surveys

BACKGROUND

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for Head and Neck Cancer (ICF-HNC) covers the typical spectrum of problems in functioning in head and neck cancer. This study is part of a multistep process to develop practical guidelines in Germany. The purpose of this study was to identify instruments for the assessment of functioning using the ICF-HNC as reference.

METHODS

Four Delphi surveys with physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and social workers were performed to identify which aspects of the ICF-HNC are being treated and which assessment tools are recommended for the assessment of functioning.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven percent categories of the ICF-HNC were treated by healthcare professionals participating in the current study. Altogether, 33 assessment tools were recommended for therapy monitoring, food intake, pain, further organic problems/laboratory tests, and psychosocial areas.

CONCLUSION

Although the ICF-HNC is being currently implemented by the head and neck cancer experts, several areas are not covered regularly. Additionally, validated tools were rarely recommended.

Transoral laser surgery versus radiotherapy for tumour stage 1a or 1b glottic squamous cell carcinoma: systematic review of local control outcomes

Background:

Previous literature reviews comparing transoral laser surgery versus radiotherapy for glottic carcinoma treatment have analysed ‘early stage’ disease as one group. The current review aimed to assess local control outcomes, comparing these two treatment modalities, specifically for either tumour stage 1a or stage 1b lesions.

Methods:

The three authors conducted independent, structured literature searches. Simple weighted means were calculated.

Results:

Thirty-six publications were analysed. Three-year local control rates for tumour stage 1a tumours were 88.9 per cent for transoral laser surgery (n = 1308) and 89.3 per cent for radiotherapy (n = 2405). For tumour stage 1b tumours, the local control rates were 76.8 per cent for transoral laser surgery (n = 194) and 86.2 per cent for radiotherapy (n = 492).

Conclusion:

From this analysis of level four evidence, there was no demonstrable difference in local control rates for tumour stage 1a glottic squamous cell carcinoma treated by transoral laser surgery or radiotherapy. There was a trend towards improved local control of tumour stage 1b tumours treated with radiotherapy, but this finding was based on a limited number of published outcomes (n = 194).