The role of central neck dissection and adjuvant treatment in pT4aN0 laryngeal carcinoma treated with open partial horizontal laryngectomy

PURPOSE

The study aimed to identify parameters that could predict oncological and functional outcomes in patients with pT4aN0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) who underwent open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL). The role of paratracheal neck dissection (PTND) was analyzed as the primary outcome. Additionally, the study compared the outcomes of patients who underwent postoperative radio/chemotherapy (PORT/PORCT) with those who refused or did not adhere to adjuvant treatments.

METHODS

Twenty-nine OPHL patients whose pathological exam was consistent with pT4aN0-x disease were enrolled and their clinical charts were retrospectively reviewed. The study analyzed oncological outcomes, such as local, regional, and distant recurrence rates (RR), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS). Additionally, functional results were analyzed, including decannulation rate, hospitalization time, and postoperative complication rate.

RESULTS

The study revealed and overall recurrence rate of 27%. The final rates for OS and DSS were 68% and 79%, respectively. Based on the univariate analysis the PTND was significantly associated with longer DFS. No significant differences inoncological outcomes were observed between pT4a patients who underwent adjuvant radio/radiochemotherapy and those who did not, in terms of RR, DFS, DSS or OS. However, adjuvant treatment was found to significantly increase decannulation time.

CONCLUSIONS

In a properly super-selected subgroup of patients with pT4aN0 LSCC, OPHL may beconsidered as a conservative surgical option even without adjuvant treatment. However, for optimal oncological outcomes, it is strongly recommended to consider a central compartment dissection in cases of hypoglottic and anterior extra-laryngeal tumor extension.

Post-operative intensity-modulated vs 3D conformal radiotherapy after conservative surgery for laryngeal tumours of the supraglottic region: a dosimetric analysis on 20 patients

Objective

To perform a dosimetric comparison between intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and 3D conformal radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced (stage III and IV) tumours of the supraglottic region treated with conservative surgery and post-operative radiotherapy.

Methods

An in-silico plan using a 3D conformal shrinking field technique was retrospectively produced for 20 patients and compared with actually delivered IMRT plans. Eighteen structures (arytenoids, constrictor muscles, base of tongue, floor of mouth, pharyngeal axis, oral cavity, submandibular glands and muscles of the swallowing functional units [SFU]) were considered.

Results

IMRT allowed a reduction of maximum and mean doses to 9 and 14 structures, respectively (p < .05).

Conclusions

IMRT achieved a reduction of unnecessary dose to the remnant larynx and the majority of surrounding SFUs. Further prospective analyses and correlations with functional clinical outcomes are required to confirm these dosimetric findings.

Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) following Conservative Surgery of the Supraglottic Region: Impact on Functional Outcomes

Simple Summary

The present study has been suggested by the previous experience of our group showing that patients treated with conventional radiotherapy (named 3D conformal radiotherapy—3D-CRT) performed after conservative surgery (CS) for tumors of the supraglottic regions experienced a high rate of severe long-term toxicity. Therefore, we reported the toxicity profile of a similar cohort of patients treated with a high-precision radiotherapy technique (named intensity-modulated radiotherapy—IMRT). Moreover, to investigate the advantage of IMRT, we performed a comparison with a historical cohort treated with 3D-CRT. Results showed that patients treated with IMRT achieved a very low toxicity profile and comparison with 3D-CRT was in favor of IMRTs. Therefore, we believe that the results of the present study provide preliminary findings on the potential of IMRT in improving the toxicity profile of patients treated with surgical organ preservation strategies for laryngeal tumors.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on the toxicity profile of patients treated with conservative surgery (CS) of the supraglottic (SG) region. Data on patients treated with CS and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT)-IMRT were prospectively collected. Results. In total, 20 patients were analyzed. Of these, six patients (35%) required the positioning of a temporary tracheostomy. The functional larynx preservation rate was 95%. Females had a higher risk of both endoscopic intervention and chondronecrosis, while the median age was significantly higher in patients requiring enteral nutrition. The incidence of long-term severe toxicities was lower in patients treated with IMRT than in the historical 3D-CRT cohort. Patients who had received PORT-IMRT achieved a lower rate of permanent laryngeal and swallowing dysfunctions. Overall, results from the comparison with the historical 3D-CRT cohort favor the IMRTs.

Efficacy of Larynx Preservation Surgery and Multimodal Adjuvant Therapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer: A Case Series Study

Background: Larynx preservation surgery (LPS) combined with multimodal adjuvant therapy (MAT) is re-emerging as treatment option for hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC). This study aims to explore the survival and functional outcome of this combined approach. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. Selected patients with primary HPC treated by LPS and MAT at two large Beijing medical centers between 2005 and 2019 were included. In addition to LPS, patients received one or more of the following treatments: preoperative induction chemotherapy, postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Results: In total, 64 patients were included (62 were men, and median age was 57.5 years). The disease in most patients was in stage III (28.1%) or IV (56.3%), or in stage T2 (34.4%) or T3 (45.3%), based on the TNM scale. Across all patients, the rate of overall survival (OS) was 60.7% at 3 yr and 47.3% at 5 yr. OS was significantly higher for patients with stage I or II disease than for those with stage III or IV disease (HR 8.64, 95% CI 3.69-20.2, log-rank P = .010). Decannulation was successful in 55 patients (85.9%), and swallowing function was satisfactory (stage 0-III, on Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale) for 50 (78.1%). Median Voice Handicap Index-10 score on voice performance was 19 (range 4-40), and median Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General Questionnaire score for QoL was 75 (range 16-105). Conclusions: LPS and MAT can provide satisfactory oncologic control and good functional outcomes for selected patients with HPC, especially those with stage I or II disease.

What is the price of functional surgical organ preservation in local-regionally advanced supraglottic cancer? Long-term outcome for partial laryngectomy followed by radiotherapy in 32 patients

Aims and background

To achieve the goal of organ preservation, both a chemoradiotherapy and a conservative surgical approach can be proposed. The aim of the study was to review all patients treated in our Institute with conservative surgery and postoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced supraglottic tumor.

Methods and study design

A retrospective analysis of 32 patients treated between 2000 and 2010 was performed. Overall survival, disease-free survival and late laryngeal toxicity were evaluated. The impact of surgical procedures, radiotherapy characteristics and addition of chemotherapy on late laryngeal toxicity was studied.

Results

The median follow-up was 38 months. Overall survival and disease-free survival at 5 years were 73% and 66%, respectively. Three (9%) patients experienced local recurrence (after 22, 25 and 40 months, respectively) and were treated with total laryngectomy. The larynx preservation rate was 93%. Severe treatment-related late laryngeal toxicity (grade 3 and 4 laryngeal edema, laryngeal stenosis, presence of tracheotomy at last follow-up because of treatment-related toxicity, and the need for enteral nutrition) was experienced by 34% of patients. The functional larynx preservation rate was 81%. The statistically significant risk factors for severe late toxicity were: female gender, extension of the surgical procedure, removal of one arytenoid and association with concomitant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

We confirmed literature data on the feasibility and efficacy of a surgical organ preservation strategy. However, the high incidence of severe late toxicity requires further studies to improve patient selection and to reduce side effects.

A panel of biomarkers for predicting response to postoperative RT for laryngeal cancer?

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) improves locoregional control and survival rates for patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma (LSCC), but reported outcomes after PORT for LSCC vary considerably. Predictive markers (including biomarkers) are needed for LSCC to orient the choice of the most appropriate adjuvant therapy for individual patients. The aim of this study was to identify a panel of LSCC tissue markers (considering EGFR, mTOR, survivin, Bcl-2, angiogenin, endoglin [CD105], nm23-H1) capable of pinpointing patients at higher risk of recurrence among 33 LSCC cases treated with PORT.

METHODS/RESULTS

Univariate analysis found 4 biomarkers (mTOR, nuclear survivin, CD105, non-nuclear nm23-H1) significantly associated with LSCC recurrence. A collinearity emerged between mTOR and CD105 expressions. The predictive role of two different panels (panel 1: mTOR, nuclear survivin, non-nuclear nm23-H1; panel 2: CD105, nuclear survivin, non-nuclear nm23-H1) was considered. According to the Hosmer and Lemeshow scale, panel 1 demonstrated an outstanding discriminatory power (AUC 0.903) in predicting LSCC recurrence after PORT. Panel 2 had an excellent discriminatory power too (AUC 0.899).

CONCLUSIONS

Both panels of biomarkers showed an important discriminatory power in pinpointing patients at higher risk of recurrence after PORT for LSCC who could reasonably benefit from adjuvant postoperative chemo-RT.

Injection augmentation of arytenoids after partial laryngectomy: case series

Background:

We undertook collagen injection laryngoplasty to achieve arytenoid augmentation in patients with dysphagia and persistent aspiration following partial laryngectomy, and we evaluated the efficacy of arytenoid augmentation in aiding neoglottic closure and ensuring airway safety.

Methods:

Two patients with persistent swallowing impairment after partial laryngectomy were studied. Swallowing was evaluated using fibre-optic endoscopy, and modified barium swallow study. Collagen was then injected into the arytenoid mucosa to achieve neoglottic competence.

Results:

The patients were followed up for up to two years. Both patients showed a marked improvement in neoglottic competence, as evaluated by fibre-optic and flexible endoscopy at three-month and one-year follow-up appointments.

Conclusion:

Arytenoid augmentation by injection laryngoplasty can be considered a safe and effective surgical tool for the treatment of dysphagia with persistent aspiration following partial laryngectomy.