Comparative voice results after laser resection or irradiation of T1 vocal cord carcinoma

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.

Patterns of Care for T1 Glottic Squamous Cell Carcinomas from 2004-2020

OBJECTIVE(S)

Describe recent national trends in overall treatment modalities for T1 glottic squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), and identify factors associated with treatment regimens.

METHODS

National Cancer Database from 2004-2020 was queried for all patients with glottic cT1N0M0 SCC. Treatment patterns over time were analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine the factors associated with treatment regimens.

RESULTS

Of the 22,414 patients identified, most patients received RT only (57%), 21% received surgery only, and 22% received dual-modality treatment ("over-treatment"). Over the time period, there was a decreasing trend in rates of over-treatment for T1 glottic SCC (p < 0.001) and an increasing trend in surgery only (p < 0.001). Treatment in 2016-2018 (OR: 1.168 [1.004 to 1.359]), 2013-2015 (OR: 1.419 [1.221 to 1.648]), 2010-2012 (OR: 1.611 [1.388 to 1.871]), 2007-2009 (OR: 1.682 [1.450 to 1.951]), or 2004-2006 (OR: 1.795 [1.548 to 2.081]) versus 2019-2020 was associated with greater likelihood of over-treatment. T1b tumors were less likely to be over-treated (OR: 0.795 [0.707 to 0.894]) versus T1a tumors, and less likely to receive surgery first (OR: 0.536 [0.485 to 0.592]) versus T1a tumors.

CONCLUSION

Over-treatment for T1 glottic SCC has been declining, with increasing rates of surgery only. Year of treatment was significantly associated with the receipt of dual-modality treatment. Finally, patients with T1b disease were more likely to receive RT as the first and only treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

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.

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.

Flexible endoscopic laser surgery for early glottic carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Flexible endoscopic laser surgery (FELS) is able to overcome some limitations of traditional transoral CO2 laser surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of FELS in the treatment of T1-T2 glottic carcinoma.

METHODS

We applied FELS for 120 patients with T1-T2 glottic carcinoma. Tumour ablation was performed with Nd:YAG laser. In 76 (63.3%) cases the intervention was performed under local anesthesia. Twenty nine (24.2%) patients (T1b - 2, T2-27) underwent postoperative radiation therapy (RT).

RESULTS

Successful treatment, with local control and larynx preservation, was obtained in 106 cases (88.3%), with mean follow-up of 6.4 years. More than 50% of the patients were followed-up over 5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

FELS can be proposed as an alternative treatment method for patients with early glottic carcinoma. The advantages of the method include: possibility of applying treatment under local anesthesia, that allows avoiding of general anesthesia and its related risks; applicability to patients with contraindications to general anesthesia and patients with anatomic particularities, that make transoral microsurgery impossible, allowing avoidance of the laryngofissure and tracheotomy.

Efficacy of Voice Therapy in Improving Vocal Function in Adults Irradiated for Laryngeal Cancers: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Radiation therapy (XRT) for laryngeal cancers causes acute and chronic vocal dysfunction. Although these deleterious effects of XRT are well-established, there is a dearth of research with respect to effective voice rehabilitation following XRT for laryngeal cancers.

OBJECTIVE

To obtain preliminary data on the efficacy of voice rehabilitation, using vocal function exercises (VFEs) in improving vocal function in adults irradiated for laryngeal cancer. The comparison treatment group (VH) received vocal hygiene counseling.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

METHODS

Participants were randomized to the VFE + VH or VH group. Both interventions lasted 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was improvement in VHI scores. Secondary outcome measures included auditory-perceptual assessments, acoustic and aerodynamic measures, and laryngeal imaging.

RESULTS

Ten participants were recruited for the study. The VFE + VH (n = 6) group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome measure (P = 0.03), as well as select parameters of all secondary outcome measures. The VH (n = 4) group did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in primary or secondary outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers preliminary data for the utility of VFEs in the irradiated laryngeal cancer population. However, findings in the VFE + VH group lack generalizability, secondary to sample heterogeneity, and limited sample size.

Perceptual and Acoustic Outcomes of Early-Stage Glottic Cancer After Laser Surgery or Radiotherapy: A Meta-Analysis

Laser surgery (LS) or radiotherapy (RT) is normally recommended in early glottic cancer. The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of acoustic and perceptual outcomes to compare voice quality of LS or RT in early-stage glottic cancer. Data sources were obtained after searching PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, and RISS using the following search terms: glottic cancer, glottic carcinoma, endoscopic surgery, laser surgery, radiotherapy, radiation, voice, voice quality, and grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain (GRBAS) scale. Articles that compared voice outcomes between LS and RT were identified. This meta-analysis included 15 articles with 744 patients, including 400 in the LS group and 344 in the RT group. Random effects models were selected. Forest plots included standardized mean differences, standard errors, variance, 95% confidence intervals (lower limit to upper limit), z-values, and P-values. In perceptual analysis, grade (G) and asthenia (A) of RT were significantly better than LS. There was no statistically significant difference in roughness (R), breath (B), or strain (S) between LS and RT groups. Jitter, shimmer, and noise to harmonic ratio measurements showed significant differences, resulting in enhanced posttreatment effect of RT compared to LS. Results of our meta-analysis suggested that RT might lead to superior voice quality than LS in early glottic cancer.

Comparison between transoral laser surgery and radiotherapy in the treatment of early glottic cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A therapeutic decision in the treatment of Tis/T1a glottic carcinoma with radiotherapy (RT) or transoral laser surgery (TOS) is still an open issue. Oncologic outcome and voice quality may support the choice for the latter To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare oncologic and functional outcomes of TOS and RT as treatment options for Tis/T1a glottic cancer. Literature research on online databases was carried out. Potentially eligible articles were reviewed. Relevant articles were selected and evaluated. There was statistical significance favoring patients initially treated with TOS when it comes to overall survival, disease-specific survival and larynx preservation. No difference in local control was found. TMF, Jitter and Shimmmer measurements presented statistically significant results in favor of RT. Self-assessment of voice quality (VHI) and f0 showed no statistically significant differences. Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) had a better response to RT. There is a trend in favor of RT. Tis/T1a glottic cancer patients submitted to TOS had significant overall and disease specific survival and had fewer risks of having a total laryngectomy, when compared to the radiotherapy group. The self-assessment of voice quality and f0 did not show any difference; however, Jitter, Shimmer and MPT measurements favored radiotherapy.

Evaluating Post-Radiotherapy Laryngeal Function with Laryngeal Videostroboscopy in Early Stage Glottic Cancer

Objective

Dysphonia is common among patients with early stage glottic cancer. Laryngeal videostroboscopy (LVS) has not been routinely used to assess post-radiotherapy (RT) voice changes. We hypothesized that LVS would demonstrate improvement in laryngeal function after definitive RT for early-stage glottic cancer.

Study design

Blinded retrospective review of perceptual voice and stroboscopic parameters for patients with early glottic cancer and controls.

Setting

High-volume, single-institution academic medical center.

Subjects and methods

Fifteen patients underwent RT for Tis-T2N0M0 glottic cancer and were evaluated with serial LVS exams pre- and post-RT. Stroboscopic assessment included six parameters: vocal fold (VF) vibration, VF mobility, erythema/edema, supraglottic compression, glottic closure, and secretions. Grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain (GRBAS) voice perceptual scale was graded in tandem with LVS score. Assessments were grouped by time interval from RT: pre-RT, 0–4, 4–12, and >12 months post-RT.

Results

60 LVS exams and corresponding GRBAS assessments were reviewed. There were significant improvements in ipsilateral VF motion (P = 0.03) and vibration (P = 0.001) and significant worsening in contralateral VF motion (P < 0.001) and vibration (P = 0.008) at >12 months post-RT. Glottic closure significantly worsened, most prominent >12 months post-RT (P = 0.01). Composite GRBAS scores were significantly improved across all post-RT intervals.

Conclusion

LVS proved to be a robust tool for assessing pre- and post-RT laryngeal function. We observed post-RT improvement in ipsilateral VF function, a decline in contralateral VF function, and decreased glottic closure. These results demonstrate that LVS can detect meaningful changes in VF and glottic function and support its use for post-RT evaluation of glottic cancer patients.

Endoscopie Laser Resection of Laryngeal Cancer: Is it Oncologically Safe?

The purpose of this report is to summarize the salient points made during a panel discussion at the 88th Annual Meeting of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association about the efficacy and oncological safety of endoscopic laser treatment of laryngeal cancer. Guidelines for endoscopic laser management of early glottic and supraglottic cancer, including contraindications for this treatment modality, are presented. On the basis of all currently available data, the panel, which critically considered the question of oncological safety, is of the opinion that endoscopic laser resections are oncologically safe when applied judiciously and by a skilled oncological surgeon. Relative contraindications for endoscopic laser resection of laryngeal cancer include instances in which the whole tumor cannot be visualized; large tumors that require removing too much of the functional laryngeal unit, severely decreasing airway protection and leading to aspiration; and cartilage invasion. Specific contraindications for supraglottic cancer include bilateral arytenoid involvement and direct extension into the neck.

Effectiveness of Calcium Hydroxylapatite Paste in Vocal Rehabilitation

Objectives

We determined the effectiveness of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) paste in vocal rehabilitation.

Methods

We examined a retrospective case series of 39 adult patients who underwent CaHA paste injection for vocal fold rehabilitation over a 5-year period. The outcomes included the change in the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) score; procedure-related complications; and the need for follow-up voice procedures.

Results

The VHI scores demonstrated overall improvement, with a decrease from the preoperative mean of 61.2 ± 24.0 to a postoperative mean of 35.9 ± 26.3 (p = 0.0001) after a mean follow-up time of 17.8 ± 13.6 months. The procedure was more likely to succeed in patients with paralysis and/or paresis than in patients with glottic soft tissue defects. After injection, the VHI scores worsened in 3 of 7 patients (43%) in the soft tissue defect group, compared to only 2 of 28 (7%) in the paralysis and/or paresis group (p = 0.04). Four of 7 patients with soft tissue defects (57%) required secondary vocal procedures to improve the voice, compared to only 2 of 32 (6%) in the paralysis and/or paresis group (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Injection of CaHA paste results in significantly improved vocal scores in the majority of patients. Use of the paste was less satisfactory in patients with soft tissue defects because of poor retention of the paste in the scarred vocal fold remnant.

The voice quality after laser surgery versus radiotherapy of T1a glottic carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectives

The voice quality assessment of laser surgery (LS) in comparison with radiotherapy (RT) remains uncertain in T1a glottic carcinoma treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the voice quality of the two treatments.

Methods

Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane with the following index words: glotti*, layn*, vocal cord, vocal, surgery, cordectomy, laser, radiation, irradiation, radiotherapy, cancer, and carcinoma for relative studies that compared the voice quality between LS and RT. Random-effect models were used, and heterogeneity was assessed.

Results

A total of 14 studies were included in the analysis, consisting of 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 prospective study, and 12 retrospective studies. RT has increased the maximum phonation time (MPT; mean difference [MD] =−1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] =−3.66 to −0.11, P=0.04) and decreased the fundamental frequency (MD =14.06, 95% CI =10.30–17.83, P<0.00001) in comparison with LS. No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of Voice Handicap Index, Jitter, Shimmer, and airflow rate.

Conclusion

RT may be a better choice for T1a glottic carcinoma treatment compared with LS because patients undergoing RT may have the advantage of increased MPT and decreased fundamental frequency. However, more multicenter, randomized, controlled trials are urgently needed to verify these differences.

A Multidimensional Study of Vocal Function Following Radiation Therapy for Laryngeal Cancers

Background:

Radiation therapy (XRT) has proven to be an effective curative modality in the treatment of laryngeal cancers. However, XRT also has deleterious effects on vocal function.

Aim:

To demonstrate the multidimensional nature of deficits in vocal function as a result of radiation therapy for laryngeal cancer.

Study Design:

Cohort study.

Methodology:

Vocal function parameters were chosen from the 5 domains of voice assessment to complete a multidimensional assessment battery. Adults irradiated (XRT group) for laryngeal cancers were compared to a control group of individuals with no history of head and neck cancers or radiation therapy. The control group was matched in age, sex, and pack years of smoking.

Results:

Eighteen participants were recruited for the study. The XRT group demonstrated significantly worse clinical values as compared to the control group across select parameters in the each of the 5 domains of voice assessment.

Discussion:

Radiation therapy for laryngeal cancers results in multidimensional deficits in vocal function. Notably, these deficits persist long term. In the present study sample, multidimensional deficits were persistent 2 to 7 years following completion of XRT. The observed multidimensional persistent vocal difficulties highlight the importance of vocal rehabilitation in the irradiated larynx cancer population.

Guidelines for the Surgical Management of Laryngeal Cancer: Korean Society of Thyroid-Head and Neck Surgery

Korean Society of Thyroid-Head and Neck Surgery appointed a Task Force to develop clinical practice guidelines for the surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer. This Task Force conducted a systematic search of the EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed databases to identify relevant articles, using search terms selected according to the key questions. Evidence-based recommendations were then created on the basis of these articles. An external expert review and Delphi questionnaire were applied to reach consensus regarding the recommendations. The resulting guidelines focus on the surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer with the assumption that surgery is the selected treatment modality after a multidisciplinary discussion in any context. These guidelines do not, therefore, address non-surgical treatment such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The committee developed 62 evidence-based recommendations in 32 categories intended to assist clinicians during management of patients with laryngeal cancer and patients with laryngeal cancer, and counselors and health policy-makers.

Endoscopic Treatment of cT2 Glottic Carcinoma: Prognostic Impact of Different pT Subcategories

Objectives:

The cT2 glottic squamous cell carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of lesions in terms of superficial and deep extension. As a consequence, they differ greatly in treatment indications and prognosis. The aim of the present study was to divide cT2 glottic tumors into subcategories according to radiologic and postoperative histopathologic information, in order to identify risk factors connected with determinate survival, local-regional control, and laryngeal preservation rates.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 55 cT2 glottic lesions treated at a single institution by carbon dioxide laser with at least 2 years of follow-up. Clinical, radiologic, surgical, and histopathologic data were reviewed, and the tumors were accordingly divided into 5 subcategories: I, or pT2 with lateral supraglottic extension (19 patients); II, or pT2 with lateral subglottic extension (6 patients); III, or pT2 with supracommissural and/or subcommissural extension (10 patients); IV, or pT2 with deep vocal muscle infiltration (14 patients); and V, or pT3, for superior and/or inferior paraglottic space invasion lateral to the thyroarytenoid muscle not detected before operation by computed tomographic scan (6 patients).

Results:

The disease-free survival, ultimate local control with laser alone, and laryngeal preservation rates were compared for each subcategory. Statistically significant differences were found only for the pT3 subgroup (2-year rates of 16.7%, 16.7%, and 16.7% for pT3 versus 5-year rates of 80.5%, 84.7%, and 93.3% for the entire pT2 group).

Conclusions:

Endoscopic treatment of cT2 glottic tumors can be considered effective when the pT2 stage has been confirmed. In cT2/pT3 patients, after the first endoscopic resection that allows the correct pT staging, additional treatment should always be considered.

Revision Gore-Tex Medialization Laryngoplasty

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications, results, and safety of revision Gore-Tex medialization laryngoplasty (GML).

METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 156 patients that underwent GML procedures between the years 1998–2002. Study population consisted of those patients who required revision surgery for any reason.

RESULTS: Sixteen patients required 22 revision procedures. Indications for revision were divided into 2 groups, complications and glottal closure problems. Complications included extruded or displaced implants (n = 4). The most common glottal closure problem was undercorrection (n = 9). Others included anterior overcorrection (n = 1) and persistent posterior glottal gap (n = 2). Revision procedures included GML (n = 9), injection augmentation (n = 9), endoscopic implant removal (n = 2), and arytenoid adduction (n = 2). In patients with glottal closure problems, the GCI improved in all 10 and the voice rating scale improved in 9.

CONCLUSION: Reasons for revision of GML are variable, the most common being undercorrection. A variety of safe, effective revision techniques are available with a high success rate.

Voice outcome according to surgical extent of transoral laser microsurgery for T1 glottic carcinoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for T1 glottic carcinoma using longitudinal voice analysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of medical records.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 57 patients (50 T1a, seven T1b) who underwent TLM for T1 glottic carcinoma, and longitudinal voice analysis was performed before surgery, during the early postoperative period (within 3 months), and during the late postoperative period (more than 6 months). Acoustic, perceptual (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, Strain scale), and subjective voice analysis using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) was conducted.

RESULTS

Voice quality deteriorated in the early postoperative period in terms of several parameters. However, no significant differences in voice quality were observed in the late postoperative period, whereas Grade (from 1.85 ± 0.83 to 1.50 ± 0.90) and Roughness (from 1.74 ± 0.73 to 1.48 ± 0.87) had improved significantly. Patients who underwent lesser-extent cordectomy (type I, II) showed improvement in VHI-Physical (from 12.93 ± 11.10 to 6.07 ± 8.69) and Grade (from 1.60 ± 0.68 to 0.98 ± 0.83), whereas improvement was not identified in those who underwent larger-extent cordectomy (type III, IV, V). Improvement in Grade (from 1.70 ± 0.80 to 1.23 ± 0.91) and Roughness (from 1.77 ± 0.73 to 1.25 ± 0.76) was identified in patients who had unilateral tumor without involvement of anterior commissure. However, those with involvement of the anterior commissure or bilateral vocal cord showed a tendency toward deterioration in voice quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Voice quality of patients following TLM for T1 glottic carcinoma may improve significantly over time in cases with lesser-extent types of cordectomy or unilateral tumor without involvement of the anterior commissure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 126:2051-2056, 2016.

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.

[Estimation of quality of voice after removal of neoplasms T1 and T2 of glottis with simultaneous reconstruction of vocal fold with pedunculated sterno-thyroid muscle flap]

INTRODUCTION

In recent years there has been an increasing number of cases of cancer, including cancer of the larynx. The choice of treatment should be primarily dictated by the complete elimination of cancer, but from the point of view of the patient, an important factor to keep in mind, is the quality of the voice that will be created at the end of the therapeutic process.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the voice quality of patients after partial surgery of the larynx with vocal fold reconstruction pedunculated sterno-thyroid muscle flap.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 30 men aged 53-72 years who were treated at the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology Department of Medical-Dental Medical University of Warsaw on account of cancer of the larynx, qualified according to the TNM classification T1 or T2. The radical removal of cancer was associated with resection of one vocal fold, laryngeal pouches and ventricular fold. In 15 patients, included to the group I at the end of phase oncology surgery, a reconstruction of "vocal fold" pedunculated sterno-thyroid muscle flap were performed simultaneously. The group II consisted of 15 patients who underwent surgery that removed only the cancerous lesions. Impact assessments arising after surgery of voice disorders on quality of life were made using the self-test failure of the voice (Voice Handicap Index in the Pruszewicz modification). The nature of the created voice was studied using GRBAS scale. All patients performed the laryngostroboscope examination. With "IRIS" program, prepared by a team at Wrocław University of Technology, the voice was recorded, and then was subjected to acoustic analysis. In addition, noise level and the maximum phonation time was measured.

RESULTS

The results indicate that the patients of group I gained a better voice confirming the values of objective acoustic analysis. The assessment made by the scale GRBAS patients who supplemented the resulting loss after tumour removal, with much less hoarseness of voice, did not have the hyperkinesis and there was no puff character. They had the better flow of voice and phonation time of vowels "a" was much longer. The assessment of quality of life of patients in group I made in a test of the VHI was higher than in group II. The laryngostroboscope examination confirmed a good phonatory occlusion and a nearly regular, healthy vocal fold vibration in patients who had received flap of muscle.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of the quality of voice after removing the tumor multiplicity in the glottis with simultaneous reconstruction "vocal fold" has confirmed that this is a very good surgical technique, which allows radically curing cancer for the simultaneous preservation of a good voice. The operation has limited indications for radiotherapy because of the desire to preserve the phonatory function of the larynx, and thus avoids the negative effects of radiation.

Oncological and functional outcome after surgical treatment of early glottic carcinoma without anterior commissure involvement

INTRODUCTION

Glottic carcinoma can be successfully diagnosed in its early stages and treated with high percentage of success. Organ preservation and optimal functional outcomes could be achieved with wide array of surgical techniques for early glottic cancer, including endoscopic approaches or open laryngeal preserving procedures, making surgery the preferred method of treatment of early glottic carcinoma in the last few years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective study was done on 59 patients treated for Tis and T1a glottic carcinoma over a one-year time period in a tertiary medical center. Patients were treated with endoscopic laser cordectomy (types II-IV cordectomies according to European Laryngological Society classification of endoscopic cordectomies) and open cordectomy through laryngofissure. Follow-up period was 60 months. Clinical and oncological results were followed postoperatively. Voice quality after the treatment was assessed using multidimensional voice analysis 12 months after the treatment.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between oncological and functional results among two groups of patients, though complications were more frequent in patients treated with open cordectomy.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic laser surgery should be the first treatment of choice in treatment of early glottic carcinomas, though open approach through laryngofissure should be available for selected cases where anatomical factors present limiting adequate tumor removal.

Function and organ preservation in adult cancers of the head and neck

Treatment for primary head and neck cancer has evolved from the use of radical approaches to therapies preserving important functions. Essential to this concept is the maintenance of therapeutic efficacy. The advances of organ-sparing surgery, improved radiation techniques and fractionation, and the addition of chemotherapy and targeted systemic agents, have added to the number of patients who undergo organ-preservation therapy. Crucial functions that can be spared include speech, swallowing, vision, salivation and cosmesis. This paper examines advances in therapy that allow the preservation of these important functions, scenarios where organ and function preservation is indicated, given current technology and agents, and where there might be future improvements.

Preliminary results of diode laser surgery for early glottic cancer

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the complications and preliminary oncologic results of microscopic diode laser surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective research.

SETTING

Ankara Oncology Education and Research Hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on a series of 64 patients with glottic carcinoma (Tis, T1, T2) treated with microscopic endolaryngeal diode laser surgery.

RESULTS

Four patients had local recurrence (6.2%). Local control and larynx preservation rates were 93.8% and 100%, respectively, for all groups of patients. Two-year disease-free survival after primary surgery was 100% for the Tis group, 96.4% for the T1 group, and 89.7% for the T2 group. When considering anterior commissure involvement, 2-year disease-free survival after primary surgery was 100% for the AC0 group, 85.7% for the AC1 group, and 85.7% for the AC2 group.

CONCLUSION

Our study of microscopic diode laser resection of Tis, T1, and T2 glottic tumors showed similar oncologic results to previous reports about CO2 laser surgery. In anterior commissure tumors, both techniques had high complication and recurrence rates.

Evaluation of lasersurgery and radiotherapy as treatment modalities in early stage laryngeal carcinoma: tumour outcome and quality of voice

For treatment of early stage (Tis-T2) laryngeal cancer the main choice is between microlaryngoscopy with carbon dioxide laser resection (laser surgery) and radiotherapy. Because both treatments provide excellent tumour control, secondary outcome variables such, as quality of voice may be of importance in treatment preference. In this study tumour outcomes and quality of voice were analysed for a cohort of patients with early stage (Tis-T2) laryngeal (glottic) carcinoma. The "physical subscale" of the voice handicap index questionnaire (VHI) and a validated five-item screening questionnaire were used. Analysis of 89 patients treated with laser surgery and 159 patients treated with radiotherapy revealed a 5-year local control of 75 and 86 % (p = 0.07). Larynx preservation (5-year) was, however, superior in patients treated with laser surgery, 93 vs 83 % (p < 0.05). Tumour outcomes were also analysed per tumour stage and none were of significant difference. Quality of voice was analysed in 142 patients. VHI scores were 12.4 ± 8.9 for laser surgery and 8.3 ± 7.7 for radiotherapy (p < 0.05), with a higher score reflecting a worse outcome. VHI scores per tumour stage for laser surgery and radiotherapy were, respectively, 12.0 ± 9.9 and 7.9 ± 7.5 in T1a (p = 0.06), 16.7 ± 9.0 and 4.9 ± 6.6 in T1b (p < 0.05). Outcomes of the five-item questionnaire showed voice deficiency in 33 % for laser surgery and 23 % for radiotherapy in T1a (p = 0.330) and 75 and 5 % for T1b (p = 0.001). Oncologic outcomes of laser surgery and radiotherapy were comparable. Larynx preservation is, however, preferable in patients initially treated with laser surgery. According to subjective voice analysis, outcomes were comparable in T1a lesions. Depth of laser resection is of influence on voice deficiency displayed by a significantly higher percentage of voice deficiency in patients treated with laser surgery for T1b lesions.

The recruitment of patients to trials in head and neck cancer: a qualitative study of the EaStER trial of treatments for early laryngeal cancer

We aimed to investigate the factors contributing to poor recruitment to the EaStER trial "Early Stage glottic cancer: Endoscopic excision or Radiotherapy" feasibility study. We performed a prospective qualitative assessment of the EaStER trial at three centres to investigate barriers to recruitment and implement changes. Methods used included semi-structured interviews, focus groups and audio-recordings of recruitment encounters. First, surgeons and recruiters did not all accept the primary outcome as the rationale for the trial. Surgeons did not always adhere to the trial eligibility criteria leading to variations between centres in the numbers of "eligible" patients. Second, as both treatments were considered equally successful, recruiters and patients focused on the pragmatics of the different trial arms, favouring surgery over radiotherapy. The lack of equipoise was reflected in the way recruiters presented trial information. Third, patient views, beliefs and preferences were not fully elicited or addressed by recruiters. Fourth, in some centres, logistical issues made trial participation difficult. This qualitative research identified several major issues that explained recruitment difficulties. While there was insufficient time to address these in the EaStER trial, several factors would need to be addressed to launch further RCTs in head and neck cancer. These include the need for clear ongoing agreement among recruiting clinicians regarding details in the study protocol; an understanding of the logistical issues hindering recruitment at individual centres; and training recruiters to enable them to explain the need for randomisation and the rationale for the RCT to patients.

Prospective evaluation of voice outcome during the first two years in male patients treated by radiotherapy or laser surgery for T1a glottic carcinoma

In this prospective cohort study, we assessed voice outcome in patients before and up to 2 years after treatment for early glottic cancer either by radiotherapy or by laser surgery; 106 male patients, treated for T1aN0M0 glottic cancer either by endoscopic laser surgery (n = 67) or by radiotherapy (n = 39), participated in the study. Patients’ voices were recorded and analysed pre-treatment and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-treatment at their routine visit at the outpatient clinic. Average fundamental frequency (F0), percent jitter, percent shimmer and normalized noise energy (NNE) were determined. After 2 years, local control rate was 95% in the radiotherapy group and 97% in the laser surgery group. Larynx preservation rate was 95% after radiotherapy and 100% after laser surgery. Voice outcome recovers more quickly in patients treated with laser surgery in comparison to radiotherapy: 3 months after laser surgery there is no longer a difference with regard to normal voices except for the fundamental frequency, which remains higher pitched, even in the longer term. For patients treated with radiotherapy it takes longer for jitter, shimmer and NNE to become normal, where jitter remains significantly different from normal voices even after 2 years. According to these results, we believe that laser surgery is the first treatment of choice in the treatment of selected cases of T1a glottic carcinomas with good functional and oncological results.

Voice quality after organ-preservation therapy with definitive radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to analyze voice quality among patients treated by definitive radiotherapy for laryngeal cancer.

METHODS

Ten patients with laryngeal cancer who had completed radiotherapy were involved in this pilot study. A standardized protocol was administered assessing: (1) sustained vowel production following maximal inspiration, (2) sustained vowel production for a 7-second duration repeated 5 times, and (3) spontaneous speech for 10 seconds.

RESULTS

The acoustic parameters among patients with early-stage cancer were not statistically different from healthy age-corresponding controls, except for shimmer (0.20 vs 0.16 dB, ρ = 0.01) and maximum phonation duration (24.37 vs 30.10 seconds, ρ = 0.04). For patients with locally advanced cancer, differences with controls were observed with shimmer (2.29 vs 0.16 dB, ρ = 0.01), jitter (7.49% vs 1.04%, ρ = 0.01), harmonics-to-noise ratio (2.67 vs 9.22, ρ = 0.01), and maximum phonation duration (14.12 vs 30.10 seconds, ρ = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the subtle differences in voice quality that existed, radiotherapy as a curative treatment for laryngeal cancer allows maintenance of a functional voice.

Longitudinal analysis of voice quality in patients with early glottic cancer after transoral laser microsurgery

BACKGROUND

We conducted longitudinal voice evaluations in patients with early glottic cancer who underwent transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) to determine the time to stability.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients underwent TLM, including 13 limited cordectomies (type I and type II) and 12 extended cordectomies (type III to type IV). Multidimensional voice evaluations were performed before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Voice parameters of asthenicity, strain, mean airflow rate (MFR), voice handicap index (VHI)-functional, VHI-physical, and VHI-total scores improved in all patients. Most patients had improved 6 months after TLM. Patients with extended cordectomy showed higher breathiness, MFR, VHI-functional, and VHI-total scores. Healing was complete in all cases by 6 months and in a majority of cases (76%) by 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Voice quality achieved stability 6 months after TLM. Comparing treatment outcomes and surgical intervention are not recommended within 6 months of surgery.

Modified type III cordectomy to improve voice outcomes after transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic canser

BACKGROUND

We proposed a modified type III cordectomy for the treatment of early glottic cancer that removed the upper part of the vocalis muscle to improve glottic closure and voice outcomes.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with early glottic cancer underwent type III cordectomy, including 9 classical (proposed by European Laryngological Society) and 13 modified resections. Multidimensional voice evaluations were performed.

RESULTS

Voice parameters including GRBAS (overall grade [G], roughness of the voice [R], breathiness [B], asthenicity [A], and strain [S]), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, maximum phonation time, voice handicap index-functional, physical, and total scores were better in modified resection. Eleven patients (85%) had complete glottic closure in modified resection and 3 (33%) in classical resection (p = .026). Only 2 patients had tumor recurrence, 1 (8%) in the modified resection and 1 (11%) in the classical resection group (p = 1.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Modified type III cordectomy proved to be an oncologically safe method. The voice outcomes were better than those in patients who underwent classical type III cordectomy.

Laser surgery versus radiotherapy for T1-T2N0 glottic cancer: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Laser surgery and radiotherapy are commonly used to treat glottic cancer.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW

To compare outcomes and cost of laser surgery versus radiotherapy for T1-T2N0 glottic cancer.

TYPE OF REVIEW

Meta-analysis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE® In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Embase, Web of Science (1990-2010) were searched electronically. Three Chinese journals in otolaryngology were searched manually.

EVALUATION METHOD

Retrieved studies were analyzed with Review Manager 5.0 software. Methodological and outcome heterogeneity was analyzed using the χ(2) test and the I(2) test. Homogeneous and heterogeneous data were analyzed using a fixed random effect model.

RESULTS

Eleven studies involving 1,135 patients were included in the analysis. The cure rate did not differ between patients receiving laser surgery versus radiotherapy. Results on voice preservation were inconclusive. The overall cost for laser surgery was lower.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality of the reported clinical studies is limited. No level I data are available. Nonetheless, our analysis suggests that laser surgery and radiotherapy produce comparable outcomes.

Functional outcomes after radiotherapy or laser surgery in early glottic carcinoma: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Early glottic carcinoma is treated with laser surgery or radiotherapy, but which treatment has better functional outcomes is unclear. This systematic review compared functional outcomes (voice, swallowing, quality of life [QOL]) in more extended T1a and limited T2 tumors (1) between treatments and (2) between greater and lesser laser resections.

METHODS

A systematic literature search covered relevant databases from 1990 to 2009, combining all patient/problem, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) keyword variations.

RESULTS

A total of 19 papers met the inclusion criteria, all of which were level IV evidence. Papers reported only voice and QOL. Heterogeneity of outcome measures prevented data pooling. Uncertainty about tumor comparability (depth, extent) between the 2 treatments, small subject numbers, and poor-quality reporting hindered interpretation.

CONCLUSIONS

To allow comparison of laser surgery versus radiotherapy, a standardized method is needed that accurately measures tumor extent and depth. Agreement on functional outcome measures is necessary to allow comparison of treatments and resection types. Multicenter studies should be encouraged to guarantee adequate subject numbers.

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

BACKGROUND

Early glottic carcinoma can be managed by radiotherapy and transoral laser microsurgery with similar control and survival rates. The functional and quality of life outcomes of these interventions are therefore important to guide management.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW

To compare the different treatment modalities for early glottic carcinoma with respect to quality of life, post-treatment voice character and swallowing outcomes.

TYPE OF REVIEW

A systematic review of the literature with defined search strategy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Searches of EBM databases, and literature databases using key words: glotti*, laryn*, neoplasm, radiotherapy and laser surgery from 1970 to November 2009. Articles were screened for relevance using pre-determined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

EVALUATION METHOD

Articles reviewed by authors and data compiled in tables for analysis.

RESULTS

No randomised controlled trials were identified. There were 15 studies reporting vocal outcomes, and perception of voice disability was measured in eight studies; numbers were low in all the papers. Cumulatively, results for 880 patients were included, 448 had trans-oral laser microsurgery and 442 had radiotherapy. For vocal outcomes, 12 studies found no significant difference between radiotherapy and laser surgery, three reported superior outcomes for radiotherapy, whereas for the perception of voice disability, five reported no difference between treatment groups, while the remaining three reported conflicting results. Nine studies reported quality of life outcomes; seven of these reported no difference between the treatment groups in overall scores although some report differences in subsets of questions.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence base to date demonstrates comparable vocal and quality of life outcomes for radiotherapy and transoral laser surgery for early glottic carcinoma. There is a need for consensus on which measures of vocal quality and life satisfaction to be used in research trials to allow comparison between studies.

Evaluation of voice and quality of life after transoral endoscopic laser resection of early glottic carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate voice and quality of life after transoral laser resection of early glottic carcinoma.

METHODS

We studied 19 patients undergoing transoral laser resection of tumour stage (T) one or T2 glottic carcinoma. Laryngeal function was evaluated by video-stroboscopy, vocal function by the Voice Symptom Scale, the grade-roughness-breathiness-asthenia-strain scale and objective phoniatric assessment, and quality of life by the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire.

RESULTS

Patients' glottic carcinoma tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) staging was T1 N0 M0 in 14 patients and T2 N0 M0 in five. Overall voice grade, roughness and breathiness were mild to moderate in 84 per cent; asthenia and voice strain were more uniformly distributed, with 15 per cent of patients having normal voice quality. Eight patients developed a glottic web post-operatively; anterior commissure web was significantly associated with worse voice grade (p = 0.05). Seven patients (47 per cent) had a 'mucosal wave' on the operated vocal fold; this was significantly associated with less strain on phonation (p = 0.05). Voice Symptom Scale score was low overall (15 patients (78.9 per cent) scored less than 30). The fundamental frequency and frequency irregularity were normal in nine patients (47.3 per cent); the closed quotient was normal in six (31.5 per cent). The averaged quality of life score was ≥ 90 in 14 patients (73.7 per cent); 18 (94.7 per cent) felt their health-related quality of life was either the same or better post-operatively; and overall quality of life was positive in all.

CONCLUSION

Transoral laser resection of T1 and T2 glottic carcinoma enables adequate tumour tissue excision with preservation of acceptable vocal function. Most patients' post-operative quality of life is very good. Anterior commissure web formation is associated with poorer vocal function.

Transoral laser surgery versus radiotherapy: systematic review and meta-analysis for treatment options of T1a glottic cancer

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the oncologic and functional outcomes between transoral laser surgery (TLS) and radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS

An electronic library search of the relevant English- and Chinese-language literature was conducted. Potentially eligible articles were reviewed. Qualified articles were selected and evaluated.

RESULTS

No significant differences were identified between TLS and RT with respect to local control, overall survival, disease-specific survival, and posttreatment voice quality. However, larynx preservation was significantly higher in patients initially treated with TLS than those initially treated with RT.

CONCLUSIONS

The approach for optimal treatment of T1a glottic cancer remains unanswered. This results from the relatively inconclusive evidence obtained from the current literature. Properly designed, prospective, randomized, or well-controlled studies will be required. Similar methodologies for treatment and reporting need to be established to make a valid and meaningful comparison between studies.

Quality of voice after radiotherapy in early vocal cord cancer

Early glottic cancer (T1, T2N0M0), a disease of the voice box, mainly affects the voice. It can be effectively treated with both surgery and radiotherapy. Preservation of the voice while treating vocal cord cancer is not simply retaining the ability to vocalize. It is the determinant of choice of treatment and quality of life following curative management. Radiotherapy has resulted in excellent control rates with voice preservation and has been the standard of care for many decades. Several patient- (e.g., smoking, age, amount of talking during treatment), disease- (e.g., extent and site of lesion) and treatment- (e.g., radiation field size and dose, voice therapy) related factors adversely affect the quality of voice after radiotherapy. Several studies have evaluated voice quality either subjectively or objectively. Still, little is known about it. Voice quality after radiotherapy improves but does not reach the standard of the normal controls.

Nuclear factor-kappaB expression as a novel marker of radioresistance in early-stage laryngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) expression as a marker of radioresistance in early-stage laryngeal cancer.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with local recurrence and 70 case-matched patients without local recurrence were entered in this study. NF-kappaB expression was compared with Bcl-2 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor expression by immunohistochemistry, using pretreatment biopsy specimens. The prognostic value of NF-kappaB was also evaluated. Twenty-nine recurrent tumors were compared with pretreatment tumors.

RESULTS

NF-kappaB expression in pretreatment tumors significantly correlated with local tumor control (p = .01), but bcl-2 and EGF receptor expression did not. Only NF-kappaB expression showed prognostic significance for local tumor control in both univariate and multivariate analyses (p = .008 and .04, respectively). NF-kappaB expression was markedly enhanced in 23 of 29 (80%) recurrent tumors.

CONCLUSION

NF-kappaB expression may be a novel marker of radioresistance in early-stage laryngeal cancer.

Electroglottogram approximate entropy: a novel single parameter for objective voice assessment

Background:

The electroglottogram approximate entropy value is a numerical variable which gives an overall measure of voice quality. It is derived by analysing the complexity of the electroglottogram waveform using regulatory statistics.

Aims:

(1) To use electroglottogram approximate entropy to measure voice quality in patients with glottic pathology and in normal subjects, to ascertain whether this parameter can distinguish between pathological and normal voices. (2) To ascertain whether electroglottogram approximate entropy can measure voice change over time within individual subjects. (3) To determine any correlation between electroglottogram approximate entropy and the grade–roughness–breathiness–asthenia–strain scale.

Methods:

One hundred and forty-one normal volunteers were recruited to characterise electroglottogram approximate entropy in the normal voice. One hundred and eighty-six patients with glottic squamous cell carcinoma underwent electroglottogram approximate entropy measurement prior to radiotherapy and then three to six months and one year after treatment. Subjects’ voices were categorised by a speech therapist using the grade–roughness–breathiness–asthenia–strain scale.

Results:

The mean electroglottogram approximate entropy of the normal volunteers was 0.302 (range 0.05–0.42). The mean electroglottogram approximate entropy of the glottic squamous cell carcinoma patients was significantly lower prior to treatment, at 0.227 (range 0.001–0.397;p < 0.0005), but improved after radiotherapy to 0.277 at three to six months and 0.282 at one year. Electroglottogram approximate entropy results correlated significantly with grade–roughness–breathiness–asthenia–strain scale results.

Conclusion:

Electroglottogram approximate entropy can be used to assess change in voice quality resulting from glottic morphological abnormality. Electroglottogram approximate entropy values improve as voice quality improves after treatment. Electroglottogram approximate entropy values correlate significantly with grade–roughness–breathiness–asthenia–strain scale results.

Voice quality after treatment for T1a glottic carcinoma--radiotherapy versus laser cordectomy

The purpose of this study was to assess the anatomic and functional outcomes and compare the voice quality in patients affected by T1a glottic carcinoma treated with curative intent with radiotherapy or laser cordectomy. Fifty-seven cases were analysed: 27 after curative radiotherapy and 30 after laser cordectomy. All patients were studied with videolaryngostroboscopy, voice analysis by narrow spectrogram, and vocal parameters (Jitter, Shimmer, noise/harmonic ratio, and diplophonia). Videolaryngostroboscopy showed severe glottic inadequacy in 25% of cases treated with radiation and insufficient compensation 'ventricular band' or 'with arytenoid hyperadduction' in 65% of cases after surgery. Severe dysphonia on the electro-acoustic analysis of voice was observed in 25% of cases after radiation and 70% after laser (p < 0.001). Fundamental frequency and vocal parameters showed more favourable results in the radiation group (p < 0.001). Voice assessment showed better results after radiotherapy compared with laser cordectomy. Voice outcome should be carefully considered in the treatment decision for T1 glottic carcinoma.

Clinical outcome of T1 glottic carcinoma since the introduction of endoscopic CO2 laser surgery as treatment option

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of endoscopic laser surgery at our institution in 1996, 189 patients have been treated for T1 glottic carcinoma.

METHODS

Treatment allocation (radiotherapy vs laser surgery) and outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-one percent of T1a lesions were considered suitable for laser surgery. Sixteen percent of T1a patients treated with laser surgery needed additional treatment because of positive resection margins. Overall local control and larynx preservation were 89% and 96%. Both were poorer in T1a patients with larger lesions treated with radiotherapy (local control 75% versus 89%, p = .05, larynx preservation 83% vs 100%, p = .001).

CONCLUSION

Outcome for T1a patients selected for laser surgery is excellent. In patients with larger lesions treated with radiotherapy, outcome is inferior to patients selected for laser surgery, but also to that reported for (unselected) T1a carcinomas treated with radiotherapy in literature. Strategies to improve treatment results in patients deemed unsuitable for laser surgery should be designed.

Outcome of radiotherapy in T1 glottic carcinoma: a population-based study

We evaluated the radiation outcome and prognostic factors in a population-based study of early (T1N0M0) glottic carcinoma. Survival parameters and prognostic factors were evaluated by uni- and multivariate analysis in 316 consecutive irradiated patients with T1 glottic carcinoma in the Comprehensive Cancer Center West region of the western Netherlands. Median follow-up was 70 months (range 1-190 months). Five and ten-year local control was 86 and 84%. Disease specific survival was 97% at 5 and 10 years. In multivariate analysis, pre-existent laryngeal hypertrophic laryngitis was the only predictive factor for local control (relative risk = 3.0, P = 0.02). Comorbidity was prognostic for overall survival. No factor was predictive for disease specific survival. Pre-existent laryngeal hypertrophic laryngitis is a new risk factor associated with reduced local control in T1 glottic carcinoma treated with radiotherapy.

Radiotherapeutic management of laryngeal carcinoma

Authors discuss laryngeal lesions, metastases, and relevant anatomy. Outcome of surgical and radiotherapy in terms of voice preservation is discussed. Radiation techniques and outcomes for laryngeal cancer are presented along with discussion of interdisciplinary treatment. Authors review studies and quality of life outcomes of surviving laryngeal cancer patients.

Acoustic voice analysis in different phonetic contexts after larynx radiotherapy for T1 vocal cord carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Radiotherapy for early vocal cord carcinoma affects quality of voice. Nevertheless, most patients refer to having a high satisfaction level with their voice. The few acoustic studies on quality of voice have been performed only in prolonged vowel production, which is not a usual speech situation. The present study has been done with the aim of establishing which phonetic situations reflect a greater alteration in voice production related to irradiation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighteen male patients irradiated for Tis-T1 vocal cord carcinoma and a control group of 31 non-irradiated subjects were included in a study of acoustic voice analysis. This analysis was performed one year after radiotherapy. Patients and control group voices were tape recorded in extended vowel production, oral reading of a standard paragraph, spontaneous speech and in a song. Acoustic analysis was performed by a Kay Elemetric's Computerized Speech Lab (model CSL #4300). Fundamental frequency, jitter, shimmer and harmonics-to-noise ratio were obtained in both groups. Statistical test: Lin concordance coefficient and Pearson's correlation coefficient, Student's t-test and ROC curves.

RESULTS

Concordance and correlation studies did not allow selection of any subgroup in acoustic parameters and different acoustic situations. Acoustic parameters had higher median values in irradiated patients. Student's t-test showed significant differences for fundamental frequency in sustained vowel production and spontaneous speech; for jitter there was statistical significance in all the acoustic situations and for shimmer in oral reading and song. Jitter showed a cut-off of 2.02% with a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 97% in classifying irradiated and non-irradiated groups. The ROC curve for jitter correctly classified 94% of subjects into irradiated or non-irradiated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that jitter obtained from spontaneous speech was the most relevant parameter in discriminating voice in irradiated patients by acoustic analysis. Jitter in spontaneous speech is in need of more analysis in bigger series and in more advanced stages of larynx cancer as its relevance has been demonstrated.