Conservation laryngeal surgery versus total laryngectomy for radiation failure in laryngeal cancer

Transoral Laser Microsurgery in Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the oncological outcomes of salvage transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of patients suffering from recurrent laryngeal cancer.

METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched. English language, original studies investigating oncological outcomes of TLM in adult patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer were included. Data were pooled using a distribution-free approach for estimating summary local control (LC), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) curves with random effects.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-five patients underwent salvage TLM after primary (chemo)radiotherapy. The mean follow-up time was 60.8 months (95% CI: 32.7-88.9). Estimated pooled LC rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 74.2% (61.7-89.4), 53.9% (38.5-75.3), and 39.1% (25.2-60.8). Estimated pooled DSS rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 88.4% (82.0-95.3), 67.8% (50.9-90.3), and 58.9% (42.7-81.1). Two hundred and seventy-one patients underwent TLM after primary laser treatment. The mean follow-up time was 70.9 months (95% CI: 36.9-104.9). Estimated pooled LC rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 72.2% (64.7-80.6), 53.2% (42.2-66.9), and 40.4% (29.6-55.2). Estimated pooled DSS rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 92.1% (85.5-99.1), 77.0% (64.4-92.0), and 67.1% (51.6-87.3).

CONCLUSIONS

TLM is a valuable treatment option for the management of locally recurrent laryngeal carcinoma if performed by experienced surgeons and following rigorous patients' selection criteria. Further studies should be conducted to define stage-based clinical guidelines.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1425-1433, 2023.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Early-T Stage Glottic Cancer Involving the Anterior Commissure—News and Update

Background

About 20% of all glottic carcinomas involve the anterior commissure (AC), and AC involvement was deemed to be a risk factor of local recurrence and poor prognosis. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has been developed for a panoramic view of the AC and en-bloc resection of the tumor by multidirectional dissection with endo-wristed instruments. With satisfactory preliminary results, we would like to update the data with a bigger cohort and present the news on using TORS for salvage treatment of recurrence from irradiation failure.

Methods

From July 2010 to December 2019, 22 patients with early T1 and 2 stage primary (n = 11) or recurrent (n = 11) glottic cancer with AC involvement received TORS without adjuvant therapy. TORS exposure was found to be better than TLM by conventional laryngoscopy in diagnostic biopsy. Seven of the 22 patients had recurrent cancer from irradiation failure. The perioperative factors that may be associated with survival were retrospectively analyzed, and the 5-year overall survival (OS)/disease-specific survival (DSS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS)/and organ preservation survival (OPS) rate were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier Method. Their voice and swallowing functions were evaluated by questionnaires of Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS).

Results

All 22 TORSs were completed smoothly. After a mean follow-up of 49 ± 35.9 months, the Kaplan–Meier method estimated 5-year OS/DSS/RFS/OPS was 93.8%, 93.8%, 74.6%, and 86.3%, respectively. Our 11 patients with fresh cancer had 100% recurrence-free survival. Although the recurrent rate was higher in patients with history of RT, they could be rescued by further open laryngectomy without compromising the OS and DSS. Only one patient expired. The other 21 patients had satisfactory swallowing function with FOSS of 0.33 ± 0.66. Five patients depended on tracheostomy, but the rest 17 patients had serviceable voice with VHI-10 of 18.41 ± 11.29.

Conclusions

TORS could be used in the primary or salvage management of glottic cancer with AC involvement while TORS was confirmed to have better exposure to TLM. The RFS was good for patients with primary cancer. In patients having irradiation failure, TORS could also be a minimally invasive transoral approach before trying open surgery to preserve the organ.

Laryngectomy-free survival after salvage partial laryngectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Radiotherapy (RT) is widely used for early glottic cancer. Patients failing this treatment are referred to surgical management of their disease. Salvage partial laryngectomy (SPL) has the advantage of preserving laryngeal function with total laryngectomy (TL) remaining as a last resort. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of SPL in preventing total laryngectomy, following failed RT, for early glottic cancer.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of all published English literature was performed. All publications that included patients undergoing SPL were reviewed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The search strategy identified 154 relevant articles. A total of 15 retrospective studies that included 323 suitable patients were subsequently analyzed in this meta-analysis. The main outcome measure was the rate of laryngectomy-free survival (LFS) following SPL. The indications for salvage TL (i.e., disease recurrence and poorly functional larynxes) as well as subgroup analyses for open and trans-oral SPLs were also calculated.

RESULTS

The overall rate of LFS following SPL was 81.2% (fixed effects model range: 75.7-86.8%). Salvage TL following SPL were performed in 96.8% due to disease recurrence and in 3.2% to poorly functional larynxes. A subgroup analysis showed a 90.4% LFS after open SPL and 78.6% following trans-oral SPL.

CONCLUSION

A high rate of successful salvage partial laryngectomies, regardless of surgical technique, is to be anticipated in well-selected patients after RT failure.

Factors Associated with Outcomes Following Salvage Surgery for Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer: A Retrospective Study of 50 Cases from a Single Center in Poland

BACKGROUND This retrospective study from a single center in Poland aimed to identify factors associated with outcomes following salvage surgery in 50 patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group consisted of 50 patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer after primary organ preservation treatment (12 patients after partial surgery, 30 patients after radiation therapy, and 8 patients after prior treatment using both methods). None of the patients received chemotherapy before salvage surgery. All patients with recurrence of laryngeal cancer underwent total laryngectomy with elective bilateral nodal surgery. Local and/or nodal recurrence was considered the failure of primary organ preservation treatment. Efficacy of treatment was assessed in relation to overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local control (LC), and locoregional control (LRC). RESULTS Treatment results showed a poor prognosis in patients with local and/or nodal recurrence of laryngeal cancer. In the study group, the updated 5-year rates were as follows: OS rate of 26%; DFS rate of 25%; LC rate of 44%; and LRC rate of 39%. Univariate analysis showed that the stage before primary treatment was a predictive factor of OS (P=0.012). CONCLUSIONS The findings from this retrospective study of 50 patients with recurrent laryngeal carcinoma showed that salvage surgery following organ preservation treatment resulted in a 5-year OS rate of 26%.

Salvage surgery for residual or recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after (Chemo)radiotherapy: Oncological outcomes and prognostic factors

Nonsurgical primary treatment of early and advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, employing radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy, is considered a standard of care in many centers throughout the world. When patients have persistent or recurrent disease after non-surgical treatment, salvage surgery is frequently the only remaining potentially curative treatment. Depending on the extent of the residual/recurrent disease, different surgical salvage options are at the surgeon's disposal. In selected cases with limited local disease, salvage transoral laser microsurgery, transoral robotic surgery and open partial laryngectomies can be employed to achieve cure while preserving laryngeal function. For more advanced cases total laryngectomy is necessary. Identifying situations with unacceptable results from surgical salvage may guide future therapies.

Salvage laryngectomy after primary radio- and radiochemotherapy : A retrospective study

Background

Recurrent and residual laryngeal cancer after organ-preserving radio- or radiochemotherapy is associated with a poor prognosis. Salvage surgery is the most important therapeutic option in these cases.

Objective

The study assessed rates of recurrence and residual tumor as well as survival and complication rates after salvage laryngectomy at the authors’ academic cancer center.

Materials and methods

A retrospective examination of all patients receiving laryngectomy between 2001 and 2019 due to tumor residuals or recurrence after primary radio- and radiochemotherapy was conducted.

Results

A total of 33 salvage procedures were performed. Defect reconstruction was performed by free flap surgery in 30.3% (n = 10) and regional flap surgery in 15.2% (n = 5) . One patient received regional flap surgery and free flap surgery simultaneously. Overall survival after 1, 2, and 5 years was 68.7, 47.9, and 24.2%, and disease-free survival was 81.6, 47.8, and 24.2%, respectively, with 48.5% (n = 16) postoperative tumor recurrences overall. Disease-free survival was significantly shorter for tumor extension into or onto the hypopharynx (p = 0.041). Postoperatively, 72.7% of patients developed a pharyngocutaneous fistula, of which 24.2% required surgical treatment. The hospital stay was 28.0 ± 16.1 days.

Conclusion

Salvage laryngectomy is associated with a high rate of treatable complications and high morbidity. Nevertheless, considering the advanced tumor stages treated, it allows for respectable oncological results.

Supplementary Information

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00106-021-01030-3) includes the patient cohort. Article and supplementary material are available at www.springermedizin.de. Please enter the title of the article in the search field, the supplementary material can be found under “Ergänzende Inhalte”.

Functional and oncological outcomes of salvage transoral robotic surgery: a comparative study

PURPOSE

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) as a first-line therapy has been well-documented but evidence is missing regarding salvage therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the oncological and functional outcomes of TORS as a primary and salvage therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective monocentric study included 74 patients operated by a single surgeon and sorted out into two groups: primary treatment (PT) or Salvage treatment (ST) in case of previous history of radiation therapy. Patients were further stratified by tumour location: larynx and pharynx (lST vs lPT and pST vs pPT).

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included in PT group (64.9%) and 26 in ST group (35.1%). ST patients had more frequent cTis/T1 tumours (57.7% vs 29.2%, p = 0.0164) and no clinical lymph disease (3.8% vs 37.5%, p = 0.0016). Tracheostomy was more often performed in the ST group (57.7% vs 16.7%, p = 0.0003) and the lST subgroup (88.9% vs 9.1%, p < 0.0001). Gastric feeding tube placement was more frequent in the ST group (76.9% vs 33.3%, p = 0.0003), the pST subgroup (64.7% vs 15.4%, p = 0.0009) and the lST subgroup (100% vs 54.5%, p = 0.0297). We observed a trend for more postoperative complications in the ST group (69.2% vs 47.9%, p = 0.0783). The overall survival was lower in the ST group (p = 0.0004), and in the pST subgroup (p < 0.0001). The disease-free survival rate was lower in the ST group (p = 0.0001), the pST subgroup (p = 0.0002) and the lST subgroup (p = 0.0328).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that survival and functional outcomes after salvage TORS are worse than in first line surgery.

[Salvage laryngectomy after primary radio- and radiochemotherapy : A retrospective study. German version]

Hintergrund

Das rezidivierende und residuelle Larynxkarzinom nach organerhaltender Radio- bzw. Radiochemotherapie ist mit einer schlechten Prognose verbunden. Die Salvage-Operation stellt in diesen Fällen die wichtigste therapeutische Option dar.

Ziel der Arbeit

Erfasst wurden die Rate an Rezidiv- und Residualtumoren sowie die Überlebensraten und die Komplikationsrate nach Salvage-Chirurgie des Kehlkopfs an dem akademischen Tumorzentrum der Autor(inn)en.

Material und Methoden

Retrospektiv wurden alle Patienten untersucht, bei denen zwischen 2001 und 2019 eine Salvage-Operation aufgrund eines Tumorresiduums oder Rezidivs nach primärer nichtchirurgischer Therapie erfolgt war.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 33 Salvage-Operationen durchgeführt. Die Defektrekonstruktion erfolgte in 30,3 % der Fälle (n = 10) mittels freier und in 15,2 % (n = 5) mittels regionaler Lappenplastik. Ein Patient hat sowohl eine freie als auch gleichzeitig eine gestielte Lappenplastik erhalten. Das Gesamtüberleben nach einem, 2 und 5 Jahren betrug 68,7 %; 47,9 % bzw. 24,2 %, das krankheitsfreie Überleben 81,6 %; 47,8 % bzw. 24,2 % bei insgesamt 48,5 % (n = 16) postoperativen Tumorrezidiven. Das krankheitsfreie Überleben war signifikant kürzer bei Tumorausdehnung im bzw. auf den Hypopharynx (p = 0,041). Postoperativ entwickelten 72,7 % der Patienten eine pharyngokutane Fistel unabhängig von einer simultanen Defektrekonstruktion. Nur 24 % der der aufgetretenen Fisteln mussten operativ therapiert werden. Der Krankenhausaufenthalt betrug 28,0 ± 16,1 Tage.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Salvage-Laryngektomie ist mit vielen, aber beherrschbaren Komplikationen und einer hohen Morbidität verbunden. In Anbetracht der behandelten fortgeschrittenen Tumorkategorien und der Gesamtsituation des Patienten sind respektable onkologische Ergebnisse zu erreichen.

Zusatzmaterial online

Die Online-Version dieses Beitrags (10.1007/s00106-021-01029-w) enthält eine Übersicht über die Patientenkohorte. Beitrag und Zusatzmaterial stehen Ihnen auf www.springermedizin.de zur Verfügung. Bitte geben Sie dort den Beitragstitel in die Suche ein, das Zusatzmaterial finden Sie beim Beitrag unter „Ergänzende Inhalte“.

Impact of geniohyoid and masseter muscle masses on dysphagia after salvage surgery and radiotherapy in head and neck cancer

This study aimed to determine whether geniohyoid and/or masseter muscle mass can predict the severity of dysphagia after salvage surgery for head and neck cancer. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 45 male patients with head and neck cancer (median age, 68 years) who underwent salvage surgery. The preoperative geniohyoid and masseter muscle masses were evaluated using computed tomography and the severity of dysphagia was evaluated by Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and Oropharyngeal swallow efficiency (OPSE). The median PAS, FOIS and OPSE scores after surgery were 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 1–8), 6 (IQR 2–7) and 95.8 (IQR 67.1–116.2), respectively. The mean geniohyoid muscle masses were 3.13 ± 0.78 cm² and the mean masseter muscle masses were 4.37 ± 0.99 cm², respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that the geniohyoid muscle mass was significantly associated with the PAS, FOIS and OPSE scores. Conversely, the masseter muscle mass was not significantly associated with the PAS score but was significantly associated with the FOIS and OPSE scores. Geniohyoid muscle mass may predict the severity of dysphagia after salvage surgery.

Predicting salvage laryngectomy in patients treated with primary nonsurgical therapy for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma using machine learning

BACKGROUND

Machine learning (ML) algorithms may predict patients who will require salvage total laryngectomy (STL) after primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

METHODS

Patients treated for T1-T3a laryngeal SCC were identified from the National Cancer Database. Multiple ML algorithms were trained to predict which patients would go on to require STL after primary nonsurgical treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 16 440 cases were included. The best classification performance was achieved with a gradient boosting algorithm, which achieved accuracy of 76.0% (95% CI 74.5-77.5) and area under the curve = 0.762. The most important variables used to construct the model were distance from residence to treating facility and days from diagnosis to start of treatment.

CONCLUSION

We can identify patients likely to fail primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy and who will go on to require STL by applying ML techniques and argue for high-quality, multidisciplinary regionalized care.

Salvage open partial horizontal laryngectomy after failed radiotherapy: A multicentric study

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of the present study was to report our multi-institutional experience in surgical salvage with open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHL) after failed radiotherapy (RT) for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Secondary aims were to analyze the prognostic meaning of the main clinical and pathological parameters in relation to the oncologic outcome and to compare our results with the available literature.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective multicenter analysis of surgical oncological outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively review the clinical charts of 70 recurrent LSCC patients after primary RT failure undergone salvage OPHL.

RESULTS

At last follow-up, 46 patients (65%) were disease-free; six (9%) were alive with disease; nine (12%) died because of the disease; and nine (12%) died without evidence of disease. The final local control, overall survival, disease-specific survival, and laryngectomy-free survival were 87%, 75%, 87%, and 91%, respectively. Twelve patients (17%) experienced postoperative complications, whereas 18 patients (25%) experienced late sequelae. In five patients (7%), decannulation was not possible because of postoperative laryngeal stenosis.

CONCLUSION

In selected patients, when proper selection criteria for conservation laryngeal surgery are adopted, OPHL can be considered for salvage after RT failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:431-436, 2020.

The Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer

Successful management of laryngeal cancer depends on careful pretreatment evaluation of patient and disease factors to arrive at accurate staging, leading to appropriate treatment selection for patients with this highly impacting disease. Surgical modalities, including transoral laser microsurgery, open partial laryngectomy, and total laryngectomy, offer options, alone or in combination with radiation and chemotherapy. Treatment strategy for laryngeal cancer should strive for cure while maintaining the best quality of life possible for the patient. Achieving the goals of initial and salvage treatment for laryngeal cancer depends on executing a plan of care determined by the expertise of the multidisciplinary team.

Salvage surgery for advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma following radiotherapy or chemoradiation

PURPOSE

Salvage surgery for recurrent advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is known to result in poor prognosis. As there are only small and heterogeneous studies available with wide variety in outcome measures, our purpose was to select and pool literature according to specific criteria.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcome after salvage surgery for recurrent advanced stage HNSCC following primary radiotherapy or chemoradiation.

RESULTS

16 of 3956 screened studies were included for analysis (729 patients). Pooled 5-year OS was 37% (95% CI 30-45%, 12 studies, 17 outcome measurements, 540 patients). Outcome was presented for larynx (6 studies, 397 patients), hypopharynx (2 studies, 47 patients), larynx and hypopharynx combined (3 studies, 69 patients) or separately (1 study, 134 patients), oral cavity (1 study, 11 patients), oropharynx (1 study, 34 patients) and multiple subsites combined (2 studies, 37 patients). There was no significant difference in survival outcome between subsites (p_{heterogeneity} = 0.8116). The pooled tumor-positive resection margin rate was 32% and pooled re-operation rate 17%. Complication rates from the pooled data were: fistulas 33%, wound infections 24% and flap failure 3%. Treatment-related mortality rate was 1% and mean hospital stay was 23 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage surgery for recurrent advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after primary (chemo)radiotherapy is a good last resort curative treatment option, resulting in 37% overall survival at 5 years. As data from advanced stage non-laryngeal tumors were sparse, no solid conclusions can be drawn with regard to outcome differences between tumor subsites.

Completion Total Laryngectomy Ten Years After Near Total Laryngectomy for Radiorecurrent Cancer of the Glottis

Near total laryngectomy (NTL) is a safe alternative to total laryngectomy in salvaging lateralized radiation failures. A 65-year-old gentleman with radiorecurrent T1 vocal cord cancer was salvaged successfully by NTL. Ten years later, he presented with a strained shunt speech which was treated judiciously, with the aid of a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, by a (completion) total laryngectomy (TL), bilateral selective neck dissection, and pharyngeal resurfacing with pectoralis major myocutaneous (PMMC) flap. The patient is on close follow-up after the second salvage procedure, for 20 months without any locoregional disease recurrence. A high index of suspicion can clinch the diagnosis of a post-NTL recurrence in a disease-free patient on follow-up because of the excellent speech preservation and aspiration-free swallowing that is possible which can only be altered if the patient develops a recurrence or second primary.

AHNS series: Do you know your guidelines? Guideline recommendations for recurrent and persistent head and neck cancer after primary treatment

Locoregional recurrent/persistent head and neck cancer following primary treatment is a significant challenge as it is usually difficult to treat and has worse outcomes compared to the primary setting. Surgical resection of a local or regional recurrence offers the best chance of cure when feasible. Local recurrence outcomes vary by subsite with laryngeal recurrences having the best prognoses and hypopharynx having the worst. Instances of persistent neck masses following primary nonsurgical treatment can be evaluated with positron emission tomography (PET) with CT (PET-CT) when there is no definitive diagnosis of a recurrence/persistence. Reirradiation with or without chemotherapy can be considered for primary treatment when surgery is not an option, for adjuvant treatment following salvage surgery, or for palliation. Immunotherapy represents a newer class of chemotherapeutic agents. Current guidelines recommend enrollment in clinical trials especially when surgery is not an option as outcomes remain universally poor in the recurrent/persistent setting.

Oncologic and functional outcomes of salvage supracricoid partial laryngectomy

BACKGROUND

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCL) can have a positive impact on patients' quality of life by circumventing dysphagia and voice problems resulting from creation of a permanent stoma after conventional total laryngectomy (TL) surgery.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the oncologic and functional outcomes of salvage SCL for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-five patients that underwent salvage surgery for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma between January 2004 and May 2015 after initial treatment failure were included in this retrospective study.

RESULTS

Overall survival and disease free survival were non-significantly higher in the salvage SCL group (n = 14) than in the salvage TL group (n = 31) (87.5 versus 56.5%, 53.4 versus 41.9%). Multivariate analyses showed only positive resection margin to be significantly associated with survival and recurrence (HR 9.974, p = .007, and HR 9.196, p = .002, respectively). In the salvage SCL group, 92.8% achieved successful decannulation and all patients returned to an oral diet. All patients in the salvage TL group sustained a permanent stoma and conversation was possible only through esophageal voice or a voice prosthesis. 74.2% of patients in the group were able to tolerate an oral diet.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Salvage SCL showed comparable oncologic outcomes and favorable functional outcomes relative to the classic salvage TL. This study could provide a sufficient basis of SCL as salvage treatment for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma in selected patients.

Persistent Head and Neck Cancer Following First-Line Treatment

Background: Following first-line treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), persistent disease may require second-line treatment. Methods: All patients with HNC treated between 2008 and 2016 were included. Second-line treatment modalities and survival of patients were analyzed. Results: After first-line therapy, 175/741 patients had persistent disease. Of these, 112 were considered eligible for second-line treatment. Second-line treatment resulted in 50% complete response. Median overall survival of patients receiving second-line therapy was 24 (95% CI: 19 to 29) months; otherwise survival was 10 (9 to 11; p < 0.0001) months. Patients receiving second-line surgery had a median overall survival of 45 (28 to 62) months, patients receiving second-line radiotherapy had a median overall survival of 37 (0 to 79; p = 0.17) months, and patients receiving systemic therapy had a median overall survival of 13 (10 to 16; p < 0.001) months. Patients with persistent HNC in the neck had a better median survival (45 months; 16 to 74 months; p = 0.001) than patients with persistence at other sites. Conclusion: Early treatment response evaluation allows early initiation of second-line treatment and offers selected patients with persistent disease a realistic chance to achieve complete response after all. If possible, surgery or radiotherapy are preferable.

The Current Role of Salvage Surgery in Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Chemoradiotherapy has emerged as a gold standard in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Because 50% of advanced stage patients relapse after nonsurgical primary treatment, the role of salvage surgery (SS) is critical because surgery is generally regarded as the best treatment option in patients with recurrent resectable SCCHN. Surgeons are increasingly confronted with considering operation among patients with significant effects of failed non-surgical primary treatment. Wide local excision to achieve clear margins must be balanced with the morbidity of the procedure, the functional consequences of organ mutilation, and the likelihood of success. Accurate selection of patients suitable for surgery is a major issue. It is essential to establish objective criteria based on functional and oncologic outcomes to select the best candidates for SS. The authors propose first to understand preoperative prognostic factors influencing survival. Predictive modeling based on preoperative information is now available to better select patients having a good chance to be successfully treated with surgery. Patients with a high comorbidity index, advanced oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal primary tumors, and both local and regional recurrence have a very limited likelihood of success with salvage surgery and should be strongly considered for other treatments. Following SS, identifying patients with postoperative prognostic factors predicting high risk of recurrence is essential because those patients could benefit of adjuvant treatment or be included in clinical trials. Finally, defining HPV tumor status is needed in future studies including recurrent oropharyngeal SCC patients.

Salvage Surgery after Radiation Failure in T1/T2 Larynx Cancer: Outcomes following Total versus Conservation Surgery

Objective

After radiation failure for early T-stage larynx cancer, national guidelines recommend salvage surgery. Total laryngectomy and conservation laryngeal surgery with an open or endoscopic approach are both used. Beyond single-institution studies, there is a lack of evidence concerning the outcomes of these procedures. We aim to study whether treatment with conservation laryngeal surgery is associated with poorer outcomes than treatment with total laryngectomy as salvage surgery after radiation failure for T1/T2 larynx cancers.

Study Design

A retrospective study was conducted of adult squamous cell larynx cancer cases in the National Cancer Database diagnosed from 2004 to 2012.

Setting

Commission on Cancer cancer programs in the United States.

Methods

Demographic, facility, tumor, and survival variables were included in the analyses. Multivariate survival regressions as well as univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses were conducted.

Results

Slightly more than 7% of patients receiving radiotherapy for T1/T2 larynx cancers later received salvage surgery. Salvage with partial laryngectomy was not associated with diminished survival as compared with total laryngectomy. However, positive surgical margins were associated with worse outcomes (hazard ratio, 1.782; P = .001), and a larger percentage of patients receiving partial laryngectomy had positive margins than those receiving total laryngectomy. Facility characteristics were not associated with differences in salvage surgery type or outcomes.

Conclusion

In recognition of the inherent selection bias, patients who experienced recurrences after radiation for T1/T2 larynx cancer and underwent conservation salvage laryngeal surgery demonstrated clinical outcomes similar to those of patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy. Increased rates of positive surgical margins were observed among patients undergoing salvage conservation surgery.

Use of Larynx-Preservation Strategies in the Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update

Purpose To update the guideline recommendations on the use of larynx-preservation strategies in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Methods An Expert Panel updated the systematic review of the literature for the period from January 2005 to May 2017. Results The panel confirmed that the use of a larynx-preservation approach for appropriately selected patients does not compromise survival. No larynx-preservation approach offered a survival advantage compared with total laryngectomy and adjuvant therapy as indicated. Changes were supported for the use of endoscopic surgical resection in patients with limited disease (T1, T2) and for initial total laryngectomy in patients with T4a disease or with severe pretreatment laryngeal dysfunction. New recommendations for positron emission tomography imaging for the evaluation of regional nodes after treatment and best measures for evaluating voice and swallowing function were added. Recommendations Patients with T1, T2 laryngeal cancer should be treated initially with intent to preserve the larynx by using endoscopic resection or radiation therapy, with either leading to similar outcomes. For patients with locally advanced (T3, T4) disease, organ-preservation surgery, combined chemotherapy and radiation, or radiation alone offer the potential for larynx preservation without compromising overall survival. For selected patients with extensive T3 or large T4a lesions and/or poor pretreatment laryngeal function, better survival rates and quality of life may be achieved with total laryngectomy. Patients with clinically involved regional cervical nodes (N+) who have a complete clinical and radiologic imaging response after chemoradiation do not require elective neck dissection. All patients should undergo a pretreatment baseline assessment of voice and swallowing function and receive counseling with regard to the potential impact of treatment options on voice, swallowing, and quality of life. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .

Benefit of salvage total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy for recurrent locally advanced head and neck cancer after radiotherapy

Background

The treatment modalities for recurrent locally advanced head and neck cancer failure after radiotherapy are limited with poor prognosis. Salvage supra-radical operation seems to be an option. It has not been established which patients will benefit from salvage total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 66 patients with previously irradiated recurrent T4 head and neck cancer who underwent salvage total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy at our institution between January 2001 and June 2014. The clinical outcome and toxicities were analyzed.

Results

Flap loss occurred in 2 patients, and the incidence of fistulas and anastomosis strictures was 15.6% (10/66) and 13.6% (9/66), respectively. The median survival time of the entire cohort was 12 months. The interval between radiation and salvage surgery, and microscopic carotid artery invasion were identified as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. The 3-year overall survival rates of patients with (n = 33) and without (n = 33) risk factors were 9.1% and 47.2%, respectively (p = 0.007). A time interval between radiation and salvage surgery ≤6 months and previous concurrent chemotherapy or targeted therapy were risk factors for severe post-operative complications.

Conclusions

Salvage total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy is beneficial to selected patients with recurrent locally advanced head and neck cancer after radiotherapy.

Prediction of local control in early glottic carcinoma using the maximum standardised uptake value

PURPOSE

This retrospective study aimed to determine whether the maximum standardised uptake value (SUV_max) can predict local tumour control in early glottic cancer (Tis, T1, and T2).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for early glottic cancer between 2003 and 2011 were enrolled. We evaluated the SUV_max in the region of interest around the original tumour site. Local tumour control and survival were estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the optimal SUV_max cut-off for predicting local control.

RESULTS

As determined by laryngoscopy, all patients achieved a complete response. Eleven patients experienced local recurrence, while no distant metastasis occurred. One patient died due to local recurrence, while five lost their larynxes. The median follow-up was 61.5 (range: 6.2-123.4) months. The five-year local progression-free survival was 84.7%, and larynx preservation was possible in 89.6% of cases. The median SUV_max was 2.2. The optimal SUV_max for predicting local tumour control was identified as 3.4. Patients with glottic cancers with an SUV_max>3.4 showed a significantly lower local progression-free survival rate than those with tumours with an SUV_max<3.4 (five-year local progression-free survival rate: 53.4% vs. 95.4%, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a high SUV_max was an independent predictive factor for local progression-free survival (P=0.006).

CONCLUSION

The use of (¹⁸F)-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography for evaluation of the SUV_max is useful to predict local progression-free survival in patients with early glottic cancer treated by radiation. Early glottic cancer with a high SUV_max may require aggressive local treatment and careful surveillance.

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.

Salvage surgery in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Oncologic outcome and predictors of disease free survival

OBJECTIVE

Salvage surgery in recurrent SCCHN is associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to better identify suitable surgical candidates and those at high risk of new recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-center retrospective analysis of 109 patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent SCCHN. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors affecting disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

The following factors showed a significant impact on DFS: Disease-free interval >6months [HR 0.53; p=0.04], age>70years [HR 0.26; p=0.03], primary chemoradiotherapy [HR 2.39; p<0.01] compared to radiotherapy, oropharynx [HR 5.46; p<0.01] and hypopharynx [HR 3.92; p=<0.01] sites, compared to larynx, initial stage III [HR 7.10; p<0.01] and stage IV [HR 4.13; p<0.01], compared to stage I, locoregional recurrence [HR 4.57; p<0.01], compared to local recurrence. Univariate analysis also identified significant postoperative predictors of poor DFS including flap reconstruction [HR 3.44; p<0.01], postoperative complications [HR 2.09; p=0.01], positive margins [HR 3.64; p<0.01] and close margins [HR 3.83; p<0.01]. On multivariate analysis, oropharynx site [HR 3.98; p<0.01], initial stage III [HR 5.93; p<0.01] and locoregional recurrence [HR 2.93; p=0.04] were independent preoperative prognostic factors for DFS. Positive margins [HR 2.32; p=0.04], close margins [HR 2.94; p=0.02], extracapsular spread (ECS) [HR 4.04; p=0.03] and postoperative complications [HR 3.64; p<0.01] were independent postoperative prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced primary nonlaryngeal tumor and locoregional recurrence have limited success with salvage surgery. Because patients with positive margins and ECS are at high risk of relapse, adjuvant treatment should be discussed.

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.

Risk factors for radiation failure in early-stage glottic carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy is one of the main treatment modalities for early-stage glottic carcinoma. Unfortunately, local failure may occur in a group of cases with T1-T2 glottic carcinoma. This meta-analysis sought to determine risk factors for radiation failure in patients with early-stage glottic carcinoma.

METHODS

A systematic and comprehensive search was performed for related studies published between 1995 and 2014. The primary end-point was 5-year local control. Data extraction and analysis were performed using the software STATA/SE 13.1 for Windows.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were eligible. A higher risk of radiation failure was demonstrated in male patients [relative risk (RR): 0.927, p<0.001] and those with low hemoglobin level (RR: 0.891, p<0.001) with a high agreement between studies (I-squared=0.0%). Moreover, T2 tumors (RR: 0.795, p<0.001), tumors with anterior commissure involvement (RR: 0.904, p<0.001), tobacco use during/after therapy (RR: 0.824, p<0.001), and "bulky" tumors (RR: 1.270, p<0.001] or tumors bigger in size (RR: 1.332, p<0.001]. Poorly differentiated tumors had a questionable risk of local failure, although a moderate to high interstudy heterogeneity was determined. A statistically significant contribution was not detected for age, presence of comorbidity, alcohol use or subglottic extension.

CONCLUSION

This is the first meta-analysis which assessed the potential risk factors for radiation failure in patients with early-stage glottic carcinoma. Gender and pretreatment hemoglobin level are major influential factors associated with radiation failure in patients with early-stage glottic carcinoma. However, prospective, randomized clinical trials may permit better stratification of their relative contributions, and those who may benefit more from upfront surgery.

Laryngeal Preservation in Glottic Cancer

Objective

When total laryngectomy is not required, organ preservation surgery or radiotherapy is considered the standard of care for primary glottic cancer. These accepted treatment options are available for early and advanced glottic cancers due to equivalent locoregional control and survival rates. However, in today’s climate of accountable care, the financial burden of treatment choices continues to increase in significance. We therefore compared hospital charges and treatment-related morbidity between organ-preserving surgery and radiation with or without chemotherapy—herein, (chemo)radiation—in the primary treatment of glottic cancer.

Study Design

Nationwide Inpatient Sample Database was analyzed to assess clinical and financial information.

Setting

Population-based analysis.

Subjects

Patients (N = 5499) with primary glottic cancer undergoing treatment with laryngeal preservation strategies.

Methods

Patients were subdivided by ICD-9 codes into 3 treatment groups: endoscopic resection, open partial laryngectomy, and (chemo)radiation. Treatment-related outcomes, charges, and length of hospitalization were analyzed among treatment groups.

Results

When adjusting for sex, age, race, comorbidity, and primary payer, (chemo)radiotherapy was associated with increased direct charges ( P < .001; coefficient, $23,658.99; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: $10,227.15-$37,090.84) and length of hospitalization ( P < .001; hazard ratio, 0.593; 95% CI: 0.502-0.702) when compared with endoscopic surgery. As compared with open surgery, endoscopic surgery was associated with reduced hospital charges ( P = .012; coefficient, $11,967.01; 95% CI: $2,784.17-$21,249.85) and duration of hospitalization ( P < .001; hazard ratio, 0.749; 95% CI: 0.641-0.876).

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that increased utilization of endoscopic surgery in patients with primary glottic cancer not requiring total laryngectomy may lead to reduced financial burden and duration of hospitalization when compared with open surgery or (chemo)radiation therapy.

Cost-effectiveness of heat and moisture exchangers compared to usual care for pulmonary rehabilitation after total laryngectomy in Poland

The beneficial physical and psychosocial effects of heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) for pulmonary rehabilitation of laryngectomy patients are well evidenced. However, cost-effectiveness in terms of costs per additional quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) has not yet been investigated. Therefore, a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis of using HMEs versus usual care (UC) (including stoma covers, suction system and/or external humidifier) for patients after laryngectomy was performed. Primary outcomes were costs, QALYs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Secondary outcomes were pulmonary infections, and sleeping problems. The analysis was performed from a health care perspective of Poland, using a time horizon of 10 years and cycle length of 1 year. Transition probabilities were derived from various sources, amongst others a Polish randomized clinical trial. Quality of life data was derived from an Italian study on similar patients. Data on frequencies and mortality-related tracheobronchitis and/or pneumonia were derived from a Europe-wide survey amongst head and neck cancer experts. Substantial differences in quality-adjusted survival between the use of HMEs (3.63 QALYs) versus UC (2.95 QALYs) were observed. Total health care costs/patient were 39,553 PLN (9465 Euro) for the HME strategy and 4889 PLN (1168 Euro) for the UC strategy. HME use resulted in fewer pulmonary infections, and less sleeping problems. We could conclude that given the Polish threshold of 99,000 PLN/QALY, using HMEs is cost-effective compared to UC, resulting in 51,326 PLN/QALY (12,264 Euro/QALY) gained for patients after total laryngectomy. For the hospital period alone (2 weeks), HMEs were cost-saving: less costly and more effective.

Changing trends of speech outcomes after total laryngectomy in the 21st century: a single-center study

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To describe the speech rehabilitation outcomes of patients undergoing total laryngectomy (TL) in the 21st century.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Tertiary academic center

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 167 patients who underwent TL from June 2000 to February 2012. Demographics, disease variables, and surgical factors were reviewed. Primary alaryngeal speech modality, speech outcome, and tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) complication rates were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall TEP speech success rate (primary or secondary) was 72%. Overall TEP speech success rate was 76% for those with primary TEP and was 68% for those with secondary TEP. TEP speech success rates at first, second, and beyond second year were 75%, 72%, and 70%, respectively. Success rates for primary TL, salvage TL, primary TL with pharyngeal reconstruction, or salvage TL with pharyngeal reconstruction groups were 71%, 72%, 73%, and 71%, respectively. TEP-related complications occurred in 43% of patients, with no difference in complication rates between primary versus salvage TL or primary versus secondary TEP. For those with complications, TEP success rate was 65%.

CONCLUSION

This study showed TEP speech-outcome success rates lower than what has been historically reported. There was no significant difference in TEP speech outcome between primary versus salvage TL or primary versus secondary TEP. Patients with TEP-related complications had TEP speech-outcome success rates comparable to those without any complication. TEP may continue to be a superior option as a mode of speech in patients with TL, including those undergoing salvage TL.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Transoral laser microsurgery in previously irradiated patients with laryngeal cancer

PURPOSE

Early laryngeal cancer is successfully managed with transoral laser microsurgery. Previously radiated patients may experience more post-operative complications. We investigate disease-free survival and secondarily prolonged pain and chondronecrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 52 patients undergoing transoral laser microsurgery after previous radiation.

RESULTS

Mean disease-free survival was 36.7 months. Overall disease-free survival was 57.6% at 3-year and 48.4% at 5-year follow-up, with no significant difference between surgery within as opposed to after 60 months of radiation or within as opposed to after 12 months of radiation. Thirteen patients, all with surgery within 60 months of radiation, experienced prolonged pain. Twelve experienced chondronecrosis, all within 12 months of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Transoral laser microsurgery for early laryngeal cancer is an adequate therapeutic option in patients with history of radiation with comparable disease-free survival to other reports. Patients undergoing transoral laser microsurgery within 60 months of radiation treatment are more likely to experience prolonged pain.

Survival Differences between Organ Preservation Surgery and Definitive Radiotherapy in Early Supraglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective

Single-modality treatment, either with organ preservation surgery (OPS) or definitive radiation (RT), is the treatment of choice for patients with early supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SGC). However, studies comparing the effectiveness of these 2 techniques are lacking. This study compares the survival outcomes in early SGC patients treated with OPS versus RT.

Study Design

Secondary data analysis.

Setting

Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database.

Subjects and Methods

This study included adult patients with early-stage (T1N0, T2N0) SGC undergoing single-modality treatment with either OPS (with or without neck dissection [ND]) or RT between 1988 and 2008. Survival analysis was used to compare the overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) between patients treated with OPS+ND, OPS alone, and RT.

Results

A total of 2631 T1/T2 N0 SGC patients were identified, of whom 167 (6%) were treated with OPS+ND, 186 (7%) with OPS only, and 2278 patients (87%) with definitive RT only. In stage I (T1N0) SGC patients, a significantly better 5-year DSS was noted for both OPS+ND (81% vs 68%, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.61, P = .03) and OPS only (82% vs 68%, HR = 0.70, P = .05) when compared with definitive RT. For stage II (T2N0) patients, only OPS+ND resulted in a significantly better 5-year DSS (86% vs 60%, HR = 0.31, P < .001) when compared with patients treated with RT.

Conclusions

Patients with early SGC who underwent OPS+ND had better OS and DSS than patients undergoing RT alone. OPS+ND may be considered a viable and preferred treatment option in these patients.

An individualised treatment algorithm for tumour stage 1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma

Objective:

To report and discuss the outcome of a treatment algorithm for patients with tumour stage 1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma.

Method:

A retrospective outcome analysis study was performed using data from a tertiary referral centre.

Results:

Sixty-nine patients were treated with radiotherapy and 26 with surgery, in accordance with the treatment algorithm. Five-year overall survival rates were the same for both treatment groups (92 per cent). Five-year disease-specific survival rates were 100 per cent for surgery, 98 per cent for radiotherapy and 99 per cent overall. The overall 5-year laryngeal preservation rate was 89.1 per cent, being 95.7 per cent for surgery patients and 86.7 per cent for radiotherapy patients (p = 0.502). There was no significant association between laryngeal preservation rates and age (p = 0.779), anterior commissure involvement (p = 0.081), tumour stage (1a or 1b) (p = 0.266) or treatment modality (surgery or radiotherapy; p = 0.220). There was no significant difference in local recurrence rates between the two treatment groups (19.3 per cent for radiotherapy vs 10.0 per cent for surgery; p = 0.220). The overall 5-year regional recurrence rate was 1.2 per cent.

Conclusion:

Tumour stage 1 glottic carcinoma can be managed with different treatment modalities, following an individualised treatment algorithm, with results comparable to published outcomes.

Clinical Assessment and Treatment of the Dysfunctional Larynx after Radiation

Objective

To review the pathophysiology of early and late radiation-related tissue changes, methods to differentiate these changes from disease recurrence, and treatment of these changes in the irradiated larynx.

Data Sources

Peer-reviewed publications.

Review Methods

PubMed database search.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice

Early and late radiation-related changes in the larynx manifest variably between individual patients. Severe radiation-related tissue changes in the larynx and recurrent malignancy share many clinical characteristics, and the presence of malignancy must be considered in these patients. Positron emission tomography may help select patients who need operative biopsy to rule out recurrence. In patients with a cancer-free but dysfunctional larynx, both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, including hyperbaric oxygen, are available for attempted salvage. Further investigation is needed before hyperbaric oxygen can be considered standard-of-care treatment for these patients.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography findings for patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy

CONCLUSIONS

Computed tomography (CT) imaging has clear limitations for the diagnosis of cartilage invasion or tumor spread in recurrent laryngeal cancer. Alternative methods of pretreatment assessment are needed for recurrent laryngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The diagnosis and staging of recurrent laryngeal cancer, previously treated by radiation therapy (RT), remains challenging. Practically, surgeons need to depend on imaging to predict which patients will have a chance for conservation salvage laryngectomy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the accuracy of preoperative CT performed for recurrent laryngeal carcinoma evaluation following RT.

METHODS

This retrospective review identified 32 patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy after RT from 1998 to 2010. For our radiologic classification of the thyroid cartilage, we analyzed the conditions as normal, sclerosis, invasion, penetration, and extralaryngeal spread and categorized the state of the arytenoids and cricoid into three possible conditions: normal, sclerosis, and destruction. Radiographic findings were correlated with pathology findings.

RESULTS

Sensitivity and specificity for the detection of the thyroid cartilage infiltration were 57% and 94%, 50% and 89% for the cricoid cartilage, and 33% and 76% for arytenoid cartilage, respectively. The accuracy of recurrent tumor classification was 59.4%. Three carcinomas were over-staged and 10 were under-staged.

Decision making in the management of recurrent head and neck cancer

Despite substantial improvements in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment, the major obstacle to long-term survival remains disease recurrence. Salvage options are often limited due to prior therapy and the escalated morbidity of retreatment. The costs of treatment must be measured against the anticipated quality and quantity of life recovered, even with resectable disease. This review surveys the recurrent HNSCC literature to better guide decision making. Across multiple studies, negative prognostic factors include impaired performance status, advanced recurrent stage, brief disease-free interval, previous chemotherapy, and nonlaryngeal sites of recurrence. When possible, surgical salvage remains the principal option for durable disease control, quality of life preservation, and cure. Nonsurgical therapies have also demonstrated measurable improvements in locoregional control. Interpretation of salvage literature must be tempered by recognition of significant selection bias. The decision for salvage therapy must be individualized, with management that involves well-informed patients resulting in the best outcomes.

Salvage Transoral Laser Supraglottic Laryngectomy after Radiation Failure: A Report of Seven Cases

Objectives:

We evaluated the oncological and functional outcomes of salvage transoral laser supraglottic laryngectomy after radiation failure. In addition, we demonstrated the usefulness of laser surgery in patients with recurrent supraglottic cancer.

Methods:

Between December 1999 and May 2011, 7 patients (6 men and 1 woman) underwent transoral laser supraglottic laryngectomy after radiation failure. We conducted 4 different types of endoscopic supraglottic laryngectomy. In the cases with lymph node metastasis, we performed neck dissection at the time of laser surgery.

Results:

All patients had recurrent squamous cell carcinoma confirmed on the surgical specimen. Two patients were classified as having T1 disease, 2 as having T2 disease, and 3 as having T3 disease with preepiglottic space involvement. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 85.7% and 68.6%, respectively. There was a recurrence at 8 months of follow-up after laser surgery in 1 patient; he underwent successful salvage total laryngectomy. The ultimate local control rate was 100%, and the laryngeal preservation rate was 85.7%. The hospitalization times ranged from 2 to 32 days (mean, 15.6 days). The mean decannulation time was 10.7 days (range, 5 to 30 days). All patients started oral feeding within 1 to 3 days after surgery.

Conclusions:

Salvage transoral laser supraglottic laryngectomy following radiation failure seems a feasible and oncologically safe procedure in recurrent supraglottic cancers ranging from T1 to selected T3 with minimal preepiglottic space involvement. It can be an option for minimally invasive organ preservation surgery with lesser morbidity for recurrent supraglottic cancer.

Traditional transcutaneous approaches in head and neck surgery

The treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies remains a challenging task for the head and neck surgeon as the chosen treatment modality often has to bridge the gap between oncologically sound radicality and preservation of function. Due to the increase in transoral laser surgery in early tumor stages and chemoradiation in advanced stages, the usage of traditional transcutaneous approaches has decreased over the recent past. In addition, the need for a function-sparing surgical approach as well as highest possible quality of life has become evident. In view of these facts, rationale and importance of traditional transcutaneous approaches to the treatment of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies are discussed in a contemporary background. The transcutaneous open partial laryngectomies remain a valuable tool in the surgeon's armamentarium for the treatment of early and advanced laryngeal carcinomas, especially in cases of impossible laryngeal overview using the rigid laryngoscope. Open partial laryngetomies offer superior overview and oncologic safety at the anterior commissure, especially in recurrencies. In select advanced cases and salvage settings, the supracricoid laryngectomy offers a valuable tool for function-preserving but oncologically safe surgical therapy at the cost of high postoperative morbidity and a very demanding rehabilitation of swallowing.In hypopharyngeal malignancies, the increasing use of transoral laser surgery has led to a decline in transcutaneous resections via partial pharyngectomy with partial laryngectomy in early tumor stages. In advanced stages of tumors of the piriform sinus and the postcricoid area with involvement of the larynx, total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy is an oncologically safe approach. The radical surgical approach using circumferent laryngopharyngectomy with/without esophagectomy is indicated in salvage cases with advanced recurrences or as a primary surgical approach in patients where chemoradiation does not offer sufficient oncologic control or preservation of function. In cases with impending reconstruction, fasciocutaneous free flaps (anterolateral thigh flap, radial forearm flap) seem to offer superior results to enteric flaps in cases where the cervical esophagus is not involved leading to better voice rehabilitation with fewer complications and postoperative morbidity. In salvage situations, the Gastroomental Free Flap has proven to be a valuable tool.In conclusion, the choice of a surgical treatment modality is influenced by the patient's anatomy, tumor size and location as well as the surgeon's personal expertise.

The role of elective neck dissection in patients undergoing salvage laryngectomy

BACKGROUND

We investigated the risk of neck metastases in patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy in association with previous radiotherapy.

METHODS

The medical records of 42 patients (51 neck specimens) with clinical N0 classification who underwent salvage total laryngectomy in 2 cancer centers were reviewed. Fourteen patients had previous radiotherapy to the central neck and 28 to the central and lateral neck.

RESULTS

Staging before salvage total laryngectomy was similar in both groups. The risk of neck metastases in the central and central/lateral radiation groups was 12% and 18%, respectively (p = .69). Subgroup analysis revealed that 4 of 8 patients initially presenting with clinically N+ had neck metastases before surgery, versus 2 of 26 for those with clinically N0 (p = .015; relative risk [RR] = 4.67). The risk or metastases in the contralateral neck was 0 of 9.

CONCLUSION

The risk of neck metastases in patients who undergo either central or central/lateral neck radiotherapy is similar. Elective neck dissection seems appropriate in patients undergoing SLR.

Transoral laser microsurgery of recurrent early glottic cancer after radiation therapy: clinical feasibility and limitations

OBJECTIVES

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is an accepted alternative to open partial laryngectomy for selected glottic cancers, but its role in salvage of radiation failure is debated.

METHODS

The records of 18 patients treated by TLM for rT1 and rT2 glottic cancer after curative radiation therapy from 2002 to 2007 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 18 patients, 10 (56%) remained free of disease after the first TLM. The 5-year local control and laryngeal preservation rates showed better outcomes in rpT1 tumors than in rpT2 tumors (87.5% versus 16.6%, p = 0.02; and 87.5% versus 33.3%, p = 0.03, respectively). However, the 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates showed no significant difference between rpT1 and rpT2 tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

TLM can be a relatively safe and effective salvage option for rT1 glottic cancer. However, because of its high local recurrence rate, TLM may not be generally recommended for rT2 glottic cancer.

Diagnosis and treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer following initial nonsurgical therapy

Surgery is the preferred modality for curative treatment of recurrent laryngeal cancer after failure of nonsurgical treatments. Patients with initial early-stage cancer experiencing recurrence following radiotherapy often have more advanced-stage tumors by the time the recurrence is recognized. About one third of such recurrent cancers are suitable for conservation surgery. Endoscopic resection with the CO(2) laser or open partial laryngectomy (partial vertical, supracricoid, or supraglottic laryngectomies) have been used. The outcomes of conservation surgery appear better than those after total laryngectomy, because of selection bias. Transoral laser surgery is currently used more frequently than open partial laryngectomy for treatment of early-stage recurrence, with outcomes equivalent to open surgery but with less associated morbidity. Laser surgery has also been employed for selective cases of advanced recurrent disease, but patient selection and expertise are required for application of this modality to rT3 tumors. In general, conservation laryngeal surgery is a safe and effective treatment for localized recurrences after radiotherapy for early-stage glottic cancer. Recurrent advanced-stage cancers should generally be treated by total laryngectomy.