Larynx preservation

Abstract

Purpose of review: Organ preservation, in particular larynx preservation, is a major challenge that has been evaluated during the past 3 decades. This review took in consideration the most recently published articles on this topic.

Recent findings: There are no new data on this topic but mainly confirming data. Most of the reports underscored that there was still a place for upfront surgery (either partial or total laryngectomy). Nonsurgical approaches are radiotherapy alone or chemotherapy-based protocols with either induction or concomitant chemotherapy added to radiotherapy (with conventional or accelerated fractionation). Different authors underscored that daily practice must follow carefully the selection of patients and monitoring of treatment when applying protocols evaluated in randomized clinical trials.

Summary: Larynx preservation is an undisputable advance in larynx cancer management. For early diseases, either surgery (open or endoscopic) or irradiation may control the disease and preserve the larynx function. For advanced cases, chemotherapy-based protocols have been validated, but the best protocol is still to be defined. Importantly some cases still require upfront total laryngectomy. A multidisciplinary approach for decision making is mandatory, whatever the stage.