Prognostic and therapeutic implications of gender and menopausal status in laryngeal cancer

Abstract

Women with laryngeal cancer have been observed to respond better than men to primary radiotherapy, and to have a higher rate of survival. The presence of hormone receptors in laryngeal tumors raises the possibility that such gender-related differences are hormone-dependent. The intent of our study was to confirm the better treatment response and rate of survival of women with laryngeal cancer and to evaluate the influence of natural hormonal change, the menopause, on survival. Treatment results for 161 women with laryngeal cancer were compared to a male, matched control group. No significant differences in disease-free survival, local and regional tumor control, and patterns of relapse could be demonstrated between the male and female patients. Menopausal status did not seem to influence the results of treatment or survival. Unable to verify reports that gender has prognostic significance in the treatment of laryngeal cancer, we concluded that advanced disease in women should be treated as aggressively as in their male counterparts.