Different treatment modalities for advanced laryngeal cancer: improvement of oncological outcomes after tumor board implementation

Abstract

Introduction: Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) has several treatment modalities available. Contrary to what has been observed in other cancers, the survival rates have worsened in recent years.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study evaluating patients with T3 and T4a LSCC divided into two groups: those who were submitted to Total Laryngectomy (TL) or to Chemoradiation (CRT) or radiotherapy alone with curative intent between 2009 and 2019.

Results: Three hundred and twenty patients were considered eligible to participate in the study, of which 166 (51.87%) submitted to TL and 154 (48.12%) to CRT. Overall survival in the surgical group was higher compared to the CRT group only between 2009 and 2013. In 2014, a multidisciplinary meeting was organized at the institution where the study took place, and both treatment modalities reached similar oncological outcomes.

Conclusion: Multidisciplinary discussion among experienced professionals has a positive impact on oncological outcomes.

Keywords: Chemoradiotherapy; Laryngeal cancer; Oncological outcomes; Total laryngectomy; Tumor board.