Radiotherapy versus open surgery versus endolaryngeal surgery (with or without laser) for early laryngeal squamous cell cancer.

BACKGROUND

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 similar survival advantage. 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 STRATEGY

Electronic search of MEDLINE (from 1966 to October 2000), EMBASE (from 1980 to October 2000), CINAHL (from 1982 to October 2000) and CancerLit (from 1963 to October 2000) databases and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing open surgery, endolaryngeal resection and/or radiotherapy

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently assessed RCTs identified from the electronic searches for eligibility and methodological quality. All authors of the review discussed the results of these assessments.

MAIN RESULTS

Only one RCT was identified which compared open surgery and radiotherapy among a substantial number of patients with early glottic laryngeal cancer.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient evidence to guide management decisions on the most effective treatment. Interpretation of the only large scale RCT comparing open surgery and radiotherapy in patients with early glottic cancer is limited because of concerns about the adequacy of treatment regimens and deficiencies in the reporting of the study design and analysis. Endolaryngeal resection of early glottic tumours is becoming more common and a well designed multicentre RCT is warranted.