Survival and laryngeal preservation tradeoff in advanced laryngeal cancer: From the otorhinolaryngology patient to the managing physician.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to document the tradeoff between survival and laryngeal preservation in advanced-stage laryngeal cancer amenable to chemoradiation or total laryngectomy.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective analysis based on a questionnaire completed by 209 laryngeal cancer specialists and 269 volunteers from an otorhinolaryngology clinic.

RESULTS

Of the responders, 34.5% would not consider any decrease in survival to preserve their larynx. This percentage varied from 52% in otorhinolaryngologists to 27.3% in radiotherapists and 28.6% in volunteers (P < .001). Among the responders prepared to trade, the percentage of survival they were willing to trade to preserve their larynx varied from 5% to 100% (median 30%). On univariate analysis, 3 variables significantly affected this percentage: (1) the living status (single or not); (2) the existence of children; and (3) the study group (volunteers, radiation therapists, or otorhinolaryngologists) to whom the responders belong.

CONCLUSION

The significant variations noted should develop modes of practice that cater to this and stimulate further research in this field.