Onkologie. 2025:19(4):204-207 | DOI: 10.36290/xon.2025.038

Pitfalls in larynx-preservation for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer

Miloslav Pála
Ústav radiační onkologie FNB a 1. LF UK, Fakultní nemocnice Bulovka, Praha

A larynx preservation protocol is recommended for locally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas as an evidence-based treatment option. However, a re-evaluation of the current literature raises questions about whether there is indeed reliable evidence to support larynx preservation for locally advanced T4 tumors. According to both the results of retrospective studies and our cohort study, we can recommend a larynx preservation strategy in patients with limited tumor volume and minimal cartilage infiltration. Patients with T4 tumors who reject total laryngectomy should be informed that opting for larynx preservation with primary conservative treatment will likely result in significantly worse outcomes in terms of locoregional control and overall survival.

Keywords: larynx preservation protocol, laryngeal carcinoma, hypopharyngeal carcinoma, total laryngectomy, radiotherapy.

Accepted: September 30, 2025; Published: October 8, 2025  Show citation

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Pála M. Pitfalls in larynx-preservation for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Onkologie. 2025;19(4):204-207. doi: 10.36290/xon.2025.038.
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