Our Summary

This study aims to compare two types of radiotherapy used in treating early stage throat cancer, specifically glottic squamous cell cancer. One method is complete larynx radiotherapy (CL-RT), which is the current standard treatment in many medical institutions. The other is vocal cord radiotherapy (VC-RT), a more focused treatment which was reported in a previous study to possibly have improved voice quality outcomes and similar control of the disease.

The study will involve 155 patients who will be randomly assigned to receive either CL-RT or VC-RT. Researchers will then assess the effectiveness of each treatment in controlling the disease and will also compare the side effects of each method, such as voice impairment and difficulty swallowing.

If the study finds that VC-RT is as effective as CL-RT and has fewer side effects, then it may become the standard treatment for this type of cancer. This would be the first study to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of VC-RT in treating early stage glottic cancer.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of radiotherapy being compared in this study for treating early stage throat cancer?
  2. How will the effectiveness of Complete Larynx Radiotherapy and Vocal Cord Radiotherapy be assessed in this study?
  3. If Vocal Cord Radiotherapy proves to be as effective as Complete Larynx Radiotherapy with fewer side effects, will it become the standard treatment for early stage glottic cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

Before undergoing vocal cord surgery, a doctor may advise a patient to rest their voice as much as possible leading up to the procedure. This can help reduce strain on the vocal cords and promote faster healing post-surgery. Additionally, following the surgery, it is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by the doctor, such as avoiding talking or singing for a certain period of time and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring progress. Consistent communication with the medical team and adherence to their recommendations will help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcomes from the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients with early stage glottic squamous cell cancer, specifically those with tumors located on the vocal cords, are typically recommended vocal cord surgery. This includes patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, or those who are not candidates for these treatments due to medical reasons. Additionally, patients with vocal cord paralysis or other vocal cord abnormalities may also be recommended vocal cord surgery to improve voice quality and function.

Timeline

Before vocal cord surgery, a patient may experience symptoms such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, a persistent cough, or a lump in the throat. They may undergo tests such as a laryngoscopy or biopsy to diagnose the condition.

After vocal cord surgery, the patient may experience temporary hoarseness or difficulty speaking. They may need to rest their voice and avoid certain activities such as singing or yelling. Speech therapy may be recommended to help improve vocal quality and strength. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure that the surgery was successful in removing any cancerous cells.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with vocal cord surgery?
  2. How will vocal cord surgery affect my voice quality and swallowing abilities?
  3. What is the success rate of vocal cord surgery in treating early stage throat cancer compared to other treatment options?
  4. How long is the recovery process after vocal cord surgery and what can I expect during this time?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of vocal cord surgery?
  6. Will I need to undergo speech therapy or other rehabilitation after vocal cord surgery?
  7. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after vocal cord surgery?
  8. What is the experience and success rate of your medical team in performing vocal cord surgery?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after vocal cord surgery to aid in my recovery and prevent complications?
  10. What are the long-term effects and outcomes of vocal cord surgery for early stage throat cancer patients?

Reference

Authors: Bahig H, Rosenthal DI, Nguyen-Tan FP, Fuller DC, Yuan Y, Hutcheson KA, Christopoulos A, Nichols AC, Fung K, Ballivy O, Filion E, Ng SP, Lambert L, Dorth J, Hu KS, Palma D. Journal: BMC Cancer. 2021 Apr 22;21(1):446. doi: 10.1186/s12885-021-08195-8. PMID: 33888069