Induction chemotherapy followed by transoral laser microsurgery with or without adjuvant therapy for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer patients: A preliminary result.

[BACKGROUND] Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) has the poorest prognosis among head and neck cancers. Its treatment may significantly affect breathing, speaking, and swallowing. Induction chemotherapy (ICT) followed by transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) could reduce these adverse effects and achieve good outcomes.

[METHODS] This was a retrospective study of 11 patients with advanced HPSCC. All patients underwent ICT and TLM alongside tailor-made adjuvant therapy based on the pathological features.

[RESULTS] Adjuvant therapy was done in seven of 11 patients (64%). The 3-year disease-free survival and laryngeal preservation rates were 78% and 91%, respectively. At the last follow-up, 10 of 11 patients (91%) had no tracheostomy or feeding tube.

[CONCLUSION] ICT followed by TLM is an appropriate treatment for good tumor control in select patients with advanced HPSCC while preserving laryngeal function.