title: Laryngeal preservation.
abstract: Laryngeal cancer represents a major medical problem in this state. While early stage tumors are treatable with relatively low morbidity or quality of life sacrifices, advanced stage disease requires a total laryngectomy with its inherent life-style negatives. Recent advances in chemotherapy protocols, specifically induction cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil followed by radiation therapy, have ushered in the era of larynx preservation. This has apparently been accomplished without a sacrifice in survival. While these protocols are experimental, patients may be offered this option at certain centers, and prospective accrual will be important to the long-term efficacy questions of such therapy. The historical background and scientific foundations of laryngeal preservation protocols are discussed, and the relevant trials reviewed. Moreover, specific management issues are covered, and finally, current and future questions of such therapy are explored.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Sturgis
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Weiner
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011788:Quality of Life; D015996:Survival Rate