Voice-related quality of life in T1 glottic cancer: irradiation versus endoscopic excision.
OBJECTIVE
Several studies have explored posttreatment voice outcomes for early glottic cancer with varying results. To further clarify the voice-related quality of life (QOL) of T1 glottic cancer patients treated by external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) compared to endoscopic carbon dioxide laser excision (CLE), we performed a meta-analysis.


METHODS
We performed a meta-analysis review for the years 1966 to 2005 for the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), laryngeal cancer, voice outcome, voice quality, and quality of life. Studies in which the VHI was assessed at least 3 months after treatment for T1 glottic cancer were identified and analyzed by meta-analysis techniques.


RESULTS
Six studies with 208 patients (6 T1b and 202 T1a) treated with CLE and 91 patients (6 T1b and 85 T1a) treated with EBRT were identified. The posttreatment VHI scores were similar for the EBRT- and CLE-treated patients (p = .1, Wilcoxon rank sum test).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that CLE and EBRT provide comparable levels of voice handicap for patients with T1 glottic cancer.
Cohen
Seth M
SM
Vanderbilt Voice Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Garrett
C Gaelyn
CG
Dupont
William D
WD
Ossoff
Robert H
RH
Courey
Mark S
MS
D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005931:Glottis / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology