title: Impact of image-guided radiotherapy to reduce laryngeal edema following treatment for non-laryngeal and non-hypopharyngeal head and neck cancers.
abstract: We would like to determine the effectiveness of image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) to reduce laryngeal edema following treatment for head and neck cancer and to assess patient perception of voice and speech after treatment. We conducted a retrospective review of 44 patients undergoing radiation for non-laryngeal and non-hypopharyngeal head and neck cancers. Endoscopic and/or mirror examinations of the larynx were performed following radiotherapy at each follow-up visit. Laryngeal edema was assessed based on the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grading scale. Patients were also asked to rate about the voice and speech quality relative to their pre-radiotherapy status. The mean laryngeal dose was 16.3 Gy (range: 11.7-45.5 Gy). At a median follow-up of 14 months (range: 2-31 months), three patients (7%) developed laryngeal edema (one grade 1, two grade 2). The mean laryngeal dose was respectively 20.3 Gy in two patients and 20.7 Gy in the third patient developing laryngeal edema. Except for one patient who continued to smoke and drink after radiotherapy, no patient reported any significant change in voice and speech quality after treatment. IGRT results in low rates and low severity of laryngeal edema following treatment for non-laryngeal and non-hypopharyngeal head and neck cancers and may preserve voice quality.
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5081, United States. NamPhong.Nguyen@yahoo.com
authors: Nam P
authors: NP
authors: Nguyen
authors: Dave
authors: D
authors: Abraham
authors: Anand
authors: A
authors: Desai
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Betz
authors: Rick
authors: R
authors: Davis
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Sroka
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Chi
authors: Steven
authors: S
authors: Gelumbauskas
authors: Misty
authors: M
authors: Ceizyk
authors: Lexie
authors: L
authors: Smith-Raymond
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Stevie
authors: Siyoung
authors: S
authors: Jang
authors: Russ
authors: R
authors: Hamilton
authors: Vincent
authors: V
authors: Vinh-Hung
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001130:Arizona; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D007819:Laryngeal Edema / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013060:Speech / Q000528:radiation effects; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014831:Voice / Q000528:radiation effects