title: Larynx preservation protocols: long-term functional outcomes in good responders to induction chemotherapy for pyriform sinus carcinoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Larynx preservation for laryngopharyngeal carcinomas aims to avoid the mutilation of a total laryngectomy without compromising survival or functionality. The aim of the present study on pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes of larynx preservation in good responders to induction chemotherapy (ICT).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was carried out in a tertiary referral cancer center in France. The subjects were good responders to ICT for pyriform sinus SCC, subsequently treated with adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) - with or without concomitant chemotherapy - between 1999 and 2008. Only patients without recurrence at 3 years were included. The evaluated pharyngolaryngeal functions were airway patency, oral communication and oral feeding, based on a self-administered questionnaire and the patients' medical records.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-eight patients were retained. Two (7%) patients needed a tracheotomy during or after the treatment and 2 (7%) had total laryngectomy for a late local recurrence. At least 3 years after the end of treatment, all patients were exclusively fed by mouth. All the evaluated patients judged their voice performance as 'adequate for everyday oral communication'.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the long run, patients with pyriform sinus SCC who are candidates for larynx preservation and respond favorably to ICT present a satisfactory functional outcome when treated with adjuvant RT.
authors: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
authors: Zacharias
authors: Z
authors: Vourexakis
authors: François
authors: F
authors: Janot
authors: Pavel
authors: P
authors: Dulguerov
authors: Anne-Marie
authors: AM
authors: Le Ridant
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059186:Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003679:Deglutition; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D060828:Induction Chemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D007825:Laryngectomy; D007830:Larynx / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D056144:Pyriform Sinus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014831:Voice