Use of Larynx-Preservation Strategies in the Treatment of Laryngeal Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update

PurposeTo update the guideline recommendations on the use of larynx-preservation strategies in the treatment of laryngeal cancer.MethodsAn Expert Panel updated the systematic review of the literature for the period from January 2005 to May 2017.ResultsThe panel confirmed that the use of a larynx-preservation approach for appropriately selected patients does not compromise survival. No larynx-preservation approach offered a survival advantage compared with total laryngectomy and adjuvant therapy as indicated. Changes were supported for the use of endoscopic surgical resection in patients with limited disease (T1, T2) and for initial total laryngectomy in patients with T4a disease or with severe pretreatment laryngeal dysfunction. New recommendations for positron emission tomography imaging for the evaluation of regional nodes after treatment and best measures for evaluating voice and swallowing function were added.RecommendationsPatients with T1, T2 laryngeal cancer should be treated initially with intent ...