Response-adapted treatment following radiotherapy for locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma

The optimal strategy for laryngeal preservation in patients with resectable locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma (LAHPC) is unclear. A cohort study in China evaluated a response-adapted strategy based on early tumor response to radiotherapy for resectable LAHPC. Patients who reached 80% or greater tumor regression received definitive radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy; patients with less than 80% regression underwent surgery 4 to 6 weeks after radiotherapy. Compared with primary radiotherapy or primary surgery the response-adapted strategy resulted in higher survival with a functional larynx.