ORGAN PRESERVATION THERAPY FOR ADVANCED-STAGE LARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

The standard treatment for patients with advanced laryngeal cancer rem ains total laryngectomy. Radiotherapy as a primary treatment modality is a reasonable alternative. Surgical salvage by total laryngectomy is an important part of the treatment plan when irradiation is used prim arily to treat advanced laryngeal cancer. The value of induction and c oncomitant chemotherapy in laryngeal preservation protocols remains co ntroversial. The currently accepted role for use of chemotherapy outsi de of research protocols is for palliation of incurable laryngeal canc ers. The nonsurgical treatment of patients with advanced laryngeal can cers requires the coordinated efforts of a team with close patient fol low-up in order that survival not be compromised.