Radiotherapy for laryngeal cancers: 2025 update

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Laryngeal Cancer Management

Background:

• Laryngeal cancer treatment requires careful consideration of tumor stage and patient factors.
• Accurate assessment of laryngeal mobility is critical for treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present updated recommendations from the Société française de radiothérapie oncologique (SFRO) for laryngeal cancer radiotherapy.
• To guide therapeutic decision-making for both early and advanced-stage laryngeal cancers.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination, including seated position assessment and nasofibroscopy, to evaluate laryngeal mobility.
• Multidisciplinary discussion for treatment selection in early-stage cancers.
• Review of established treatment strategies for advanced-stage laryngeal tumors, including chemoradiotherapy and surgery.

Main Results:

• Personalized treatment selection between surgery and radiotherapy optimizes tumor control and laryngeal function preservation.
• Standard fractionation is recommended, except for hypofractionation in early-stage glottic tumors.
• Three-dimensional volumetric imaging is essential for precise patient positioning and monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Radiotherapy management of laryngeal cancer necessitates consideration of laryngeal mobility.
• Follow-up care is vital for early recurrence detection, treatment adjustment, and rehabilitation to preserve vocal and respiratory functions.