Background

Laryngeal preservation has become a central goal in the management of locally-advanced larynx cancer, supported by a growing body of comparative evidence between transoral laser microsurgery, open conservative surgery, radiotherapy, and chemoradiation. However, real-world practice remains highly variable, and treatment decisions are often influenced by local expertise, inconsistent interpretation of staging, and limited understanding of functional trade-offs. An evidence-based, practical framework is essential to guide clinicians in selecting the most appropriate modality for each patient.

Description

This instructional course provides a comprehensive and evidence-based overview of current laryngeal preservation strategies for locally advanced laryngeal cancer, integrating surgical and non-surgical approaches. Through comparative outcome data, decision-making algorithms, and case-based discussion, the course will highlight how to select the most appropriate treatment for each clinical scenario. The session is designed to offer a practical framework applicable to everyday clinical practice across different healthcare settings.

Outcomes Objectives

• Identify evidence-based indications and contraindications for the main laryngeal preservation modalities, including transoral laser surgery, open partial laryngectomy, radiotherapy, and chemoradiation.

• Compare oncologic, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes across treatment options, and apply this information in individualized treatment planning.

• Recognize limitations, risks, and common pitfalls in patient selection and in multimodal management strategies.

• Integrate evidence-driven algorithms into clinical decision-making to optimize both tumor control and functional preservation.