Background: To evaluate clinical outcome and functional larynx preservation after radiotherapy (RT) for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the larynx.
Methods: Eleven patients with primary ACC of the larynx, who received RT definitely (n = 5/11) or postoperatively (n = 6/11), were analyzed regarding survival and treatment-related toxicity with the focus on functional larynx preservation.
Results: Median follow-up was 45 months. RT offered an excellent 5-year local control (LC) rate of 100%. Eight of 11 patients were treated with a laryngeal preservation approach (LPA). At last follow-up, only one of these eight patients developed a local recurrence requiring a total laryngectomy 11 years after treatment. Severe toxicity was uncommon, with only one patient with LPA, requiring a temporary tracheostomy during therapy.
Conclusions: RT is an effective treatment method for laryngeal ACC with excellent LC rates, preservation of the laryngeal function and voice formation, representing a valuable therapy alternative to total laryngectomy.
Keywords: ACC; carbon ion; intensity modulated radiotherapy; larynx; larynx preservation.
© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.