Treatment of Early-Stage Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cT1–T2, N0, M0) with Larynx Preservation Feasible
This protocol addresses hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma presenting at tumour stage cT1 or cT2, with no regional nodal involvement (cN0) and no distant metastasis (cM0), in patients for whom larynx-preserving surgery is a feasible option.
Clinical Scenario
Early-stage disease (cT1–T2, cN0, cM0) hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in which conservation of the larynx is surgically achievable. Early stage is defined per UICC TNM 8th edition as T1–T2 N0 hypopharyngeal cancer (stage I and II).
Treatment Approach (partial)
Management follows a single-modality strategy — either a radiation-based approach directed at the primary tumour and regional nodes, or conservation laryngeal surgery, with additional therapy applied postoperatively only when indicated.
Full regimen details, dose considerations, and decision criteria are in the complete protocol →
References
DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.07.011
- Early stage disease is defined as either T1–T2 N0 (stage I and II) oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal and p16-negative oropharyngeal cancer or T1–T2 N0 p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer according to the UICC TNM 8th edition.
- Larynx-preserving surgery feasible
- RT (T and N) [IV, A]
- Conservation larynx surgery (T and N) followed by RT or CRT if indicated [IV, A]
- Early-stage disease can be treated by RT alone without any use of concomitant or induction ChT [IV, A].
- For stage I disease, a standard fractionation regimen with a primary tumour dose ranging from 66 to 70 Gy depending on the tumour volume and location is recommended [IV, A].
- Early disease should be treated as much as possible with a single-modality treatment (surgery or RT) [IV, A].
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