Laryngeal Cancer Too Large or Spread Too Far for Complete Surgical Removal
Clinical Scenario
When laryngeal cancer is too large or has spread too far to be completely removed by surgery, it is classified as unresectable. In this setting, the primary treatment strategy shifts away from surgery toward systemic and radiation-based approaches.
Treatment Approach (partial overview)
Radiation combined with a systemic agent is a standard approach for this scenario. An immunotherapy-based regimen — either alone or alongside chemotherapy — is among the options considered. The full regimen, including agent selection and sequencing, is available via the link below.
Clinical Goal
The primary aim is shrinkage of the tumour. If sufficient shrinkage is achieved, surgery of the tumour and the lymph nodes in the neck may subsequently become an option.
References
- Cancers that are too big or have spread too far to be completely removed by surgery are often treated with radiation, usually combined with chemotherapy or cetuximab.
- Another option might be treatment with an immunotherapy drug, either alone or with chemotherapy.
- Sometimes, if the tumor shrinks enough, surgery of the tumor and the lymph nodes in the neck might be an option.
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