Advanced medical treatment for laryngeal cancer.

In advanced medical treatment for laryngeal cancer, in addition to conventional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the latest technologies and treatment methods are being introduced with the aim of improving treatment effectiveness and reducing side effects.In particular, personalised treatment for advanced and recurrent cancers is progressing, enabling treatment to be carried out while maintaining the patient’s quality of life.Below are the main advanced medical approaches and technologies for laryngeal cancer.

1. Robot-assisted surgery (da Vinci surgery)

Summary: Robotic-assisted surgery is a surgical procedure that uses the da Vinci Surgical System to remove laryngeal cancer with a high degree of precision. Compared to conventional open surgery, it allows for more precise manipulation and minimizes damage to surrounding tissues and nerves.
Advantages: smaller wounds, less bleeding and faster post-operative recovery.It also protects throat function as much as possible, increasing the chances of preserving voice and breathing function.

2. Transoral Endoscopic Surgery (TOS)

Abstract: Transoral endoscopic surgery (TOS) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an endoscope is inserted through the oral cavity to remove laryngeal cancer. As no external incision is required, it is an effective treatment method that does not leave scars on the face and neck.
Advantages: avoids external wounds, reduces post-operative pain and risk of infection.It is particularly effective for early-stage laryngeal cancer and helps preserve voice and swallowing function.

3. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)

Abstract: IMRT is a treatment method that delivers radiation to the tumor with high precision, minimizing the impact on the surrounding normal tissue. It is also used for laryngeal cancer, where radiation is delivered intensively to the tumor, with minimal damage to normal tissue.
Advantages: the radiation can be precisely focused on the cancer cells, which reduces the side effects of radiotherapy and increases its effectiveness. Particularly effective against advanced or recurrent laryngeal cancer.

4. Proton beam therapy

Abstract: Proton beam therapy is a radiotherapy technique that uses protons to attack cancer cells, concentrating high energy on the cancer cells without damaging surrounding normal tissue.
Advantages: it can precisely attack the tumor, minimizing the impact on normal tissue and reducing side effects. Particularly effective when surgery is difficult or for recurrent cancers.

5. Heavy particle radiotherapy

Description: heavy particle radiotherapy is a form of radiotherapy that uses heavy particles, such as carbon ions, to attack cancer cells. They are more energetic than conventional radiotherapy and have a more powerful effect on cancer cells.
Benefit: Efficiently destroys cancer cells and reduces the impact on normal tissue, which is expected to be effective in advanced cancer and cases where surgery is difficult.

6. Immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors)

Description: immunotherapy is a treatment that strengthens a patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) prevent cancer cells from escaping attack by the immune system and effectively attack cancer cells.
Advantages: may be effective against advanced or recurrent cancers that are less likely to respond to chemotherapy, may have fewer side effects than conventional treatments and may provide long-term therapeutic benefit.

7. Molecularly labelled therapies

Summary: Molecular targeted therapies are treatments that target specific molecules or genes in cancer cells to inhibit their growth. In laryngeal cancer, therapies target specific molecules such as EGFR.
Advantages: minimal impact on normal cells, effective against advanced or recurrent cancers. It has few side effects and can be used in combination with chemotherapy to enhance the therapeutic effect.

8. Cancer genomic medicine

Abstract: Cancer genomic medicine is an approach that analyses the genetic profile of cancer cells to provide the best treatment for individual patients. In laryngeal cancer, molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies are selected based on specific genetic mutations.
Advantages: personalised medicine based on genetic information is provided, which is expected to result in more effective treatment, fewer side effects and more precise treatment.

9. Nano knife (irreversible electroporation, IRE)

Description: nanoknife is a treatment that sends electrical pulses into the tumour to destroy cell membranes and kill cancer cells.It is particularly applicable when there are vital blood vessels or nerves in the surrounding area, allowing treatment while protecting normal tissue.
Advantages: it is non-invasive and can be applied to sites that are difficult to operate on or to recurrent cancers. A major advantage is the fast recovery after treatment and low burden on the patient.

10. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) therapy

Abstract: HIFU is a non-invasive treatment that focuses high-intensity ultrasound waves on the tumor to destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes applied to laryngeal cancer as a local treatment to avoid surgery.
Advantages: non-invasive treatment, effective in patients who are difficult to operate on and for recurrent cancers. It has less impact on surrounding normal tissues and reduces the burden on the body.

Summary

Advanced medical treatment for laryngeal cancer offers a wide range of options, including robot-assisted surgery, advanced radiotherapy (IMRT, proton beams, heavy particle beams), molecular targeted therapy, immunotherapy and cancer genome medicine. This enables optimal treatment according to the patient’s condition, which is expected to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.

Particularly for advanced or recurrent cancers, personalized medicine and latest technology can be used to provide more effective treatment. It is important to select the best treatment option after thorough consultation with a specialist.

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