Hypopharyngeal cancer medical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Gertrude Djouka, M.D.[2], Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [3]

The medical therapy with the combination of the radiotherapy has been used compared to surgical therapy for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer.The optimal therapy for hypopharyngeal cancer depends on the stage at the time of the diagnosis. The combined treatment helps with organ preservation. Swallowing, speech and laryngeal preservation are important to consider during the treatment.

• The medical therapy with radiotherapy has been used compared to surgical therapy for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer due to organ preservation.^[1][2]
• The optimal therapy for hypopharyngeal cancer depends on the stage at the time of diagnosis. The following factors are important to consider:
  • Swallowing
  • Speech
  • Larynx

• Chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy may help in organ preservation.^[3]
• Cisplatin plus Fluorouracil followed by radiation therapy are used for advanced stage.

• Radiation therapy may be used as a single modality treatment in early lesions.^[4]
• Laser surgery is gradually replacing radiotherapy for early lesions as the outcome of both are similar while the laser therapy.