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BMC Cancer Apr 2021Radiotherapy, along with laser surgery, is considered a standard treatment option for patients with early glottic squamous cell cancer (SCC). Historically, patients have... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy, along with laser surgery, is considered a standard treatment option for patients with early glottic squamous cell cancer (SCC). Historically, patients have received complete larynx radiotherapy (CL-RT) due to fear of swallowing and respiratory laryngeal motion and this remains the standard approach in many academic institutions. Local control (LC) rates with CL-RT have been excellent, however this treatment can carry significant toxicities include adverse voice and swallowing outcomes, along with increased long-term risk of cerebrovascular morbidity. A recent retrospective study reported improved voice quality and similar local control outcomes with focused vocal cord radiotherapy (VC-RT) compared to CL-RT. There is currently no prospective evidence on the safety of VC-RT. The primary objective of this Bayesian Phase II trial is to compare the LC of VC-RT to that of CL-RT in patients with T1N0 glottic SCC.
METHODS
One hundred and fifty-five patients with T1a-b N0 SCC of the true vocal cords that are n ot candidate or declined laser surgery, will be randomized in a 1:3 ratio the control arm (CL-RT) and the experimental arm (VC-RT). Randomisation will be stratified by tumor stage (T1a/T1b) and by site (each site will be allowed to select one preferred radiation dose regimen, to be used in both arms). CL-RT volumes will correspond to the conventional RT volumes, with the planning target volume extending from the top of thyroid cartilage lamina superiorly to the bottom of the cricoid inferiorly. VC-RT volumes will include the involved vocal cord(s) and a margin accounting for respiration and set-up uncertainty. The primary endpoint will be LC at 2-years, while secondary endpoints will include patient-reported outcomes (voice impairment, dysphagia and symptom burden), acute and late toxicity radiation-induced toxicity, overall survival, progression free survival, as well as an optional component of acoustic and objective measures of voice analysis using the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice.
DISCUSSION
This study would constitute the first prospective evidence on the efficacy and safety of VC-RT in early glottic cancer. If positive, this study would result in the adoption of VC-RT as standard approach in early glottic cancer.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03759431 Registration date: November 30, 2018.
Topics: Bayes Theorem; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Female; Glottis; Humans; Larynx; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neoplasm Staging; Radiotherapy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Tumor Burden; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 33888069
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08195-8 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Aug 2022Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) can result from a variety of diseases or surgeries and has various causes. This study determined concurrent etiologies in patients who were...
BACKGROUND
Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) can result from a variety of diseases or surgeries and has various causes. This study determined concurrent etiologies in patients who were treated in a teaching hospital (tertiary medical center).
METHODS
A retrospective review of medical records of patients with VFP from September 2010 to December 2019 was performed to determine the etiology. Patients with laryngeal/hypopharyngeal malignancies, those with incomplete examination and follow-up data were excluded from the study. During the follow-ups, cases involving recovery were also excluded.
RESULTS
One hundred and ninety-four patients with a determined etiology were included: 113 males and 81 females. Unilateral VFP was present in 178 patients, and 16 presented with bilateral VFP. The causes of unilateral VFP were surgical for 61.3%, neoplastic for 17.5%, idiopathic for 10.3%, traumatic for 1.5%, central for 4.7%, cardiovascular for 2%, radiation-induced for 1.5%, and inflammatory for 1%. Thyroidectomy was the most common surgery for unilateral VFP and was the cause for 54 patients. Lung cancer was responsible for 15 cases and was the most common neoplastic etiology of unilateral VFP. For those who presented with bilateral VFP, surgery was the most common cause and accounted for 56.3% of the incidences. In terms of gender, surgery was the most common cause for both sexes, accounting for 62 of 113 male patients and 57 of 81 female patients. Four cases recovered during the follow-ups and these were excluded.
CONCLUSION
Surgery and in particular, thyroidectomy, was the most common cause of VFP for these series. Central nervous system disorders were the cause of VFP (4.5%). Central nervous system disorders, especially cerebrovascular accidents that induced VFP, could not be neglected. Radiation-induced cranial nerve paralysis in the head and neck cancer was possible causes. The percentage for the causes of unilateral VFP, surgery increased and the percentage for neoplasm decreased for Taiwan.
Topics: Cranial Nerve Diseases; Female; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Male; Retrospective Studies; Thyroidectomy; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 33090900
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320965212 -
Journal of Speech, Language, and... May 2017Vocal fold diseases affecting the epithelium have a detrimental impact on vocal function. This review article provides an overview of apoptosis, the most commonly... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Vocal fold diseases affecting the epithelium have a detrimental impact on vocal function. This review article provides an overview of apoptosis, the most commonly studied type of programmed cell death. Because apoptosis can damage epithelial cells, this article examines the implications of apoptosis on diseases affecting the vocal fold cover.
METHOD
A review of the extant literature was performed. We summarized the topics of epithelial tissue properties and apoptotic cell death, described what is currently understood about apoptosis in the vocal fold, and proposed several possible explanations for how the role of abnormal apoptosis during wound healing may be involved in vocal pathology.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
Apoptosis plays an important role in maintaining normal epithelial tissue function. The biological mechanisms responsible for vocal fold diseases of epithelial origin are only beginning to emerge. This article discusses speculations to explain the potential role of deficient versus excessive rates of apoptosis and how disorganized apoptosis may contribute to the development of common diseases of the vocal folds.
Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Laryngeal Diseases; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 28492834
DOI: 10.1044/2016_JSLHR-S-16-0326 -
Oral Oncology Apr 2022To validate the earlier reported promising oncologic outcomes and favorable toxicity profile following single vocal cord irradiation (SVCI) in an expanded cohort of...
OBJECTIVE
To validate the earlier reported promising oncologic outcomes and favorable toxicity profile following single vocal cord irradiation (SVCI) in an expanded cohort of patients with early-stage glottic cancer treated at our institute with longer follow-up time.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between February 2011 and January 2020, 111 consecutive patients with early-stage glottic cancer were treated with SVCI to the whole involved vocal cord (58.08 Gy, given in 16 fractions of 3.63 Gy). Setup verification was done using cone-beam CT, prior to each fraction. The endpoints were local control (LC), overall survival (OS), grade ≥ 3 toxicity and voice quality assessment using voice-handicap index (VHI) questionnaires.
RESULTS
Median follow-up was 41 months (range; 8-84). Two patients developed in-field local failure (LF). The 3- and 5-year LC rates were 99.1% and 97.1%, respectively. As both patients with LF were successfully salvaged with total laryngectomy, the 5-year ultimate LC-rates was 99%. The 5-years OS was 80.6%. All patients finished treatment without any interruption. No patients developed acute grade ≥ 3 toxicity. Late grade 3 toxicity was reported in 7 patients (6.5%) out of 108 patients evaluable for late toxicity; 2 because of severe hoarseness and 5 because of laryngeal radionecrosis (4.5%). The 5-years laryngectomy-free survival was 98.1%. The VHI-scores improved over time, only 22% of patients had VHI > 30 at 3-years post-radiotherapy, compared to 38% at baseline.
CONCLUSIONS
Local control rate and laryngectomy-free survival of SVCI are excellent with favorable toxicity profile and good VHI-score. These results validate our early results.
Topics: Glottis; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Laryngectomy; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cords; Voice Quality
PubMed: 35276637
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105782 -
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of... Nov 2017Airway exposure to nanoparticles is common in occupational settings. Inhaled nanoparticles have toxic effects on respiratory tissue. Vocal folds are also at direct risk...
OBJECTIVES
Airway exposure to nanoparticles is common in occupational settings. Inhaled nanoparticles have toxic effects on respiratory tissue. Vocal folds are also at direct risk from inhaled nanoparticles. This study investigated the effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), a type of nanoparticle, on vocal fold epithelium and fibroblasts. These cell types were selected for study as the epithelium is the outer layer of the vocal folds and fibroblasts are the most common cell type in connective tissue underlying the epithelium.
METHODS
Native porcine vocal fold epithelium and cultured human vocal fold fibroblasts were exposed to SWCNTs (100 ng/mL) and control (no SWCNT) in vitro. Epithelial and fibroblast viability was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Epithelial barrier integrity was assessed with transepithelial resistance and sodium fluorescein permeability. Epithelial tight junctional protein occludin expression was measured with Western blot. Gene expressions of the fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen III (Col-III) were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
Transcriptional expression of genes encoding FSP-1 and Col-III was increased significantly following SWCNT exposure. There were no significant differences between control and SWCNT groups on any of the other measures.
CONCLUSIONS
SWCNT exposure induces vocal fold fibroblasts to a fibrotic phenotype. These data help us understand vocal fold defense mechanisms and lay the groundwork for studying the physiological effects of nanoparticle exposure in vivo.
Topics: Actins; Animals; Calcium-Binding Proteins; Cell Survival; Cells, Cultured; Collagen Type III; Electric Impedance; Epithelial Cells; Fibroblasts; Fibrosis; Humans; Nanotubes, Carbon; Occludin; Permeability; Respiratory Mucosa; Risk Assessment; S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A4; Sus scrofa; Time Factors; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 28438490
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2017.03.014 -
The Journal of Experimental Biology May 2022Rodent diversification is associated with a large diversity of species-specific social vocalizations generated by two distinct laryngeal sound production mechanisms:...
Rodent diversification is associated with a large diversity of species-specific social vocalizations generated by two distinct laryngeal sound production mechanisms: whistling and airflow-induced vocal fold vibration. Understanding the relative importance of each modality to context-dependent acoustic interactions requires comparative analyses among closely related species. In this study, we used light gas experiments, acoustic analyses and laryngeal morphometrics to identify the distribution of the two mechanisms among six species of deer mice (Peromyscus spp.). We found that high frequency vocalizations (simple and complex sweeps) produced in close-distance contexts were generated by a whistle mechanism. In contrast, lower frequency sustained vocalizations (SVs) used in longer distance communication were produced by airflow-induced vocal fold vibrations. Pup isolation calls, which resemble adult SVs, were also produced by airflow-induced vocal fold vibrations. Nonlinear phenomena (NLP) were common in adult SVs and pup isolation calls, suggesting irregular vocal fold vibration characteristics. Both vocal production mechanisms were facilitated by a characteristic laryngeal morphology, including a two-layered vocal fold lamina propria, small vocal membrane-like extensions on the free edge of the vocal fold, and a singular ventral laryngeal air pocket known as the ventral pouch. The size and composition of vocal folds (rather than total laryngeal size) appears to contribute to species-specific acoustic properties. Our findings suggest that dual modes of sound production are more widespread among rodents than previously appreciated. Additionally, the common occurrence of NLP highlights the nonlinearity of the vocal apparatus, whereby small changes in anatomy or physiology trigger large changes in behavior. Finally, consistency in mechanisms of sound production used by neonates and adults underscores the importance of considering vocal ontogeny in the diversification of species-specific acoustic signals.
Topics: Animals; Larynx; Peromyscus; Rodentia; Sound; Vibration; Vocal Cords; Vocalization, Animal
PubMed: 35413125
DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243695 -
BioMed Research International 2015Recent years have witnessed an increased use of ultrasound in evaluation of the airway and the lower parts of the respiratory system. Ultrasound examination is fast and... (Review)
Review
Recent years have witnessed an increased use of ultrasound in evaluation of the airway and the lower parts of the respiratory system. Ultrasound examination is fast and reliable and can be performed at the bedside and does not carry the risk of exposure to ionizing radiation. Apart from use in diagnostics it may also provide safe guidance for invasive and semi-invasive procedures. Ultrasound examination of the oral cavity structures, epiglottis, vocal cords, and subglottic space may help in the prediction of difficult intubation. Preoperative ultrasound may diagnose vocal cord palsy or deviation or stenosis of the trachea. Ultrasonography can also be used for confirmation of endotracheal tube, double-lumen tube, or laryngeal mask placement. This can be achieved by direct examination of the tube inside the trachea or by indirect methods evaluating lung movements. Postoperative airway ultrasound may reveal laryngeal pathology or subglottic oedema. Conventional ultrasound is a reliable real-time navigational tool for emergency cricothyrotomy or percutaneous dilational tracheostomy. Endobronchial ultrasound is a combination of bronchoscopy and ultrasonography and is used for preoperative examination of lung cancer and solitary pulmonary nodules. The method is also useful for real-time navigated biopsies of such pathological structures.
Topics: Epiglottis; High-Energy Shock Waves; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Laryngeal Masks; Mouth; Perioperative Care; Trachea; Tracheal Diseases; Tracheostomy; Ultrasonography; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 26788507
DOI: 10.1155/2015/754626 -
Biomaterials Nov 2016Vocal folds are soft laryngeal connective tissues with distinct layered structures and complex multicomponent matrix compositions that endow phonatory and respiratory... (Review)
Review
Vocal folds are soft laryngeal connective tissues with distinct layered structures and complex multicomponent matrix compositions that endow phonatory and respiratory functions. This delicate tissue is easily damaged by various environmental factors and pathological conditions, altering vocal biomechanics and causing debilitating vocal disorders that detrimentally affect the daily lives of suffering individuals. Modern techniques and advanced knowledge of regenerative medicine have led to a deeper understanding of the microstructure, microphysiology, and micropathophysiology of vocal fold tissues. State-of-the-art materials ranging from extracecullar-matrix (ECM)-derived biomaterials to synthetic polymer scaffolds have been proposed for the prevention and treatment of voice disorders including vocal fold scarring and fibrosis. This review intends to provide a thorough overview of current achievements in the field of vocal fold tissue engineering, including the fabrication of injectable biomaterials to mimic in vitro cell microenvironments, novel designs of bioreactors that capture in vivo tissue biomechanics, and establishment of various animal models to characterize the in vivo biocompatibility of these materials. The combination of polymeric scaffolds, cell transplantation, biomechanical stimulation, and delivery of antifibrotic growth factors will lead to successful restoration of functional vocal folds and improved vocal recovery in animal models, facilitating the application of these materials and related methodologies in clinical practice.
Topics: Animals; Equipment Design; Guided Tissue Regeneration; Humans; Regeneration; Stem Cell Transplantation; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds; Treatment Outcome; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 27619243
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.08.054 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Mar 2022Arytenoid dislocation and subluxations commonly are reduced surgically using Holinger and straight Miller-3 laryngoscopes. We present a case of arytenoid cartilage...
Arytenoid dislocation and subluxations commonly are reduced surgically using Holinger and straight Miller-3 laryngoscopes. We present a case of arytenoid cartilage subluxation returned to good position using a 28-Jackson dilator. A 66-year-old man was diagnosed previously with right vocal fold paresis and left vocal fold paralysis following a motor vehicle accident that required a 14-day intubation and tracheotomy maintained for 3 weeks. Evaluation by strobovideolaryngoscopy 3 months following the accident showed severe left vocal fold hypomotility and arytenoid height disparity; laryngeal electromyography showed only mild-to-moderate decreased recruitment in laryngeal muscles. No abnormalities were appreciated on neck computed tomography. Upon palpation of both arytenoid cartilages in the operating room, the left joint was found to be subluxed anteriorly and immobile. A 28-Jackson dilator was used to mobilize and reduce the left arytenoid cartilage, and steroid was injected into the cricothyroid joint. Increased mobility was obtained in the operating room and the patient reported significant improvement in his voice. Six months later, we saw improvement in arytenoid height disparity and left vocal fold movement, better glottic closure, and voice handicap index was improved. A 28-Jackson dilator can be used to manipulate the cricoarytenoid joint without trauma to the vocal process.
Topics: Aged; Arytenoid Cartilage; Humans; Laryngeal Muscles; Laryngoscopes; Male; Vocal Cord Paralysis; Vocal Cords
PubMed: 32804570
DOI: 10.1177/0145561320946901 -
Journal of Speech, Language, and... May 2023The purpose of this study was to determine whether patient voice-related diagnosis, severity of dysphonia, and rater's experience influence the relationship between...
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether patient voice-related diagnosis, severity of dysphonia, and rater's experience influence the relationship between laryngeal oscillation ratings made from videostroboscopic and high-speed videoendoscopic (HSV) exams.
METHOD
Stroboscopy and HSV exams from 15 patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) and 15 with benign vocal fold lesions were rated for laryngeal oscillation and closure by 10 licensed speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Raters were divided into low- (< 5 years) and high-experience (> 5 years) groups. Ratings of vocal fold amplitude, mucosal wave, periodicity, phase symmetry, nonvibrating portion of the vocal fold, and glottal closure were examined using an online form adapted from the Voice Vibratory Assessment of Laryngeal Imaging (VALI).
RESULTS
Stroboscopy and HSV ratings were more strongly positively correlated for patients with benign vocal fold lesions ( between .43 and .75) than for those with ADSD ( between .40 and .68). Differences between stroboscopy and HSV exams were significantly greater for ratings of amplitude, mucosal wave, and periodicity in patients with ADSD than for patients with benign vocal fold lesions. Raters with < 5 years of experience showed significantly greater differences between stroboscopy and HSV ratings of amplitude and nonvibrating portion of the vocal fold for patients with ADSD only. Significantly greater differences between ratings of periodicity and phase symmetry were observed in patients with more severe dysphonia.
CONCLUSIONS
Differences in laryngeal ratings made between HSV and stroboscopy exams may be influenced by patient diagnosis, severity of dysphonia, and rater experience. Future study is warranted to determine how the differences observed influence clinical diagnosis and outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Dysphonia; Video Recording; Larynx; Vocal Cords; Laryngoscopy
PubMed: 37040690
DOI: 10.1044/2023_JSLHR-22-00649