Impact of a multidisciplinary head and neck tumor board on survival in laryngeal carcinoma.

Background Pretherapeutic presentation in the head and neck tumor board (HNT) has been mandatory at Freiburg University Hospital since 01/2015 and is intended to contribute to a survival advantage through interdisciplinary decision making. Prior to 2015, an optional HNT existed in which mainly advanced tumor stages were discussed. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the HNT on survival in laryngeal cancer.

Methods Retrospective data analysis of 412 laryngeal carcinoma patients treated at the ENT University Hospital Freiburg between 01/2010 – 12/2020. Differences regarding TNM status, secondary tumors, therapy, recurrence-free and overall survival (DFS/OS) were assessed for therapy initiation with or without pre-therapeutic HNT.

Results Of 412 laryngeal carcinoma patients, 314 underwent a pretherapeutic HNT, and 98 received therapy initiation without HNT. The HNT group showed significantly more advanced T and UICC classifications (p<0.001; p=0.003) and more frequent primary radio(chemo)therapy (p<0.001). There was no difference regarding OS (44 vs. 45 months, p=0.44); DFS differed significantly in favor of the group without pretherapeutic HNT (49 vs. 54 months, p=0.01). The time between initial diagnosis and therapy initiation was significantly longer when a HNT was performed (38 vs. 20 days, p=0.008).

Discussion As expected, DFS is significantly worse in the HNT group given advanced T and UICC classification. Regarding OS, patients with pre-therapeutic HNT show similar OS despite advanced T and UICC classification, highlighting the positive impact of HNT especially in advanced tumor stages.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023