Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (55 Gy in 20 fractions) for high-grade laryngeal dysplasia: report of acute toxicity and functional outcome

OBJECTIVE: Radiotherapy is an option to treat high-grade laryngeal dysplasia. This study aimed to evaluate the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy, 55 Gy in 20 daily fractions, in treating this disease. METHODS: Acute toxicity was evaluated in all 14 patients treated. In 10 patients, functional voice outcome was measured using the Voice Handicap Index, and the Grade, Roughness, Breath, Asthenia, Strain ('GRBAS') scale. These measurements were performed pre-treatment and three months after intensity-modulated radiotherapy. RESULTS: All but one patient managed to complete radiotherapy. Acute toxicity was significant (one patient developed grade 4 and three patients developed grade 3 dysphagia). Four patients required hospital admission. In 9 out of 10 patients, radiotherapy improved voice quality. CONCLUSION: This radiotherapy regimen using intensity-modulated radiotherapy for laryngeal dysplasia is feasible and provided excellent functional outcome, but acute toxicity was significant. Dose de-escalation can be considered in the framework of clinical trials.