Tracheostomy dependence following "organ preservation" (chemo)radiation protocol for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

Background: Patients receiving primary (chemo)radiotherapy for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer risk developing severe laryngeal dysfunction and becoming tracheostomy dependent, detracting from the benefits of organ preservation. We aim to describe the airway outcomes for this cohort and identify risk factors for developing tracheostomy dependence.

Methods: Patients with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer who were recommended for and underwent primary (chemo)radiotherapy over a 6-year period were identified from a tertiary hospital Head and Neck cancer database.