Latest Research on Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Executive Summary

Several latest research studies are underway to seek more information on laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, related prevention methods, diagnostic process at the initial phase, and best treatment strategies. New targeted therapies are evolving besides immunotherapy to treat the tumor better. Various targeted therapy drugs are now under the testing phase, will soon be a part of treatments. The use of radio sensitization involves administering medications that can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy, which will eventually help eliminate cancer.

Another approach is the hyperfractionated radiation therapy. In this, radiation therapy is administered in small doses every day. Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab have been approved to treat laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. Besides it, other types of immunotherapy drugs are under analysis in various clinical trials. However, researchers have studied the chemoprevention procedure and mainly evaluated it as an effective way to prevent the recurrence of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer after treatment. The current clinical studies aim to find new ways to reduce the symptoms and side effects of current laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer treatments and also to improve the comfort and quality of life of the patient.

Advancement in Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer Research

Since scientists and doctors constantly analyze and learn more about laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. They are also trying to devise better strategies to prevent and treat cancer. In addition to this, many studies focus on discovering methods to provide the best possible treatment and care for people with laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer.

Furthermore, many clinical trials are underway to test different treatment options for successfully treating laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors. And so, the patients or the caretakers must talk with the doctor to learn about all the best available diagnostic methods, treatment options, and current research concerning this type of cancer growth. 

The following are some latest researches on laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer treatment and care ^​1​.

Targeted and tumour-specific therapy

With many advancements in cancer treatment and cure, researchers are developing new targeted therapies besides immunotherapy to treat the tumor better. Various targeted therapy drugs are now under the testing phase, which will soon be a part of treatments.

Radiation therapy

Studies analyze efficient ways to use radiation therapy procedures to treat cancer. One such approach is radio sensitization, which involves administering drugs that can make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy, which will eventually help eliminate cancer ^​2​. Another approach is the hyperfractionated radiation therapy. In this, radiation therapy is administered in small doses every day.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, also known as biologic therapy, is a treatment procedure that boosts the body’s natural defences to fight cancerous growth. Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab have been approved to treat laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. And other types of immunotherapy drugs are under analysis in various clinical trials ^​3​.

Chemoprevention

Chemoprevention procedure has been studied and mainly evaluated by researchers as an effective way to prevent the recurrence of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer after treatment ^​4​. It also involves using medications or supplements to lower the risk of cancer or tumor.

Photodynamic therapy

In photodynamic therapy, a light-sensitive substance, called photosensitive, is injected into the patient’s blood ^​5​. Cancer cells (abnormal cells) hold onto the substance longer than normal, healthy cells. After that, lasers are directed at the area of the cancerous growth. And the active substance in the cells helps to destroy and eliminate the cancer cells.

Palliative care/supportive care

The current clinical studies aim to find new ways to reduce the symptoms and side effects of current laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer treatments to improve the comfort and quality of life of the patient.

References