Investigating biology and outcomes in laryngeal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the biology and outcomes of laryngeal cancer and lymph node metastasis
IRAS ID
333841
Contact name
Catriona Douglas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Laryngeal cancer, a subtype of throat cancer, has shown little improvement in survival over recent decades with only half of patients with advanced stage disease surviving to 5 years. Unfortunately, in Scotland, most disease presents at an advanced stage. There are various documented factors which are associated with a poor outcome. Lymph node metastasis (spread to the glands) in the neck is one such factor.
Although best management of these patients is complex and dictated by various factors, there is some debate as to the best treatment. For example, advanced disease can be treated by 'organ preservation' in the form of chemoradiotherapy or surgery in the form of laryngectomy which involves removal of the voice box leaving a permanent
tracheostomy through which the patient breathes. The neck can be treated with radiotherapy or surgery or not treated, depending on various factors. This decision is made in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team and the patient but it is often not clear cut.Patients can suffer adverse effects on speech, swallowing as well as the psychological impact of their changing appearance. These are called functional outcomes and can affect patients with both early and late stage disease.
The aim of this study is to better understand why some throat cancers spread to the glands and if there is abnormal genes that can predict this. The glands in the neck are in groups with many glands close by each other. We wish to explore what makes a gland 'permissive' to spread of cancer vs a 'non-permissive node'. If there is gene expression changes that we can see we may be able to determine higher risk patients who need more aggressive treatment, and possibly spare those who do not.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
23/WS/0166
Date of REC Opinion
22 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion