Chemotherapy for laryngeal cancer

Chemotherapy| is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs circulate in the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells anywhere in the body.

Chemotherapy is sometimes given before radiotherapy| (called neoadjuvant or induction chemotherapy) for large laryngeal tumours. It may help to shrink the tumour to make the radiotherapy more likely to cure the cancer. Giving chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy can avoid having to remove the larynx with surgery|. This means that the person does not lose their voice. Chemotherapy is sometimes given at the same time as the radiotherapy (sometimes called chemo-radiation). Chemotherapy may be used to treat tumours that have spread outside the larynx, or have come back after surgery and/or radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy for cancer of the larynx is usually given by injection into a vein (intravenously).

Your doctor or specialist nurse will tell you about the side effects your treatment may cause. The most commonly used drugs for cancer of the larynx are cisplatin| and 5FU (fluorouracil)|. Other drugs that might be used include carboplatin|, docetaxel (Taxotere®)|, gemcitabine| and paclitaxel (Taxol)|.

Side effects

While the chemotherapy drugs are acting on the cancer cells in your body, they also temporarily reduce the number of normal cells in your blood. When this happens, you are more likely to get an infection| and you may get tired easily|. During chemotherapy, your blood will be tested regularly and, if necessary, you will be given antibiotics to treat any infection. Blood transfusions| may be given if you are anaemic.

Other side effects may include feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting)|, constipation, diarrhoea and hair loss|. Some drugs also make your mouth sore| and may cause small mouth ulcers. Regular mouthwashes are important and your nurses will show you how to do these properly. If you don’t feel like eating, you can supplement or replace your meals with nutritious, high-calorie drinks| which your doctor can prescribe. Medicines are also available from your doctor to help stop you feeling sick.

Although they may seem difficult to cope with at the time, remember that these side effects are temporary and will disappear once your treatment is over. If your hair falls out, it will grow back within a few months. Many people wear wigs, hats or scarves. You may be entitled to a free wig from the NHS and your doctor or the nurse looking after you will be able to arrange for a wig specialist to visit you.

Chemotherapy affects different people in different ways. Some people can lead a normal life during their treatment, while others find that they become very tired and have to take things more slowly. Just do as much as you feel like and try not to overdo it.

Our chemotherapy| section discusses the treatment and its side effects in more detail.