# Sex differences in laryngeal cancer treated with CO2-transoral laser microsurgery: a case-control study

## TL;DR

This study found no significant differences in treatment outcomes for laryngeal cancer between men and women using CO2 laser surgery.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates that CO2-TOLMS provides equivalent outcomes for women and men with laryngeal cancer.

## Key findings

- Women had fewer complications than men after CO2-TOLMS.
- Survival rates and functional outcomes were similar between sexes.
- Tumor characteristics and pathology were not significantly different between men and women.

## Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sex-disparities in larynx cancer patients treated with CO2-Transoral Laser Microsurgery (CO2-TOLMS).

Retrospective analysis of 1290 consecutive patients. Oncologic and functional outcomes were evaluated according to sex groups. Survival rates were compared by propensity-score matching approach and multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Among 1290 patients, 122 (9.5%) were females. No significant differences were observed in tumor exposure, margins or pathology characteristics. Women experienced fewer complications than men (0.12 vs. 0.06; p = 0.007). There were neither significant differences in voice or swallowing outcomes, nor in the need for tracheostomy or gastrostomy. 5-y disease-free (63% vs. 66%, p = 0.92), 5-y disease-specific (91% vs. 93%, p = 0.54) and 5-y overall survival (78% vs. 84%, p = 0.18) rates were not different between men and woman.

CO2-TOLMS is a valid treatment for larynx cancer in women, with equivalent outcomes than those achieved in the male population.