Dr. Jennifer De Los Santos, professor of radiation oncology at WashU Medicine, thank you for talking with us today. As we observe Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month this April, we remember the recent passing of actor Val Kilmer, who lost his battle to laryngeal cancer. Can you tell us a little about the importance of raising awareness around these cancers?
Dr. D: Head and neck cancers, including laryngeal cancer, can present with symptoms of sore throat, hoarse voice, ear pain, and a mass in the neck. These cancers, which affect the throat, voice box, and mouth, are often delayed in detection, as symptoms are often attributed to an upper respiratory infection. If patients do not have insurance or a primary care provider, diagnosis can be delayed even further.
What is laryngeal cancer?
Dr. D: Laryngeal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the larynx, also known as the voice box. The larynx is a part of the throat located in between the back of the mouth and the trachea (windpipe) at the level of the thyroid cartilage (sometimes called the Adam’s apple). It plays a crucial role in breathing and speaking because it houses the vocal cords.
What are some instigators or risk factors for this cancer?
Dr. D: The most common ones include:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes is the single largest risk factor for laryngeal cancer. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can increase the risk.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking of alcohol, particularly when combined with smoking, significantly raises the risk of laryngeal cancer. Alcohol can irritate the lining of the larynx and make it more susceptible to the carcinogenic effects of tobacco.
- Exposure to Certain Chemicals: Occupational exposure to industrial chemicals such as asbestos or sulfuric acid has been linked to an increased risk of laryngeal cancer.
- Marijuana Use: New data suggests that marijuana use may also be associated with the development of head and neck cancer.
WashU’s Department of Radiation Oncology is at the forefront of the fight against head and neck cancers. Could you elaborate on some of the cutting-edge treatments you’re working on?
Dr. D: Absolutely. Our department is proud to be pioneering several promising treatment options. In particular, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments have made huge strides in improving outcomes for our patients. Tailoring radiation therapy to each patient can help control or even eliminate cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Immunotherapy is also showing great promise, particularly in helping the immune system recognize and fight cancer. Targeted therapies, which focus on specific genes or proteins involved in cancer growth, are another exciting area.
That’s amazing progress. Please talk about the importance of preserving patients’ voices, especially for those undergoing procedures like laryngectomy, and how technology is playing a role.
Dr. D: For many patients, especially those with laryngeal cancer, losing the ability to speak is a devastating consequence. One of our main goals is not only to combat the cancer but also to preserve the patient’s quality of life. With advances in AI and other technologies, we are investigating tools that can help patients communicate more effectively after procedures like a laryngectomy. AI-driven devices are being developed to create more natural-sounding speech, and they hold tremendous potential for improving a patient’s ability to engage in day-to-day life. This technology is transformative, offering an option that may both improve communication and preserve the patient’s natural voice.
It sounds like there’s so much hope on the horizon. How can people help support the critical research and advances you’re making at WashU?
Dr. D: The best way to support our work is through advocacy, donations, and spreading awareness. The first is by sharing the importance of early detection by following up on abnormal symptoms that do not resolve with first-treatment approaches such as antibiotics. The second is by recognizing the real difference that breakthrough discoveries can make. Supporting organizations and institutions like WashU ensures that the research and clinical advancements continue. Val Kilmer’s legacy of advocacy is a powerful example of how one person’s story can inspire change, and we hope that this month, and beyond, people will join us in our mission to improve outcomes for patients battling head and neck cancers. Together, we can make a significant difference. Click here to donate directly to our research.