Informed consent in advanced laryngeal cancer

Purpose. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between the informed consent process and the treatment received by patients with advanced laryngeal cancer. Methods. The study group was composed of 101 consecutive patients who were eligible for the Department of Veterans Affairs Laryngeal Cancer Study Group and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/Head and Neck Intergroup (RTOG 91-11) larynx preservation clinical trials and who underwent treatment at the Mayo Clinic during the years 1985 to 2000. Records were reviewed to evaluate the effect that referral to an oncologist, discussion and documentation of treatment alternatives by the surgeon, offering a chance at a larynx conservation surgical procedure, and treatment recommendation made by the surgeon have on the treatment chosen and received by the patient. Results. Discussion of treatment alternatives by the surgeon (p = .0054), referral to an oncologist (p < .0001), offering a chance for a larynx conservation surgical procedure (p = .047), and treatment recommended by the surgeon (p < .0001) were significantly related to the treatment received by the patient. Conclusion. The treatment received by a patient with advanced laryngeal cancer is determined by the treatment recommended by the surgeon, referral to an oncologist, discussion of treatment alternatives by the surgeon, and offering a chance for a larynx conservation surgical procedure.