SUMMARY
Background
As the use of anti-angiogenic treatments is gaining scope in the treatment of various
malignancies, there are increasing reports of laryngeal side effects. We report two
cases of laryngeal necrosis and dysphonia.
Methods
Two patients with gynecological malignancies presented with severe dysphonia 11-24
months after initiation of bevacizumab therapy. Videostroboscopic examination of the
larynx revealed bilateral ulcerations and eschar of the superior surface with absent
mucosal waves.
Results
Patients were treated with discontinuation of the bevacizumab, vocal rest, and proton
pump inhibitors. Both had improvement in voice and resolution of the eschar and ulceration.
Shallow sulci and mild breathiness persisted in one patient.
Conclusion
With increasing use of potent systemic anti-angiogenic compounds, clinicians should
be vigilant of this important complication of therapy. Time to onset of symptoms and
reversibility of symptoms vary by patient and require further study. There may be
long-term voice sequelae.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 21, 2020
Accepted:
November 25,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
