Early-stage Squamous Cell Research Articles

Impact of submandibular gland preservation in neck management of early-stage buccal squamous cell carcinoma on locoregional control and disease-specific survival

BackgroundThe feasibility of submandibular gland (SMG) preservation in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has occasionally been analyzed, but the differences in survival associated with the presence or absence of SMG preservation remain unknown. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the oncologic results of SMG preservation in cT1-2 N0 buccal SCC.MethodsThis was a prospective, non-randomized cohort study. Patients with surgically treated cT1-2 N0 buccal SCC were prospectively enrolled and divided into two groups based on the management of the SMG. Level 1b lymph nodes were categorized into six groups based on the positional relationship between the lymph node and the SMG. The main study endpoints were locoregional control (LRC) and disease-specific survival (DSS).ResultsA total of 31 of the 137 included patients underwent SMG-sparing neck dissection. Patients with SMG preservation were likely to be young persons. Superior metastasis occurred in 11 patients with a prevalence of 8.0%, followed by an anterior metastasis rate of 5.1%, and no metastases developed deeply or within the SMG. The 5-year LRC rates in the SMG-sparing and SMG-excision groups were 74 and 75%, respectively, and the difference was not significant (p = 0.970). The 5-year DSS rates in the SMG-sparing and SMG-excision groups were 74 and 69%, respectively, and the difference was not significant (p = 0.709).ConclusionsSMG involvement was rare, and the superior group carried the highest risk for lymph node metastasis. SMG-sparing neck dissection is selectively suggested in cT1-2 N0 buccal SCC patients, and could avoid postoperative asymmetric appearance and dry mouth.

Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Identifying Esophageal Neoplasia.

Randomized trials have demonstrated that ablation of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus can reduce the risk of progression to cancer. Endoscopic resection for early stage esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma can significantly reduce postoperative morbidity compared to esophagectomy. Unfortunately, current endoscopic surveillance technologies (e.g., high-definition white light, electronic, and dye-based chromoendoscopy) lack sensitivity at identifying subtle areas of dysplasia and cancer. Random biopsies sample only approximately 5% of the esophageal mucosa at risk, and there is poor agreement among pathologists in identifying low-grade dysplasia. Machine-based deep learning medical image and video assessment technologies have progressed significantly in recent years, enabled in large part by advances in computer processing capabilities. In deep learning, sequential layers allow models to transform input data (e.g., pixels for imaging data) into a composite representation that allows for classification and feature identification. Several publications have attempted to use this technology to help identify dysplasia and early esophageal cancer. The aims of this reviews are as follows: (a) discussing limitations in our current strategies to identify esophageal dysplasia and cancer, (b) explaining the concepts behind deep learning and convolutional neural networks using language appropriate for clinicians without an engineering background, (c) systematically reviewing the literature for studies that have used deep learning to identify esophageal neoplasia, and (d) based on the systemic review, outlining strategies on further work necessary before these technologies are ready for "prime-time," i.e., use in routine clinical care.

Evaluation of Voice After Definitive Radiotherapy in Patients of Early Stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Larynx (Glottis): A Prospective Observational Study.

Post treatment voice quality is an important consideration in choosing the management option for laryngeal cancer. We assessed voice quality after radiotherapy in patients of early squamous cell carcinoma of glottis comprehensively using Videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS), Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia and Strain (GRBAS) scores and Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-10. Fifty four consenting patients of early squamous cell carcinoma of glottis (Tis, T1 and T2) awaiting definitive radiotherapy were recruited consecutively. Voice was evaluated by VLS, GRBAS scores and VHI-10 before radiotherapy as well as 3months and 12months after radiotherapy. There were 52 males and 2 females in the study. Hoarseness of voice was the commonest presenting symptom. Mean duration of symptoms was 2.45months (± 0.80), ranging from 1 to 4months. 35 (64.82%) were T1 while 19 (35.18%) were T2 lesions. They received 60-70Gy of radiotherapy in 28-35 fractions. There was only one recurrence on follow up for 12months. On VLS at 12months post-RT the periodicity, phase symmetry, mucosal waves and amplitude were normal in 74.07%, 70.37%, 56.67% and 78.7% cases respectively. Complete glottic closure was obtained in 72.22%. The voice was 'acceptable' (Grade 1 or 2 on VLS parameters) in more than 90% cases. Mean total GRBAS score was 3.39 (± 2.67). Mean total VHI-10 was 6.7 (± 1.75). All indices were significantly better than pre RT levels. Good quality of voice can be expected after radiotherapy for early glottic cancer in majority of patients.

The Prognostic Model of Pre-Treatment Complete Blood Count (CBC) for Recurrence in Early Cervical Cancer

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic role of the pre-treatment complete blood count (CBC) profile as a predictive marker of survival, recurrence, and death in early stage squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix. The pre-treatment CBC profiles of the patients from nine tertiary medical centers in South Korea who were treated surgically for early stage cervical cancer were reviewed. Statistical models by the Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) were developed using CBC profiles to calculate individuals’ risk scores for clinical outcomes. A total of 1443 patients were included in the study and the median follow-up was 63.7 months with a range of 3–183 months. Univariate analyses identified the components of CBC that were significantly related to clinical outcomes including white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin, neutrophil, and platelet levels. The models developed using CBC profiles and the conventional clinical predictive factors provided individuals’ risk scores that were significantly better in predicting clinical outcomes than the models using the conventional clinical predictive factors alone. Pre-treatment CBC profiles including WBC, hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet levels were found to be a potential biomarker for survival prognosis in early cervical cancer.

Neck Dissection in Early-stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Lip: Mid-term Treatment Results

Neck Dissection in Early-stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Lip: Mid-term Treatment Results

517P Early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal: Results of curative-intent therapy in a multicenter retrospective study

517P Early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal: Results of curative-intent therapy in a multicenter retrospective study

Abscopal effect of unirradiated lung nodules following radiotherapy alone in recurrent non-small cell lung cancer: a case report

: Abscopal effect is an intriguing phenomenon when tumor regression is observed at non-irradiated region distant from the primary irradiation site. Despite its popularity as a research topic (especially in combination with immunotherapy), seldom was the phenomenon observed when radiotherapy (RT) was the only treatment modality. Here we reported the case of a 67-year-old man with abscopal effect observed in the right lung lesions after RT to the recurrent left lung tumor. The patient was a case of metachronous early-stage squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) of the head and neck and lung. He was otherwise healthy without any other underlying systemic disease, and had never received any medication or systemic treatment. The patient was diagnosed with early-stage left lower lobe SqCC and received postoperative adjuvant RT alone to the tumor bed. Bilateral lung tumor recurrence was observed after 6 months, and the patient completed RT alone to the left lung lesion. However, tumor regression was observed in the non-targeted right lung lesions. Interestingly, we noticed fluctuation in white blood cell (WBC) count around the course of palliative RT. We hope that this case can help secure physicians’ attention to the systemic effect RT alone can contribute.

Abstract 5790: An epigenome-wide gene-age interaction analysis reveals opposite effects of PRODH DNA methylation on survival between young and elderly early-stage NSCLC patients

Abstract Introduction: Aging has become a global public health concern. The number of elderly lung cancer patients increased and elderly comprise the majority (81%) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. DNA methylation is a potential prognostic biomarker for NSCLC, while it is also associated with aging. However, whether the association between DNA methylation and NSCLC survival is modified by aging is not known. Methods: After quality control procedures, we used a two-stage study design to identify DNA methylation-age interaction that associated with overall survival (OS) for early-stage adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients from four international collaborating study centers. In the discovery phase, we investigated the interaction effect in LUAD and LUSC using Cox proportional hazards model, adjusted for covariates. We confirmed the significant interactions with Bonferroni adjusted P ≤ 0.05 were further confirmed in the validation phase using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Results: A total of 1,230 LUAD and LUSC patients were eligible for the study and 311,981 DNA methylation loci were evaluated. There were 613 (NLUAD = 492 and NLUSC = 121) patients in the discovery phase, and 617 (NLUAD = 332 and NLUSC = 285) patients in the validation phase, respectively. We identified one LUAD-specific CpG probe cg14326354PRODH, the effect on OS was significantly modified by age (HRinteraction = 0.989; 95% CI: 0.986-0.994; P = 9.18 × 10−7). The effect of DNA methylation on OS was different in young and elderly patients (young: HR = 2.44; 95% CI: 1.26-4.72; P = 8.34 × 10−3; elderly: HR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.42-0.82; P = 1.67 × 10−3). Low methylation level benefited elderly LUAD patients. Moreover, there was an antagonistic interaction between low methylation of cg14326354PRODH and elder age (HRinteraction = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.11-0.40; P = 2.20 × 10−6). Conclusion: Low methylation of cg14326354PRODH may benefit the survival of elderly LUAD patients, providing new insight into only age-specific prediction, but also potential methylation-specific drug targeting. Citation Format: Li Su. An epigenome-wide gene-age interaction analysis reveals opposite effects of PRODH DNA methylation on survival between young and elderly early-stage NSCLC patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 5790.

Immunotherapy in Anal Cancer.

Standard treatment for early-stage squamous cell cancer of the anal canal (SCCA) includes concurrent chemotherapy and radiation to achieve curative intent. Treatment options are limited, however, especially with locoregional disease relapse occurring in 20-30% of patients and about 10-30% of patients presenting with metastatic disease. With more than 90% of SCCAs occurring in the setting of HPV, immune-based therapies are now the target of possible new treatments for this rare disease. This review highlights the role of immunotherapy in HPV-associated SCCA. Immunotherapy has been shown to extend progression-free survival and overall survival in various solid malignancies, including SCCA. So far, single-agent monotherapy with either nivolumab or pembrolizumab has shown durable clinical response with a tolerable side effect profile. The 2018 NCCN guidelines now advise nivolumab or pembrolizumab monotherapy as second-line treatment in the management of metastatic SCCA. Further investigation with immunotherapy continues to be critical for such a rare malignancy with few treatment options.

The outcomes and quality of life of young patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy versus non-radiotherapy following surgery treating early FIGO stage cervical squamous cell cancer in southwestern China

Background: The incidence of cervical cancer in young women is rising, and squamous cell carcinoma makes up a great percentage of the histological types. The presence of aggressive pathologic risk factors following patients’ primary surgery may warrant the use of adjuvant radiotherapy. It is important to weigh up the risks and benefits of using adjuvant radiotherapy for each young patient so as to maximize their prognosis while minimizing the treatment-related morbidity. Methods: A retrospective study was performed. It consisted of 97 patients under 35 years old who were diagnosed with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and underwent treatment at West China Second University Hospital between December 2009 and January 2014. Five-year follow-up, prognostic risks, long-term radiation toxicity, female sexual function, and quality of life were investigated. Results: Adjuvant radiotherapy did improve the prognosis of young patients with lymph node metastases. However, there were few significant differences in progress-free survival and overall survival for the young patients without lymph node metastases following adjuvant radiotherapy. Besides, young patients who took radiotherapy exhibited greater intestinal dysfunction, more severe lower extremities edema, greater sexual dysfunction, and worse long-term quality of life. Conclusion: Young patients with early-stage cervical squamous cell carcinoma without lymph node metastases who have undergone the primary surgery should be counseled in detail before the decision to use adjuvant radiotherapy can be made. The counseling should emphasize not only the benefit that local recurrence rates can be reduced, but also the risks that treatment-related side effects could increase and lower QoL could occur.

Socioeconomic status based on race in early-stage anal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing locoregional therapy.

4056 Background: Anal Squamous Cell Cancer (ASCC) is a highly curable cancer. Underserved and vulnerable populations are particularly at risk of developing this disease. We aimed to study racial disparities and overall survival (OS) in patients with ASCC who received radiation therapy (RT) or chemo-RT (CRT) using the National Cancer Database. Methods: We identified adult patients with early-stage (stage I-II) ASCC diagnosed between 2004-2016 who underwent RT or CRT. We compared the clinical and treatment characteristics of white and black patients. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression method performed for survival analyses. We used 1:1 nearest neighbor propensity score matching to eliminate selection bias. Results: A total of 10,014 patients; 90.2% were white and 9.8% were black. White patients were more likely to be female, older age, have higher rate high-school education, private insurance, higher income, and travel a longer distance (all p < .001). Black patients were more likely to be higher comorbidity score and be treated at an academic/research facility. White patients had a higher rate of CRT and significantly better overall survival (OS) as compared to black patients (5-year survival 76% vs. 70%, p < .001) which persisted after propensity score matching (5-year survival 76% vs. 70%, p = .002). This difference continued after adjusting for clinically important factors, including HPV status (unmatched p < .03, matched p = .008). In the patients who received CRT, white patients were associated with improved OS versus black patients (unmatched 77% vs. 71%, p < .001; matched 77% vs. 71%, p = .011), and even after multivariate Cox analysis (unmatched p < .001; matched .014) (Table). Conclusions: White patients had significantly better OS as compared to black patients with early-stage ASCC as well as in the patients who received CRT. White patients were associated with high education level, higher income, and private insurance. The rate of HPV positive was similar among groups. Further investigations are needed to enlighten these disparities and target the increase education of the population at risk. [Table: see text]

The prevalence of HLA LOH across 10 cancer types in Chinese patients.

3124 Background: Recognition of tumor neoantigen is the key to generating immune response. The expression and integrity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) are the prerequisites for neoantigen presentation, and loss of heterozygosity in HLA (HLA LOH) may facilitate immune evasion. However, the incidence of HLA LOH in Chinese cancer patients is unknown. Methods: In this study, 45 samples sequenced with both 1021-gene panel and whole-exome sequencing(WES) were used to evaluate the consistency of HLA LOH in the two testing strategies. The prevalence of HLA LOH analysis was performed in 1546 advanced patients across 10 diverse cancer types and 114 early-stage lung cancer patients who had undergone tumor profiling using 1021-gene panel. Exon 2, exon 3 and bilateral introns of HLA-A/B/C genes were well covered in 1021-gene panel. HLA LOH were analysis using LOHHLA algorithm (McGranahan, et al. 2017). Results: In the HLA LOH analysis of 45 samples, the consistency of 1021-gene panel and WES was 95.6% (43/45). Among the 1660 samples, 1.3% (21) were detected as HLA homozygous at all of the three site. HLA LOH was found in 45.1%(697/1546) of all the advanced patients, range from 24.1% to 59.7%. In colorectal cancer, the HLA LOH ratio of MSS samples was significantly higher than that of MSI-H samples (46.2%, 61/132 vs 16.7%, 3/18 p =0.0214). For NSCLC, the proportion of HLALOH in early-stage (I-IIIa) lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma was 25.7% (18/70) and 65.9% (29/44), respectively, consistent with the report. However, advanced (IIIa-IV) lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma were 49.4%(168/340) and 58.7%(179/305), respectively. The reason for the difference between early-stage lung adenocarcinoma and advanced lung adenocarcinoma needs further study. In 43.8% of cases (326/744), LOH occurred simultaneously in HLA-A, B and C,suggesting that the Class I locus was often lost together. Conclusions: We can use multi-gene panel for HLA LOH analysis, provided that the relevant regions are well captured. The prevalenceof HLA LOHpresent differences among cancer types.Understanding these distributions may provide more information for immunotherapy research. [Table: see text]

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy in early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: treatment trends and outcomes.

PurposeDefinitive radiotherapy remains a primary treatment option for early stage glottic cancer. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has emerged as the standard treatment technique for advanced head and neck cancers, whereas three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) has remained standard for early glottic cancers. We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to identify predictors of IMRT use and effect on outcome in these patients.Materials and MethodsWe queried the NCDB from 2004–2015 for squamous cell carcinoma of the glottic larynx staged Tis-T2N0 treated with radiation alone. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of IMRT. Cox regression was used to identify factors predictive of overall survival. Propensity matching was conducted to account for indication bias. ResultsWe identified 15,627 patients, of which 11% received IMRT. IMRT use rose from 2% in 2004 to 16% in 2015. Predictors of IMRT include: increased comorbidity, T2 stage, urban location, chemotherapy, treatment at an academic center, and later treatment year. Predictors of improved survival were female gender, higher income, lower stage, no chemotherapy, academic facility, and more remote year. There was no difference in survival between 3D-CRT and IMRT across all stages. ConclusionsThe rate of IMRT use for early stage glottic laryngeal cancer has increased over time. There was no difference in outcome in patients receiving IMRT versus 3D-CRT across the cohort.

Oncological and Surgical Outcomes of Patients Treated by Transoral CO2 Laser Cordectomy for Early-Stage Glottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Chart Review

To investigate the feasibility and the outcomes of transoral laser CO2 microsurgery (TLM) for resection of early-stage squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vocal folds through several additional surgical procedures and tips improving the glottic exposure. Retrospective chart review of patients treated by TLM cordectomy in a single European University Hospital for early-stage vocal fold SCCs (Tis, T1a, T1b, and T2). The following TLM outcomes were studied regarding the tumor size (Tis and T1a vs T1b and T2) and the margin status (negative vs positive/suspicious): patient position; type of laryngoscope; requirement to external counter pressure; resection of supraglottic structures (eg, ventricular band, epiglottic petiole, and suprahyoid epiglottis); pre- and postoperative complications; overall survival; disease-specific survival (DSS); and disease-free survival (DFS). A total of 148 patients were included. The TLM was realized in 95.3% of cases. External counter pressure, partial, or total vestibulectomy were necessary in 65.9%, 57.4%, and 4.2% of cases, respectively. A resection of the epiglottic petiole was required in 24.8% of cases. The realization of both epiglottis petiole resection and vestibulectomies were significantly higher in patients with T2 and T1b SCCs compared to those with T1a and Tis SCCs (P = .01). Different procedure tips were described for improving the laryngeal exposition. The 5-year laryngeal preservation rate, DSS, and DFS were significantly better in patients without SCC involvement of the anterior commissure, and did not vary according to the margin status. The laryngeal exposure difficulties did not impact the margin status. The exposure of glottis is possible in 95% of cases of early-stage vocal cord SCC but requires the use of several additional surgical procedures, especially for anterior commissure SCCs. The SCC involvement of the vocal fold anterior commissure is associated with lower DSS, DFS, and laryngeal preservation rate.

Early nasal reconstruction after skin-preserving excision of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule

Surgery for early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (SCCNV) may lead to facial disfigurement. We wanted to investigate if skin-preserving excision of SCCNV with reconstruction is oncologically, aesthetically, and functionally justifiable in cases with proximity to the skin. From 2010 to 2016, 16 patients underwent skin-preserving excision of T1-2 N0 SCCNV by a lateral rhinotomy approach at a tertiary referral center. The inner nose was reconstructed using a mucoperichondrial septal flap for the inner lining and a septal pivot flap and/or auricular cartilage grafting for the framework. Nasal appearance was measured on pre- and postoperative photographs. Median follow-up was 5.4 years. Three (19%) patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Two (12.5%) recurrences occurred locally, but not at the site of preserved skin. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of local control rate after 5 years was 83%. All patients could be salvaged, giving an ultimate control rate of 100%. Nasal tip projection decreased by 6.7% (p<0.001), and it was retained normal or near normal in 87.5% of patients. Nasal axis changed by 1.7° (p = 0.5). Nasal deviation occurred in 6.25% (1/16) of patients, and minor alar retraction in 6.25% of patients (1/16). Nasal breathing was normal or close to normal in 75% (12/16) of patients. Skin-preserving excision of SCCNV is oncologically justifiable in selected cases even in proximity to nasal skin. Early inner nasal reconstruction preserves nasal form and function to a high degree. This technique is a suitable alternative to rhinectomy and to avoid the sequelae of radiotherapy in selected cases.

Characterization of microRNAs and lncRNAs in early-stage squamous cell carcinoma based on the analysis of TCGA datasets

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is highly malignant with poor prognosis, causing prevalent mortality worldwide. Early-stage lung cancer can be distinguished through reliable early detection to urge timely treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) might play such a vital role in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis that they are becoming an important biomarker in cancer screening. To identify the relation between ncRNAs and the early-stage of LUSC, we analyzed the data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We identified 28 microRNAs (miRNAs) and 32 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that were specifically expressed in early-stage LUSC, and the relationship was shown by the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. The result derived from Kaplan–Meier survival curves analysis showed that two miRNAs (hsa-miR-22-3p and hsa-miR-552-3p) and a lncRNA (FLJ36000) were negatively correlated with overall survival, but two miRNAs (hsa-miR-27b-5p and hsa-miR-340-5p) and five lncRNAs (CHK8-CPT1B, LINC00167, S NHG15, TTC28-AS1 and WASH7P) were positively associated. Our study provides novel insight for better understanding of early-stage LUSC and facilitates the identification of potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of early-stage LUSC.

Predictors of chemotherapy and its effects in early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

BackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of larynx is a common head and neck cancer. For cases that are node negative, the role of definitive concurrent chemoradiation is unclear and not supported by guidelines but used at provider discretion. To address this knowledge gap, we examined the oncological outcomes with additional chemotherapy and factors correlated with the chemotherapy administration.MethodsWe queried the National Cancer Database for patients with early stage (T2N0M0) laryngeal SCC treated nonsurgically. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of chemotherapy. Multivariable Cox regression evaluated predictors of survival. Propensity matching accounted for indication biases.ResultsWe identified 7181 patients meeting the eligibility criteria, of which 1568 (22%) patients received chemotherapy in addition to radiation. Predictors of chemotherapy use included younger age, Caucasian race, more remote year of treatment, higher grade, sites other than glottis, treatment at a community cancer center, and use of intensity‐modulated radiation therapy. Median overall survival was not significantly different in the two arms analyzed—65 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 60, 72months) with chemotherapy compared to 70 months without chemotherapy (95% CI 66, 75 months, P<.37). Predictors for survival on propensity‐matched multivariable analysis were increased age, male sex, less education, lower income, higher comorbidity score, receipt of treatment at a community center, and nonglottic sites.ConclusionsThis study shows no clear survival benefit with chemotherapy in early stage disease. Although this implies that chemotherapy should not be routinely delivered, individualized judgment and prospective studies are recommended as the biology behind this interesting finding is undefined.Level of Evidence2C (Outcomes Research).

Patterns of Care and Outcomes of Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and 3D Conformal Radiotherapy for Early Stage Glottic Cancer: A National Cancer Database Analysis.

Early stage glottic cancer has traditionally been treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). However, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has been recently adopted as an alternative to decrease toxicity. Here, we compared the usage and outcomes of IMRT and 3DCRT for patients with early stage squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the glottic larynx. Using the National Cancer Database, we identified patients with Stage I–II SCC of the glottis who received 55–75 Gy using IMRT (n = 1623) or 3DCRT (n = 2696). Median follow up was 42 months with a 5-year overall survival (OS) of 72%. Using a nominal logistic regression, race, ethnicity, year of diagnosis and fraction size were associated with the receipt of IMRT (p < 0.05). Using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox proportional hazards models as well as a propensity matched cohort, there was no difference in OS for patients who received IMRT versus 3DCRT (hazard ratio (HR), 1.08; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.93–1.26; p = 0.302). However, there was a survival benefit for patients receiving slight hypofractionation as compared to conventional fractionation (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.69–0.92; p = 0.003). IMRT was associated with similar survival as 3DCRT, supporting the implementation of this potentially less toxic modality without compromising survival.

The Association of Parametrial Invasion with the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C and Other Factors in Squamous Cell Cervical Carcinoma Stage IB and IIA

BACKGROUND: The presence of parametrial invasion in early stage squamous cell cervical cancer (SCCC) indeed indicates worse prognosis and need more adjuvant treatment. This study aimed to investigate the association between parametrial invasion and clinicohystopathology variables.METHODS: This retrospective study used specimens of squamous cell carcinoma stage IB-IIA. The inclusion criteria were cervical cancer stage IB-IIA and post radical hysterectomy with lymph node dissection and exclusion criteria was damaged and or insufficient histological preparations. The clinicohystopathology variables included age, tumour size and stage, differentiation and inflammation grade, lymphatic vascular and parametrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis. Histopathology staining, immunohistochemistry examination, and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) expression were evaluated according to the standard procedure. The independent-T, Chi square, and Fisher’s exact test were applied to evaluate the association. The significance was set at p&lt;0.05.RESULTS: Seventy-five cases were eligible. Parametrial invasion was found in 15 cases (20%). Three variables demonstrated a significant association with parametrial invasion, tumor size &gt;4 cm (OR 4.32, 95% CI 1.29-14.38, p=0.01), lymphatic node metastasis (OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.17-13.03, p=0.02), and VEGF-C (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65- 0.87, p=0.03).CONCLUSION: Tumor size of &gt;4 cm and lymph node metastasis (LNM) had a higher risk of parametrial invasion in SCCC stage IB-IIA.KEYWORDS: cervical carcinoma, parametrial invasion, vascular invasion, peritumoral stroma, VEGF-C expression

Quality of Life After Primary TORS vs IMRT for Patients With Early-stage Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Quality of Life After Primary TORS vs IMRT for Patients With Early-stage Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma