High-volume Head Research Articles

Quality of Life and Depression Symptoms After Therapy De-Escalation in HPV+ Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Despite interest in therapy de-escalation for survivors of human papillomavirus-mediated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-positive OPSCC), the association of de-escalated therapy with patient-reported quality of life (QoL) outcomes and burden of depressive symptoms remains unclear. To identify associations between clinicopathologic and therapeutic variables with patient-reported QoL outcomes and depression symptom burden in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC, who were enrolled in a therapy de-escalation trial. In this nonrandomized controlled, open-label, curative-intent therapy de-escalation clinical trial in adults with stage I, II, and III HPV-positive OPSCC, patients were recruited from a high-volume head and neck oncology practice. The main outcomes of this study included quantitative, patient-reported QoL and depression symptoms per well-validated inventories. Patient-reported QoL was based on Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head & Neck (FACT-HN) scores (range, 0-148; lower score indicates inferior QoL). Patient-reported depression-related symptom burden was based on Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Self-Report (QIDS-SR) scores (range, 0-27; a higher score indicates a higher burden of depression symptoms). Baseline clinicopathologic and treatment variables were paired with FACT-HN and QIDS-SR scores at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Linear mixed-effect models with a random intercept were used for each participant and fixed effects for other measures. Regression coefficients are reported with 95% CIs. A total of 95 patients were followed up for a median (IQR) of 2.2 (1.6-3.2) years. Of these, 93 patients (98%) were male with a mean (SD) age of 60.5 (8.2) years. Overall, 54 participants (57%) had a history of current or former smoking, 47 (50%) underwent curative-intent surgery (with or without adjuvant therapy), and 48 (50%) underwent primary radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy). The median (IQR) radiotherapy dose was 60 (60-70) Gy. Five deaths and 2 recurrence events were observed (mean [SD] recurrence interval, 1.4 [1.5] years). A higher radiotherapy dose was the only modifiable factor associated with inferior patient-reported QoL (lower FACT-HN) (coefficient, -0.66 [95% CI, -1.09 to -0.23]) and greater burden of depression-related symptoms (higher QIDS-SR) (coefficient, 0.11 [95% CI, 0.04-0.19]). With the 70-Gy dose as reference, improvements in FACT-HN and QIDS-SR scores were identified when patients received 51 to 60 Gy (coefficient, 12.75 [95% CI, 4.58-20.92] and -2.17 [-3.49 to -0.85], respectively) and 50 Gy or lower (coefficient, 15.03 [4.36-25.69] and -2.80 [-4.55 to -1.04]). In this nonrandomized controlled, open-label, curative-intent therapy de-escalation trial, a higher radiotherapy dose was associated with inferior patient-reported QoL and a greater burden of depression-related symptoms. This suggests opportunities for improved QoL outcomes and reduced depression symptom burden with a reduction in radiotherapy dose. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04638465.

Changes in multidisciplinary team decisions in a high volume head and neck oncological center following those made in its preferred partner.

Head and neck cancer care is highly complex, and multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs) are vital for improved outcomes. In the Netherlands, head and neck cancer care is practiced in eight high-volume head and neck oncologic centers (HNOC) and six affiliated hospitals preferred partner (PP) centers. Patients treated in the PP are presented and discussed in the HNOC. To evaluate the importance of these mandatory and decisive steps in decision making, we have assessed the changes in treatment. Retrospective evaluation of head and neck cancer patients referred between January 2011 and October 2018 for a MDT evaluation to the HNOC was conducted. The differences in MDT recommendation were classified with regards to major and minor changes. Management recommendation(MR) changed after 113 of 515 MDT discussions within the PP (487 patients; 22%), of which 86 cases (16%) were major changes. In 67 cases (59.3%), escalation of management was recommended, while in 43 cases (38.1%) de-escalation was recommended. There was a high rate of change of MRs, when comparing the PP recommendations with the HNOC recommendations. Since patient and tumor characteristics seem unable to predict these changes, we recommend all patients be seen for a clinical presentation, revision of diagnostics, and MDT discussion in a high volume HNOC.

High surgical volume is associated with improved survival in head and neck cancer

ObjectivesExamine the relationship between hospital volume and overall mortality in a surgical cohort of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Materials & methodsA retrospective review of the NCDB was completed for adults with previously untreated HNSCC diagnosed between 2004 and 2016. Mean annual hospital volume was calculated using the number of head and neck cancer cases treated at a given facility divided by the number of years the facility reported to the NCDB. Facilities were separated into three categories based on their volume percentile, informed by inflection points from a natural cubic spline: Hospital Group 1 (<50%); Hospital Group 2 (50–90%); Hospital Group 3 (90%+). Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between volume percentiles (continuous or categorical) with patient overall survival, adjusting for important patient and facility variables known to impact survival. ResultsRisk of death decreased by 2.97% for every 10% increase in facility percentile after adjusting for other risk factors. Patients treated at facilities in Hospital Group 1 had a 23.1% increase in risk of mortality (HR 1.231 [95% CI 1.12–1.35]) relative those at facilities in Hospital Group 3. No significant difference in mortality risk was found between Hospital Group 2 versus Hospital Group 3 (HR 1.031 [95% CI 0.97–1.10]). ConclusionsSurvival of HNSCC patients is significantly improved when treated at facilities >50th percentile in annual hospital volume. This may support the regionalization of care to high volume head and neck centers with comprehensive facilities and supportive services to maximize patient outcomes.

Alternate Soft-Tissue Free Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction: The Next Generation of Workhorse Flaps.

There is little debate regarding the workhorse flaps for soft-tissue defects in head and neck reconstruction. However, in certain circumstances, the workhorse flaps are not available or suitable, and an alternate flap is needed. The author performed a retrospective review of a single-surgeon experience with alternate soft-tissue flaps performed over a 10-year period. Overall, 156 alternate soft-tissue free flaps were performed in 155 patients. The distribution of free flaps was 60 ulnar artery perforator (UAP), 28 lateral arm perforator (LAP), 33 medial sural artery perforator (MSAP), and 35 profunda artery perforator (PAP) flaps, with one patient receiving two PAP flaps. Defects included glossectomy, facial defects following parotidectomy or resection of cutaneous malignancies, and other intraoral defects. Eleven patients had donor-site complications: two patients with UAP flap with partial skin graft loss, two patients with delayed wound healing in the MSAP donor-site group and one who developed compartment syndrome with primary closure of the MSAP donor site, one patient with a radial nerve palsy following an LAP flap, and six patients with delayed wound healing in the PAP donor site, which healed secondarily with conservative management. There was one total flap loss each of an LAP and MSAP flap. Reconstructive microsurgeons performing high-volume head and neck reconstruction may need to incorporate alternate donor sites into their armamentarium when the primary workhorse flaps are not suitable or available. Therapeutic, IV.

Treatment of Early Glottic cancer with Transoral Laser Microsurgery: An Australian Experience.

Early laryngeal carcinomas may be treated by transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) or external beam radiotherapy. We review our experience of surgical treatment of laryngeal pre-malignant and malignant lesions over the past 15 years in a high-volume head neck unit. A review of a prospective patient database of patients with laryngeal SCC, who were treated with CO2 TLM between 2004 and 2019 was carried out. 83 patients with a mean age of 67.7 (SD: 10.6) years underwent primary curative TLM for T1a/b SCC. 5-year overall survival was 93.2% (95%CI 86.9-100%), disease free survival was 86.0% (95%CI 78.1-94.6%), locoregional control was 91.2% (95%CI: 85.1-97.7%) and larynx preservation rate of 95.1% at 5 years. TLM is an excellent treatment modality for T1 early glottic SCC, with excellent locoregional control and disease-free survival. It is minimally invasive, outpatient-based, and cost-effective procedure preserving upper aerodigestive tract dysfunction for all activities of daily living.

Outcomes after definitive treatment for head and neck angiosarcoma.

Head and neck angiosarcoma (HN-AS) is a rare and aggressive, representing <1% of all head and neck malignancies. It is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence and poor 5-year survival (10-54%). Australian data in this rare disease is lacking. We aim review the clinical outcomes of HN-AS from two high volume head and neck cancer units in Australia. Retrospective chart review. A total 26 patients were identified, consist of predominantly male patients (81%) with a mean age of 77 year old. Most of the HN-AS arises from the scalp (62%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were 41% and 15%, respectively. Patients treated with upfront surgery with adjuvant therapy has better OS and DFS compared with patients receiving upfront chemoradiotherapy (median OS 3.63 vs. 0.53 years, P= 0.011 and median DFS 1.19 vs. 0.33 years, P= 0.001). There is no difference in OS or DFS for the sites of HN-AS or age of patients. Recurrences were noted in 15 patients (57.7%). For those with metastatic disease, the most common site was the lung (80%) with a median time to development of distant disease of 2.7 years (range 1.8-3.6 years). In patients who underwent salvage treatment, the median survival (post-salvage) was 1.3 years (0-2.8 years). This is the first Australian report of treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with HN-AS. Our cohort confirms that HN-AS is a slowly progressive disease with poor survival. Patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy in this series had better outcomes compared with those treated with chemoradiotherapy alone. The role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is an area of ongoing research.

Does experience of the surgeon affect surgical margins in head and neck basal cell carcinoma?

&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of surgical experience in a high volume head and neck surgery department on basal cell carcinoma margin status. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Material and methods:&lt;/b&gt; A retrospective analysis of 546 patients surgically treated for primary basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck region was carried out. Resections were performed by 4 specialists with equal experience in head and neck surgery and 4 ENT residents at the same level of surgical training. A margin of 3-5 mm was chosen, according to guidelines. &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The study consisted of 304 males and 242 females, mean age of 69 (range 26-100). Most of the tumors were loca-ted on the nose (165 pts; 30.2%) and auricle (119; 21.7%). The most common histological subtype was nodular (119; 21.7%). Tumor size was up to 20 mm in 394 cases (72%). Positive surgical margins were found in 112 cases (20.5%). There was no difference in terms of positive surgical margins between residents (19/119 cases; 15.9%) and specialists (93/426; 21.8%; p = 0.161). &lt;/br&gt;&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; The results of our study have shown that adequate surgical training in a dedicated head and neck surgery de-partment is an efficient factor in obtaining free surgical margins in head and neck basal cell carcinoma.

The positive yield of multidisciplinary team decisions in a high volume head and neck center after those made in its preferred partner: An example of enhanced quality of care

The positive yield of multidisciplinary team decisions in a high volume head and neck center after those made in its preferred partner: An example of enhanced quality of care

Novel In-House Design for Fibula Cutting Guide With Detachable Connecting Arm for Head and Neck Reconstruction

The use of in-house 3D planning and manufacture has become more common in high-volume head and neck reconstructive centers worldwide. Various fibula cutting guides have been designed to allow for accurate and predictable head and neck reconstruction. In this paper, we describe the design, manufacture, and operative technique for use of a novel fibula cutting guide with detachable connecting arms. This straightforward design produces a guide that is less bulky, provides better access for safe osteotomies, and is versatile and adjustable to minimize bone removal between segments.

Remote monitoring of head and neck free flaps using near infrared spectroscopic tissue oximetry

PurposeNear infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measures tissue oximetry and perfusion of free tissue transfer with the advantage of remote wireless monitoring for free tissue transfer. It has been widely used in breast and extremity reconstruction but has had limited adoption in the head and neck. Materials and methodsA retrospective review of head and neck microvascular reconstruction by three different surgical services over 15 months at one tertiary care hospital was performed. Demographics, flap type, monitoring technique, complications, and flap outcomes were recorded. Monitoring techniques were (1) implantable/handheld Doppler or (2) NIRS. Flap monitoring outcomes were evaluated using multivariate analysis. Results119 flaps were performed by four surgeons with a success rate of 92% (109/119). Flaps were monitored with Doppler (40%) or NIRS (60%). There was no difference in flap success based on monitoring technique. An ROC analysis identified that the optimal cutoff in immediate StO2 for classifying flap success at discharge was 68%. ConclusionsNIRS was successfully implemented in a high-volume head and neck reconstructive practice. NIRS remote monitoring allowed for flap surveillance without requiring in-hospital presence and was able to identify both arterial and venous compromise.

Case study of the integration of electronic patient-reported outcomes as standard of care in a head and neck oncology practice: Obstacles and opportunities.

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) allow for the direct measurement of functional and psychosocial effects related to treatment. However, technological barriers, survey fatigue, and clinician adoption have hindered the meaningful integration of PROs into clinical care. The objective of the authors was to develop an electronic PROs (ePROs) program that meets a range of clinical needs across a head and neck multidisciplinary disease management team. The authors developed the ePROs module using literature review and stakeholder input in collaboration with health informatics. They designed an ePROs platform that was integrated as the standard of care for personalized survey delivery by diagnosis across the disease management team. Tableau software was used to create dashboards for data visualization and monitoring at the clinical enterprise, disease subsite, and patient levels. All patients who were treated for head and neck cancer were eligible for ePROs assessment as part of the standard of care. A descriptive analysis of ePROs program implementation is presented herein. The Head and Neck Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has integrated ePROs into clinical care. Surveys are delivered via the patient portal at the time of diagnosis and longitudinally through care. From August 1, 2018, to February 1, 2020, a total of 4154 patients completed ePROs surveys. The average patient participation rate was 69%, with a median time for completion of 5 minutes. Integration of the head and neck ePROs program as part of clinical care is feasible and could be used to assess value and counsel patients in the future. Continued qualitative assessments of stakeholders and workflow will refine content and enhance the health informatics platform. Patients with head and neck cancer experience significant changes in their quality of life after treatment. Measuring and integrating patient-reported outcomes as a part of clinical care have been challenging given the multimodal treatment options, vast subsites, and unique domains affected. The authors present a case study of the successful integration of electronic patient-reported outcomes into a high-volume head and neck cancer practice.

Does Supplemental Regional Anesthesia Decrease Length of Stay and Opioid Use for Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction?

The purpose of this study was to compare length of hospital stay and opioid usage among head and neck surgery (HNS) patients treated with and without regional anesthesia for microvascular free-flap donor sites. The authors performed a retrospective cohort study for HNS patients undergoing microvascular free-flap reconstruction. The control group received no regional anesthesia. The experimental group had a regional anesthesia nerve block performed immediately before surgery. The primary outcome variable was length of stay, and the secondary outcome variable was total morphine milliequivalents. The data were analyzed using Student t tests, analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, χ2 test, and multiple linear regression. The study sample was composed of 148 patients with a mean age of 58.1years. The mean length of stay for the control group was 6.74±1.57days, compared with the experimental group at 5.84±1.01days (P<.0001). The mean morphine milliequivalent was 256.5±164.6mg for the control group and 208.9±164.8mg for the experimental group (P=.56). Importantly, the demographics, pathology spectrum, flap selection, duration of procedure, and complication rate were similar in both groups. This study demonstrates that for HNS patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction, regional nerve block at the donor site is associated with significantly shorter hospital stays. Although there was a trend toward decreased opioid usage in the regional anesthesia group, these results did not reach statistical significance. Consideration should be given to incorporate regional anesthesia techniques into early recovery after surgery protocols for centers performing high-volume head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

A Phase 2 Trial of Alternative Volumes of Oropharyngeal Irradiation for De-intensification (AVOID): Omission of the Resected Primary Tumor Bed After Transoral Robotic Surgery for Human Papilloma Virus–Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx

This trial tested the safety and efficacy of a novel, deintensified radiation therapy (RT) approach after initial surgical resection for patients with human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). This single-arm phase 2 prospective clinical trial enrolled 60 patients with stage pT1-pT2 N1-3 HPV-associated OPSCC treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and selective neck dissection at a single institution between May 2014 and September 2017. Patients had favorable features at the primary site (negative surgical margins ≥2 mm, no perineural invasion, and no lymphovascular invasion) but required adjuvant therapy based on lymph node involvement. Surgeries were all performed at a high-volume head and neck cancer center with expertise inTORS. Patients received postoperative RT to at-risk areas in the involved neck (60-66 Gy) and uninvolved neck (54 Gy). The resected primary site was treated as an active avoidance structure in the treatment planning of postoperative RT. Concurrent chemotherapy was administered for patients with extranodal extension. Median follow-up of the 60 patients enrolled was 2.4 years (range, 8.5-53.8 months). A single patient recurred at the primary site, for 2-year local control of 98.3%. One patient (1.7%) developed a regional neck recurrence, and 2 patients (3.3%) developed distant metastases. Measured 2-year local recurrence-free survival was 97.9% (95% confidence interval, 86.1%-99.7%). Overall survival was 100% at the time of analysis. The mean radiation dose to the primary site was 36.9 Gy (standard deviation, 10.3 Gy). Two patients (3.3%) experienced late soft tissue necrosis in the primary site surgical bed that resolved within 2 months. Feeding tube dependence rates were 0% during RT, 3.3% temporarily during follow-up, and 0% at last follow-up. Deintensified postoperative RT that avoids the resected primary tumor site and targets only the at-risk neck after TORS for selected patients with HPV-associated OPSCC may be safe and is worthy of further study.

Sexual Satisfaction and Relationship Status in Long-term Survivors of Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

To characterize the long-term relationship and sexual satisfaction in human-papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPVOPC) patients following radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). A cross-sectional study was undertaken at a high volume head and neck center in HPV OPC survivors ≥12 months from completion of radical CRT/RT. As part of a larger study, patients completed multiple questionnaires. We report the results of: (1) a survey developed specifically addressing sexual and relationship status; (2), EORTC global (QLQ-C30) and sexual health (QLQ-SHQ22) QOL (score 0-100, higher score reflects better QOL) and (3) symptom burden (MDASI-HN; 0-10; lower scores reflect lower toxicity). Sexual satisfaction is a multi-item functional scale from the SHQ22. Forty-seven patients were enrolled. Median assessment time was 2.9y (1-5.1y) following CRT/RT. Median age was 64 (range: 50-74); 89% were male and 83% were married/de facto relationship at diagnosis. Stage I, II and III were 55%, 19%, and 26%, respectively (AJCC8). Most received 70Gy/35# (94%) and CRT (81%). The median global QOL score was 83 (IQR 67-88). The median MDASI-HN total severity score was 1.8 (IQR 0.7–3.0). The median sexual satisfaction domain score was 42 (IQR 17-68). Although most (34/46; 74%) patients reported an active sex life as important, only 24% (11/47) reported being sexually active (‘quite a bit’ or ‘very much’). The majority of patients reported low levels (‘not at all’ or ‘little bit’) of satisfaction with their sex life (28/46; 61%), of sexual enjoyment (24/45; 53%), of satisfaction with intimacy (26/44; 59%), of sexual desire (23/46; 50%), ability to reach orgasm (21/43; 49%) and enjoyment from sex (22/46; 37%). However only 29% (13/44) and 17% (8/46) of patients felt treatment or a lack of energy, respectively, affected their sexual activity (‘quite a bit’ or ‘very much’). The sexual satisfaction functional domain score was most significantly driven by the items reporting level of sexual activity and satisfaction with intimacy or their sex life. The sexual satisfaction score did not correlate with quality of life or symptom burden (all r<0.2). Our developed survey found that while 47% (18/38) reported a negative change in their sexual relationship since treatment, most patients partnered at diagnosis reported no change in their general relationship status compared to before treatment (23/40; 57%); 32% (13/40) reported a positive change; only few reported a negative effect (4/40; 10%). Although the majority of HPVOPC survivors considered an active sex life important, only a minority were sexually active. Despite a high frequency of negative change in their sexual relationship and low levels of sexual satisfaction, only a minority ascribed this to treatment and only a few reported a negative change in their overall relationship.

Making Time for Patients: Positive Impact of Direct Patient Reporting.

Using a novel patient-centric approach, we assessed the impact of direct patient radiology reporting on the patient experience and patient perception of radiologists in a high-volume head and neck clinic. A single head and neck surgeon at a large academic center identified prospective outpatients who met the following inclusion criteria: having received treatment for head and neck cancer and having recently undergone surveillance imaging using the Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System template at our institution. The surgeon introduced the concept and gave patients a survey with questions before and after the radiology consultation. The radiologist met with the patient in the head and neck clinic's examination room, explaining the role of the radiologist and reviewing imaging findings. Twenty-seven patients completed surveys. An improved understanding of the role of the radiologist was noted (41% of patients before consultation vs 67% after consultation). After the consultation, fewer patients (56-22%) wanted to hear from the referring physician only, and more patients wanted to hear from the radiologist only (26-44%) or from both the referring physician and the radiologist (19-33%). A total of 70-93% of patients had an improved understanding of imaging findings and follow-up recommendations after meeting with the radiologist. Most patients expressed an interest in reviewing future studies with a radiologist (93%) and found the consultation helpful (96%). Direct patient reporting by the radiologist is feasible in a high-volume head and neck clinic and has a positive impact on the patient experience. Major factors that enabled direct patient reporting included our embedded reading room and the use of a standardized reporting template. After the consultation, more patients wanted to receive information from the radiologist and had a better understanding of the imaging results.

Cranioplasty Using a Mixture of Biologic and Nonbiologic Agents.

A surgeon faces challenges with cranioplasty techniques to achieve a successful result with relatively few complications. To describe a unique technique for incorporating both biologic autologous bone and nonbiologic allograft materials for defect coverage in cranioplasty with favorable outcomes and low occurrence of complications. A retrospective medical records review of all 26 patients who underwent primary cranioplasty procedure with a modified technique between January 2011 and December 2015 at a high-volume head and neck oncologic reconstructive practice was conducted; data analysis was also performed during that period. After several years of experience with traditional cranioplasty maneuvers, the modified technique has evolved to incorporate both autologous bone grafts and alloplastic materials in the formation of a shapeable on-lay material. Data were collected on demographics, need for cranioplasty, materials used, outcomes, and risk factors. Rates of infection, hematoma, flap loss or resorption, cerebrospinal fluid leak, hardware exposure or malfunction, and repeated reconstruction. Of the 26 patients, 21 (81%) were men; mean (SD) age was 65.8 (14.3) years. Eight (31%) patients had a history of diabetes, 4 (15%) patients were receiving immunosuppressive drugs, and 5 (19%) patients were active smokers at the time of surgery. Neoplasia was the most common cause of the calvarial defect seen, responsible for 20 of 28 (71%) operative defects and necessitated procedures. All but 1 patient achieved successful mineralization following primary cranioplasty with the modified technique; this success was verified based on physical examination and follow-up imaging. Complications were rare and involved only 3 patients who developed postoperative infection; 1 (4%) of these patients lost the integrity of the cranioplasty. Thus, the rate of infection was 11% and loss rate was 4%. Preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy appeared to have no bearing on graft survival. The results using a unique technique for incorporating both biologic autologous bone and nonbiologic allograft materials for defect coverage in cranioplasty are favorable, with satisfactory aesthetic outcomes and limited postoperative complications. 4.

Histologic Typing in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A 4-Year Prospective Practice Study With p16 and High-Risk HPV mRNA Testing Correlation.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) represent a distinct clinical and pathologic entity. The majority of HPV-related OPSCCs have a characteristic nonkeratinizing morphology. This study sought to determine the strength of the association between nonkeratinizing histology and HPV status compared with other squamous cell carcinoma variants in 4 years of routine clinical practice on a high-volume head and neck service. Primary and/or nodal metastatic tumors in all cases of OPSCC from 2010 to 2013 were typed by 1 of 3 head and neck pathologists as keratinizing, nonkeratinizing, nonkeratinizing with maturation, or another defined variant. All were assessed for p16 by immunohistochemistry with a 70% nuclear and cytoplasmic positivity cutoff as part of routine clinical practice. In addition, 70 consecutive cases from 1 year were "audited" for high-risk HPV mRNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Of the 435 cases, the majority (90%) consisted of 1 of the 3 main types described and the rest (10%) of uncommon variants. Nonkeratinizing morphology had 99.1% and 100.0% positive predictive value for p16 and high-risk HPV mRNA positivity, respectively. Nonkeratinizing with maturation, keratinizing, and other specific squamous cell carcinoma variants were p16 positive in 91.8%, 22.8%, and 79.5%, respectively. All 47 nonkeratinizing OPSCCs tested for HPV mRNA were positive. In summary, strictly defined nonkeratinizing OPSCC (which constitutes ∼55% of all tumors) essentially implies positivity for both p16 and transcriptionally active high-risk HPV.

Analysis of time taken to discuss new patients with head and neck cancer in multidisciplinary team meetings

Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings have an important role in the management of head and neck cancer. Increasing incidence of the disease and a drive towards centralised meetings on large numbers of patients mean that effective discussions are pertinent. We aimed to evaluate new cases within a single high volume head and neck cancer MDT and to explore the relation between the time taken to discuss each case, the number of discussants, and type of case. A total of 105 patients with a new diagnosis of head and neck malignancy or complex benign tumour were discussed at 10 head and neck cancer MDT meetings. A single observer timed each discussion using a stopwatch, and recorded the number of discussants and the diagnosis and characteristics of each patient. Timings ranged from 15 to 480s (8min) with a mean of 119s (2min), and the duration of discussion correlated closely with the number of discussants (rs=0.63, p<0.001). The longest discussions concerned patients with advanced T stage (p=0.006) and advanced N stage (p=0.009) disease, the elderly (p=0.02) and male patients (p=0.05). Tumour site and histological findings were not significant factors in the duration of discussion. Most discussions on patients with early stage tumours were short (T1: 58% less than 60s, mean 90) and fewer people contributed. Many patients, particularly those with early stage disease, require little discussion, and their treatment might reasonably be planned according to an agreed protocol, which would leave more time and resources for those that require greater multidisciplinary input. Further studies may highlight extended discussions on patients with head and neck cancer, which may prompt a review of protocols and current evidence.