Neck Recurrence Research Articles

A retrospective analysis of 5-year post surgery recurrence of N0 neck and the role of methylene blue in sentinel lymph node biopsy

The aim of this study is to perform a retrospective analysis of the feasibility of the clinical application of SLNB using methylene blue dye (MBD) for the identification of SLN followed by frozen section biopsy to detect occult metastasis in clinically N0 necks. Hence, to know the reliability of MBD in reducing the need for extensive surgery. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinic pathological data of 48 patients with early oral cancer.The SLN identification rate (IR) was calculated in SLNB with MBD and the false-negative rate (FNR). Intra operative frozen section biopsy was done for all patients was compared with post-operative paraffin histopathology report and the prognosis of patients was analyzed. ResultsAnalysis of the 48 SLNB cases showed that there were significant differences in SLN successful detection rate among patients with different site (p = 0.043) and clinical presentation (p = 0.007). Similar significant results (p < 0.05) were observed with intra-operative frozen and post-operative paraffin histopathology sections. SLNs were successfully detected in 37(77.1%) patients out of 48. The intra operative frozen histopathology completely matched with the post-operative paraffin histopathology showing 39 (81.2%) negative and 09 (18.8%) positive cases. A prognostic analysis of SLN detection based on 48 patients showed that the 5-year survival rate was 100%. ConclusionMBD has acceptable SLN identification rate and a low FNR(false negative report) in frozen sections. Stained SLNs with no SLN metastasis are associated with disease-free survival (DFS). Hence, MBD-SLN biopsy has significantly reduced the need for extensive neck dissection in N0 neck with less morbidity.

Clinical adaptation of auxiliary methods and multidisciplinary approach to changing trends in parathyroid surgery.

To examine the effects of multidisciplinary approach and adjunct methods, on the surgical strategy, complications and treatment success of parathyroid surgery.Patients, who were operated for primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 411) at our institution between 2012 and 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Preoperative imaging studies, surgical method, additional diagnostic methods used during surgery, frozen section results, and histopathology findings, complications, persistence, and recurrence were examined.Localization was determined by first-line examinations in 79.9% (n = 348). Four-dimensional computed tomography was used with an 83.3% success rate. Lateralization success for angiographic selective venous sampling was 80.3% and exact localization success was 65.1%. Bilateral neck exploration was performed in 10.6% (n = 37) of the patients, and in the remaining 89.4% (n = 311), minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) was performed. While the complication rate was higher in the bilateral neck exploration group (P = .019), persistence and recurrence rates were similar between 2 groups. During the study period, annual case volume increased from 9 cases to 103 cases (P < .001) and the rate of MIP increased from 44.4% to 92.8% over the years (P < .001).Effective use of adjunct techniques has increased the rates of MIP. The multidisciplinary approach has also provided low complication rates with the increasing number of cases.

The role of postoperative radiotherapy in pN1 oral cavity cancer without extranodal extension

BackgroundThe administration of postoperative radiotherapy remains controversial in pN1 oral cavity cancer patients without extranodal extension. The aim is to determine whether postoperative radiotherapy reduces the neck recurrence rate and improves the survival outcomes of pN1 patients.MethodsThis study consecutively enrolled 1056 patients with newly diagnosed oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent tumor wide excision and neck dissection from September 2002 to November 2019. One hundred two pN1 patients without extranodal extension were eligible for analysis. Then, a subgroup analysis of 40 patients was performed after patients with other adverse risk factors (positive margins, close margins, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor depth ≥ 10 mm, and poor histological differentiation) were excluded.ResultsOf the 102 eligible pN1 patients, 26 patients received surgery alone, and 76 received postoperative radiotherapy. No significant differences were observed in the neck recurrence rate (7.7% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.30). Similarly, in patients without other adverse risk factors, no significant differences were observed in the neck recurrence rate (5% vs. 20%, p = 0.15) between surgery alone group and postoperative radiotherapy group. Moreover, no significant difference was found in the neck recurrence-free survival rate, overall survival, and disease-specific survival (77.1% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.42, 83.5% vs. 64.5%, p = 0.81, and 88.2% vs. 67.9%, p = 0.34, respectively).ConclusionPostoperative radiotherapy did not significantly decrease the probability of neck recurrence and survival outcomes in pN1 patients without extranodal extension. Radical surgery alone may be considered sufficient treatment for pN1 patients without other adverse risk factors.

The effects of active break and postural shift interventions on recovery from and recurrence of neck and low back pain in office workers: A 3-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy of active break and postural shift interventions aimed to reduce sitting discomfort on recovery duration and recurrence of neck and low back pain among high-risk office workers. MethodsA 3-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial with 12-month follow-up was conducted in 193 healthy but high-risk office workers. Participants in the intervention groups received custom-designed apparatus to facilitate either active breaks or postural shifts to reduce sitting discomfort at work. Participants in a control group received a placebo seat pad. Incidence of neck and low back pain with pain intensity and disability level was recorded monthly. Main outcome measures were recovery time and recurrent rate of neck and low back pain. Analyses were performed using log rank test and Cox proportional hazard models. ResultsMedian time to recovery in those receiving active break and postural shift interventions (1 month) was significantly shorter than those in the control group (2 months). Neck and low back pain recurrent rates for the active break, postural shift, and control groups were 21%, 18%, and 44%, respectively. Hazard rate (HR) ratios after adjusting for biopsychosocial factors indicated a protective effect of active break and postural shift interventions for neck and low back pain recurrence (HRadj 0.22, 95% CI 0.06–0.83 for active breaks and HRadj 0.35, 95% CI 0.16–0.77 for postural shift). ConclusionActive break and postural shift interventions shortened recovery time and reduced recurrence of neck and low back pain among high-risk office workers.

En Block Versus Separate Management of Cervical Nodes in Tongue and Floor of the Mouth Cancers- Is There a Difference? An Analysis of 85 Cases in a Tertiary Care Institute.

To evaluate difference in local recurrence, regional (neck) recurrence as well as distant metastases between cases operated with en-block excision of primary cancer and neck nodes versus their separate removal, in squamous cell carcinomas of anterior 2/3 of tongue and floor of the mouth. A total 85 patients of cT1-T4a N0-N2b of carcinomaanterior 2/3 of tongue and floor of mouthwere evaluated. Amongst these patients39 cases of in-continuity en-block neck dissection and 46 cases of discontinuous neck dissection were evaluated for post-operativecomplicationsas well as oncological outcome for a follow up period of 3years. Patient population was similar in both groups with tongue cancers being the commonestsiteand tobacco being the most common addiction. Primary site hematoma was seen more in the in-continuity en-block neck dissection group with a p-value of 0.0276, which was statistically significant. Post-operative oro-cutaneous fistula occurred more in in-continuityenblockneck dissection as compared to discontinuous neck dissection, but the difference was not statistically significant. Local recurrence rate was significantly more in cases of discontinuous neck dissection (19.565) as compared to in-continuity en-block neck dissection (5.12%) with a p-Value 0.0481. A statistically non-significant but higher loco-regional recurrence was observed in cases of discontinuous neck dissection as compared to cases ofin-continuity en-block neck dissection (10.56% vs 2.56). In the present study recurrence-free survival RFS 3year in cases of en-block in-continuity neck dissection (84.06%) cases as compared to discontinuous neck dissection cases (63.04%) with p Value 0.025698. In-continuityen-block in continuity neck dissection has lower loco-regional recurrence and may impact overall distant metastases. Though early postoperative complications are more in in-continuityen-block in continuity neck dissection as compared to discontinuous neck dissection, most are managed conservatively. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to evaluate its outcome in a comprehensive manner.

Adjuvant Radiotherapy Significantly Increases Neck Control and Survival in Early Oral Cancer Patients with Solitary Nodal Involvement: A National Cancer Registry Database Analysis.

Simple SummaryFor early oral cancer with solitary nodal metastasis, the role of adjuvant radiotherapy on neck control and survival remains controversial. Based on our national cancer registry database, univariate and multivariable analysis showed that adjuvant radiotherapy significantly associated with better 5-year OS and DFS compared to patients who received surgery alone. Stratified analysis indicated the greatest survival advantage for 5-year OS and DFS in those with pT2 classification and non-tongue disease. Moreover, adjuvant radiotherapy significantly protected against neck recurrence.We assessed the role of adjuvant radiotherapy on neck control and survival in patients with early oral cancer with solitary nodal involvement. We identified pT1-2N1 oral cancer patients with or without adjuvant radiotherapy from the 2007–2015 Taiwan Cancer Registry database. The effect of adjuvant radiotherapy on 5-year neck control, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank tests, and Cox regression analysis. Of 701 patients identified, 505 (72.0%) received adjuvant radiotherapy and 196 (28.0%) had surgery alone. Patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy were more likely to be aged <65 years, pT2 stage, poorly graded and without comorbid conditions (all, p < 0.05). The 5-year OS and DFS differed significantly by receipt of adjuvant radiotherapy. Multivariable analysis showed adjuvant radiotherapy significantly associated with better 5-year OS (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–0.97; p = 0.0288) and DFS (aHR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.48–0.84; p = 0.0016). Stratified analysis indicated the greatest survival advantage for both 5-year OS and DFS in those with pT2 classification (p = 0.0097; 0.0009), and non-tongue disease (p = 0.0195; 0.0158). Moreover, adjuvant radiotherapy significantly protected against neck recurrence (aHR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.18–0.51; p < 0.0001). Thus, adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with improved neck control and survival in these early oral cancer patients.

Establishment of model to predict lateral neck recurrence of central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Objective: To explore the risk factors for lateral neck recurrence of central lymph node metastasis (CLMN) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and to construct a model to predict the recurrence. Methods: The records of 245 consecutive PTC patients with CLMN underwent surgical treatment from 1996 to 2009 in our department were retrospectively reviewed. The threshold value of CLNM number is determined by ROC curve. The risk factors for lateral neck recurrence were determined by using Cox regression model. The identified risk factors were incorporated into a nomogram model to predict the risk of lateral neck recurrence. Results: A total of 245 patients were enrolled in the study, among them, 32 cases occurred lateral neck lymph node recurrence and 4 cases were dead of thyroid carcinoma. Multivariate analysis revealed that primary tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, the number of metastatic CLNM >3 were independent risk factors of lateral neck recurrence (P<0.05), lateral neck recurrence was a risk factor of disease-free survival(P<0.05). The nomogram model of predicting the lateral neck recurrence was further established based on the above 3 independent risk factors, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of which was 0.790. Conclusions: The nomogram model based on the independent risk factors of LN recurrence can be helpful to screen the papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with high risk of lateral neck recurrence, and provide more guidance for clinical treatment.

Long-Term Outcomes of Olfactory Neuroblastoma: MD Anderson Cancer Center Experience and Review of the Literature.

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare sinonasal malignant neoplasm that is known to develop late recurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with ONB and to determine the factors associated with prognosis. Retrospective study. A retrospective review of the medical records of 139 patients diagnosed with ONB at MD Anderson Cancer Center was performed between 1991 and 2016. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to assess survival. Median follow-up time was 75 months. Overall, 129 patients (92.8%) had surgery as part of their treatment and 82 (58.9%) patients received postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Endoscopic approaches were utilized for 72 patients, 69.4% of whom had pure endoscopic endonasal approaches. Five-year overall survival and disease-specific survival were 85.6% and 93.4%, respectively. Recurrence rate was 39.6% with a median time to recurrence of 42 months. Among the 31 patients who received elective nodal irradiation (ENI), two patients developed neck recurrence (6.4%) compared with 20 who developed neck recurrence when ENI was omitted (34.4%) (P=.003). Advanced Kadish stage, orbital invasion, intracranial invasion, and presence of cervical lymphadenopathy at the time of presentation were significantly associated with poor survival. ONB has an excellent survival. Surgical resection with PORT when indicated is the mainstay of treatment. Endoscopic approaches can be used as a good tool. Elective neck irradiation reduces the risk of nodal recurrence among patients with clinically N0 neck. Despite the excellent survival, recurrence rate remains high and delayed, highlighting the need for long-term surveillance. Level 4 Laryngoscope, 132:290-297, 2022.

Sparing the Larynx and Hypopharynx With Radiation Therapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site and Predominant Adenopathy in Level IIA

PurposeThere is controversy about the need to target the mucosa of the larynx and hypopharynx during radiation therapy (RT) for squamous cell carcinoma of an unknown primary site (SCCA-UP). By 1997, the policy in our department was to target only the oropharynx and nasopharynx in patients with SCCA-UP metastatic to the level II cervical nodes. The purpose of this study was to report the rate of cancer recurrence in the larynx or hypopharynx using an approach that excluded these areas from the RT target volumes. Methods and MaterialsThe inclusion criteria for this study were RT in our department for SCCA-UP between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2019; no history of surgery that could disrupt the cervical lymphatics; predominant adenopathy in level IIA; and neck stage N1-2c. We excluded N3 because the incidental dose to the larynx and hypopharynx is usually high in patients with a >6-cm nodal conglomerate. ResultsThe study population was comprised of 50 patients with a median follow-up after RT of 7.1 years. No patient developed recurrent cancer in a mucosal site (0/50), 2% (1/50) developed a neck recurrence in a high-dose area with synchronous distant metastases, and 2% (1/50) developed distant metastases with no evidence of local or regional recurrence. ConclusionsWhen delivering RT for SCCA-UP metastatic predominantly to level IIA, it is not necessary to target the mucosa of the larynx or hypopharynx. The extent to which the incidental RT dose to these areas contributes to cancer control is not evaluated in this study.

Salvage neck dissection for isolated neck recurrences in head and neck tumors: Intra and postoperative complications.

The current evidence regarding complications after salvage neck dissection (ND) for isolated regional recurrences (IRRs) in head and neck cancers is poor. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence and differences in complication rates of salvage ND after primary surgery, radiotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or combined treatments. This was a multicentric retrospective study on 64 patients who underwent salvage ND for IRR in three Italian institutes between 2008 and May 2020. Complications were detected in 7 of the 34 patients (20.8%) and surgeons described difficult dissection in 20 patients (58.82%). Accidental vascular ligations or nervous injury during surgery were never detected. None of the variables analyzed were statistically significant in predicting the risk of complications, disease-free survival, or overall survival. IRR represents a rare entity among total relapses. The incidence of complications after salvage ND for IRR is higher than after primary surgery but at an acceptable rate in experienced hands. However, an adequate balance between functional and oncological outcomes is mandatory.

Current Status and Challenges of US-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Thyroid Nodules in the Long Term: A Systematic Review.

Simple SummaryUltrasound (US)-guided minimally-invasive techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have emerged as an alternative treatment to surgery for benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Based on a systematic literature search, here we report the long-term outcomes of thyroid RFA. Available data show that US-guided RFA significantly reduced benign thyroid nodules and destroyed most PTMC, and this was generally maintained for at least 5 years after the initial treatment. Further studies addressing the risk of regrowth in patients with benign thyroid nodules, as well as the risk of recurrence in patients with PTMC are needed.Background: US-guided minimally-invasive techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have emerged as an alternative treatment for benign and malignant thyroid nodules. This systematic review aims to provide an overview on the long-term outcomes of US-guided RFA in patients with benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus to identify articles reporting the outcomes of thyroid RFA after a follow-up of at least 3 years. Results: A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. In patients with benign thyroid nodules, RFA significantly reduced nodule volume and this was generally maintained for the following 5 years. However, a small but not negligible proportion of nodules regrew and some of them required further treatments over time. In patients with malignant nodules, RFA has been used not only to treat differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) neck recurrences, but also to treat papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). In most patients with PTMC, RFA led to complete disappearance of the tumor. When it was compared to surgery, RFA was not inferior in terms of oncologic efficacy but it had a lower complication rate. However, RFA did not allow for final pathology, disease staging and accurate risk stratification. Conclusions: US-guided RFA significantly reduces benign thyroid nodules and destroys most PTMC, and this is generally maintained for at least 5 years after the initial treatment. Further studies addressing the risk of regrowths in patients with benign thyroid nodules, as well as the risk of recurrence in patients with PTMC are needed.

Radiofrequency Ablation: A Novel Treatment Option for Neck Recurrence in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract Background: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an aggressive cancer with cervical lymph node metastases typically found at presentation. The recurrence rate after resection is high (~ 50%)(1), and patients often need multiple surgeries. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been used in treatment of recurrent thyroid cancer when surgery is contraindicated or declined by patients in both Asia and Europe (2). We present the first case of an MTC recurrence treated successfully with RFA in North America. Clinical Case: A 43-year-old female with sporadic metastatic MTC, status post total thyroidectomy and multiple neck surgeries, presented with elevated calcitonin level of 630 pg/mL (normal: &amp;lt; 10 pg/mL). Neck ultrasound showed left tracheoesophageal groove mass, measuring 12 mm X 12 mm X 17 mm, consistent with metastatic MTC on cytopathology with calcitonin washout of 16590 pg/mL (normal: &amp;lt; 10 pg/mL). She had no dysphagia, shortness of breath or hoarseness of voice. Computed tomography (CT) scan of chest confirmed presence of mass, in proximity with left recurrent laryngeal nerve. Serial imaging showed rapid enlargement, with concern for impending aerodigestive tract invasion. Surgical intervention had a high risk of vocal cord paralysis due to the lesion’s location. A multidisciplinary tumor board agreed that thermal ablation aimed at shrinking the mass, as a bridge to systemic therapy, would be the best option. RFA was performed as an outpatient with conscious sedation, after informed consent and observing standard aseptic techniques. Under continuous ultrasound guidance, D5W was injected into left tracheoesophageal groove behind the mass and a continuous infusion of D5W at 15 mL/hr was maintained to protect the nerve from thermal injury. Using a trans-isthmic approach, an 18 G monopolar RFA probe with 5 mm active tip was advanced into the malignant mass and ablation was performed with 35 W power until the entire mass was hyperechoic. Vocal response was monitored throughout the procedure and voice remained normal after RFA. A neck ultrasound at her 6 months follow-up showed ablated lesion measuring 7 mm X 11 mm X 10 mm, representing a 68.6% reduction in volume. Repeat CT scan thorax showed disappearance of mass in left neck region. Conclusion: RFA is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for recurrent cervical MTC lesions, and a viable alternative to surgery, as shown in our case. Future studies should focus on long term follow-up and comparison with surgery with regards to safety and efficacy.

The effect of external jugular vein's preservation on the prognosis of sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap

Objective: As a supplementary and significant pedicle flap,the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) myocutaneous flap has been be flexiblely used in the reconstruction of oral soft tissue defect. The problem of venous stagnation after its transposition limited its clinical application.To improve its application, we raised a modified SCM flap for oral softtissue defect reconstruction.Method: We carried out a continuous retrospective study of 43 patients who had tissue defects because of oral carcinomas resection and underwent reconstruction with modified SCM flap from April 2014 to January 2017.Results: 3 of 43 cases had partial flap necrosis and there were primary healing in the rest 40 cases. During the follow-up,4 patients were lost, 2 patients recurred in situ and 2 patients had neck recurrence. The remaining patients were satisfied with their appearance, and had normal oral function.Conclusion: Modified SCM flap is simple to harvest. It can improve the venous return and has a high survival rate. It has active effect in the recovery of the function of oral and maxillofacial region and elevates quality of life of patients.

Tonsillar Epithelioid Haemangioendotelioma: Description of a Rare Clinical Case.

We present a rare case of tonsillar EHE with local recurrence and neck metastasis 30months after surgery, as well as further neck recurrence 27months later. We describe clinical, immunohistopathological, and therapeutic aspects of the tumor highlighting the diagnostic difficulties, lack of therapeutic guidelines and need for long-term follow-up.

Adjuvant contralateral neck irradiation for oral cavity cancer - A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionWhether contralateral neck irradiation should be administered for oral cavity cancer is a critical question because patients receiving bilateral neck irradiation experience more adverse effects. Patients not receiving contralateral neck irradiation are at risk of contralateral neck recurrence of oral cavity cancer Materials and MethodsMeta-analysis and subgroup analysis were performed for the rates of contralateral neck recurrence of oral cavity cancer in patients receiving no contralateral neck radiation. We aimed to identify the patient group suitable for contralateral neck radiotherapy omission. The PRISMA guideline was used for this study. We extracted data including the first author, country, sample size, numbers of patients receiving ipsilateral neck radiotherapy and experiencing contralateral neck recurrence, participant characteristics, and details of cancer types ResultsThe rate of contralateral neck recurrence is extremely low, 3.4% (95% confidence interval: 2.2%–5.4%). Isolated contralateral neck recurrence occurred in 18 of 524 patients receiving radiotherapy to the primary tumor site with or without ipsilateral irradiation. The subgroup analysis was conducted to investigate pathological lymph node stage and subsite. Subgroup analysis showed that the N2–3 group was more likely to exhibit recurrence in contralateral neck than the N0–1 group was (14.4% versus 1.5%, p = 0.0008). In addition, the contralateral neck recurrence rate was 6.3% (95% CI = 2.3%–13.1%) and 2.8% (95% CI = 1.5%–4.8%), in the tongue cancer patient group and the non-tongue cancer patient group, respectively. Meta-regression showed that the rate of contralateral recurrence was not different between both groups (p = 0.08). Only 2 exhibited isolated contralateral neck recurrence (5.1%) in pN0–1 tongue cancer patient. Most of them (>90%) are lateralized. ConclusionIn conclusion, the omission of contralateral irradiation is reasonable in pN0–1, well lateralized oral cavity cancer.

Radiomics AI prediction for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) prognosis and recurrence with target volume approach.

Objectives:To evaluate the performance of radiomics features extracted from planning target volume (PTV) and gross tumor volume (GTV) in the prediction of the death prognosis and cancer recurrence rate for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Methods:188 HNSCC patients’ planning CT images with radiotherapy structures sets were acquired from Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). The 3D slicer (v. 4.10.2) with the PyRadiomics extension (Computational Imaging and Bioinformatics Lab, Harvard medical School) was used to extract radiomics features from the radiotherapy planning images. An in-house developed deep learning artificial neural networks (DL-ANN) model was used to predict death prognosis and cancer recurrence rate based on the features extracted from GTV and PTV of the CT images.Results:The PTV radiomics features with DL-ANN model could achieve 77.7% accuracy with overall AUC equal to 0.934 and 0.932 when predicting HNSCC-related death prognosis and cancer recurrence respectively. Furthermore, the DL-ANN model can achieve an accuracy of 74.3% with AUC equal to 0.947 and 0.956 for the HNSCC-related death prognosis and cancer recurrence respectively using GTV features.Conclusion:Using both GTV and PTV radiomics features in the DL-ANN model, can aid in predicting HNSCC-related death prognosis and cancer recurrence. Clinicians may find it helpful in formulating different treatment regimens and facilitate personized medicine based on the predicted outcome when performing GTV and PTV delineation.Advances in knowledge:Radiomics features of GTV and PTV are reliable prognosis and recurrence predicting tools, which may help clinicians in GTV and PTV delineation to facilitate delivery of personalized treatment.

Indications for and extent of elective neck dissection for lymph node metastasis from external auditory canal carcinoma

ObjectivesWe aim to clarify the frequency of lymph node metastasis of external auditory canal (EAC) carcinoma, including susceptible locations, adequate extent of elective neck dissection, and the relationship between the tumor infiltration site and lymph node metastasis. Patients and MethodsFrom 2003 to 2018, 63 patients with EAC carcinoma at Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital were enrolled in this study. The T and N stages, locations of clinically positive lymph nodes, prognoses, and anatomic site of tumor infiltration were analyzed after treatment. ResultsClinically positive lymph node metastasis (cN+) was detected in 18 patients (28.6%), consisting of T1, T2, T3, and T4 disease in 1 (6%), 2 (22%), 8 (38%), and 7 (41%) patients, respectively. The metastatic locations were at level II in 10 patients, parotid gland nodes in 7, preauricular nodes in 5, level Ib in 3, level Va in 3, level III in 1, and superficial cervical nodes in 1. Neck recurrence was determined in two of 45 patients with clinically negative lymph nodes (cN0), with the metastatic locations being levels II, Ib, and III. Among 18 cN+ cases, neck recurrence was noted in 2 of 9 patients who underwent neck dissection. Neck lesions were found to be manageable in all five patients who underwent docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and radiation therapy (TPF-RT). No relationship was noted between the tumor infiltration site and lymph node metastasis among T3/4 canrcinoma patients. ConclusionsElective neck dissection could be indicated only in T3/4 patients with free flap reconstruction. Levels Ib to III are considered appropriate for elective neck dissection in cN0 cases. Levels Ib to III and Va indicated favorable sites, even in cases with metastasis in the parotid gland or preauricular area. Furthermore, TPF-RT could be a useful option even in cN+ cases.

Prophylactic central neck dissection has no advantage in patients with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer to the lateral neck.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) usually metastasizes via lymphatic channels in a sequential fashion, first to the central compartment, followed by the lateral neck. PTC patients diagnosed with lateral neck disease (N1b) without proof for central involvement traditionally undergo prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND). However, substantial evidence on outcomes to support this approach is lacking. We conducted a dual center retrospective study to compare the rate of central neck recurrence between N1b PTC patients undergoing pCND and those spared pCND. All patients diagnosed with N1b PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissections with or without pCND between January 1998 and December 2015 were included in this study. The rates of central neck recurrences were compared between the groups. The 111 patients who met the inclusion criteria were 44 females (39.6%) and 67 males (60.4%), with a mean age of 50.2 ± 17.7 years, and a mean follow-up of 10.2 ± 5.3 years. Sixty patients (54.1%) underwent a pCND and 51 patients (45.9%) did not (non-pCND). During follow-up, 18 patients (16.2%) had level VI recurrences, 13 in the pCND group and 5 in the non-pCND group. Cox-regression models with propensity scoring did not reveal any inclination or an advantage for performing pCND. The present study demonstrated no advantage in performing pCND to prevent central neck recurrence among PTC patients with lateral neck involvement only. These findings question the need for pCND in patients without clinical evidence of central neck disease.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Ethanol Ablation for the Management of Recurrent Thyroid Cancer: Evaluation of Efficacy and Impact on Disease Course

Background and Objectives: Neck recurrences of thyroid cancer are frequently detected in routine ultrasound (US) follow-up. Broad management of these lesions may include active surveillance, surgery or local percutaneous techniques, but for the latter, little is known about impact on long-term follow-up and need of subsequent radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Materials and Methods: 42 patients underwent US-guided ethanol ablation (EA) over 71 thyroid bed or lymph node confirmed recurrences. All volume reduction ＞50%, absence of power Doppler signal and fine needle aspiration (FNA) washout thyroglobulin (Tg) value ＜1 ng/mL should be present to consider a complete ablation. Patients with TNM stage I-II, ≤2 lesions and/or baseline plasma TSH-suppressed Tg level ＜0.2 ng/mL did not undergo post-EA RAI therapy. Post-EA plasma Tg values were compared to baseline in patients with and without subsequent RAI therapy. Results: 62 lesions (87.32%) achieved a complete ablation after a mean follow-up of 40.5 months (range, 12-73). Four treated lesions (5.63%) recurred (3/39 and 1/32 in patients with and without subsequent RAI therapy), and 7 patients (16.66%) developed new recurrences throughout follow-up (5/19 and 2/23 with and without RAI therapy). Both plasma TSH-suppressed and TSH-stimulated Tg levels descended after EA in both groups, and 17/38 (44.73%) patients achieved a TSH-suppressed Tg ＜0.2 ng/mL, with no differences between both groups of patients. All EA procedures were conducted safely without serious or persistent side effects. Conclusion: Successful EA were achieved safely in 87.32% of patients with recurrent thyroid cancer, with a positive effect on systemic disease as reflected by plasma post-EA Tg levels. A subset of patients with TNM stage III, ≤2 lesions and/or low pre-EA plasma Tg levels may not need subsequent RAI therapy after successful ablation. Overall, EA is an effective and balanced therapy for selected patients with neck recurrent thyroid cancer as an alternative to surgery.

Ipsilateral versus Bilateral Neck Radiation Therapy for Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Ipsilateral neck radiation (I-RT) has been adopted for patients with early stage, well lateralized tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), however there are limited data on outcomes of this approach in those with N2b disease. We report locoregional disease free survival (LR-DFS) for patients with tonsillar SCC who received I-RT or bilateral neck radiation (B-RT). Patients with tonsillar SCC who underwent definitive radiation, with or without chemotherapy, at a single academic institution between 3/1/90 and 10/15/18 were identified. Patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics were recorded. Stage was assigned per AJCC 7th ed. Wilcoxon Rank Sum and Chi-Square tests were used to compare patients who underwent either B-RT or I-RT. The primary outcome was locoregional disease-free survival (LR-DFS). Secondary outcomes were freedom from distant recurrence (FFDR) and overall survival (OS). Outcomes were estimated with Kaplan Meier method and compared via log rank test. Multivariate cox proportional hazards were used to estimate the effect of variables on endpoints. 216 patients with tonsillar SCC were treated with B-RT (n = 159) or I-RT (n = 57). Median age was 56 (IQR 51 – 64). Patients who underwent I-RT had T1 (45.6%) or T2 (54.4%) disease. Those who underwent B-RT had a higher proportion of T3/T4 disease: 8.2% T1, 25.8% T2, 42.8% T3, and 23.2% T4 disease (p<0.01). Most patients had nodal disease, I-RT: 3.5% N0, 19.3% N1, 14.0% N2a, 63.2% N2b and B-RT: 15.1% N0, 13.8% N1, 7.6% N2a, 36.5% N2b, 13.2% N2c, and 13.8% N3. HPV/p16 status for patients with B-RT was positive in 31.0%, negative in 2.0%, and unknown in 67.3%; for I-RT, HPV/p16 was positive in 59.6%, negative in 3.5%, and unknown in 36.8%. Median total dose to both groups was 70 Gy at 2 Gy/fraction. Concurrent chemotherapy was used in 94% of patients with B-RT and 77% with I-RT (p<0.01). 5-year estimates for survival endpoints are given below. On multivariate analysis controlling for T/N stage, use of chemotherapy, and HPV status, LR-DFS did not differ significantly for patients receiving B-RT versus I-RT (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.40 – 4.10, p = 0.67). Among those treated with I-RT, 2 developed local recurrence at the primary tumor site. There were no ipsilateral or contralateral neck recurrences. Of 94 patients with N2b disease, 36 received I-RT. For those with N2b disease, 5-year LR-DFS was 93% (95% CI 73% – 98%) after I-RT versus 85% (95% CI 72% – 92%) after B-RT (p = 0.18). High rates of LR-DFS were achieved with I-RT for T1-T2 N0-2b tonsillar SCC, with no ipsilateral or contralateral neck recurrences. Use of I-RT did not compromise LR-DFS compared to B-RT. For patients with N2b disease, I-RT also resulted in high rates of LR-DFS. To our knowledge, this series represents the largest single institution cohort incorporating patients with tonsillar SCC and N2b disease treated with I-RT.Abstract 3868; TableB-RTI-RTLR-DFS (95% CI)78% (70-84%)91% (78-97%)FFDR (95% CI)89% (82-93%)96% (85-99%)OS (95% CI)71% (63-78%)91% (78-97%) Open table in a new tab