Hypopharyngeal cancer patient care evaluation

Primary and salvage (hypo)pharyngectomy: Analysis and outcome

BACKGROUND

Surgery for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising or extending to the hypopharynx is generally reserved for advanced disease or salvage. The prognosis of patients requiring pharyngectomy is poor, and the perioperative morbidity is significant. The aim of the present study is to describe the disease-related and treatment-related outcomes of patients undergoing primary and salvage pharyngectomy for cancer of the hypopharynx and larynx over a 10-year period from a single institution.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 138 partial and circumferential pharyngectomies performed at a tertiary referral center between 1992 and 2002. There were 31 females and 107 males. The median age was 62 years (range, 27-81 years), and mean follow-up was 3.6 years. Salvage pharyngectomy for radiation failure was performed in 72 patients (52%), and in 66 patients (48%) pharyngectomy was performed as the primary treatment.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival rate after salvage pharyngectomy was 31% and after primary pharyngectomy was 38%. The 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) for salvage was 40% and after primary surgery was 45%. The 5-year local and regional control rates for salvage pharyngectomy were 71% and 70%, respectively, and for primary pharyngectomy were 79% and 67%, respectively. The perioperative mortality rate was 3.6%, and the combined morbidity rate was 70%. Postoperative hypocalcemia developed in 44% of patients, a pharyngocutaneous fistula developed in 31% of patients, and the long-term stricture rate was 15%. Variables adversely affecting DSS on univariate analysis were nodal metastases (p = .044), extracapsular spread (ECS) (p = .006), poorly differentiated tumors (p = .015), lymphovascular invasion (p = .042), and positive tumor margins (p = .026). ECS (p = .023) was the only independent prognostic variable on multivariable analysis; however, there was a trend toward significance for nodal metastases (p = .064) and tumor differentiation (p = .079).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that both salvage pharyngectomy and primary surgery for advanced disease are viable options with high locoregional control. However, this represents a high-risk group in terms of both operative morbidity and survival. Patients with nodal metastases, ECS, and poorly differentiated tumors are likely to succumb to their disease and should be selected for adjuvant therapy when possible.

Clinicopathologic significance of CD105 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx

BACKGROUND

Induction of angiogenesis is a key process in tumor growth and metastasis. We studied the CD105 (endoglin) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in hypopharyngeal cancer to evaluate their clinicopathologic significance.

METHODS

Seventy-three patients who underwent complete excision of hypopharyngeal cancer were included in this study. Clinicopathologic data were collected retrospectively. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with antibodies of CD105 and VEGF. Positive-stained microvessels for CD105 were counted on hot spots of tumors. The staining intensity for VEGF was also evaluated.

RESULTS

High expression of CD105 correlated significantly with positive nodal metastasis (p < .001) and TNM stage (p < .01). High expression of VEGF correlated significantly with advanced tumor (T) classification (p < .01). The overall 5-year survival rate was worse in patients with higher CD105 expression (p < .001), advanced TNM stage (p < .01), advanced T classification (p < .01), and positive nodal metastasis (p < .001). Furthermore, Cox regression analysis revealed that CD105 expression in microvessels of tumor tissue, advanced T classification, and nodal status were independent factors for survival.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that expression of CD105 is a useful predictive prognostic factor in hypopharyngeal cancer.

Association of p53 Codon 72 Polymorphism with Risk of Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

p53 polymorphism at codon 72 is a known risk marker for various malignancies, but it has not been studied in hypopharyngeal cancer. This study investigated the genotype distribution of p53 codon 72 polymorphism in hypopharyngeal cancer patients and non-cancer controls matched for age, gender, alcohol consumption and smoking habit.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood cells of 53 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer and 53 non-cancer controls. Codon 72 polymorphism of p53 was identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

Patients with hypopharyngeal cancer had higher frequencies of Pro/Pro (26.4% vs. 13.2%) and Pro/Arg (51.0% vs. 45.3%) but lower frequencies of Arg/Arg (22.6% vs. 45.1%) compared to controls. Compared to Arg/Arg genotypes, Pro/Pro genotypes had a relative risk of hypopharyngeal cancer of 3.667 (95% confidence interval, 1.16-11.56; p = 0.03). As a group, patients with Pro/Pro or Arg/Pro who were carriers of the Pro allele had a higher relative risk of hypopharyngeal cancer compared to Arg homozygous carriers (odds ratio, 2.415; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-5.64; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that p53 codon 72 Pro homozygosity is associated with a higher risk of developing hypopharyngeal cancer.

Impact of endoscopic screening on early detection of hypopharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim was to investigate whether periodic pharyngolaryngoscopy screening in high-risk patients with preceding carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract can detect early hypopharyngeal cancer and preserve the larynx.

METHODS

The records of 122 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into the following two groups: (1) the screening (SCR) group (n = 65), patients whose hypopharyngeal cancer was detected by pharyngolaryngoscopy screening; and (2) the symptom (SYMP) group (n = 57), patients whose cancer was discovered by any symptoms. Patients' demographics and larynx preservation were compared.

RESULTS

The number of patients with clinical stage I to IV disease at diagnosis was 44, 14, three, four for the SCR group, respectively, and six, six, 15, 30 for the SYMP group, which was significantly different (p < .0001). The rate of larynx preservation after radical treatment was 79.4% for the SCR group and 45.4% for the SYMP group (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Periodic pharyngolaryngoscopy screening in high-risk patients may contribute to detecting early hypopharyngeal cancer. Early detection of hypopharyngeal cancer may enhance the rate of larynx preservation and improve the quality of life.

Management of the patients with hypopharyngeal cancer: eight-year experience of Miyagi Cancer Center in Japan

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer and indicate the future prospect of the treatment. Seventy-four patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx admitted to Miyagi Cancer Center from 1993 through 2000 are reviewed. Sixty-four patients received radical treatment, and 10 patients received palliative treatment or no treatment. The cancer was advanced (stages III and IV) in 82% of all the patients. The overall 5-year survival rate of all the patients was 38%. The overall 5-year survival rate of 64 patients received radical treatment was 43%. The ten patients who received palliative treatment or no treatment died of cancer within 16 months. Fifty-two out of the 74 patients underwent neck dissection for the neck lymph node involvement; forty of the 52 patients underwent ipsilateral neck dissection and 12 underwent bilateral neck dissection. Four out of the 40 patients, who underwent ipsilateral neck dissection alone, developed late contralateral regional recurrence but were successfully treated by contralateral neck dissection at the time of recurrence. Twenty-three out of 74 patients had multiple primary cancers synchronously or metachronously (31%). Cause of the death of six patients out of 74 patients was confirmed to be primary cancers other than hypopharyngeal cancer, as judged by physicians in other department or other hospitals. Most of the patients died due to distant metastasis from hypopharyngeal cancer or other primary cancers. We therefore conclude that contralateral elective neck dissection which is frequently chosen for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer surgery is unnecessary. Even if locoregional control is accomplished, distant metastasis or multiple primary cancers emerge and make prognosis poor. To improve the prognosis, we should develop some strategy against hypopharyngeal cancer for each patient. New strategies including chemoprevention and surgery against distant metasistasis are necessary.

Reconstruction after resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma: Comparison of the postoperative complications and oncologic results of different methods

BACKGROUND

Radical surgery followed by radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. However, there is no general consensus as to which is the best method of reconstruction after surgical resection.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 91 patients who underwent radical surgery and reconstruction. Postoperative complications and oncologic results of the different reconstructive methods were compared.

RESULTS

Reconstruction with gastric pull-up had the lowest pharyngocutaneous (PC) fistula (0%) and pharyngoesophageal (PE) stenosis rates (0%). However, the overall postoperative complication rate was high (64%). Laryngotracheal flap (LTF) reconstruction had relatively lower rates of PC fistula (3%), PE stenosis (10%), and overall complications (22%). The introduction of the LTF technique significantly decreased postoperative complications from 71% to 30% (p = .0001), with similar tumor control and survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypopharyngeal reconstruction with an LTF is a simple and effective method. The chance of using a complex flap is decreased. The postoperative complications are reduced, and the oncologic results are satisfactory.

[Interdisciplinary surgery-the throat]

The special anatomic situation and the multitude of combinations of oncological therapeutic and reconstructive modalities in tumors of the cervical region require intensive interdisciplinary planning and discussion during tumor staging, surgical resection, and (neo)adjuvant treatment. We discuss here the various treatment modalities for tumors of the pharynx and cervical esophagus.

Carcinoma of the hypopharynx

Despite advances in surgical and nonsurgical treatment, overall survival rates for patients who have hypopharyngeal carcinoma have not improved,and this disease still has a poor prognosis. The best results are obtained with multimodality therapy. but at best, two thirds of patients are palliated rather than cured of disease. Radical surgery with postoperative radiation therapy remains the standard of care. Organ preservation strategies have not been as successful in hypopharyngeal cancer as for cancers of other head and neck sites. Chemoradiation is an effective alternative method of aggressive treatment but may be associated with significant dysfunction of the end organ when preservation is possible. Because of poor long-term survival rates, local control remains the most important factor in planning treatment, to provide meaningful palliation and best possible quality of life.

The clinicopathological significance of p53 and p21 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of hypopharyngeal cancer

To evaluate the roles of p53 and p21 expression in the squamous cell carcinoma of hypopharyngeal cancer, we performed the immunohistochemical studies in 58 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. We found significant correlation between a high expression of p53 and a histological grade of well differentiation, advanced tumor (T) and TNM stage. Furthermore, low expression of p21 correlated significantly with advanced TNM stage and positive nodal status. Cox's regression analysis revealed tumor stage and nodal status were the only prognostic factors for survival. Therefore, we concluded that p53 and p21 are useful markers in predicting some clinicopathological features in hypopharyngeal cancer.

Clinicopathological study of tumous of hypopharynx

Thirty cases of tumors of hypopharyiix were admitted in EST department ofRujendra Hospital, Patiala for ciinicopathological study. Peak age incidence of tumours was seen in 6th decade of Life. Males were affected more than females (23:7), Alcohul consumption, smoking and poor orodental hygiene were important predisposing factors responsible for the disease. Maximum number of cases the growth was seen in pyrifarm fossa (80%). Dysphagia, neck mass and throat pain were commonest symptoms. AU cases were found to be Mstologicalty squamous cell carcinoma. Most of the patients presented in advanced stage with cervical lymphnode metastasis in 60% of cases.

Hypopharyngeal carcinoma

For more than 20 years, the policy at the University of Florida has been to treat patients with favorable stage T1-T2 pyriform sinus carcinoma by using radiation therapy alone, or with a planned neck dissection if advanced nodal disease is present. This approach usually leaves the patient with nearly normal swallowing and speech, and provides bilateral coverage of the regional neck and retropharyngeal lymphatics. More advanced lesions often are not controlled with radiation alone and are usually considered for partial or total laryngopharyngectomy if the patient is medically operable. Radiation is usually administered postoperatively in this setting, unless the neck disease is thought to be unresectable, in which case preoperative radiation is given. Recent data have shown that adjuvant chemotherapy administered concomitantly with radiotherapy results in improved cure rates for patients with advanced disease compared with irradiation alone. Time-honored established guidelines are still used, although the edges have become blurred. Therefore, patients with larger primary tumors now may be considered for organ preservation treatment with irradiation and chemotherapy, reserving surgery for salvage situations. The subset of patients with advanced T4 pyriform sinus cancers (in whom cure with chemoradiation would likely result in tracheostomy and/or gastrostomy dependence) may be better served with elective surgery and postoperative irradiation. The definition of this subset of patients is unclear but probably includes patients with significant cartilage destruction and those who require pretreatment tracheostomy. The policy at the University of Florida is to treat essentially all pharyngeal wall cancers with external-beam irradiation alone.

Surgical treatment for hypopharynx carcinoma: feasibility, mortality, and results

This study seeks to evaluate treatment modalities, mortality after surgery, survival, and local control rates for a consecutive cohort of patients with cancer of the hypopharynx treated according to a prospective protocol that favors surgery as an initial approach to the disease. The charts of 228 consecutive patients with previously untreated hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were reviewed. Outcome measures (overall survival, disease specific survival, and local control) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Of 228 consecutive patients, 136 (59.6%) were found suitable for initial surgical treatment. Of the remaining 92 patients, 18 (7.9%) had nonresectable lymph node metastases, 16 (7.0%) had unresectable primary tumors, 13 (5.7%) refused surgery, and 13 (5.7%) presented distant metastases during initial diagnostic evaluation. Of those who had surgery, 46 had larynx-sparing procedures, 54 had total laryngectomy, and 36 had total laryngo-pharyngectomy. None of the patients who had surgery died postoperatively. Actuarial 5-year overall survival was 27.2% for all 228 patients, 39.5% for the 136 patients with surgical treatment, and 61.1% for the 46 patients who were treated with larynx-sparing procedures.

Organ preservation with radiotherapy for T1-T2 carcinoma of the pyriform sinus

PURPOSE

To report long-term results using radiotherapy with or without a planned neck dissection for T1-T2 carcinoma of the pyriform sinus.

METHODS

An analysis of 101 patients treated at the University of Florida with RT with or without a planned neck dissection for organ preservation.

RESULTS

The 5-year local control rates after RT were 90% for T1 cancers and 80% for T2 lesions. The only parameter that significantly influenced local control in univariate analyses was apex involvement for T1 tumors. Multivariate analysis revealed no parameter that significantly affected local control. Cause-specific survival rates at 5 years were as follows: stage I-II, 96%; stage III, 62%; stage IVA, 49%; and stage IVB, 33%. The absolute survival rates were as follows: stage I, 57%; stage II, 61%; stage III, 41%; stage IVA, 29%; and stage IVB, 25%. Moderate to severe long-term complications developed in 12% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

RT alone or combined with a planned neck dissection resulted in local control with larynx preservation in a high proportion of patients. The chance of cure is comparable to that observed after conservation surgery, and the risk of major complications is lower. The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy is unlikely to improve the probability of organ preservation, but might improve locoregional control for patients with advanced nodal disease.

Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma--treatment results in 138 consecutively admitted patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of the initial and salvage treatment for hypopharyngeal carcinoma. The study was conducted in 1963 to 1991 and included 138 patients (38 females (28%) and 100 males (73%)). Most of the tumours originated in the piriform sinus (86%). Tumour stage distribution was T1: 20%, T2: 27%, T3: 37% and T4: 17% and nodal stage distribution was N0: 45%, N1: 25%, N2: 10%, and N3: 20%. Primary treatment was delivered with curative intent in 124 out of 138 cases (90%). Treatment failure was noted in 98 patients, with 55% recurrence in T-position, 39% in N-position, and 14% at distant metastases sites. Salvage surgery was successful in 9 out of 32 patients. The overall 5-year locoregional tumour control, cause-specific and overall survival rates were 20%, 25% and 19%, respectively. Univariate actuarial analysis showed that T- and N-stage, clinical stage, tumour size and well-differentiated tumours were significant prognostic parameters. A Cox multivariate analysis showed that only the T- and N-stages were independent prognostic factors. In conclusion, the prognosis for advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma is extremely poor and the meagre results with conventional radiotherapy alone indicate that other treatment modalities should be introduced in the management of this disease.

Organ preservation by transoral laser microsurgery in piriform sinus carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of organ-preserving CO2 laser microsurgery for the treatment of piriform sinus carcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 129 previously untreated patients undergoing CO2 laser microsurgery for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the piriform sinus from 1981 to December 1996 was undertaken. The intention was complete tumor removal by preserving functionally important structures of the larynx. Distribution of tumors (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer/American Joint Committee on Cancer, 1992) was 24 cases with pT1, 74 with pT2, 17 with pT3, and 14 with pT4 disease. Node status was positive in 68% of patients. Seventy-five percent of patients had stage III or IV disease. Forty-two percent of the patients were treated solely with surgery, and 58% had surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. The median follow-up interval was 44 months.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven percent of patients were controlled locally. Neck recurrences occurred in 14.0% of patients, metachronous distant metastases with locoregional control in 6.2%, and second primary tumors in 18.6%. Twenty percent of patients died of TNM-related deaths. The 5-year overall Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 71% for stages I and II and 47% for stages III and IV disease; the 5-year recurrence-free survival rates were 95% and 69%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A comparatively low local recurrence rate, a high recurrence-free survival rate, and the avoidance of laryngectomy favor function-preserving surgery of piriform sinus carcinomas.

Reconstruction of the pharynx and cervical esophagus using ileocolic free autograft

BACKGROUND

Advanced stage hypopharyngeal cancer is commonly treated by surgery and radiotherapy. This report presents a technique using ileocolic free autograft as a single-stage procedure for voice and swallowing rehabilitation after pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy.

METHODS

Digestive tract restoration is obtained by using the cecum and ascending colon, while the last ileal loop, protected by the ileocecal valve for food and liquid inhalation, is anastomized to the cervical trachea. After abdominal harvesting, the ileocolic complex is transected, transposed, and then revascularized in the cervical field.

RESULTS

Six patients underwent this operation successfully with recovery of swallowing function and vocal performance within a short period of time, varying from 18 to 38 days.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of achieved results, the ileocolic free autograft can be considered a good option for pharyngoesophageal reconstruction, offering as it does an immediate restoration of swallowing and voice function.

Carcinoma of the hypopharynx: analysis of incidence and survival in Sweden over a 30-year period

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to analyze whether there were any changes in incidence and prognosis of hypopharyngeal carcinomas diagnosed between 1960 and 1989 in Sweden.

METHODS

Data of primary hypopharyngeal malignant tumors reported to the Swedish Cancer Registry were collected. The total number of cases was 2012, 1396 men and 616 women, and the end of follow-up was December 31, 1992.

RESULTS

For women, a significant decrease in the age-standardized incidence (ASI) was seen, with an average decrease of 2% per year (p < .001), which was most evident in rural counties. The male patients, on the contrary, showed a significant increase of about 1.5% per year (p < .001); the metropolitan areas had an ASI about twice that of more-rural areas. The 2- and 5-year overall survival was poor, only 25% and 13%, respectively. For women aged <60 years, no difference in survival between the different 10-year periods was seen, but survival for men of corresponding ages improved significantly (p < .01) during the last decade, to reach a survival similar to that in women. For patients aged > or = 60 years, no difference in survival between the different periods or between sexes was seen.

CONCLUSION

The increased incidence in hypopharyngeal cancer in men is similar to that observed for oral and pharyngeal cancer in many European countries during this period. The disappearance of Plummer-Vinson syndrome may explain the decreased incidence among women. The treatment results in hypopharyngeal cancer are still very poor, and improvements of the therapeutic methods are needed.