Association of Disease Recurrence With Survival Outcomes in Patients With Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Treated With Multimodality Therapy

Advancing Head and Neck Cancer Survival Prediction via Multi-Label Learning and Deep Model Interpretation

A comprehensive and reliable survival prediction model is of great importance to assist in the personalized management of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patient treated with curative Radiation Therapy (RT). In this work, we propose IMLSP, an Interpretable Multi-Label multi-modal deep Survival Prediction framework for predicting multiple HNC survival outcomes simultaneously and provide time-event specific visual explanation of the deep prediction process. We adopt Multi-Task Logistic Regression (MTLR) layers to convert survival prediction from a regression problem to a multi-time point classification task, and to enable predicting of multiple relevant survival outcomes at the same time. We also present Grad-Team, a Gradient-weighted Time-event activation mapping approach specifically developed for deep survival model visual explanation, to generate patient-specific time-to-event activation maps. We evaluate our method with the publicly available RADCURE HNC dataset, where it outperforms the corresponding single-modal models and single-label models on all survival outcomes. The generated activation maps show that the model focuses primarily on the tumor and nodal volumes when making the decision and the volume of interest varies for high- and low-risk patients. We demonstrate that the multi-label learning strategy can improve the learning efficiency and prognostic performance, while the interpretable survival prediction model is promising to help understand the decision-making process of AI and facilitate personalized treatment. The project website can be found at https://github.com/***.

Interdisciplinary management of skin cancer

The interdisciplinary treatment of skin cancer in the head and neck area requires close collaboration between different specialist disciplines. The most common non-melanoma skin cancer tumor entities are cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma as well as their precursor lesions. One of the less common tumors is Merkel cell carcinoma, which also occurs primarily in light-exposed areas and, in contrast to squamous and basal cell carcinoma, is more likely to metastasize. Due to the low tendency of basal cell carcinoma as well as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to metastasize, a cure can often be achieved by surgery. If the tumor growth exceeds certain levels it may require collaboration between dermatology and otorhinolaryngology. The primary goal of this interdisciplinary collaboration is to achieve a functional, cosmetically and aesthetically acceptable result in addition to adequate tumor treatment. Depending on the stage of the tumor and the clinical course, a case may be discussed in an interdisciplinary tumor board in order to determine a personalised, appropriate and adequate treatment concept for each patient, including prevention, therapy and follow-up.

Vision Transformer-Based Multilabel Survival Prediction for Oropharynx Cancer After Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE

A reliable and comprehensive cancer prognosis model for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) could better assist in personalizing treatment. In this work, we developed a vision transformer-based (ViT-based) multilabel model with multimodal input to learn complementary information from available pretreatment data and predict multiple associated endpoints for radiation therapy for patients with OPC.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A publicly available data set of 512 patients with OPC was used for both model training and evaluation. Planning computed tomography images, primary gross tumor volume masks, and 16 clinical variables representing patient demographics, diagnosis, and treatment were used as inputs. To extract deep image features with global attention, we used a ViT module. Clinical variables were concatenated with the learned image features and fed into fully connected layers to incorporate cross-modality features. To learn the mapping between the features and correlated survival outcomes, including overall survival, local failure-free survival, regional failure-free survival, and distant failure-free survival, we employed 4 multitask logistic regression layers. The proposed model was optimized by combining the multitask logistic regression negative-log likelihood losses of different prediction targets.

RESULTS

We employed the C-index and area under the curve metrics to assess the performance of our model for time-to-event prediction and time-specific binary prediction, respectively. Our proposed model outperformed corresponding single-modality and single-label models on all prediction labels, achieving C-indices of 0.773, 0.765, 0.776, and 0.773 for overall survival, local failure-free survival, regional failure-free survival, and distant failure-free survival, respectively. The area under the curve values ranged between 0.799 and 0.844 for different tasks at different time points. Using the medians of predicted risks as the thresholds to identify high-risk and low-risk patient groups, we performed the log-rank test, the results of which showed significantly larger separations in different event-free survivals.

CONCLUSION

We developed the first model capable of predicting multiple labels for OPC simultaneously. Our model demonstrated better prognostic ability for all the prediction targets compared with corresponding single-modality models and single-label models.

The role of micrometastasis in high-risk skin cancers

The propensity to metastasize is the most important prognostic indicator for solid cancers. New insights into the mechanisms of early carcinogenesis have revealed micrometastases are generated far earlier than previously thought. Evidence supports a synergistic relationship between vascular and lymphatic seeding which can occur before there is clinical evidence of a primary tumour. Early vascular seeding prepares distal sites for colonisation while regional lymphatics are co-opted to promote facilitative cancer cell mutations. In response, the host mounts a global inflammatory and immunomodulatory response towards these cells supporting the concept that cancer is a systemic disease. Cancer staging systems should be refined to better reflect cancer cell loads in various tissue compartments while clinical perspectives should be broadened to encompass this view when approaching high-risk cancers. Measured adjunctive therapies implemented earlier for low-volume, in-transit cancer offers the prospect of preventing advanced disease and the need for heroic therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to re-appraise how we view the metastatic process for solid cancers. It will explore in-transit metastasis in the context of high-risk skin cancer and how it dictates disease progression. It will also discuss how these implications will influence our current staging systems and its consequences on management.

Validation of the 2022 National Comprehensive Cancer Network Risk Stratification for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance

The 2022 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) reclassified cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) into low-, high-, and very high-risk groups to better risk stratify tumors. Mohs micrographic surgery (Mohs) or peripheral and deep en face margin assessment (PDEMA) became preferred surgical modalities for high- and very high-risk tumors. This new risk stratification and the recommendation for Mohs or PDEMA in high- and very high-risk groups have not been validated.

Objective

To compare outcomes in very high-, high-, and low-risk NCCN groups of CSCCs and in CSCCs treated with Mohs or PDEMA compared with wide local excision (WLE).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study of CSCCs was performed in 2 tertiary care academic medical centers. Patients 18 years or older and diagnosed between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2019, at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Foundation were included. Data were analyzed from October 20, 2021, to March 29, 2023.

Exposures

NCCN risk group, Mohs or PDEMA, and WLE.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Local recurrence (LR), nodal metastasis (NM), distant metastasis (DM), and disease-specific death (DSD).

Results

A total of 10 196 tumors from 8727 patients were stratified by NCCN guidelines into low-, high-, and very high-risk groups (6003 [59.0%] men; mean [SD] age, 72.4 [11.8] years). Compared with the low-risk group, the high- and very high-risk groups demonstrated a greater risk of LR (high-risk subhazard ratio [SHR], 1.99 [95% CI, 1.21-3.27; P = .007]; very high-risk SHR, 12.66 [95% CI, 7.86-20.39; P < .001]), NM (high-risk SHR, 4.26 [95% CI, 1.28-14.23; P = .02]; very high-risk SHR, 62.98 [95% CI, 19.24-206.17; P < .001]), DM (high-risk SHR, 2.2 × 107 [95% CI, 4.7 × 103-1.1 × 1011; P < .001]; very high-risk SHR, 6.3 × 108 [95% CI, 1.4 × 105-2.9 × 1012; P < .001]), and DSD (high-risk SHR, 4.02 [95% CI, 1.18-13.71; P = .03]; very high-risk SHR, 93.87 [95% CI, 29.19-301.85; P < .001]). Adjusted 5-year cumulative incidence was significantly higher in very high- vs high- and low-risk groups for LR (9.4% [95% CI, 9.2%-14.0%] vs 1.5% [95% CI, 1.4%-2.1%] and 0.8% [95% CI, 0.5%-1.2%], respectively), NM (7.3% [95% CI, 6.8%-10.9%] vs 0.5% [95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%] and 0.1% [95% CI, 0.03%-0.3%], respectively), DM (3.9% [95% CI, 2.6%-5.6%] vs 0.1% [95% CI, 0.04%-0.2%] and 0.01% [95% CI, not applicable], respectively), and DSD (10.5% [95% CI, 10.3%-15.4%] vs 0.5% [95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%] and 0.1% [95% CI, 0.04%-0.3%], respectively). Compared with CSCCs treated with WLE, those treated with Mohs or PDEMA had lower risk of LR (SHR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.46-0.90]; P = .009), DM (SHR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.18-0.83]; P = .02), and DSD (SHR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.36-0.84]; P = .006).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that the NCCN high- and very high-risk groups identify CSCCs at greatest risk for developing poor outcomes. Further, Mohs or PDEMA resulted in lower LR, DM, and DSD compared with WLE.

High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC): Challenges and emerging therapies

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a common type of skin malignancy that affects people who have been exposed to sunlight for a long time. It has been associated to a high mutational load, making treatment problematic, especially for individuals with high-risk CSCC characteristics. Patients with high-risk CSCC are difficult to define since definitions are still imprecise. Firstly, we review the evidence to see how relevant locoregional involvement is in terms of patient survival and recurrence risk. Second, we go through the difficulties and obstacles that come with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and their importance in the management of locally progressed CSCC. Methods and findings from a variety of lymph node investigations are described. There is yet no empirical evidence for the involvement of SLNB in CSCC. Finally, we discussed the most recent developments in the treatment of CSCC. The mainstays of treatment are surgery and radiation. To slow the disease progression, cancer medicines have switched to disrupting particular signaling pathways. Advanced nations have more easily accessible drugs like Cetuximab (epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor) and Cemiplimab (anti-programme receptor-1 antibodies), which are utilized in advanced CSCC. The response rate varies based on the patient, although there is still a lack of proof. This article discusses the misconception that CSCC is a tumor with a favorable prognosis, as well as the difficulties in treating high-risk CSCC.

Advances in nanomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers: A review

Nanomaterials (NMs) have increasingly been used for the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers (HNCs) over the past decade. HNCs can easily infiltrate surrounding tissues and form distant metastases, meaning that most patients with HNC are diagnosed at an advanced stage and often have a poor prognosis. Since NMs can be used to deliver various agents, including imaging agents, drugs, genes, vaccines, radiosensitisers, and photosensitisers, they play a crucial role in the development of novel technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of HNCs. Indeed, NMs have been reported to enhance delivery efficiency and improve the prognosis of patients with HNC by allowing targeted delivery, controlled release, responses to stimuli, and the delivery of multiple agents. In this review, we consider recent advances in NMs that could be used to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with HNC and the potential for future research.

Survival outcomes of perineural spread in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

AIM

To present an institution's experience and survival outcomes for patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) and perineural spread (PNS).

METHOD

Retrospective study of patients with HNcSCC and PNS treated between January 2010 and August 2020 from the Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute database, Sydney, Australia; a high-volume, tertiary, academic head and neck centre. Patient demographics, primary site, involved cranial nerves, treatment modality, loco-regional failure and survival data were obtained.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were identified, of which 32 patients were male (71%). Mean age at diagnosis was 68.7 years (range 43-90). Median follow-up was 16.1 months (range 1-107). The trigeminal nerve was most frequently involved (n = 30, 66.6%) followed by facial nerve (n = 13, 28.9%). Most patients underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy (n = 33, 73%) and eight received definitive radiotherapy. The median overall survival (OS) was 4.5 years (95% CI 3.71-5.38), median disease-specific survival 5.1 years (95% CI 4.21-5.97) and median disease-free survival (DFS) was 1.7 years (95% CI 1.11-2.22). The estimated 5-year OS and DFS were 45% and 25%, respectively. Patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy with a clear proximal nerve margin had favourable DFS (P = 0.035) and trended towards better OS (P = 0.134) compared with patients with an involved nerve margin. Patients treated surgically with involved proximal nerve margins had similar outcomes compared with patients with treated definitive radiotherapy (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.29-2.22, P = 0.664).

CONCLUSION

The likelihood of achieving a clear proximal nerve margin should be a strong consideration in the selection of appropriate patients for primary surgery.

Complete Margin Assessment Versus Sectional Assessment in Surgically Excised High-Risk Keratinocyte Carcinomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs) are the most diagnosed cancers worldwide and are commonly excised via complete margin assessment (CMA) or excision with sectional assessment (SA). National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines encourage CMA for KC with high-risk features.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically compare recurrence outcomes for CMA vs SA in high-risk KC based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for articles reporting recurrences of high-risk KC undergoing excision using CMA or SA. High-risk KCs were defined as recurrent, having perineural invasion (PNI), or basal cell carcinomas (BCC) with aggressive histology. Chi-squared tests and risk ratios evaluated differences between CMA and SA groups, and a random-effects meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Pooled percentages of locoregional recurrences were significantly lower with CMA vs SA for all KCs (3.9% [95% CI: 2.9-4.9] vs 13.5% [7.7, 19.2, p = .001]), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with PNI (9.8% [5.4-14.1] vs 32.0% [25.0-39.0], p < .001), and recurrent BCC (4.4% [2.9-5.9] vs 11.9% [8.0-15.8], p < .001).

CONCLUSION

For high-risk KCs, recurrence risk was over 3-times greater with SA compared with CMA. Expanded access to CMA for high-risk KC is likely to reduce recurrence risk and improve clinical outcomes.

Retrospective, Registry-based, Cohort Investigation of Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Basal Cell Carcinoma in Finland

Most cases of keratinocyte cancer can be treated effectively with surgery. However, survival is reduced in patients with advanced disease. This retrospective cohort study evaluated overall survival of patients with invasive keratinocyte cancers, and high-risk features for progression of the disease and mortality in Finnish patients in a real-world setting. A total of 43,143 patients with keratinocyte cancer types of basal cell carcinoma and 10,380 with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma were identified nationwide. More detailed patient records were available for a subset of patients (basal cell carcinoma n = 5,020 and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma n = 1,482) from a regional database. Fifty percent of patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma died approximately 4.5 years after diagnosis. Multivariable models suggested that risk factors for keratinocyte cancer progression were male sex, presence of comorbidities, immunosuppression, and pre-cancerous lesions, while risk factors for disease-specific mortality were advanced disease stage with immunosuppression, other malignancies, and consecutive surgical excisions. These results suggest that identifying patient and tumour factors associated with poor disease outcome could be important when determining appropriate treatment and follow-up; however, further studies are necessary.

Orchestrated expression of vasculogenic mimicry and laminin-5γ2 is an independent prognostic marker in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), an endothelial cell-independent alternative mechanism of blood supply to the malignant tumour, has long been considered as an adverse prognostic factor in many cancers. The correlation of VM with laminin-5γ2 and the assessment of their harmonized expression as an independent risk factor have not been elucidated yet in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). CD31/PAS staining stratified 116 clinically diagnosed OSCC specimens into VM+ and VM- cohorts. The expression pattern of laminin-5γ2 and its upstream modulator MMP2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the survival and prognostic implications. The presence of VM demonstrated a significant correlation with the expression of laminin-5γ2 (p < .001) and MMP2 (p < .001). This pattern was mirrored by the significant upregulation of laminin-5γ2 and MMP2 in VM+ cohorts compared with the VM- ones. Furthermore, co-expression of VM and laminin-5γ2 was significantly associated with tumour grade (p = .010), primary tumour size (p < .001), lymph node metastasis (p = .001) and TNM stages (p < .001) but not with patients' age, gender, tobacco and alcohol consumption habit. Vasculogenic mimicry and laminin-5γ2 double-positive cohort displayed a significantly poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Vasculogenic mimicry, laminin-5γ2 and their subsequent dual expression underlie a significant prognostic value for DFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 9.896, p = .028] and OS [HR = 21.401, p = .033] in OSCC patients. Together, our findings imply that VM along with laminin-5γ2 is strongly linked to the malignant progression in OSCC and VM and laminin-5γ2 coordination emerges as a critical prognostic biomarker for OSCC.

Post-burn scar malignancy: 5-year management review and experience

The study spotlights a severe uncommon post‐burn complication, Marjolin's ulcer, in upper Egypt plastic and wound care centres. This problem is mainly related to inadequate medical care and awareness. No community or race is immune. The underlying malignant transformation mechanism remains unclear. The study aims, according to our experience, to review the prognostic factors through the management protocol of Marjolin's ulcers. This prospective study was conducted in the Aswan University Plastic & Burn surgery department in South Egypt between 2013 and 2020 and investigated 226 patients with chronic post‐burn ulceration. Nineteen cases were proved to have Marjolin's ulcer, and the other cases that had been excluded from being malignant went for reconstruction with split‐thickness skin graft with/without flap after adequate ulcer debridement. The surgical, oncologic, radiologic indications, and prognostic factors were reviewed according to our management outcome—the assessment with follow‐up period extended over 5 years. Histopathology of ulcers ranged among mild, moderate, and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. One scalp ulcer case showed basosquamous pathology. Most cases presented at age above 50, but no age was immune. The mean latent period was 29 years on average. The lesions' sites varied in their anatomic location where they involved the upper extremity, the scalp, and the lower extremity that had a predilection. Although surgical excision is the primary management line for tumour ablation, other factors may change the management course. During the follow‐up period, neoplasm recurrence in the form of lymph node enlargement and/or locoregional metastasis was detected in eight cases. Within 1 year after the intervention, six recurrent cases died, and two were saved. In addition to the case study, this paper reviewed the literature and provided our team a good experience in light of the NCCN protocol for non‐melanotic cutaneous carcinoma, although we suffered limited medical resources. It is concluded that early accurate diagnosis, low‐grade malignancy, and well‐planned individualised surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy were the best prognostic factors. The close follow‐up for an early sign of disease recurrence is paramount.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of cemiplimab vs pembrolizumab for treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Most cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCCs) can be treated with surgical excision or radiation; however, approximately 1% of patients develop advanced disease. In 2018, the FDA approved cemiplimab-rwlc as the first programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody for the treatment of patients with metastatic CSCC or locally advanced CSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. In June 2020, pembrolizumab, another PD-1 monoclonal antibody, was approved for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic CSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. We previously reported on the cost-effectiveness of cemiplimab vs historical standard of care for the treatment of advanced CSCC from a US perspective. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of cemiplimab vs pembrolizumab for patients with advanced CSCC in the United States. METHODS: A "partitioned survival" framework was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of cemiplimab vs pembrolizumab. Clinical inputs were based on the most recent data cut of the phase 2 trials for cemiplimab (EMPOWER-CSCC-1; NCT02760498) and pembrolizumab (KEYNOTE-629). Progression-free survival and overall survival were extrapolated using parametric models until all patients had progressed or died. Health state utilities were derived from data collected in the EMPOWER-CSCC-1 trial. Costs included drug acquisition, drug administration, disease management, terminal care, and adverse events and were based on published 2020 US list prices. To assess model uncertainty, 1-way sensitivity and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were conducted, alongside scenario analyses evaluating key modeling assumptions. RESULTS: In the base case, cemiplimab resulted in an incremental gain of 3.44 life-years (discounted) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $130,329 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) vs pembrolizumab. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY, PSA indicated a 71% probability that cemiplimab is cost-effective when compared with pembrolizumab. Scenario analysis resulted in ICERs ranging from $115,909 to $187,374. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that cemiplimab is a cost-effective treatment for patients with advanced CSCC, compared with pembrolizumab. These results should be interpreted cautiously in the absence of head-to-head trials; however, in the absence of such data, these results can be used to inform health care decisions over resource allocation. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Sanofi. Paul, Cope, Keeping, Mojebi, and Ayers are employees of PRECISIONheor, which received funding to produce this work. Chen, Kuznik, and Xu are employees and stockholders of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Sasane is an employee and stockholder of Sanofi, Inc. Konidaris, Atsou, and Guyot are employees of Sanofi, Inc. The authors were responsible for all content and editorial decisions and received no honoraria related to the development of this publication.

New Developments in the Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. List important prognostic features that affect cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma risk. 2. Summarize the changes to the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, Eighth Edition, staging system for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. 3. Evaluate the draining nodal basin with appropriate imaging modalities. 4. Recommend adjuvant radiation therapy in the correct clinical setting for high-risk tumors. 5. Recognize the currently available treatments for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

SUMMARY

This continuing medical education article reviews the features, management, and prognosis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with an emphasis on high-risk squamous cell carcinoma and data from the past 3 years. This review will discuss the primary tumor management, high-risk features of a squamous cell carcinoma, changes to the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, and the utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy, and critically review the evidence regarding adjuvant therapy.

The value of primary and adjuvant radiotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the head-and-neck region in the elderly

Purpose

To examine treatment patterns, oncological outcomes and toxicity rates in elderly patients receiving radiotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the head-and-neck region.

Material and methods

In this retrospective single-center analysis, locoregional control (LRC), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of elderly patients > 65 years with cSCC of the head-and-neck region undergoing radiotherapy between 2010 and 2019 were calculated. The prognostic value of clinicopathological parameters on radiotherapy outcomes was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. In addition, both acute and chronic toxicities were retrospectively quantified according to CTCAE version 5.0.

Results

A total of 69 elderly patients with cSCC of the head-and-neck region with a median age of 85 years were included in this analysis, of whom 21.7% (15 patients) presented with nodal disease. The majority of patients exhibited a good performance status, indicated by a median Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) of 80% and 6 points, respectively. Radiotherapy was administered as primary (48%), adjuvant (32%) or palliative therapy (20%). 55 patients (79.7%) completed treatment and received the scheduled radiotherapy dose. Median EQD2 radiation doses were 58.4 Gy, 60 Gy and 51.3 Gy in the definitive, adjuvant and palliative situation, respectively. 2-year LRC, PFS and OS ranged at 54.2%, 33.5 and 40.7%, respectively. Survival differed significantly between age groups with a median OS of 20 vs. 12 months (p < 0.05) for patients aged 65–80 or above 80 years. In the multivariate analysis, positive lymph node status remained the only significant prognostic factor deteriorating OS (HR 3.73, CI 1.54–9.03, p < 0.01). Interestingly, neither KPS nor CCI impaired survival in this elderly patient cohort. Only 3 patients (4.3%) experienced acute CTCAE grade 3 toxicities, and no chronic CTCAE grade 2–5 toxicities were observed in our cohort.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy was feasible and well-tolerated in this distinct population, showing the general feasibility of radiotherapy for cSCC of the head-and-neck region also in the older and oldest olds. The very mild toxicities may allow for moderate dose escalation to improve LRC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13014-021-01832-3.

Efficacy and prognostic factors of adjuvant radiotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although adjuvant radiotherapy has been used for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, its outcome benefits, especially for patients with clear surgical margins, have not been statistically estimated, and the characteristics that can indicate patients who require adjuvant therapy need to be validated with more evidence. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of literature on the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with cSCC treated by surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Twenty related studies involving 2605 patients met our inclusion criteria. The significant survival outcomes of adjuvant radiotherapy included lower recurrence (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36-0.85), longer disease-free survival (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.23-3.83) and longer overall survival (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.75-4.91). Significant prognostic factors for poor outcomes were perineural invasion (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.24-2.09), involved surgical margins (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.42-3.83) and immunosuppression (HR, 3.02; 95% CI, 2.14-4.25) while adjuvant radiotherapy significantly contributed to better overall survival (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34-0.65). In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients with risk factors, including metastasis to the parotid gland, perineural invasion and immunosuppression, the use of adjuvant radiotherapy may be beneficial irrespective of surgical margin status.

Assessing the Value of Cemiplimab for Adults With Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of cemiplimab in patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) from a payer perspective in the United States.

METHODS

A partitioned survival model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of cemiplimab versus historical standard of care (SOC). All inputs were identified based on a systematic literature review, supplemented by expert opinion where necessary. Clinical inputs for cemiplimab were based on individual patient data from a cemiplimab phase 2 single-arm trial (NCT27060498). For SOC, analysis was based on a pooled analysis of single-arm clinical trials and retrospective studies evaluating chemotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (cetuximab, erlotinib, and gefitinib) identified via a systematic literature review (6 of the 27 included studies). Overall survival and progression-free survival were extrapolated over a lifetime horizon. Costs were included for drug acquisition, drug administration, management of adverse events, subsequent therapy, disease management, and terminal care. Unit costs were based on published 2019 US list prices.

RESULTS

In the base case, cemiplimab versus SOC resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $99 447 per quality adjusted-life year (QALY), where incremental costs and QALYs were $372 108 and 3.74, respectively. At a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150 000/QALY, the probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggests a 90% probability that cemiplimab is cost-effective compared to SOC. Scenario analyses resulted in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios ranging from $90 590 to $148 738.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with historical SOC, cemiplimab is a cost-effective use of US payer resources for the treatment of advanced CSCC and is expected to provide value for money.

Preliminary Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Utility Analysis of Cemiplimab in Patients with Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Italy

Purpose

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a common cancer that in most cases is curable with surgery. About 3-5% of patients develop advanced CSCC (aCSCC) and are no longer responsive to surgery or radiation therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of cemiplimab, the first systemic therapy approved in Italy for patients with aCSCC, vs platinum-based chemotherapy from the Italian National Health Service (SSN) perspective.

Methods

A partitioned survival model, which included three mutually exclusive health states, was developed to estimate costs and outcomes for patients with aCSCC, over a 30-year time horizon (lifetime). No direct evidence of the comparative efficacy and safety of cemiplimab versus other therapies currently exists. Therefore, a simulated treatment comparison (STC) was conducted to estimate the comparative efficacy of cemiplimab versus chemotherapy. Individual patient data for cemiplimab were collected from the EMPOWER-CSCC 1 trial whereas chemotherapy data were derived from a retrospective study. In the STC a regression model was used to predict outcomes for cemiplimab in the population observed in the comparator study. Costs of drug acquisition/administration and management of adverse events were included. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3% per year. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) were calculated; sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to assess the robustness of results.

Results

In the base-case, treatment with cemiplimab was associated with a gain of 4.89 LYs and 3.99 QALYs, compared with a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen, resulting in an estimated ICER of 27,821 €/LY gained and an ICUR of 34,110 €/QALY gained. Both ICER and ICUR were below the commonly used Italian SSN willingness to pay thresholds.

Conclusion

The use of cemiplimab, compared with a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen, can be considered a cost-effective option for the treatment of aCSCC patients in Italy.

Surgical management of recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after definitive surgery and radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the primary treatment for patients with recurrent head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) who have previously been treated by definitive surgery and radiotherapy. There are limited published data to direct management and the role of immunotherapy is currently under evaluation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients with at least stage III recurrent head and neck cSCC previously managed by definitive surgery and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patients met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-seven percent were male and the median age at the time of surgery was 79 years. After salvage surgery, 7% developed local recurrence and 43% regional or distant failure. The 2-year overall survival and disease-free survival were 45% (95% confidence interval 24-64) and 11% (95% confidence interval 1-34), respectively. Advanced age was associated with a higher risk of overall mortality (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with recurrent head and neck cSCC in the setting of previous radiotherapy have high recurrence rates with poor survival justifying consideration for treatment with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy strategies.

Outcomes in intermediate-risk squamous cell carcinomas treated with Mohs micrographic surgery compared with wide local excision

BACKGROUND

Brigham and Women's Hospital stage T2a squamous cell carcinomas, demonstrating a single high-risk feature, have a low risk of metastasis and death but an increased risk of local recurrence. Little evidence exists for the best treatment modality and associated outcomes in T2a squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare outcomes for T2a squamous cell carcinoma treated by Mohs micrographic surgery compared with wide local excision with permanent sections.

METHODS

Retrospective review of an institutional review board-approved single-institution registry of T2a squamous cell carcinoma.

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-six primary T2a tumors were identified, including 240 squamous cell carcinomas (65.6%) treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and 126 (34.4%) treated with wide local excision. A total of 32.5% of patients were immunosuppressed and mean oncologic follow-up was 2.8 years. Local recurrence was significantly more likely after wide local excision (4.0%) than after Mohs micrographic surgery (1.2%) (P = .03). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated immunocompromised state (odds ratio [OR] 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-23.3; P = .03) and wide local excision (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.1-21.6; P = .04) associated with local recurrence; and wide local excision (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.4-25.4; P < .001), high-risk head and neck location (OR 8.3; 95% CI 1.8-38.7; P = .004), and poor histologic differentiation (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.4-15.4; P = .03) associated with poor outcomes (overall recurrence or disease-specific death).

CONCLUSION

Mohs micrographic surgery provides improved outcomes in Brigham and Women's Hospital T2a squamous cell carcinoma.

Driving innovation for rare skin cancers: utilizing common tumours and machine learning to predict immune checkpoint inhibitor response

Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) are rare and both show impressive responses to immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. However, at least 40% of patients do not respond to these expensive and potentially toxic drugs. Development of predictive biomarkers of response and rational, effective combination treatment strategies in these rare, often frail patient populations is challenging. This review discusses the pathophysiology and treatment of MCC and cSCC, with a particular focus on potential biomarkers of response to immunotherapy, and discusses how transfer learning using big data collected from patients with common tumours can be used in combination with deep phenotyping of rare tumours to develop predictive biomarkers and elucidate novel treatment targets.

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Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are rare tumours.

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Immunotherapy gives impressive responses but most patients do not survive long term.

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Small patient numbers prevent extensive biomarker research in clinical trials.

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Pooled data from common and rare tumours can be used to train neural networks.

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In rare cancers, neural networks can help identify biomarkers and novel treatment targets.

Prognostic value of inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase expression in recurrent and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (INPP5A) has been shown to play a role in the progression of actinic keratosis to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and the progression of localized disease to metastatic disease. Currently, no cSCC biomarkers are able to risk stratify recurrent and metastatic disease.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prognostic value of INPP5A expression in cSCC recurrent and metastatic disease.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, single-institutional, retrospective cohort study within the Mayo Clinic Health System on the use of immunohistochemical staining to examine cSCC INPP5A protein expression in primary tumors and recurrent and metastatic disease. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists were blinded to outcome.

RESULTS

Low staining expression of INPP5A in recurrent and metastatic disease tumors was associated with poor overall survival (OS) (31.0 months for low versus 62.0 months for high expression; P = .0272). A composite risk score (calculated as score of primary tumor + score of recurrent or metastatic disease tumor, with tumors with high expression scoring a zero and low expression a 1, score range 0-2) of 0 was predictive of improved OS compared with a composite risk score of ≥1 (hazard ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.21-0.84; P = .0113).

LIMITATIONS

This is a multicenter but single institution study of a white population.

CONCLUSION

Loss of INPP5A expression predicts poor OS in recurrent and metastatic disease of cSCC.