Detection of lymph node micrometastases in patients with squamous carcinoma of the head and neck

Prognostic role of lymph node micrometastasis in oral and oropharyngeal cancer: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

An estimated 20% of patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OOSCC) have micrometastases (Mi) or isolated tumor cells (ITC) in the cervical lymph nodes that evade detection by standard histological evaluation of lymph node sections. Lymph node Mi and ITC could be one reason for regional recurrence after neck dissection. The aim of this study was to review the existing data regarding the impact of Mi on the survival of patients with OOSCC.

METHODS

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles reporting the impact of Mi and ITC on patient survival. Two authors independently assessed the methodological quality of retrieved studies using the Downs and Black index. Data were also extracted on study type, number of included patients, mode of histological analysis, statistical analysis, and prognostic impact.

RESULTS

Sixteen articles with a total of 2064 patients were included in the review. Among the 16 included studies, eight revealed a statistically significant impact of Mi on at least one endpoint in the Kaplan-Meier and/or multivariate analysis. Three studies regarded Mi as Ma, while five studies found no impact of Mi on survival. Only one study demonstrated an impact of ITC on patient's prognosis in the univariate but not in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

The majority of cases included in the review were patients with oral cancer. The findings provide low-certainty evidence that Mi negatively impacts survival. Data on ITC were scarcer, so no conclusions can be drawn about their effect on survival. The lower threshold to discriminate between Mi and ITC should be defined for OOSCC since the existing thresholds are based on data from different tumors. The histological, immunohistological, and anatomical characteristics of Mi and ITC in OOSCC as well as the effect of radiotherapy on Mi should be further investigated separately for oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas.

A novel near-infrared EGFR targeting probe for metastatic lymph node imaging in preclinical mouse models

For the treatment of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the imaging of cervical lymph nodes and the evaluation of metastastic progression are of great significance. In recent years, the development of new non-radioactive lymph node tracers has been an area of intense research. Here, we report the synthesis, good biocompatibility, and in vivo evaluation of a new small molecule near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence probe by the conjugation of Lapatinib to S0456 (LP-S). We show that like Lapatinib, LP-S binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) resulting in high quality fluorescence imaging of metastatic lymph nodes in OSCC mouse models. After local injection of LP-S into the tumor, the lymphatic drainage pathway and lymph nodes can be clearly identified by NIR fluorescence imaging. Further, the LP-S probe shows higher contrast and longer retention in metastatic lymph nodes, allowing them to be differentiated from normal lymph nodes, and affording a new choice for fluorescence-guided surgery. Scheme. Chemical synthesis and application of EGFR targeting probe LP-S for imaging of metastatic lymph nodes (mLNs) in OSCC.

Metastatic and sentinel lymph node mapping using intravenously delivered Panitumumab-IRDye800CW

Rationale: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a well-established minimally invasive staging procedure that maps the spread of tumour metastases from their primary site to the regional lymphatics. Currently, the procedure requires the local peri-tumoural injection of radiolabelled and/or optical agents, and is therefore operator dependent, disruptive to surgical workflow and restricted largely to a small subset of malignancies that can be readily accessed externally for local tracer injection. The present study set out to determine whether intravenous (IV) infusion of a tumor-targeted tracer could identify sentinel and metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in order to overcome these limitations. Methods: We examined 27 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), 18 of whom were clinically node negative (cN0). Patients were infused intravenously with 50mg of Panitumumab-IRDye800CW prior to surgical resection of their primary tumour with neck dissection and/or SLNB. Lymphadenectomy specimens underwent fluorescence molecular imaging to evaluate tracer distribution to LNs. Results: A total of 960 LNs were analysed, of which 34 (3.5%) contained metastatic disease. Panitumumab-IRDye800CW preferentially localized to metastatic and sentinel LNs as evidenced by a higher fluorescent signal relative to other lymph nodes. The median MFI of metastatic LNs was significantly higher than the median MFI of benign LNs (0.06 versus 0.02, p < 0.05). Furthermore, selecting the highest five fluorescence intensity LNs from individual specimens resulted in 100% sensitivity, 85.8% specificity and 100% negative predictive value (NPV) for the detection of occult metastases and 100% accuracy for clinically staging the neck. In the cN+ cohort, assessment of the highest 5 fluorescence LNs per patient had 87.5% sensitivity, 93.2% specificity and 99.1% NPV for the detection of metastatic nodes. Conclusion: When intravenously infused, a tumour-targeted tracer localized to sentinel and metastatic lymph nodes. Further validation of an IV tumor-targeted tracer delivery approach for SLNB could dramatically change the practice of SLNB, allowing its application to other malignancies where the primary tumour is not accessible for local tracer injection.

Novel Diagnostic Approaches for Assessment of the Clinically Negative Neck in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

In head and neck cancer, the presence of nodal disease is a strong determinant of prognosis and treatment. Despite the use of modern multimodality diagnostic imaging, the prevalence of occult nodal metastases is relatively high. This is why in clinically node negative head and neck cancer the lymphatics are treated “electively” to eradicate subclinical tumor deposits. As a consequence, many true node negative patients undergo surgery or irradiation of the neck and suffer from the associated and unnecessary early and long-term morbidity. Safely tailoring head and neck cancer treatment to individual patients requires a more accurate pre-treatment assessment of nodal status. In this review, we discuss the potential of several innovative diagnostic approaches to guide customized management of the clinically negative neck in head and neck cancer patients.

A Multicenter Retrospective Study of Elective Neck Dissection for T1-2N0M0 Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Analysis Using Propensity Score-Matching

Background

This multicenter retrospective study aimed to determine whether elective neck dissection (END) can be performed for T1-2N0M0 tongue cancer.

Methods

Patients with T1-2N0M0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma who received treatment between January 2000 and December 2012 were enrolled at 14 multicenter study sites. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) were compared between the propensity score-matched END and observation (OBS) groups.

Results

The results showed that the OS rates among the 1234 enrolled patients were 85.5% in the END group and 90.2% in the OBS group (P = 0.182). The DSS rates were 87.0% in the END group and 94.3% in the OBS group (P = 0.003). Among the matched patients, the OS rates were 87.1% in the END group and 76.2% in the OBS group (P = 0.0051), and the respective DSS rates were 89.2% and 82.2% (P = 0.0335).

Conclusion

This study showed that END is beneficial for T1-2N0M0 tongue cancer. However, END should be performed for patients with a tumor depth of 4–5 mm or more, which is the depth associated with a high rate of lymph node metastasis. The use of END should be carefully considered for both elderly and young patients.

Rapid nodal staging of head and neck cancer surgical specimens with flow cytometric analysis

Background:

Detection of metastatic spread of head and neck cancer to cervical lymph nodes is essential for optimal design of therapy. Undetected metastases lead to mortality, which can be prevented by better detection methods.

Methods:

We analysed 41 lymph nodes from 19 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Each lymph node was divided in two, one half processed for histopathology and the other half dissociated into single-cell suspension, stained for the carcinoma cell markers cytokeratin 5/8 (CK5/8), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and epithelial mucin (MUC-1), and analysed with flow cytometry. Flow cytometry data were compared with histopathology performed on serial sections and immunohistochemistry. Six cervical lymph nodes from cancer-free patients were used to establish baseline levels in flow cytometry.

Results:

Flow cytometry analysis (fluorescence-activated cell sorting; FACS) detected all six metastases confirmed by histopathology as well as the histologically negative nodes. Importantly, among nine sentinel lymph nodes, FACS analysis detected <1% malignant cells in four cases, not found in histopathology. Results from flow cytometry analysis can be obtained within 3 h of the time of biopsy.

Conclusions:

We show that flow cytometric analysis of nodal tissue is sensitive and reliable in identifying metastases of OSCC. Flow cytometry is inexpensive and fast, providing a possibility of perioperative diagnostics and immediate treatment planning.

Metastatic Lymph Node Burden and Survival in Oral Cavity Cancer

Purpose Current staging systems for oral cavity cancers incorporate lymph node (LN) size and laterality, but place less weight on the total number of positive metastatic nodes. We investigated the independent impact of numerical metastatic LN burden on survival. Methods Adult patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing upfront surgical resection for curative intent were identified in the National Cancer Data Base between 2004 and 2013. A neck dissection of a minimum of 10 LNs was required. Multivariable models were constructed to assess the association between the number of metastatic LNs and survival, adjusting for factors such as nodal size, laterality, extranodal extension, margin status, and adjuvant treatment. Results Overall, 14,554 patients met inclusion criteria (7,906 N0 patients; 6,648 node-positive patients). Mortality risk escalated continuously with increasing number of metastatic nodes without plateau, with the effect most pronounced with up to four LNs (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.29 to 1.39; P < .001). Extranodal extension (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.65; P < .001) and lower neck involvement (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.27; P < .001) also predicted increased mortality. Increasing number of nodes examined was associated with improved survival, plateauing at 35 LNs (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.98 to 0.99; P < .001). In multivariable models accounting for the number of metastatic nodes, contralateral LN involvement (N2c status) and LN size were not associated with mortality. A novel nodal staging system derived by recursive partitioning analysis exhibited greater concordance than the American Joint Committee on Cancer (8th edition) system. Conclusion The number of metastatic nodes is a critical predictor of oral cavity cancer mortality, eclipsing other features such as LN size and contralaterality in prognostic value. More robust incorporation of numerical metastatic LN burden may augment staging and better inform adjuvant treatment decisions.

Cervical level IIb metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to clarify whether level IIb dissection should be performed or avoided in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma by meta-analysis.

Materials and methods

Articles that were published before June 2017 were searched electronically in four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Ovid and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) without any date or language restrictions by two independent reviewers. Abstracts and full-text papers which investigated the cervical metastases to level IIb from primary head and neck cancers and were deemed potentially relevant were screened. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3.

Results

Four hundred and fifty-five abstracts and 129 full-text papers were screened, and 22 studies were included in the analysis. Among the 2001 patients included, 112 patients had level IIb metastases, the pooled frequency of which was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.0–7.0). Among the 400 patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma from 12 studies, 37 patients had level IIb metastases, the pooled incidence of which was 7% (95% CI: 5.0–10.0). Metastases to level IIb always went together with level IIa, and only three patients were found to have isolated level IIb metastases without involving the other levels.

Conclusion

Due to the low frequency of level IIb nodal metastases in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and rare occurrence of isolated level IIb, level IIb dissection could be avoided when the primary lesions were in early stages (T1 and T2), with the exception of tongue cancer. It is recommended to dissect level IIb tongue cancers without considering the stages of primary lesions and the lymph nodes status. It is also suggested that level IIb dissection should be performed in patients preoperatively or intraoperatively found with multilevel neck metastasis, especially level IIa metastasis.

Micrometastasis Detection using Special Stains in Nodal Tissues of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - A Histochemical Study

INTRODUCTION

Micrometastasis to the lymph node is an important prognostic factor in survival and recurrence and even in making critical decisions regarding postoperative radiation treatment. Methods like Immunohistochemistry (IHC), serial sectioning and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) are very sensitive; however, they are expensive and time consuming. Hence, there is a need for the detection of micrometastasis by method which is easily feasible and inexpensive.

AIM

This study was undertaken to identify if special stains (Modified Papanicolaou stain and Ayoub Shklar stain) are valuable in detecting micrometastasis which are routinely missed in Haematoxylin and Eosin stain and also to compare their efficacy over Haematoxylin and Eosin stain in detection of metastatic tumour cells in non-metastatic lymph nodes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study constituted a total of 300 histopathologically proven non metastatic lymph node sections. Other than Haematoxylin and Eosin stain, Modified Papanicalaou and Ayoub Shklar stain were used for identification of micrometastatic deposit.

RESULTS

Papanicolaou stain was the only stain useful in detecting micrometastasis which accounted to 7% of non metastatic lymph node sections used in our study.

CONCLUSION

Papanicolaou stain has definitely proved valuable in detecting micrometastasis over routine Haematoxylin and Eosin and Ayoub Shklar stain with an added advantage of being economical, easily available and technique insensitive.

Infracentimetric cervical lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Incidence and prognostic value

OBJECTIVES

Supracentimetric cervical lymph node metastasis is classically a poor prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence and survival in head and neck cancer. Causality, however, is more controversial for infracentimetric cervical lymph node metastases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and prognostic value of infracentimetric lymph node metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred and forty-three neck dissections from 150 head and neck cancer patients were analyzed. A single pathologist exhaustively inventoried the number and size of all adenopathies in the surgical specimen.

RESULTS

Cervical lymph node metastases were infracentimetric in 38% of cases, with 72% extracapsular spread (versus 91% for supracentimetric adenopathies; P<0.01). Infracentimetric metastases were more often associated with other cervical lymph node metastases (mean 5.3 versus 3.9; P=0.14). Fifty three percent of specimens showed only supracentimetric metastases (versus 13% infracentimetric metastases; P<0.01). Disease-specific and failure-free survival were lower in case of infracentimetric metastasis, associated with supracentimetric metastasis or not, than in case of macrometastasis only.

CONCLUSION

Infracentimetric cervical lymph node metastasis is a factor of poor prognosis, and may represent a different, more aggressive lymphatic process. We suggest complete neck dissection by the surgeon and meticulous analysis by the pathologist, the results of which guide complementary therapy. Close surveillance of recurrence is also recommended.

Lymph Node Yield as a Predictor of Survival in Pathologically Node Negative Oral Cavity Carcinoma

Objective

Even after a pathologically node-negative (pN0) neck dissection for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), patients may develop regional recurrence. In this study, we (1) hypothesize that an increased number of lymph nodes removed (lymph node yield) in patients with pN0 oral SCC predicts improved survival and (2) explore predictors of survival in these patients using a multivariable model.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Administrative database analysis.

Subjects and Methods

The SEER database was queried for patients diagnosed with all-stage oral cavity SCC between 1988 and 2009 who were determined to be pN0 after elective lymph node dissection. Demographic and treatment variables were extracted. The association of lymph node yield with 5-year all-cause survival was studied with multivariable survival analyses.

Results

A total of 4341 patients with pN0 oral SCC were included in this study. The 2 highest lymph node yield quartiles (representing >22 nodes removed) were found to be significant predictors of overall survival (22-35 nodes: hazard ratio [HR] = 0.854, P = .031; 36-98 nodes: HR = 0.827, P = .010). Each additional lymph node removed during neck dissection was associated with increased survival (HR = 0.995, P = .022).

Conclusion

These data suggest that patients with oral SCC undergoing elective neck dissection may experience an overall survival benefit associated with greater lymph node yield. Mechanisms behind the demonstrated survival advantage are unknown. Larger nodal dissections may remove a greater burden of microscopic metastatic disease, diminishing the likelihood of recurrence. Lymph node yield may serve as an objective measure of the adequacy of lymphadenectomy.

Detection of Cervical Lymph Node Micrometastases in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity, Pharynx and Larynx

Background: The goal of this prospective study was to determine the frequency of micrometastases in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx in whom elective neck dissection was indicated (cN0). Patients and Methods: A total of 12 patients (10 males and 2 females) were enrolled in the study. The age ranged 42–73 years (median 62 years). Elective neck dissection was performed in all patients (8 ipsilateral, 4 bilateral) and a total of 256 lymph nodes were removed and sent for microscopic examination. Results: The presence of tumor cells in cervical lymph nodes was found in 5/12 (42%) patients. Micrometastases of SCC were found in two patients and isolated tumor cells (ITC) in two other patients. In the remaining one patient with oropharyngeal SCC, a micrometastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was detected. Positive lymph nodes were localized in level II in three patients with SCC of larynx, hypopharynx and tongue base, respectively, in level I in one patient with SCC of oral tongue and in level III in one patient with PTC. Conclusion: Our results indicate that SCC of head and neck has a high potential for creating micrometastases which frequency is higher compared to clinically detected macrometastases. Therefore, elective neck dissection or radiotherapy of the neck should be considered in patients with high risk of occult metastases or micrometastases.

Alterations of high endothelial venules in primary and metastatic tumors are correlated with lymph node metastasis of oral and pharyngeal carcinoma

High endothelial venules (HEVs) are special blood vessels in the paracortical region of lymph nodes (LNs) and govern lymphocyte recruitment. LN metastasis has similarity to circulating lymphocytes homing to LNs, but the role of HEVs in the progression of oral and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is unclear. In this study, we found that HEVs experienced a series of morphological and functional changes during OPSCC progression and were correlated with LN metastasis. In 9 cases of 73 metastatic LNs, tumor emboli were located adjacent to HEVs or just out of the vessels but not lymphatic channels. Gap junctions of tumor cells close to HEVs decreased or disappeared, and gaps were left at contact points where tumor cells attached to the HEVs. Moreover, the proliferation rate of endothelial cells of HEVs was the highest in metastatic LNs. Finally, L-selectin was detected in both primary and metastatic tumors, and it facilitated tumor cells adhering to LNs. In conclusion, our findings suggest that remodeled HEVs are correlated with LN metastasis of OPSCC and play important role in this process by preparing premetastatic soil for cancer cell metastasis.

Results of treatment for pT1/pT2 carcinomas of the floor of mouth

CONCLUSION

In pT2 floor of mouth cancer (FOMC), a standardized neck dissection (ND) should be carried out, due to the high risk of occult metastases. In cases of pT1 carcinomas with a clinically negative neck using high imaging standards and expertise a tight 'wait and watch' strategy can be used.

OBJECTIVE

To report on the oncologic results with primary surgical treatment of pT1/pT2 FOMC and to examine the benefit of elective ND in cN0.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study design including 216 patients who were treated between 1980 and 2010 for pT1/2 FOMC. The 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS), local and (loco)regional control based on the T and N classification and depth of infiltration were investigated.

RESULTS

DSS was 79.5% and (loco)regional control was 89.8%. DSS in patients staged pN0 was significantly higher, at 84.6%, than in those staged pN+, at 60%. ND was performed in 165 patients, and adjuvant therapy was administered in 124 patients. Ninety patients (41.7%) were staged cN0, and 53.3% of them underwent elective ND. The risk of occult metastases was 4.8% in pT1 and 28.6% in pT2. A depth of infiltration of ≥ 5 mm showed a markedly higher relative frequency of occult neck metastases and pN+ status.

Correlation of tumor marker expression with nodal disease burden in metastatic head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the correlation between the percentage of metastatic tumor present in lymph nodes resected from patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and level of expression of 3 marker genes: pemphigus vulgaris antigen (PVA), parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), and tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1 (TACSTD1). In addition, we investigated whether the level of expression of these 3 markers was associated with clinical outcomes for patients with HNSCC.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of previously harvested patient samples.

SETTING

The University of Pittsburgh.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 448 lymph nodes from 92 patients with HNSCC were evaluated for expression of the gene markers PVA, PTHrP, and TACSTD1 using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Confirmation of metastasis was determined by histologic examination. The expression level of these markers versus tumor percentage was analyzed.

RESULTS

All 3 markers were studied independently and were associated with tumor percentage in metastatic lymph nodes. PVA had the strongest correlation, followed by PTHrP and then TACSTD1. PVA levels had a trend toward association with clinical outcome, specifically time to death caused by cancer, but this was confounded by tumor stage.

CONCLUSION

All 3 tumor gene markers were associated with percentage of tumor cells in metastatic lymph nodes. PVA had the strongest correlation. PVA may add prognostic utility beyond pathologic staging, but this requires analysis of a larger cohort. Prospective studies of tumor volume in metastatic nodes should determine a lower limit threshold of molecular marker detection.

Novel diagnostic modalities for assessment of the clinically node-negative neck in oral squamous-cell carcinoma

Oral squamous-cell carcinomas arise in mucosal linings of the oral cavity and frequently metastasise to regional lymph nodes in the neck. The presence of nodal metastases is a determinant of prognosis and clinical management. The neck is staged by palpation and imaging, but accuracy of these techniques to detect small metastases is low. In general, 30-40% of patients will have occult nodal disease and will develop clinically detectable lymph-node metastases when the neck is left untreated. The choice at present is either elective treatment or careful observation followed by treatment of the neck in patients who develop manifest metastases. These unsatisfying therapeutic options have been the subject of debate for decades. Recent developments in staging of the neck, including expression profiling and sentinel lymph-node biopsy, will allow more personalised management of the neck.

Prognostic biological features in neck dissection specimens

The superior prognostic value offered by routine histopathological staging of neck dissections, as compared to clinical staging using palpation and modern imaging techniques, is well established in the literature concerning the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In this review, we discuss the definitions and criteria used in standardised routine histopathological reporting and explore additional potential nodal prognostic features. In addition, we critically appraise the value of immunohistochemistry, histochemistry, molecular and other non-morphological techniques and suggest tumour and host features that merit further investigations.

The effects of tumor size, degree of differentiation, and depth of invasion on the risk of neck node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Cervical lymph node metastasis is the most important prognostic factor in patients with head and neck carcinoma. We retrospectively analyzed the effects of three different variables-tumor size, degree of differentiation, and depth of invasion-on the risk of neck node metastasis in 50 adults who had been treated with surgery for primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Primary tumor depth and other pathologic features were determined by reviewing the pathology specimens. Preoperatively, 36 of the 50 patients were clinically N0; however, occult lymph node metastasis was found in 13 of these patients (36.1%). The prevalence of neck node metastasis in patients with T1/T2 and T3/T4 category tumors was 51.5 and 58.8%, respectively. The associations between the prevalence of neck node metastasis and both the degree of differentiation and the depth of invasion were statistically significant, but there was no significant association between neck node metastasis and tumor size. We conclude that the prevalence of neck lymph node metastasis in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity increases as the tumor depth increases and as the degree of tumor differentiation decreases from well to poor, as has been shown in previous studies. It is interesting that tumor size, which is the most important component of the TNM system, was not significantly associated with neck node involvement.

Incidence of occult cervical metastasis in head and neck carcinomas: development over time

BACKGROUND

With the development of imaging techniques in diagnostics of head and neck carcinomas, especially computed tomography and ultrasonogaphy, one might expect that the incidence of occult metastases would be reduced. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of occult metastases in a large population cohort and explore its changes with improvement of imaging techniques over the last 30 years.

METHODS

All patients between 1980 and 2010 with head and neck carcinoma and cN0 neck status were retrospectively evaluated. Six hundred thirty-six patients with cN0 neck who received an elective neck dissection as part of a definitive surgical treatment were included.

RESULTS

The overall rate of occult metastases was 24.8% (158/636). The rate was 26.5% (80/302) between 1980 and 1995 and 23.4% (78/334) between 1995 and 2010. Only pT1-2 glottic carcinomas had an occult metastases rate of less than 10%. All other pT1-2 carcinomas had an incidence of occult metastases between 19.1% and 42.5%. pT3-4 tumors showed an occult metastases rate of 24.5-53.3%.

CONCLUSION

The occult metastases rate showed only a marginal improvement over the last 30 years and is still above the 20% margin. All but pT1-2 glottic carcinomas should be considered for elective treatment of the neck.

Relevance of level I and IIB neck dissection in laryngeal cancer

OBJECTIVES

Dissection of neck levels I and IIB is time-consuming and can cause comorbidity. This study aimed to determine whether level I and IIB neck dissection was necessary in patients with laryngeal cancer and clinically detectable or nondetectable neck nodes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 73 patients with laryngeal cancer. Essential clinical data were obtained and analysed to determine the incidence of neck node metastasis in levels I and IIB.

RESULTS

Of the 48 patients with no clinically apparent neck nodes, none had level I metastases and only one had level IIB metastases. Of the patients with clinically detectable neck nodes, three of 21 patients had level I metastases and three of 25 patients had level IIB metastases; these six patients also had additional metastases in level IIA.

CONCLUSION

Dissection of neck levels I and IIB is justifiable in laryngeal cancer patients with clinically detectable neck nodes and suspicious lymph nodes in the respective level or level IIA. However, in patients without clinically detectable neck nodes, preservation of levels I and IIB is oncologically safe, economical and reduces the risk of comorbidity.

Rapid molecular detection of metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as an intraoperative adjunct to sentinel lymph node biopsy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Clinical staging of early head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN) is often inaccurate, leading to elective neck dissection to detect the 30% of patients with micrometastatic disease. Sentinel node biopsy accurately stages the regional lymphatics, but intraoperative pathology is only moderately sensitive, and final pathology takes several days to complete. To facilitate immediate neck dissection where necessary, we have identified several promising marker genes of SCCHN metastasis and developed a rapid, accurate, and automated quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (qRT-PCR) assay for intraoperative use.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective tissue collection, retrospective pathologic correlation with qRT-PCR.

METHODS

From a 40-gene marker screen, we quantified expression of 11 potential tumor genes using a test set of primary tumors (n = 32) and metastatic (n = 19) and benign (n = 10) lymph nodes. Eight patients' paired primary tumor and metastatic nodes were included. A validation set of 442 grossly tumor-negative nodes was evaluated for expression of the most promising markers, comparing metastasis detection by qRT-PCR with pathologic analysis (hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry). A novel multiplexed, automated, single-tube qRT-PCR assay was used to analyze more than 100 lymph nodes using a two-marker, 35-minute assay to determine its negative predictive value.

RESULTS

Based on expression of 11 tumor-associated genes from the marker screen, the two most promising markers of SCCHN metastasis in the test set, pemphigus vulgaris antigen (PVA) and tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 1 (TACSTD1), also known as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), were selected. Development of a multiplexed qRT-PCR assay for the detection of metastasis compared favorably with pathologic analysis in the additional 442-node set. A rapid, multiplexed assay using PVA and TACSTD1 demonstrated excellent reproducibility, linearity, and accuracy (≈96% negative predictive value) for identifying positive (n = 40) and negative (n = 62) nodes in a validation subset.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection of metastatic SCCHN using multiplexed qRT-PCR can be rapid, accurate, and automated and may enable sentinel node biopsy to be used for intraoperative decision-making. PCR amplification of tumor marker genes is an effective method of intraoperative molecular staging of SCCHN and could more appropriately guide application of neck dissection in pN+ SCCHN patients, sparing 60% to 70% of pN0 patients from unnecessary neck dissection. This technique may also be used for identifying residual neck disease posttreatment, using outpatient fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens.

Future of the TNM classification and staging system in head and neck cancer

Staging systems for cancer, including the most universally used TNM classification system, have been based almost exclusively on anatomic information. However, the question arises whether staging systems should be based on this information alone. Other parameters have been identified that should be considered for inclusion in classification systems like the TNM. This is all the more important, as a shift toward nonsurgical treatments for head and neck cancer has been made over the years. For these treatment modalities tumor/biologic characteristics next to anatomic information may be particularly important for treatment choice and outcome. The shortcomings of the current TNM classification system will be discussed, along with suggestions for improvement and expansion of the TNM system based on tumor, patient, and environment-related factors. Further improvement of the TNM classification is expected to result in better treatment choices, outcome and prognostication of patients with head and neck cancer.

Evaluation of Immunohistochemical Fine Sectioning for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective. To determine the level of sentinel lymph node sectioning necessary to accurately detect nodal micrometastasis.

Study Design. Cross-sectional.

Setting. Tertiary care university medical center.

Subjects and Methods. Fine sections of oral squamous cell carcinoma sentinel lymph nodes previously sectioned at 2-mm intervals in a prospective clinical trial were reexamined. The results yielded from prior hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were compared with results following exhaustive serial sectioning at 150-µm intervals using identical staining methods. These experimental findings were compared with pathologic results of immediate completion selective neck dissection, previously recorded prospectively.

Results. Reexamination of 35 sentinel nodes at 150-µm intervals has not revealed any missed micrometastatic disease at 2-mm intervals used initially. Both comparisons of 150-µm sectioning analysis to the original 2-mm section samples and to the neck dissection pathology reports demonstrate a 100% negative predictive value.

Conclusion. These data suggest that sentinel lymph node sectioning at 2-mm intervals for oral carcinoma using hematoxylin and eosin staining and then immunohistochemical analysis maximizes efficiency, accuracy, and expenditure for the detection of micrometastasis.

Management of the clinically negative neck in early-stage head and neck cancers after transoral resection

The decision regarding treatment of the clinically negative neck has been debated extensively. This is particularly true with early-stage tumors for which surgery is the treatment of choice, and the tumor has been resected transorally without a cervical incision. Elective neck dissection in this situation is an additional procedure with potential associated morbidity. The alternative strategy for the clinically negative neck is to "wait and watch." Both an elective neck dissection policy and a "watchful waiting" policy have their proponents. The purpose of this article was for us to review the literature about this subject to try to answer the following question: if the tumor has been resected transorally, should an elective treatment of the neck be performed or is a "watchful waiting" policy safe and adequate? We conclude that, currently, the best available evidence suggests that elective neck dissection does not seem to be superior to the policy of observation without neck surgery, with regard to survival and control of neck disease. This review highlights the need for further well-designed prospective studies that will provide more reliable answers to the debatable issue of the management of the clinically negative neck in such cases.

Neck restaging with sentinel node biopsy in T1-T2N0 oral and oropharyngeal cancer: Why and how?

Objective: To evaluate the lack of accuracy in neck staging with the classical technique (i.e., neck dissection and routine histopathology) with the sentinel node (SN) biopsy in oral and oropharyngeal T1-T2N0 cancer.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study with planned data collection.

Setting: Tertiary center care.

Subjects and Methods: In 50 consecutive patients, the pathological stage of sentinel node (pSN) was established after analyzing SN biopsies (n = 148) using serial sectioning and immunohistochemistry. Systematic selective neck dissection was performed. The pN stage was established with routine histopathologic analysis of both the non-SN (n = 1075) and the 148 SN biopsies.

Results: The sensitivity and negative predictive value of pSN staging were 100 percent. Conversely, if one considers pSN staging procedure as the reference test for micro- and macro-metastasis diagnosis, the sensitivity of the classical pN staging procedure was 50 percent (9/1; 95% CI 26.9-73.1) and its negative predictive value was 78 percent (95% CI 61.9-88.8). Fifteen patients (30%) were upstaged, including nine cases from pN0 to pSN ≥ 1 and six cases from pN1 to pSN2. Two of the pN0-pSN1 upstaged patients died with relapsed neck disease.

Conclusion: The SN biopsy technique appeared to be the best staging method in cN0 patients and provided evidence that routinely undiagnosed lymph node invasion may have clinical significance.

Contemporary management of cancer of the oral cavity

Oral cancer represents a common entity comprising a third of all head and neck malignant tumors. The options for curative treatment of oral cavity cancer have not changed significantly in the last three decades; however, the work up, the approach to surveillance, and the options for reconstruction have evolved significantly. Because of the profound functional and cosmetic importance of the oral cavity, management of oral cavity cancers requires a thorough understanding of disease progression, approaches to management and options for reconstruction. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most current management options for oral cavity cancers.

Current state of neck dissection in the United States

The status of the cervical lymph nodes is the most important prognosticator in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The neck dissection is both a therapeutic and staging procedure and has evolved to include various types with standardized level designations (I-VI) for lymph node groups: the radical neck dissection, modified radical neck dissection, the selective neck dissection, and the extended neck dissection. The gross and histologic examination of a neck dissection should provide the critical information (size of metastasis, number of lymph nodes involved) for staging purposes. Additionally, extracapsular spread of lymph node metastasis must be reported because of its significance as an adverse prognosticator. Current dilemmas in nodal disease are the detection of micrometastases, isolated tumor cells, and molecular positivity. The significance of these categories of disease is still unclear, though they may explain a subset of the estimated 10% of the regional recurrences in the neck despite pathologic node negativity by traditional methods of evaluation. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has been recently applied to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to enhance the management of the clinicoradiographically node negative patients. While still investigational, sentinel lymph node biopsy shows promise in selecting patients who require a neck dissection. Rapid highly automated real-time RT-PCR based platforms will allow for incorporation of molecular findings into the intraoperative evaluation of a sentinel lymph node.

Determinants of outcome following surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma

The recent changes in incidence and prevalence of oral squamous cell carcinoma in relation to gender and age mirror the changing patterns of exposure to tobacco and alcohol, the main etiological agents. Most cases of oral cancer are managed by surgery, often combined with radiotherapy. Histopathological assessment of the resection specimen provides information vital for postoperative management and prognosis. This review considers the full range of histological determinants of outcome in relation to the primary oral tumor and any metastatic involvement of the cervical lymphatic system, together with an outline of more general patient factors that may also impact on morbidity and mortality rates.

Elective management of the neck in oral cavity squamous carcinoma: current concepts supported by prospective studies

The incidence of occult cervical metastasis in oral cavity cancer, even in early stages, is significant, necessitating elective treatment of the neck in a majority of cases. There is no method of imaging or other examination that will detect microscopic foci of metastatic disease in cervical lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of neck specimens reveals the incidence of occult metastases to be higher than revealed by light microscopy with ordinary hematoxylin and eosin staining. The neck may be treated electively by surgery or irradiation. Surgery has the advantage of permitting pathological staging of the neck, avoiding unnecessary radiation treatment and indicating cases where adjuvant therapy should be employed. As oral cavity cancer rarely metastasizes to level V, a radical or modified radical neck dissection of all five node levels is not necessary. Selective dissection of levels I-III ("supraomohyoid neck dissection") is the usual procedure of choice for elective dissection of the neck. Most of the relatively small number of isolated metastasis to level IV are from primary tumours of the tongue, which are known to produce "skip" metastases. Thus an "extended supraomohyoid neck dissection" of levels I-IV is recommended by some authors for elective treatment of the neck in tongue cancer. A number of recent prospective multi-institutional studies have demonstrated that sublevel IIB is rarely involved with isolated metastasis from oral cavity primary tumours, except from some tongue cancers. Thus it is justifiable to omit dissection of sublevel IIB in elective treatment of most cases of oral cavity cancer. Bilateral neck dissection should be performed in elective treatment of tumours involving midline structures, and in patients with ipsilateral neck metastasis.