Does elective neck dissection in T1/T2 carcinoma of the oral tongue and floor of the mouth influence recurrence and survival rates?

Survival among treated tongue cancer patients: a single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

To describe overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a cohort of tongue cancer patients, together with the corresponding demographic, tumor and surgical characteristics.

METHODS

A retrospective study was made of 205 consecutive patients with primary tongue cancer subjected to surgery and adjuvant therapy according to the stage of the disease, in Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (HUVA) (Murcia, Spain) during the period 2000-2020. Survival was evaluated based on the Kaplan-Meier method, and the existence of significant differences between the different study variables was analyzed using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed for the identification of risk factors.

RESULTS

In relation to overall survival, 72.6% of the patients survived for a mean time of 14.43 years [standard error (SE) = 0.74; 95% CI: 12.98-15.87], with a cumulative survival rate of 49.8 ± 3%. Survival was reduced by the presence of tumor adjacent to resection margins [hazard ratio (HR) 2.20; 95% CI 1.09-4.43] (p = 0.028) and infiltrated resection margins (HR 3.86, 95% CI 1.56-9.57) (p = 0.004). Lymphadenectomy in turn increased survival (HR 0.15; 95% CI 0.06-0.42) (p < 0.001). In relation to disease-free survival, 55.3% of the patients suffered no relapse over a mean period of 9.91 years (SE = 0.66; 95% CI: 8.61-11.2), with a cumulative survival rate of 26.6% ± 8.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

In tongue cancer patients, overall and specific survival were reduced in the presence of infiltrated resection margins. Lymphadenectomy in turn improved survival compared with patients in which this procedure was not carried out.

Factors associated with follow-up attendance of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study examined the postoperative follow-up attendance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, evaluated some of the factors associated with it, and assessed its relationship with early detection of postoperative disease progression.

METHODS

An exploratory retrospective cohort study of 430 OSCC patients was conducted. We examined associations of follow-up attendance within the first year after surgery with selected demographic and clinical factors, and with early detection of disease progression.

RESULTS

The mean number of follow-up visits within the first year after surgery was 3.9 out of the 12 recommended at our center; few patients were fully adherent. Age ≥70 years, unmarried status, high education level, and negative history of surgery for premalignant or malignant lesions from oral cavity or other sites were significantly associated with lower follow-up attendance. Greater follow-up attendance was significantly associated with early detection of disease progression during the first year after surgery (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to follow-up visits was poor. Several sociodemographic and clinical factors were related to follow-up attendance, greater follow-up attendance was significantly associated with early detection of disease progression, and these should be further explored in future research.

Radiomics analysis of [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography for the prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to create a predictive model for cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) based on radiomics features detected by [¹⁸F]-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (¹⁸F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET).

METHODS

A total of 40 patients with tongue SCC who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET imaging during their first medical examination were enrolled. During the follow-up period (mean 28 months), 20 patients had CLNM, including six with late CLNM, whereas the remaining 20 patients did not have CLNM. Radiomics features were extracted from ¹⁸F-FDG PET images of all patients irrespective of metal artifact, and clinicopathological factors were obtained from the medical records. Late CLNM was defined as the CLNM that occurred after major treatment. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model was used for radiomics feature selection and sequential data fitting. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of the ¹⁸F-FDG PET-based model and clinicopathological factors model (CFM) for CLNM.

RESULTS

Six radiomics features were selected from LASSO analysis. The average values of the area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of radiomics analysis for predicting CLNM from ¹⁸F-FDG PET images were 0.79, 0.68, 0.65, and 0.70, respectively. In contrast, those of the CFM were 0.54, 0.60, 0.60, and 0.60, respectively. The ¹⁸F-FDG PET-based model showed significantly higher AUC than that of the CFM.

CONCLUSIONS

The ¹⁸F-FDG PET-based model has better potential for diagnosing CLNM and predicting late CLNM in patients with tongue SCC than the CFM.

Elective neck dissection improves the survival of patients with T2N0M0 oral squamous cell carcinoma: a study of the SEER database

Background

Treatment of clinical N0 neck tumours is controversial in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), possibly because T1N0M0 and T2N0M0 merge together at early stages. The purposes of this study were to compare survival outcomes only for T2N0M0 cases based upon treatment elective neck dissection versus neck observation.

Methods

T2N0M0 OSCC cases were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database of the United States National Cancer Institute between 2004 and 2015. Survival curves for different variable values were generated using Kaplan-Meier estimates and compared using the log-rank test. Variables that achieved significance at P < 0.05 were entered into multivariable analyses via the Cox proportional hazards multivariate regression.

Results

A total of 2857 patients were selected, and 2313 cases were available for disease specific survival (DSS). The 5-year and 10-year overall survival (OS) were 66.7 and 46% for patients receiving elective neck dissection (END), respectively, and 56.4 and 37.2% for patients with neck observation (P < 0.0001). The 5-year and 10-year DSS were 73.6 and 64% for the END group, respectively, versus 64.5 and 54.5% for the neck observation group (P < 0.0001). More importantly, performing END was independently associated with favourable DSS and OS for patients with T2N0M0 OSCC [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.769, P = 0.0069 for DSS; HR = 0.829, P = 0.0031 for OS, neck observation group as reference] according to multivariate survival analysis.

Conclusion

END is recommended for T2N0M0 OSCC cases and it is associated with improved DSS and OS.

Prognostic Role of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Tumor Budding in Early Oral Tongue Carcinoma

Objectives/Hypothesis

Occult lymph metastasis is an important prognosticator for the treatment of early oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in early oral tongue SCC. The combination of the TIL subtype and intermediate‐ or high‐grade budding scores was investigated as a prognostic marker for occult neck metastases.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Specimens from 62 patients with early oral tongue SCC treated with only primary surgery were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for CD4+, CD8+, FoxP3+, and CD45RO+ T cells and CD163+ macrophages. The highest number of each TIL subtype was counted in two areas of parenchyma and stroma in the tumor (Tumor) and peripheral stroma of the invasion margin.

Results

Based on multivariate analysis, a high density of Tumor CD163+ macrophages served as the poorest prognostic factor for regional control (RC) and disease‐free survival (DFS). Patients with both a high density of Tumor CD163+ macrophages and an intermediate‐ or a high‐grade budding score had a poor prognosis for RC according to the log‐rank test.

Conclusions

In summary, each TIL subtype may use different mechanisms during early and advanced stages of oral tongue SCC. A high density of Tumor CD163+ macrophages was determined to be a risk factor for RC and DFS as well as an additional stratification factor for RC in patients with intermediate‐ or high‐grade budding scores. Therefore, identifying TIL subtypes in daily clinical practice can help determine a more successful and individualized therapeutic approach for early oral tongue SCC.

Level of Evidence

Step 4 (Level 4) Laryngoscope, 131:2512–2518, 2021

Neck failure following pathologically node-negative neck dissection (pN0) in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Due to the risk of occult cervical metastasis, elective neck dissection (END) is recommended in the management of patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and a clinically node-negative (cN0) neck. This paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that recorded isolated regional recurrence (RR) in the pathologically node-negative neck dissection (pN0) neck following END in order to quantify the failure rate. Pubmed and Ovid databases were systematically searched for relevant articles published between January 2009 and January 2019. Studies reporting RR following END in patients with OSCC who had no pathological evidence of lymph node metastasis were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. In addition, a selection of large head and neck units were invited to submit unpublished data. Search criteria produced a list of 5448 papers, of which 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three institutions contributed unpublished data. This included a total of 4824 patients with median follow-up of 34 months (2.8 years). Eight datasets included patients staged T1-T4 with RR 17.3% (469/2711), 13 datasets included patients staged T1-T2 with RR 7.5% (158/2113). Overall across all 21 studies, isolated neck recurrence was identified in 627 cases giving a RR of 13.0% (627/4824) on meta-analysis. Understanding the therapeutic effectiveness of END provides context for evaluation of clinical management of the cN0 in these patients. A pathologically negative neck does not guarantee against future recurrence.

Is it essential to remove the submandibular gland in neck dissection in tongue cancer patients?

INTRODUCTION

Submandibular sialadenectomy is a part of the classic technique of neck dissection for oral cavity cancers. However, its removal is associated with a reduction in the salivary outflow in many patients, as well as, some uncommon complications such as lingual and hypoglossal nerve injuries. Assessment of the necessity of such maneuvers should be addressed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The data of 105 patients with tongue cancer who underwent neck dissection in the Oncology Center, Mansoura University from January 2008 to March 2019 were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

In all the included patients, whether showing pathologic positive or negative lymph nodes, none showed capsular or parenchymal submandibular gland metastasis except for one patient who showed direct infiltration of the gland by the primary tumor.

CONCLUSION

Submandibular sialadenectomy may not be indicated as a part of neck dissection in tongue cancer patients. Further research should be conducted to focus on the effect of its preservation on disease-free and overall survival.

Perineural invasion, lactate dehydrogenase, globulin, and serum sodium predicting occult metastasis in oral cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict the neck occult metastasis in early (T1-T2 cN0) oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nomogram was developed in a training cohort of 336 early OSCC patients and was validated in a validation cohort including 88 patients. Independent predictors were calculated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

In univariate logistical regression analysis, gender, perineural invasion (PNI), blood vessel invasion, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, prealbumin, globulin (GLO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), serum sodium (NA), and serum chloride were significant associated with neck occult metastasis. Multivariate logistical regression analysis identified PNI (p < .001), LDH (p = .003), GLO (p = .019), and NA (p = .020) as independent predictors of neck occult metastasis. Cut-off values for LDH, GLO, and NA obtained from AUC were 142.5, 26.35, and 139.5, respectively. The nomogram based on PNI and categorical GLO, LDH, and NA exhibited a strong discrimination, with a C-indexes of 0.748 (95%CI = 0.688 to 0.810) in the training cohort and 0.751 (95%CI = 0.639 to 0.863) in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

A nomogram based on PNI, LDH, GLO, and NA for predicting the risk of neck lymph nodes occult metastasis in OSCC could help surgeons with therapy decision-making.

Tumor histologic grade as a risk factor for neck recurrence in patients with T1-2N0 early tongue cancer

OBJECTIVES

In current guidelines, early tongue cancer status post partial glossectomy without adverse risk features do not require adjuvant treatment. However, many of these patients developed recurrence with neck metastases soon. The objectives of this study were to investigate the potential risk factors in early tongue cancer that prophylactic management of neck may be considered.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2010 to September 2015, this retrospective study enrolled 102 patients with T1-2N0 primary oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma according to AJCC 8th edition Cancer Staging System. All patients underwent partial glossectomy with or without selective neck dissection, and did not receive any adjuvant treatment. Patients with any adverse risk features were excluded. We have studied the 4-year cancer-specific survival and neck recurrence rate, and analyzed the relevance between pathologic tumor classification, tumor depth, tumor histologic grade, and measured surgical margin of primary tumor.

RESULTS

The median follow up duration was 47 months (range 6-93 months) with the median recurrence interval was 13 months. Histologic grade ≥2 of primary tumor was significantly associated with increased risk of neck recurrence and disease-specific mortality in both univariate and multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Histologic grade ≥2 was an adverse prognostic factor of neck recurrence and was significantly associated with poor cancer-specific survival in T1-2N0 early oral tongue cancer patients. Therefore, prophylactic neck dissection or prophylactic adjuvant radiation therapy to neck may be considered in T1-2N0 early oral tongue cancer with histologic grade ≥2 of primary tumor.

Elective neck dissection in T1/T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck: essential or not? A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is characterized by a high risk of cervical lymph node metastasis with a high incidence of occult metastasis. A strong debate is still present regarding the best treatment for early oral cavity cancer with N0 neck.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to compare between the results of elective neck dissection (END) and watchful waiting (observation or therapeutic neck dissection) in patients with early-stage (T1/T2) oral squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck.

DATA SOURCES

Medline database (https://www.pubmed.com), Google Scholar and Scopus.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis for the evaluation of regional recurrence rate and 5-year survival rate after elective neck dissection (END) or watchful waiting in early oral cancers were conducted. This study included published English medical articles (which met our predetermined inclusion criteria) in the last 30 years, concerning early oral SCC with N0 neck. 24 articles were included (4 randomized studies and 20 observational "retrospective" studies) with a total number of 2190 of patients who underwent END and 1619 who underwent watchful waiting. Regarding the 5-year survival rate, (10) studies were included with a total number of 1211 patients who underwent END and 948 who underwent watchful waiting.

RESULTS

Regarding the regional recurrence rate, (END) was associated with significantly lower risk of recurrence when compared with observation. Regarding the 5-year survival rate, END was associated with a better survival rate than the observational group.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective neck dissection is better than watchful waiting in early (T1/T2) stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck, regarding regional recurrence and 5-year survival rate.

The necessity of IIb dissection in T1-T2N0M0 oral squamous cell carcinoma: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

There is a growing debate on the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and patient survival which has been going on for the last few decades. The greatest wish of clinicians is to extend the latter while improving the former. Following neck dissection of early-stage oral carcinoma, “shoulder syndrome” appears due to traction of the accessory nerve during removal of level IIb, which greatly affects patient quality of life. Since occult metastasis in level IIb of early-stage oral carcinoma is extremely low, some surgeons suggest that level IIb can be exempt from dissection to improve the HRQoL. However, other surgeons take the opposite view, and thus there is no consensus on the necessity of IIb dissection in T1–2N0M0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

We designed a parallel-group, randomized, non-inferiority trial that is supported by Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. We will enroll 522 patients with early oral carcinoma who match the inclusion criteria, and compare differences in 3-year overall survival, progression–free survival (PFS) and HRQoL under different interventions (retention or dissection of level IIb). The primary endpoints will be tested by means of two-sided log-rank tests. Analysis of overall and progression-free survival will be performed in subgroups that were defined according to stratification factors with the use of univariate Cox analysis. In addition, we will use post-hoc subgroup analyses on the basis of histological factors that were known to have effects on survival, such as death of invasion of the primary tumor. To evaluate HRQoL, we will choose the Constant–Murley scale to measure shoulder function.

Discussion

Currently, there are no randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes on the necessity of IIB dissection in T1–T2N0M0 OSCC. We designed this noninferiority RCT that combines survival rate and HRQoL to assess the feasibility of IIb neck dissection. The result of this trial may guide clinical practice and change the criteria of how early-stage oral cancer is managed. The balance between survival and HRQoL in this trial is based on early-stage breast cancer treatment and may provide new ideas for other malignancies.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019128. Registered on 26 October 2018.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3683-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Elective Neck Dissection Versus Observation in Early-Stage (cT1/T2N0) Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives

Whether to perform elective neck dissection (END) or apply the observation (OBS) policy in patients with early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) without clinical evidence of cervical lymph node metastasis (cT1/T2N0) remains uncertain. The two most recent meta‐analyses include many studies published before the widespread availability of CT scanning in the 1990s. With the rapid advancement in imaging studies since 1990, the early clinical detection of cervical node metastasis has become more reliable without the need for END or pathological staging. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies comparing survival outcomes between END and OBS in patients with cT1/T2N0 OSCC.

Methods

We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scopus for retrospective and prospective studies published between January 1, 1990, and January 1, 2018, comparing clinical outcomes between END and OBS in patients with cT1/T2N0 OSCC. Information on population characteristics, study design, overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and disease‐free survival (DFS) was extracted and estimated. Effect measures for outcomes were hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Thirteen retrospective and two prospective randomized studies (3,158 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Compared to OBS, END failed to significantly improve OS (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.95–1.09; P = .77; fixed‐effects model), DSS (HR, 1.07; CI, 1.02–1.13; P = .31; fixed‐effects model), and DFS (HR, 0.86; CI, 0.72–1.01; P = .12; random‐effects model).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that in patients with cT1T2N0 OSCC, the OBS policy can yield markedly similar OS, DSS, and DFS to those resulting from END.

Level of Evidence

2

Elective Neck Dissection Versus Wait-and-Watch Policy for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Early Stage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Based on Survival Data

PURPOSE

Whether elective neck dissection (END) should be adopted for patients with clinically early-stage (cT1-2N0M0) oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) remains debated. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the survival benefit of END with that of the wait-and-watch policy (WW) for patients with early-stage OCSCC based on survival data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to the inclusion criteria, an exhaustive search for eligible studies was conducted. The study inclusion and data extraction were performed by 2 reviewers independently. The risk of bias was assessed in duplicate using the Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions instrument. The hazard ratio (HR) of the time-to-event data was extracted or estimated. RevMan 5.3 and STATA 15.1 were adopted for data synthesis.

RESULTS

Of the 35 studies that were included, only 5 were assessed as having a low risk of bias. Results of the meta-analyses showed END could significantly decrease neck recurrence (relative risk = 0.45; confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.59; P < .00001) and improve disease-free survival (HR = 0.55; CI, 0.42-0.71; P < .00001), overall survival (HR = 0.75; CI, 0.64-0.86; P < .0001), and disease-specific survival (HR = 0.76; CI, 0.61-0.94; P = .01) compared with WW for patients with cT1-2N0. The subgroup analysis showed that END could decrease neck recurrence (P < .00001) and improve disease-free survival (P = .001) for patients with early-stage tongue cancer and that supraomohyoid neck dissection could decrease neck recurrence (P = .02). For patients with cT1N0, END could significantly decrease the proportion with neck recurrence (P = .0008) and improve disease-free survival (P = .0003), but the difference between overall survival and disease-specific survival did not achieve significance.

CONCLUSIONS

END can decrease recurrence and improve survival time for patients with early-stage OCSCC. More high-quality studies are needed to make a solid conclusion, especially for patients with cT1N0M0.

Management of the Neck in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline

PURPOSE

The aim of the current work is to provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and others on the management of the neck in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, and advocacy experts to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 1990 through 2018. Outcomes of interest included survival, regional disease control, neck recurrence, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 124 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. Six clinical scenarios were devised; three for oral cavity cancer and three for oropharynx cancer, and recommendations were generated for each one.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For oral cavity cancers, clinical scenarios focused on the indications for and the hallmarks of a high-quality neck dissection, indications for postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, and whether radiotherapy alone is sufficient elective treatment of an undissected neck compared with high-quality neck dissection. For oropharynx cancers, clinical scenarios focused on hallmarks of a high-quality neck dissection, factors that would favor operative versus nonoperative primary management, and clarifying criteria for an incomplete response to definitive chemoradiation for which salvage neck dissection would be recommended. Consensus was reached and recommendations were made for all six clinical scenarios. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines .

Eradication of hairy mouth after oncological resection of the tongue and floor mouth using a diode laser 808 nm. Postoperative pain assessment using thermal infrared imaging

OBJECTIVES

Vascularized soft tissue flaps are often harvested from hair-bearing areas, such as the radial forearm or anterolateral thigh, making their use in oral reconstruction problematic due to postoperative hair growth. The presence of intact hair follicles in free tissue transfer and continued hair growth at the recipient site can result in difficulties with oral hygiene, intraoral irritation, food trapping, and patient distress. This study was to evaluate the intraoral efficacy and safety of a diode laser 808 nm when used for hair removal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen male patients, between 2010 and 2017, were referred for intraoral hair eradication with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue or floor mouth resection. An 808 nm diode laser (Stark 808, Plume s.r.l., Rome, Italy) was used to remove the intraoral hair. Each patient received a total of six treatments at 4-week intervals. Perifollicular pain was quantified by the physician using visual analog scales. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 4, and 6 days to check the state of the tissues. The recall program included assessments of VAS, erythema, and perifollicular temperature. Patients were followed up for long-term assessments at 6 and 12 months after the final treatment session.

RESULTS

All patients presented well with no occurrence of symptoms, indicating possible perifollicular inflammation. Based on the VAS scores, very mild discomfort during laser irradiation was recorded in all patients, with average pain score of 10.98 ± 1.42. No pain or discomfort was recorded 1, 4, and 6 days after the procedure. After the third pulse of light was applied, the average temperature with standard deviation of the hair tip with both the dark and light skin was 74.4 ± 11.7°C. The difference in temperature before the procedure (basal measurement 37.5 ± 2.8°C) and immediately after laser irradiation was 36.9 ± 3.7°C. The difference in temperature disappeared after 0.29 seconds, and no temperature increase was recorded on days 1, 4, or 6. In all the patients, the hair clearance between baseline and the 6th treatment, the 6-month follow-up, and the 12-month follow-up rated as significant P < 0.05. The mean percentage of hair reduction was 97.3% at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the clinical findings demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the 808 nm diode laser system for intraoral hair removal Lasers Surg. Med. 51:516-521, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stage II Oral Tongue Cancer: Survival Impact of Adjuvant Radiation Based on Depth of Invasion

Objective

To determine if adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer affects overall survival.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Cancer Database.

Subjects and Methods

Cases diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 with pathologic stage pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer with negative surgical margins were extracted from the National Cancer Database. Data were stratified by treatment received, including surgery only and surgery + postoperative radiation therapy. Univariate analysis was performed with a 2-sample t test, chi-square test, or Fisher exact test and log-rank test, while multivariate analysis was performed with Cox regression models adjusted for individual variables as well as a propensity score.

Results

A total of 934 patients were included in the study, with 27.5% of patients receiving surgery with postoperative radiation therapy (n = 257). In univariate analysis, there was no significant difference in 3-year overall survival between the patient groups ( P = .473). In multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in survival between the treatment groups, with adjuvant radiation therapy having a hazard ratio of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.60-1.44; P = .748). Regarding tumors with a depth of invasion >5 mm, there was no survival benefit for the patients who received postoperative radiation therapy as compared with those who received surgery alone (hazard ratio = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.57-1.53; P = .769).

Conclusion

An overall survival benefit was not demonstrated for patients who received postoperative radiation therapy versus surgery alone for pT2N0 oral cavity tongue cancer, irrespective of depth of tumor invasion.

MicroRNA-196a-5p is a potential prognostic marker of delayed lymph node metastasis in early-stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRs) are expected to serve as prognostic tools for cancer. However, many miRs have been reported as prognostic markers of recurrence or metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. We aimed to determine the prognostic markers in early-stage tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that miR-10a, 10b, 196a-5p, 196a-3p, and 196b were prognostic markers and we retrospectively performed miR expression analyses using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of surgical specimens. Total RNA was isolated from cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissue as control, and samples were collected by laser-capture microdissection. After cDNA synthesis, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed. Statistical analyses for patient clinicopathological characteristics, recurrence/metastasis, and survival rates were performed to discern their relationships with miR expression levels, and the 2^−ΔΔCq method was used. miR-196a-5p levels were significantly upregulated in early-stage TSCC, particularly in the lymph node metastasis (LNM) group. The LNM-free survival rate in the low miR-196a-5p ΔΔCq value regulation group was found to be lower than that in the high ΔΔCq value regulation group (P=0.0079). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of ΔΔCq values revealed that miR-196a-5p had a P-value=0.0025, area under the curve=0.740, and a cut-off value=−0.875 for distinguishing LNM. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine LNM-related miRs in early-stage TSCC as well as miRs and ‘delayed LNM’ in head and neck cancer. miR-196a-5p upregulation may predict delayed LNM. Our data serve as a foundation for future studies to evaluate miR levels and facilitate the prediction of delayed LNM during early-stage TSCC, which prevent metastasis when combined with close follow-up and aggressive adjuvant therapy or elective neck dissection. Moreover, our data will serve as a foundation for future studies to evaluate whether miR-196a-5p can serve as a therapeutic marker for preventing metastasis.

Predictive Significance of Tumor Depth and Budding for Late Lymph Node Metastases in Patients with Clinical N0 Early Oral Tongue Carcinoma

In clinical N0 early oral tongue carcinoma, treatment of occult lymph node metastasis is controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the histopathological risk factors for predicting late lymph node metastasis in early oral tongue carcinoma. We retrospectively reviewed 48 patients with early oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Associations between the histopathological factors (depth of tumor, differentiation, blood vessel invasion, lymphatic invasion, and tumor budding) and late lymph metastasis were analyzed. Although the univariate analysis identified blood vessel invasion, lymphatic invasion, and high-grade tumor budding as predictive factors for neck recurrence (p < 0.001), the Cox proportional hazards model identified high-grade tumor budding as an independent predictive factor (p < 0.01). The combination of a tumor depth ≥ 3 mm and high-grade tumor budding yielded high diagnostic accuracy. Tumor depth and budding grade were identified as histopathological risk factors for late neck recurrence in clinical N0 early oral tongue carcinoma.

The role of elective neck dissection in the treatment of maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study is designed to analyze the survival benefits of elective neck dissection (END) in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus (MS-SCC) with clinically negative neck lymph nodes (N0) and no metastasis (M0).

STUDY DESIGN

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether END improves survival in patients with MS-SCC.

METHODS

This study is a population-based, concurrent retrospective database analysis of patients diagnosed with N0M0 MS-SCC from 2004 to 2013. Data were acquired from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Frequency functions, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were queried to analyze demographics, treatment status, and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

There were a total of 927 MS-SCC cases in the database between 2004 and 2013. This analysis revealed that for the overall cohort, END significantly and independently reduces the 5-year hazard of death in MS-SCC (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.646, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.419-0.873, P = 0.047). For early tumor (T)1/T2 tumors and T4 tumors, END did not independently improve 5-year survival. However, for T3 disease, END significantly reduced the 5-year hazard of death in MS-SCC (HR = 0.471, 95% CI = 0.261-0.680, P = 0.001), regardless of other covariates, including adjuvant radiation. There has been an increase in the percentage of MS-SCC surgeries that have been accompanied by END since SEER started collecting this data, although this did not demonstrate significance (R² = 0.622).

CONCLUSION

END improves disease-specific survival in patients with MS-SCC size > 4 cm and advanced T-stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer AJCC TIII). Therefore, surgeons performing maxillectomies should consider conducting an END concurrent with maxillectomy for those with size > 4 cm advanced stage cancer.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 1835-1841, 2018.

Neck observation versus elective neck dissection in management of clinical T1/2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study of 232 patients

Objective

The management of early-stage (cT1/2N0) oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a controversial issue. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of neck observation (OBS) and elective neck dissection (END) in treating patients with cT1/2N0 OSCC.

Methods

A total of 232 patients with cT1/2N0 OSCC were included in this retrospective study. Of these patients, 181 were treated with END and 51 with OBS. The survival curves of 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method for each group, and compared using the Log-rank test.

Results

There was no significant difference in 5-year OS and DSS rates between END and OBS groups (OS: 89.0% vs. 88.2%, P=0.906; DSS: 92.3% vs. 92.2%, P=0.998). However, the END group had a higher 5-year RFS rate than the OBS group (90.1% vs. 76.5%, P=0.009). Patients with occult metastases in OBS group (7/51) had similar 5-year OS rate (57.1% vs. 64.1%, P=0.839) and DSS rate (71.4% vs. 74.4%, P=0.982) to those in END group (39/181). In the regional recurrence patients, the 5-year OS rate (57.1% vs. 11.1%, P=0.011) and DSS rate (71.4% vs. 22.2%, P=0.022) in OBS group (7/51) were higher than those in END group (9/181).

Conclusions

The results indicated that OBS policy could obtain the same 5-year OS and DSS as END. Under close follow-up, OBS policy may be an available treatment option for patients with clinical T1/2N0 OSCC.

Efficacy of Elective Neck Dissection in T1/T2N0M0 Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective/Hypothesis

The aim of this population-based study is to analyze the survival benefits of elective neck dissection (END) over neck observation in T1/T2N0M0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OT-SCC) cases.

Study Design

Retrospective administrative database analysis.

Subjects and Methods

The SEER database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) was queried for patients diagnosed with T1/T2N0M0 OT-SCC from 1998 to 2011. Data included patient demographics, initial treatment, and survival outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier model and the Cox proportional hazards model were utilized for survival analysis.

Results

Out of 7010 T1/T2N0M0 cases, END was performed in 1770 T1 and 950 T2 cases, and the neck was observed in 3278 T1 and 1001 T2 cases. Significantly poorer 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were noted for the neck observation group when compared with the END group for tumors with moderately differentiated (72.1% vs 86%, P < .0001) and poorly differentiated or undifferentiated (55.6% vs 71.5%, P = .0001) histologic grades. No significant survival benefit was seen between the END group and the neck observation group when tumor size was <1 cm, regardless of histology grade. However, those with tumors >1 cm had a significantly better 5-year DSS with END, except for the well-differentiated tumor cohort, which showed improved survival only when the tumors were >2 cm (5-year DSS: END vs neck observation, 83.5% vs 65.7%, P = .0002).

Conclusion

END improves DSS versus neck observation in T1/T2N0M0 OT-SCC patients with moderately differentiated, poorly differentiated, or undifferentiated histologic grade tumors >1 cm. Those with well-differentiated tumors benefited from END only when tumor size was >2 cm.

Early oral tongue cancer initially managed with surgery alone: Treatment of recurrence

Objective

To report T1-2N0 tongue cancer recurrences initially treated with surgery alone.

Methods

Between 1990 and 2010, 27 patients at tertiary hospital referral center institution were treated with curative intent for locoregional recurrence after initial glossectomy with or without neck dissection for T1-2N0 tongue cancer. None had received adjuvant postoperative radiation as a component of the original treatment.

Results

Median time to locoregional recurrence was 12 months (range 5–39 months) and 78% of failures occurred in the first 2 years. Most treatment failures were local (63%). Salvage strategy was risk-adapted by individual patient. The 5-year disease specific survival (DSS) was 61%. Patients with local recurrences alone fared significantly better than those with regional recurrences (5-yr DSS: 86% vs. 22%, P = 0.0018). Local recurrences were usually treated by surgery alone, while regional recurrences were more commonly treated with combined modality treatment (P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Recurrence of early stage oral tongue cancer can be successfully salvaged in a majority of cases. Patients developing regional recurrence have significantly worse prognosis than those with local failures.

Trends in oral cavity cancer incidence, mortality, survival and treatment in the Netherlands

Information on epidemiology is essential to evaluate care for the growing group of oral cancer patients. We investigated trends in incidence, mortality and relative survival rates for oral cavity cancer (OCC) and its subsites in the Netherlands from 1991 to 2010, and relate these to changes in stage and treatment. Patient (age, sex), tumour (subsite, stage) and treatment characteristics of patients diagnosed with OCC (ICD-O-3: C02-C06) in 1991-2010 were extracted from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Incidence, mortality and 5-year relative survival rates over time are presented, as well as trends in type of treatment. The incidence of OCC increased with +1.2% (95%CI: +0.9%;+1.6%) per year: more strongly in women, stage I and IV disease, and in cancers of the tongue and gum. The mortality rate slightly rose (+0.8%, 95%CI: +0.3%;+1.3% per year), but differed by subsite. The 5-year relative survival improved from 57% in 1991-1995 to 62% in 2006-2010. The 5-year relative survival was better for women compared with men (64% and 55%, respectively), decreased with increasing stage, was the best for tongue cancer (63%) and the worst for cancer of the gum (56%) and floor of mouth cancer (55%). The relative excess risk of dying was higher for non-surgery-based treatments. Surgery was the main treatment option and the proportion of "surgery only" rose in stage I and III disease. The incidence and, to a lesser extent, mortality of OCC are increasing and therefore, even with slightly improving survival rates, OCC is an increasingly important health problem.

Use of modified lateral upper arm free flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defect after resection of oral cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the suitability of a modified lateral upper arm free flap (LAFF) for reconstruction of soft tissue defects after resection of oral cancer.

METHODS

Eighteen cases of soft tissue defect repair performed between January 2011 and December 2013 using a modified LAFF after resection of oral cancer were reviewed. The design and harvest of the LAFF, the reconstruction procedure, and postoperative morbidity were reviewed and evaluated over a follow-up period of at least 12 months.

RESULTS

The overall flap survival was 94.4 % (17/18 patients). A broad scar at the donor site was the most common morbidity, but patients did not report dissatisfaction with the scar because they could easily cover it. All wounds at the donor site achieved primary recovery. One case of flap loss was repaired with a radial forearm free flap. One case complicated by diabetes mellitus involved infection of the flap with one-third of the flap becoming necrotic. This flap survived after removal of the necrotic tissue. In one other case, fat liquefactive necrosis (1.5 × 1.0 cm) occurred in the flap on the tip of the tongue, and this flap survived after debridement. Overall, the shape and function of the reconstructed tissues were well restored, and there was no severe morbidity at the donor site in any case.

CONCLUSION

The modified LAFF was safe and reliable for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects after resection of oral cancer.

Elective versus therapeutic neck dissection in node-negative oral cancer: Evidence from five randomized controlled trials

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of elective neck dissection (END) with that of a more conservative approach comprising of observation plus therapeutic neck dissection for nodal relapse (OBS), by conducting a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare these two surgical approaches in patients. RCTs conducted prior to May 2015 were identified from electronic databases such as MEDLINE EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Reference lists within the retrieved articles were used as secondary reference sources. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were the primary outcome measures. Five RCTs with a combined subject population of 779 patients were included. Meta-analysis of these 5 RCTs showed that DFS in END group was higher than that in the OBS group with a significant inter-group difference (Risk Ratio [RR]:1.33; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.06, 1.66); P=0.01; five trials, 779 participants]. However, there was a significant statistical heterogeneity among the studies (I-squared=56%, P=0.06). Four studies had reported on OS. Meta-analysis of these 4 RCTs revealed a higher OS in the END group as compared to that that in the OBS group with a significant inter-group difference (RR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.07, 1.29); P=0.0009; four trials, 708 participants]. The statistical heterogeneity of these 4 studies is small (I-squared=14%, P=0.32). The results of this meta-analysis suggest that END at the time of resection of the primary tumor confers a DFS and OS benefit in patients with clinically node-negative oral cancer.

Oncologic safety of facial artery myomucosal flaps in oral cavity reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Buccinator myomucosal flaps are routinely used for oral cavity reconstruction and are indicated mainly in patients classified as having stage N0 cancer. This purpose of this study was to investigate whether preservation of the vascular pedicle of the flap (facial artery and vein) during stadiative neck dissection alters the oncologic safety in these patients.

METHODS

Fifty patients underwent resection of T1 to 3, N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue or floor of the mouth, stadiative neck dissection, and reconstruction with a facial artery musculomucosal (FAMM) flap were retrospectively analyzed concerning rate of occult neck metastasis and recurrences.

RESULTS

Occult metastasis was detected in 10 patients. Mean follow-up was 41 months. The overall survival rate was 88%, and the disease-specific survival rate was 92%.

CONCLUSION

Neck dissection with preservation of the facial artery and vein does not alter the rate of regional recurrences, confirming the oncologic safety of myomucosal flaps in oral cavity reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1200-E1202, 2016.

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: factors related to occult lymph node metastasis

Introduction

Elective neck dissection is recommended in cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma without lymph node metastasis because of the risk of occult metastasis.

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate predictive factors for occult lymph node metastasis in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma treated with elective neck dissection and their impact on overall and disease-free survival.

Methods

Forty surgically treated patients were retrospectively included.

Results

Ten cases (25%) had lymphatic metastasis. Of the studied variables, perineural and angiolymphatic invasion in addition to tumor thickness were statistically associated with lymph node metastasis. Only angiolymphatic invasion was identified as an independent risk factor for occult metastasis in the logistic regression (OR = 39.3; p = 0.002). There was no association between overall and disease-free survival with the presence of occult lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

Metastatic disease rate was similar to that found in the literature. Perineural and angiolymphatic invasion and tumor thickness were associated with occult metastasis, but only angiolymphatic invasion showed to be an independent risk factor