Cranial location of level II lymph nodes in laryngeal cancer: Implications for elective nodal target volume delineation

Caudal distribution pattern of metastatic neck lymph nodes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and prognostic significance of nodal spread distances

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the caudal distribution pattern of metastatic neck lymph nodes (LNs) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and the prognostic significance of nodal spread distances (SDs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NPC patients with neck metastatic LNs were enrolled. The most caudally located LNs were marked. SD was defined as the distance from marked LNs to the lateral process of the atlantoaxial spine (LPC1). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess association between MRI-identified nodal features and survival. Harrell's concordance index (C-index) and area under the curve (AUC) were used to compare AJCC (8th edition) N staging with the proposed N staging. Survival after induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (IC + CCRT) versus CCRT alone was compared between different SD groups.

RESULTS

A total of 1907 LNs (1164 patients) were contoured. SD > 7 cm was an independent predictor of overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and progression-free survival (PFS), with hazard ratios of 1.725, 1.553 and 1.414, respectively. When patients with SD > 7 cm were upgraded one N stage higher, the proposed N classification showed better stratification in OS, DMFS, and PFS between N1 and N2 stages. C-indices and AUCs of the proposed N staging were superior to AJCC N staging. IC + CCRT showed negative effect in N1-2 patients with SD ≤ 7 cm but improved OS in those with SD > 7 cm.

CONCLUSION

SD of metastatic LNs can predict survival in NPC. Integration of SD into AJCC N staging could improve its prognostic value and help identify patients requiring IC.

Point Shear Wave Elastography in Diagnosis and Follow-Up of Salivary Gland Affection after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Therapies of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly irradiation and chemotherapy (C/RT), can affect salivary glands to some extent. Recent studies suggest that point shear wave elastography (pSWE) is well suited for the diagnosis and rating of homogenous damage to parenchymatous organs. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of this sonographic modality as a tool for the evaluation both of salivary gland affection after HNSCC therapy and the effect of a salivary replacement therapy based on liposomes. A total of 69 HNSCC patients were included in this study. All patients had finished cancer treatment and attended regular follow-up. pSWE values of ipsi- and contralateral parotid (PG) and submandibular glands (SMG) were obtained in a standardized manner and compared to those of a healthy control (HC) group. After a two months treatment with a liposomal saliva replacement therapy pSWE quantification was performed again. Ipsi- and contralateral salivary glands suffer under standard HNSCC tumor therapy. Here, the ipsilateral parotid gland (PG) is primarily affected. Therefore, a sequence of manifestation (surgery < surgery plus adjuvant C/RT < primary C/RT) is comprehensible, evaluated by pSWE measurements. The examination of all glands and statistical analysis of the values compared to controls resulted in an pSWE cutoff value for affected glandular tissue of >2 m/s. Using a liposomal saliva replacement therapy, pSWE values of the ipsilateral PG can be improved, although the level of HC could not be restored.

Patterns of level II node metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE

To explore the pattern of metastasis to level II nodes and its relationship with tumor range in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients by using magnetic resonance imaging.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Magnetic resonance images of 618 NPC patients were reviewed. Nodes were classified as metastatic based on size criteria, the presence of nodal necrosis, and extracapsular spread.

RESULTS

Patients (87.9%, 543) had lymphadenopathy, 470 (86.5%) in level IIb and 326 (60.0%) in level IIa, respectively. Incidence of RLN involvement was less than that of level IIb node involvement (72.2% vs. 86.5%) in 543 patients with lymphadenopathy. Cranial boundaries (71.1%) of level IIb nodes was below the caudal border of C1, and 5.1% was below the skull base, while all the cranial boundaries of level IIa nodes were below the caudal edge of C1. Incidence of level IIb and/or level IIa node metastasis had no correlation with primary tumor extension. Incidence of level IIb metastasis did not differ significantly among T1, 2, 3, and 4 disease, nor did that of level IIa node.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical level IIb nodes were the most commonly involved nodes in NPC. Metastasis to level IIb and level IIa nodes had no correlation with primary tumor extension, or with T stage. Setting the cranial border of level IIb node at the skull base should be considered when delineating nodal target volume.