What Factors Are Associated With Regional Recurrence After Operative Treatment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Advancing Postoperative Pain Management in Oral Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review

The goal of this review is to shed light on the management of orofacial discomfort after a cancer diagnosis in the head and neck region. A search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies on postoperative pain control in oral cancer. The review included open-access research, investigations into pain management, randomized clinical trials, retrospective studies, case-control studies, prospective studies, English-written studies, and full-text publications. Exclusion criteria included animal studies; in vitro studies; off-topic studies; reviews, case reports, letters, or comments; and non-English language. Three reviewers independently accessed databases and assigned a quality rating to the chosen articles. The review explores postoperative pain management in oral cancer patients; highlighting persistent opioid use; the efficacy of adjuvant drugs, such as gabapentin; and a multimodal approach. It emphasizes the need for personalized pain management, recognizing individual pain perception and tailoring interventions. Integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies is crucial for comprehensive pain management. The review also serves as a guide for future research, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies and diverse participant populations.

Predicting recurrence in oral cavity cancers: a review of 116 patients with buccal mucosa carcinoma in northwestern India

BACKGROUND

Oral cavity cancers, the second most common type in India, are responsible for 10% of the overall cancer burden. With a recurrence rate of 30% to 40% and a 5-year survival rate of 50%, these malignancies account for substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in treatment modalities, survival rates following treatment completion have not improved significantly. The present study aimed to establish specific epidemiological and pathological factors responsible for recurrence after treatment completion in buccal mucosa cancers.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the data of 116 patients treated for biopsy-proven cancers of the buccal mucosa was undertaken 1 year after treatment completion. Factors such as age, sex, education, lymphovascular invasion, extranodal extension (ENE), perineural invasion, depth of invasion, and pathological margin status were compared between patients who presented with recurrence and those who did not. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.

RESULTS

Of the 116 patients, 40 (34.5%) developed a recurrent disease within 1 year. The mean age of the study population was 43.3 years, and males constituted 91.4% of the included patients. Ipsilateral buccal mucosa was the commonest site of disease recurrence. Neck node metastasis, ENE, and margins of resection < 5 mm were significantly related to the recurrence of disease. However, surprisingly, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and depth of invasion > 10 mm did not show statistically significant associations.

CONCLUSION

Neck node metastasis, ENE, and margins of resection < 5 mm were the histopathological factors associated with recurrence in cancers of the buccal mucosa.

Temporal and spatial patterns of recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma, a single-center retrospective cohort study in China

BACKGROUND

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an invasive cancer with a high recurrence rate. Most clinical studies have focused on the prognosis of patients with OSCC, few have investigated the causes and interventions that affect the recurrence. Our study is to explore the temporal and spatial patterns of recurrence in OSCC.

METHODS

234 OSCC patients with recurrence in our hospital and 64 OSCC patients with recurrence in TCGA database were included in the study. Log-rank test and Multivariate Cox Regression Analysis were used to determine whether there was a significant difference between each selected demographic or clinical factors and recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves for each recurrence interval.

RESULTS

The proportion of OSCC patients in clinical and TCGA with early recurrence was 93.6% and 84.4%, respectively. Age, chewing betel nut, previous radiotherapy, histopathological grading of the primary tumor (poorly differentiated), lymph node metastasis and postoperative infection were found to be associated with the timing of recurrence. It was found that tongue cancer has more regional recurrences, while buccal cancer is mostly local and loco-regional recurrences. The earlier the recurrence, the greater the possibility of local-regional recurrence and the worse the prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Most of recurrent OSCC patients present early recurrence (< 18 months) with poor prognosis, and early recurrence is more prone to local recurrence. Moreover, recurrence site is related with primary site of OSCC.

The role of the genomic mutation signature and tumor mutation burden on relapse risk prediction in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after concurrent chemoradiotherapy

Personalized genetic profiling has focused on improving treatment efficacy and predicting risk stratification by identifying mutated genes and selecting targeted agents according to genetic testing. Therefore, we evaluated the role of genetic profiling and tumor mutation burden (TMB) using next-generation sequencing in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC). The relapse mutation signature (RMS) and chromatin remodeling mutation signature (CRMS) were explored to predict the risk of relapse in patients with HNSC treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients in the high RMS and CRMS groups showed significantly shorter relapse-free survival than those in the low RMS and CRMS groups, respectively (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that extranodal extension, CCRT response, and three somatic mutation profiles (TMB, RMS, and CRMS) were independent risk predictors for HNSC relapse. The predictive nomogram showed satisfactory performance in predicting relapse-free survival in patients with HNSC treated with CCRT.

Patterns of recurrence amongst patients undergoing resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma with curative intent

This study was aimed to identify key clinicopathological variables that predict recurrence in those undergoing curative resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with emphasis on initial treatment failure patterns. Between February 2006 to May 2020, clinicopathological data on 833 patients who underwent curative resection of OSCC were gathered. Outcomes of interest included local, regional, distant, and overall recurrence. Univariate analysis was performed to identify significant clinicopathological variables for each recurrence type, and a multivariate regression analysis was utilised to generate predictive models. A total of 187 patients (22.4%) developed recurrent disease; 79 local, 63 regional, and 46 distant. For local recurrence: tumour depth of invasion (DOI) >5--10 mm, tumour DOI >10 mm and modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) 2 were independently predictive (c-index 0.708). For regional recurrence: primary OSCC of hard palate/maxilla, pN1, pN3b, and non-cohesive invasive front were independently predictive (c-index 0.738). For distant recurrence: pN1 pN2a, pN2b, pN2c, pN3b, and tumour DOI >10 mm were independently predictive (c-index 0.809). For recurrence at any site; pN1, pN2a, pN2b, pN2c, pN3b, tumour DOI >5-10 mm, tumour DOI >10 mm, mGPS 2, and involved surgical margins were independently predictive (c-index 0.750). Recurrence events after curative treatment for OSCC are relatively predictable on the basis of available clinicopathological characteristics. It seems likely that trials of adjuvant systemic therapy in high-risk OSCC will continue to be designed with emerging therapeutic agents. Trials should focus on those of highest risk of relapse and this study adds clarity to the selection of the correct target population.

Lymph Node Ratio as a Prognostic Factor in Neck Dissection in Oral Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

Lymph node ratio (LNR) is a well-studied prognostic factor in colorectal and breast cancer, and it has been recently evaluated as a clinically relevant biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma. LNR represents the ratio of positive lymph nodes extracted in a neck dissection to the total number of nodes harvested (lymph node yield, LNY). Many single-center cohort studies and a few multicenter have assessed the significance of LNR as a prognostic factor in oral cancer. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 studies and 20,994 oral cancer patients, we demonstrate that LNR is an independent prognostic indicator in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Abstract

Many studies have evaluated the clinical implications of lymph node ratio (LNR) as a prognostic factor in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to address LNR as a prognosticator in patients with OSCC. A systematic search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, Cochrane library, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and studies between 2009 and 2020 were sought. The pooled relative risk was calculated along with 95% confidence intervals for the following endpoints: overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), locoregional disease-free survival (LRDFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) according to the random-effects model (Der Simonian–Laird approach). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed as well. Finally, 32 cohort studies were eligible, which included 20,994 patients with OSCC. Patients were subdivided into two categories, group YES (studies that included in their analysis only patients with positive lymph nodes) and group NO (studies that did not exclude LNR = 0 patients). In the group YES, patients with high LNR had shorter OS (RR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.47–1.91), DFS (RR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.42–1.99), DSS (RR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.56–2.42), DMFS (RR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.13–2.96), LRDFS (RR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.10–2.20), and LRFS (RR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.41–2.13) compared to patients with low LNR. In the group NO, patients with high LNR in comparison had shorter OS (RR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.99–2.85), DFS (RR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.48–2.81), and DSS (RR = 2.90, 95% CI: 2.35–3.57) compared to patients with low LNR. Based on those findings, LNR might be an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with OSCC and could be incorporated into future classification systems for better risk stratification.

Cancer testis antigen (PRAME) as an independent marker for survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)

BACKGROUND

The objective was to assess the expression patterns of the cancer testis antigen PRAME, NY-ESO1, and SSX2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSSC) and to correlate the expression with clinical and histopathological parameters including progression-free survival analysis.

METHODS

The study variables of this retrospective cohort study (n = 83) included demographic data, histopathological data, and information on progression-free survival. PRAME expression patterns were rated based on immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays (TMA). The survival rate was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. The primary predictor variable was defined as the expression of PRAME and the outcome variable was progression-free survival.

RESULTS

Analysis of progression-free survival using Kaplan-Meier method showed that patients with positive expression of PRAME had lower probabilities of progression-free survival (p < 0.001). According to the Cox regression model, the level of PRAME expression had a considerable and significant independent influence on progression-free survival (positive PRAME expression increasing the hazards for a negative outcome by 285% in our sample; HR = 3.85, 95% CI: 1.45-10.2, p = 0.007). The expression of SSX2 (n = 1) and NY-ESO-1 (n = 5) in our samples was rare.

CONCLUSION

PRAME is expressed in OSCC and appears to be a suitable marker of progression-free survival, correlates with severe course, and may allow identification of high-risk patients with aggressive progression.

Desmoglein-3 overexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with metastasis formation and early recurrence: An immunohistochemical study

The purpose of this study was to determine the expression patterns of specific desmosomal cadherins (desmogleins [DSG] 1/2/3) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to examine possible associations with clinicopathological parameters and recurrence rates. Changes in desmosomal cadherin assembly may promote tumor metastasis formation. Patients with surgically treated OSCC with 36-60 months of follow-up (median 46 months) qualified for inclusion in this retrospective cohort study. Demographic, clinical and pathohistological data were collected. DSG-1/2/3 expression patterns were determined by an immunohistochemical approach on tissue microarrays. Descriptive and inferential statistics and survival analyses were computed (p ≤ 0.05). The study sample consisted of 88 patients (female: 38; male: 50; average age: 63.02 ± 17.5 years). DSG-3 overexpression was detected in 45 of 88 specimens. The expression rates for DSG-1 (28/88) and DSG-2 (14/88) were low and inconspicuous. DSG-3 overexpression was significantly associated with poor histologic differentiation (G3, p = 0.001), the presence of cervical node metastasis at primary diagnosis (N+ status, p = 0.001) and early recurrence (p = 0.001). Due to its possible relevance for lymph node metastasis formation and early OSCC recurrence, determination of DSG-3 expression in OSCC specimens may be a valuable tool for treatment planning and post-therapeutic risk assessment.

Fatty Acid Receptor CD36 Functions as a Surrogate Parameter for Lymph Node Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

The frequent occurrence of occult cervical lymph node metastasis is still a therapeutic challenge in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and represents a limiting factor in terms of survival. The common staging of malignancy is not precise enough to predict the development of lymph node metastases and additional prognostic factors are needed. In this study we show that CD36, a protein related to fatty acid metabolism, is expressed in OSCC and correlates with the occurrence of lymph node metastasis. CD36 may be useful as a specific parameter for lymph node metastasis and as a progression parameter for survival. Therefore, CD36 could be useful for risk stratification regarding lymph node metastasis in OSCC and, beyond that, CD36 could also be a possible therapeutic target in future.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the expression pattern of CD36 in a patient population with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to correlate CD36 expression with clinical and histopathological parameters. The hypothesis was that CD36 expression correlates with the occurrence of lymph node metastasis. Methods: To address the study objectives, a retrospective cohort study was conducted. Study variables included demographic, histopathological and survival data. CD36 expression patterns were assessed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays (TMA). Logistic regression analysis, survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were performed. Results: High CD36 expression correlated significantly with a higher T-status, grading and occurrence of lymph node metastasis. The logistic regression with binary N status as a dependent variable showed that high CD36 expression increased the chance for lymph node metastasis 45-fold (OR = 44.7, 95% CI: 10.0–316). Patients with high CD36 expression had lower probabilities of progression-free survival. CD36 had a small and non-significant independent influence on progression-free survival. Conclusions: CD36 is expressed in OSCC and correlates with tumor grading, T-status, and especially the occurrence of lymph node metastasis. CD36 may be useful for risk stratification regarding lymph node metastasis in OSCC.

Comparing prognostic utility between the 8th edition of TNM staging system and the lymph node ratio for oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor prognosis. The 8th edition of TNM has implemented new nodal staging criteria. We assess the prognostic utility of the lymph node ratio (LNR) and compare it to that of pN in the TNM 8th edition.

METHODS

One hundred and forty-two patients with OSCC were retrospectively studied. Nodal staging was performed using the TMN 8th edition and the prognostic value of the LNR in terms of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were eligible for inclusion. The LNR was independently prognostic of OS (p = 0.02). Instead N classification was not significantly predictive of OS (p = 0.10). High LNRs resulted in decreases in OS of approximately 40% within 6 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The LNR identifies patients with poor outcomes better than N classification. The lack of reliable LNR cutoffs compromises its utility in clinical practice.

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.

Are Oral Pain and Otalgia Predictive of Perineural Invasion in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Tongue?

PURPOSE

Tongue cancer is often associated with pain and perineural invasion. The purpose of the present study was to determine the association between tongue pain and otalgia and the microscopic identification of perineural invasion (PNI) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (SCCOT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients with a diagnosis of SCCOT from January 2013 through June 2019. Patients without a history of head and neck cancer, who had SCCOT diagnosed and treated surgically by a single surgeon, were included in the present study. The primary predictor variables were tongue pain and otalgia (presence vs absence of both). Other variables included patient demographic data and TNM stage. The primary outcome variable was the histologic presence of PNI. A χ² analysis was performed to test for any significant associations between pain, T stage, and overall stage in relation to PNI outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control for cancer staging variables when testing the association between pain and PNI.

RESULTS

The sample included 128 subjects, of whom 76 were men. Their mean age was 60 years. Most patients (n = 97; 75.8%) complained of tongue pain and a few (n = 50; 39.1%) complained of otalgia. The patients with otalgia had a 3.15 times greater odds of PNI when controlling for T stage (P = .016) and 3.68 times greater odds of PNI when controlling for overall stage (P = .007). Increasing T stage and overall stage-with the exception of stage II-were also significantly associated with PNI (P ≤ .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has demonstrated a statistically significant association between preoperative otalgia and PNI in a consecutive group of patients presenting with newly diagnosed SCCOT.