Impact of routine surveillance imaging on detecting recurrence in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer

Head and neck cancer surveillance: The value of computed tomography and clinical exam

PURPOSE

The recurrence of head and neck cancer (HNC) is most prevalent during the initial two years following curative treatment, underscoring the criticality of regular surveillance for HNC survivors. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) imaging and clinical physical examination (CE) in HNC surveillance, assessing whether these imaging protocols meet the current treatment limitations confronting HNC specialists.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of a 9-year experience with head and neck cancer patients at a single, academic tertiary care center. Demographic data was collected along with data regarding whether the recurrences were detected primarily through CE, flexible endoscopic exam (scope exam), or CT or CT/PET scan. Subsets of the data were analyzed and compared by sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values.

RESULTS

264 HNC patients were identified. 72 total recurrences (27 %) were noted. The method of initial detection spurring further investigation was imaging in 42 (58.3 %) patients, CE (33.3 %) in 24 patients, scope exam in 6 (8.4 %) patients. Overall, 65 (90.3 %) patients had imaging that showed recurrence regardless of method of initial detection. Sensitivity, (87.1 % vs 70.5 %), and specificity (93.95 % vs 96.9 %) were noted for CT and CE respectively. Combined sensitivity and specificity for CT and CE was 96.2 % and 91.05 % respectively.

CONCLUSION

The data suggests that imaging could provide sufficient methods of HNC surveillance despite limitations the COVID-19 pandemic presents.

Imaging and Biomarker Surveillance for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and American Radium Society Appropriate Use Criteria Statement

Surveillance for survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) is focused on early detection of recurrent or second primary malignancies. After initial restaging confirms disease-free status, the use of surveillance imaging for asymptomatic patients with HNC is controversial. Our objective was to comprehensively review literature pertaining to imaging and biomarker surveillance of asymptomatic patients treated for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to convene a multidisciplinary expert panel to provide appropriate use criteria for surveillance in representative clinical scenarios. The evidence base for the appropriate use criteria was gathered through a librarian-mediated search of literature published from 1990 to 2022 focused on surveillance imaging and circulating tumor-specific DNA for nonmetastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The systematic review was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Using the modified Delphi process, the expert panel voted on appropriate use criteria, providing recommendations for appropriate use of surveillance imaging and human papillomavirus (HPV) circulating tumor DNA. Of 5178 studies identified, 80 met inclusion criteria (5 meta-analyses/systematic reviews, 1 randomized control trial, 1 post hoc analysis, 25 prospective, and 48 retrospective cohort studies [with ≥50 patients]), reporting on 27,525 patients. No large, randomized, prospective trials examined whether asymptomatic patients who receive surveillance imaging or HPV circulating tumor DNA monitoring benefit from earlier detection of recurrence or second primary tumors in terms of disease-specific or quality-of-life outcomes. In the absence of prospective data, surveillance imaging for HNC survivors should rely on individualized recurrence-risk assessment accounting for initial disease staging, HPV disease status, and tobacco use history. There is an emerging surveillance role for circulating tumor biomarkers.

Negative Predictive Value of Circulating Tumor Tissue Modified Viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA for HPV-driven Oropharyngeal Cancer Surveillance

PURPOSE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is causally linked to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Consensus guidelines recommend clinical exams and imaging in decreasing frequency as part of posttreatment surveillance for recurrence. Plasma tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA testing has emerged as a biomarker which can inform disease status during surveillance.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

This retrospective observational cohort study involved 543 patients who completed curative-intent therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC between February 2020 and January 2022 at eight U.S. cancer care institutions. We determined the negative predictive value (NPV) of TTMV-HPV DNA for recurrence when matched to physician-reported clinical outcome data (median follow-up time: 27.9 months; range: 4.5-154).

RESULTS

The cohort included mostly men with a median age of 61 who had locoregionally advanced disease. HPV status was determined by p16 positivity in 87% of patients, with a positive HPV PCR/ISH among 55%; while pretreatment TTMV-HPV DNA status was unknown for most (79%) patients. Patients had a mean of 2.6 tests and almost half had three or more TTMV-HPV DNA results during surveillance. The per-test and per-patient sensitivity of the assay was 92.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 87.5-97.5] and 87.3% (95% CI: 79.1-95.5), respectively. The NPV for the assay was 99.4% (95% CI: 98.9-99.8) and 98.4% (95% CI: 97.3-99.5), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

TTMV-HPV DNA surveillance testing yields few false negative results and few missed recurrences. These data could inform decisions on when to pursue reimaging following first disease restaging and could inform future surveillance practice. Additional study of how pretreatment TTMV-HPV DNA status impacts sensitivity for recurrence is needed.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Post-Treatment PET/CT in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the utility of post-treatment PET/CT specifically in HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma following curative intent treatment.

METHODS

Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool data from 7 observational studies (2013-2019) obtained from a database search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE using an a priori protocol with dual independent evaluation for inclusion, risk of bias assessment for acceptable methodology, and extraction of data for analysis. PET/CT results, treatment failure, imaging and interventions subsequent to PET/CT findings, and efficacy of salvage therapy were extracted.

RESULTS

Of the 907 post-treatment scans, PET/CT results were largely negative (76.2%; 95% CI, 63.4-85.6) and least often positive (11.3%; 95% CI, 8.8-14.4). PET/CT results were equivocal for 22.5% (95% CI, 12.5-36.9) and equivocal/positive for 34.2% of patients (95% CI, 25.1-44.5). Patients with an initial positive scan had the highest treatment failure rates (43.1%; 95% CI, 21.4-67.7) and those with an initial negative scan had the lowest rates (7.4%; 95% CI, 5.7-9.7). The equivocal and equivocal/positive scans had intermediate prevalence of 16.5% (95% CI, 9.4-27.6) and 16.7% (95% CI, 9.1-28.7), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The low treatment failure rate following a negative PET/CT scan is reassuring, but the data are consistent with treatment failure rates up to 9.7% suggesting follow-up of these patients is prudent. Additionally, the low positive predictive value for treatment failure observed alludes to use of post-treatment PET/CT in HPV-associated disease frequently leading to unnecessary subsequent imaging and intervention.

Locoregional Recurrence in p16-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma After TORS

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the patterns, risk factors, and salvage outcomes for locoregional recurrences (LRR) after treatment with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of HPV+ OPSCC patients completing primary TORS, neck dissection, and NCCN-guideline-compliant adjuvant therapy at a single institution from 2007 to 2017.

METHODS

Features associated with LRR, detailed patterns of LRR, and outcomes of salvage therapy were analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated for subgroups of patients receiving distinct adjuvant treatments.

RESULTS

Of 541 patients who completed guideline-indicated therapy, the estimated 5-year LRR rate was 4.5%. There were no identifiable clinical or pathologic features associated with LRR. Compared to patients not receiving adjuvant therapy, those who received indicated adjuvant radiation alone had a lower risk of LRR (HR 0.28, 95% CI [0.09-0.83], P = .023), but there was no difference in DFS (P = .21) and OS (P = .86) between adjuvant therapy groups. The 5-year OS for patients who developed LRR was 67.1% vs. 93.9% for those without LRR (P < .001). Patients who initially received adjuvant chemoradiation and those suffering local, in-field, and/or retropharyngeal node recurrences had decreased disease control after salvage therapy.

CONCLUSION

LRR rates are low for HPV+ OPSCCs completing TORS and guideline-compliant adjuvant therapy. Patients without indication for adjuvant therapy more often suffer LRR, but these recurrences are generally controllable by salvage therapy. Improved understanding of the patterns of recurrence most amenable to salvage therapy may guide treatment decisions, counseling, and adjuvant therapy de-escalation trials.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Patient Burden with Current Surveillance Paradigm and Factors Associated with Interest in Altered Surveillance for Early Stage HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Optimal surveillance paradigms for survivors of early stage human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer are not well defined. This study aimed to characterize patient interest in and factors associated with an altered surveillance paradigm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We surveyed patients with Stage I or II HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer treated at a tertiary care institution from 2016 to 2019. Primary outcomes were descriptive assessment of patient knowledge, interest in altered surveillance, burdens of in-person appointments, and priorities for surveillance visits. Ordinal regression was used to identify correlates of interest in altered surveillance.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients completed surveys from February to April 2020 at a median of 21 months since completing definitive treatment. A majority (61%) of patients were interested in a surveillance approach that decreased in-person clinic visits. Patients who self-identified as medical maximizers, had higher worry of cancer recurrence, or were in long-term relationships were less likely to be interested. Patients reported significant burdens associated with surveillance visits, including driving distance, time off work, and nonmedical costs. Patients were most concerned with discussing cancer recurrence (76%), physical quality of life (70%), mortality (61%), and mental quality of life (52%) with their providers at follow-up visits.

CONCLUSION

Patients with early stage HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are interested in altered surveillance approaches, experience significant burdens related to surveillance visits, and have concerns that are not well addressed with current surveillance approaches, including physical and mental quality of life. Optimized surveillance approaches should incorporate patient priorities and minimize associated burdens.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The number of patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers is increasing, and numerous clinical trials are investigating novel approaches to treating these good-prognosis patients. There has been limited work assessing optimal surveillance paradigms in these patients. Patients experience significant appointment-related burdens and have concerns such as physical and mental quality of life. Additionally, patients with early stage HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers express interest in altered surveillance approaches that decrease in-person clinic visits. Optimization of surveillance paradigms to promote broader survivorship care in clinical practice is needed.

Head and neck imaging surveillance strategy for HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma following definitive (chemo)radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To describe the utilization pattern of head and neck (HN) surveillance imaging and explore the optimal strategy for radiologic "residual" lymph node (LN) surveillance following definitive (chemo)radiotherapy (RT/CRT) in human papillomavirus (HPV)+ oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC).

METHODS

All HPV+ OPC patients who completed RT/CRT from 2012 to 2015 were included. Schedule and rationale for post-treatment HN-CT/MRI were recorded. Imaging findings and oncologic outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1036 scans in 412 patients were reviewed: 414 scans for first post-treatment response assessment and 622 scans for the following reasons: follow-up of radiologic "residual" LN(s) (293 scans/175 patients); local symptoms (227/146); other (17/16); unknown (85/66). Rate of scans with "unstated" reason varied significantly among clinicians (3-28%, p < 0.001) and none of them yielded any positive imaging findings. First post-treatment scans identified 192 (47%) patients with radiologic "residual" LNs. Neck dissection (ND) was performed in 28 patients: 16 immediately (6/16 positive), 10 after one follow-up scan (2/10 positive), and 2 after 2nd follow-up scan (1/2 positive). Thirty patients had >2 consecutive follow-up scans at 2-3-month intervals, and none showed subsequent imaging progression or regional failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Pattern of HN imaging utilization for surveillance varied significantly among clinicians. Imaging surveillance reduces the need for ND. However, routine HN-CT/MR surveillance without clinical symptoms/signs does not demonstrate proven value in identifying locoregional failure or toxicity. Radiologic "residual" LNs without adverse features are common. If two subsequent follow-up scans demonstrate stable/regressing radiologic "residual" LNs, clinical surveillance without further imaging appears to be safe in this population.