[Nodal metastasis and value of neck dissection in T1/2 oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas]

BACKGROUND

Due to heterogeneous data, the indication for elective neck dissection (END) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx and oropharynx (HPSCC and OPSCC) in stages T1/2N0 is somewhat unclear. Therefore, in this multicenter study, we performed detailed analysis of the metastatic behavior of HPSCC and OPSCC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The nodal metastatic patterns of 262 HPSCC and OPSCC patients who had undergone surgery was retrospectively investigated. In addition, recurrence-free and overall survival were recorded. Furthermore, a systematic literature review on the topic was completed.

RESULTS

In patients with HPSCC, a discrepancy between clinical and pathologic N status was recorded in 62.1% of patients vs. 52.4% for p16- OPSCC, and 43.6% for p16+ OPSCC. The occult metastasis rate in cT1/2cN0 primary tumors was 38.9% for HPSCC vs. 17.8% (p16- OPSCC) and 11.1% (p16+ OPSCC). Contralateral metastases occurred in 22.2% of cases for HPSCC at stages cT1/2cN0, compared to only 9.1% for p16- OPSCC, and 0% for p16+ OPSCC patients.Patients with p16+ OPSCC had better recurrence-free and overall survival than p16- OPSCC and HPSCC patients. A direct association between patient survival and the extent of neck surgical therapy could not be demonstrated in our patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with HPSCC are at risk for bilateral neck metastases from stage cT1/2cN0, justifying bilateral END. Patients with T1/2 OPSCC present with occult metastases ipsilaterally in >20% of cases; however, the risk for contralateral occult metastasis is <10%. Hence, in strictly lateralized cT1/2CN0 tumors, omission of contralateral END may be considered.

Latin American Consensus on the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is well known as a serious health problem worldwide, especially in low-income countries or those with limited resources, such as most countries in Latin America. International guidelines cannot always be applied to a population from a large region with specific conditions. This study established a Latin American guideline for care of patients with head and neck cancer and presented evidence of HNSCC management considering availability and oncologic benefit. A panel composed of 41 head and neck cancer experts systematically worked according to a modified Delphi process on (1) document compilation of evidence-based answers to different questions contextualized by resource availability and oncologic benefit regarding Latin America (region of limited resources and/or without access to all necessary health care system infrastructure), (2) revision of the answers and the classification of levels of evidence and degrees of recommendations of all recommendations, (3) validation of the consensus through two rounds of online surveys, and (4) manuscript composition. The consensus consists of 12 sections: Head and neck cancer staging, Histopathologic evaluation of head and neck cancer, Head and neck surgery-oral cavity, Clinical oncology-oral cavity, Head and neck surgery-oropharynx, Clinical oncology-oropharynx, Head and neck surgery-larynx, Head and neck surgery-larynx/hypopharynx, Clinical oncology-larynx/hypopharynx, Clinical oncology-recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer, Head and neck surgery-reconstruction and rehabilitation, and Radiation therapy. The present consensus established 48 recommendations on HNSCC patient care considering the availability of resources and focusing on oncologic benefit. These recommendations could also be used to formulate strategies in other regions like Latin America countries.

Anatomic Variability of the Accessory Nerve: Implications for Dissection of Level IIB

OBJECTIVES

During neck dissection, level IIB lymphadenectomy necessitates manipulation of the spinal accessory nerve that might be avoided and might cause postoperative disability. Current literature does not describe the effect of variation in the spinal accessory nerve in the upper neck. We sought to measure the effect of the dimensions of level IIB on nodal yield in level IIB and on patient reported neck symptoms.

METHODS

We measured the boundaries of level IIB of 150 patients undergoing neck dissection. Level II was dissected and separated into levels IIA and IIB intraoperatively. Patient-reported symptoms were assessed in 50 patients using the Neck Dissection Impairment Inventory. We computed descriptive statistics, and sought to identify correlation with the number and proportion of level IIB nodes and the number of metastatic nodes. Level IIB dimensions were analyzed as predictors of postoperative symptoms.

RESULTS

We measured 184 sides, with 37.7% of level II nodes found in level IIB. Mean accessory nerve length across level II was 2.5 cm. Every additional 1 cm in accessory nerve length was associated with two more level IIB nodes. At all accessory nerve lengths, meaningful numbers of nodes were present in level IIB. Accessory nerve length and other factors did not correlate with NDII scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Longer lengths of accessory nerve across level IIB correlated with greater nodal yield. However, data did not point to an accessory nerve length cutoff below which level IIB dissection could be avoided. In addition, the dimensions of level IIB did not correlate with postoperative neck symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 Laryngoscope, 134:154-159, 2024.

Oncologic Outcome in Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Refusal of Recommended Adjuvant Therapy

Importance

Clinicians may be confronted with patients refusing recommended adjuvant therapy (AT) after the primary resection of an advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, for this tumor entity, data are lacking regarding the oncological outcomes and associated factors after refusal of AT.

Objective

To evaluate the difference in survival and disease recurrence for patients with and without recommended AT after resection of advanced OSCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this single-center retrospective matched cohort study, patients with advanced OSCC who refused recommended AT between January 2010 and December 2021 were matched 1:1 according to Union for International Cancer Control tumor staging with patients who completed AT.

Exposures

Patients with advanced OSCC who refused or completed recommended AT between 2010 and 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome of this study was the comparison of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the 2 study groups.

Results

A total of 82 patients (mean [SD] age at time of surgery, 68.0 [11.3] years; 38 [46.3%] female, 44 [53.7%] male) with and without AT (41 per study group) were included in the analysis. Patients refusing AT developed more frequent disease recurrence than patients who completed AT (61.0% vs 26.8%; difference, 34.2%; odds ratio, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.68-10.84). In addition, patients who refused AT presented with lower 2-year OS (72.7% vs 88.6%; difference, 15.9%; 95% CI, 8.6%-40.6%) and much lower 2-year RFS (39.1% vs 74.2%; difference, 35.1%; 95% CI, 0.2%-70.5%). In the patient cohort who rejected AT, a worse OS was associated with female sex (48.6% vs 90.5%; difference, 41.9%; 95% CI, 0.6%-84.4%), pT1-2 category (57.1% vs 92.3%; difference, 35.2%; 95% CI, 3.3%-73.6%), and pN1 or higher category (61.2% vs 82.6%; difference, 21.4%; 95% CI, 14.1%-56.8%). Lower RFS was associated with female sex (37.9% vs 90.9%; difference, 53.0%; 95% CI, 8.0%-97.9%), advanced T category (pT3-4, 35.3% vs 80.0%; difference, 44.7%; 95% CI, 6.4%-95.3%), lymph node yield of 20 or greater (31.4% vs 80.6%; difference, 49.2%; 95% CI, 4.9%-93.4%), and lymph node ratio of less than 4.6% (36.6% vs 84.4%; difference, 47.8%; 95% CI, 1.8%-93.1%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with advanced OSCC, refusal of AT was associated with worse oncological outcomes. The prevalence of disease recurrence during follow-up was 34% higher in patients who refused AT than in patients who completed AT. The results from this study may assist clinicians in guiding patients who are considering refusal of or withdrawal from AT.

Patterns and distribution of regional nodal involvement and recurrence in a surgically treated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cohort at a tertiary center

OBJECTIVES

To investigate and describe the patterns of regional metastases and recurrences after surgical treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with OPSCC from 2006 to 2021 at a tertiary referral center. Only patients treated with surgery including a neck dissection were included. Patients with unknown human papillomavirus (HPV) status, prior head and neck cancer, distant metastases, or synchronous head and neck cancer were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 928 patients were included. 89% were males, the average age was 58.6 years (range: 25.2-87.5), 874 (94%) were HPV(+), and 513 (55.3%) had a tonsil cancer. Among cN + patients, the most commonly involved levels at presentation were level II (85.2%), level III (33.3%), and level IV (9.4%). In cN0 patients, metastases were only observed in level II (16.2%) and level III (9.2%). Nodal recurrence occurred in 48 (5.2%) patients after a median time of 1.0 years (interquartile range: 0.6-2.0). Nodal recurrence incidence was similar in HPV(+) and HPV(-) patients (5.0% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.44). The most common levels for regional recurrence were ipsilateral level II (45.8%), contralateral level II (43.8%), and ipsilateral level V (25.0%). Multivariable analysis revealed that pN was a significant predictor for regional recurrence (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

There is no difference in the distribution of regional metastases and recurrences in HPV(+) and HPV(-) OPSCC patients. Our findings align with the established understanding that regional metastases predominantly manifest in the ipsilateral level II-IV at presentation. Moreover, the data support the clinical recommendation to restrict elective neck dissection in cN0 patients to ipsilateral levels IIa and III, excluding level IIb. Regional recurrence is significantly associated with pN status.

Management of Recurrent HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a Contemporary Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the impact of contemporary treatment strategies on salvage outcomes in patients with recurrent human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV + OPSCC).

RECENT FINDINGS

Secondary to HPV, changes in disease biology have impacted primary treatments and subsequent approaches to patients with recurrence. With treatment strategies more inclusive of upfront surgery, the characteristics of patients with recurrence HPV + OPSCC have been further redefined. Less invasive endoscopic surgical approaches such as transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and the continued refinement of conformal radiotherapy techniques, have improved treatment options for patients with recurrent HPV + OPSCC. Systemic treatment options have continued to expand including potentially effective immune-based therapies. Effective surveillance with systemic and oral biomarkers offers hope of earlier detection of recurrence. Management of patients with recurrent OPSCC remains difficult. Modest improvements in salvage treatment have been observed within the HPV + OPSCC cohort largely reflecting disease biology and improved treatment techniques.

Lymph node metastasis in level IIb in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicentric, longitudinal, retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Nowadays, 70% of patients in Europe and the USA are affected by a p16 + , potentially HPV driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, despite the improved survival rate in this group, the quality-of-life remains low in cases which neck dissection took place. In this vein, in recent years, some surgeons have considered to avoid dissection of level IIB, proposing a supra-selective non-IIb neck dissection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, longitudinal, multicentric study was conducted, including patients with pathologically confirmed primary HPV + or HPV - OPSCC who went through surgical treatment for the primary lesion and neck dissection.

RESULTS

141 patients were included. Among them, 99 (70.2%) were male and 42 (29.8%) were female. The mean age was 62 ± 9 years (range 36-81). The most frequent anatomical location was the tonsil in 63 (44.7%) of patients. The most common approach was the classic transoral oropharyngectomy in 51 (36.2%) patients. Immunohistochemistry for p16 was positive in 62 (44%) patients. One-hundred and five (74.5%) patients received a unilateral ND, and a 36 (25.5%) a bilateral ND. Of those, a 12.8% (18/141) of patients were level IIb LN + . According to our results, level IIb ND should be considered in patients underwent therapeutic ND with positive LN metastasis in level IIa (OR = 9.83; 95% CI 3.463-27.917) or III (OR = 6.25; 95% CI 2.158-18.143), advanced (T3/T4) oropharyngeal primary tumors (OR = 3.38; 95% CI 1.366-8.405), and patients with ENE (OR = 6.56; 95% CI 2.182-19.770), regardless of p16 status.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, level IIb ND should be considered in patients who underwent therapeutic ND with positive LN metastasis in level IIa or III, advanced oropharyngeal primary tumors, and patients with ENE, independently of p16 status. Prospective data are necessary to definitively ensure the safety of omitting ipsilateral or contralateral level IIb ND in cN - patients with early stage disease.

Rate of atypical nodal metastases in surgically treated HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Understanding of nodal metastasis in patients with HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is warranted.

METHODS

Patients with HPV+ OPSCC who underwent neck dissection (ND) between 2016 and 2021 were reviewed. Pathology reports were reviewed for lymph node (LN) metastases. Noncontiguous metastases were defined as pathologic evidence of level II disease with another involved LN in a noncontiguous neck level. Skip metastases were defined as pathologic lymph node(s) in the neck without disease in level II.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-one patients underwent levels II-IV ND with a mean (SD) LN yield of 33.3 (±13.5). The rate of atypical metastases in both the therapeutic and elective ND cohort was 5%. The noncontiguous and skip metastases were in level IV (n = 2) and level III (n = 4), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Skip and noncontiguous metastases were rare in patients with HPV+ OPSCC undergoing surgical treatment. Surgeons may consider a selective ND omitting Level IV in select patients with HPV+ OPSCC undergoing surgery.

Level IV neck dissection in cN0 HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

As opposed to observation of the neck, elective neck dissection has a survival benefit for cN0 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). However, there are limited date on level IV neck dissection in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative OPSCC because most earlier studies did not stratify by P16 or HPV status. Thus, whether to exclude level IV from selective dissection (SND) of cN0 HPV-negative OPSCC remains controversial.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, disease-free survival (DFS) was estimated as the primary endpoint for 124 cN0 HPV-negative OPSCC patients who received SND of levels I-III (Group A) and I-IV (Group B). Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were considered secondary endpoints.

RESULTS

For the entire cohort, the 5-year DFS rates of Groups A and B were 55.0% and 60.1%, respectively. Five-year OS rates were 58.9% and 61.5%, and 5-year DSS rates were 74.0% and 64.8%, respectively. Group B did not show higher 5-year DFS, OS, or DSS than Group A.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective cohort study validated that in cN0 HPV-negative OPSCC, SND including level IV does not have substantial benefits regarding DFS, OS or DSS.

Preemptive Utilization of Anterior Belly of the Digastric Muscle Flaps in Transoral Robotic Radical Tonsillectomy

Objective

To demonstrate the use of an anterior belly of the digastric muscle flap (ABDMF) during transoral robotic radical tonsillectomy (TORRT) with concomitant neck dissection with the intent of preventing the formation of postoperative pharyngocutaneous fistulas.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Single academic tertiary care center.

Methods

In this study, all patients were included who underwent TORRT plus limited pharyngectomy with concomitant neck dissection and ABDMF for the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma between September 2012 and September 2020. The rate of fistula formation was assessed in patients with preemptive utilization of ABDMF.

Results

A total of 43 patients underwent TORRT with neck dissection and ABDMF. No patients developed a fistula in the postoperative period or associated morbidity with the use of this flap.

Conclusion

Preemptive use of ABDMF in TORRT with concomitant neck dissection represents a reconstructive option that may help prevent the formation of pharyngocutaneous fistula by reinforcing the posteroinferior boundary of the parapharyngeal space.

Neck dissection and trans oral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is a modality in the management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OPSCC). This study was planned to determine whether Selective Neck Dissection (SND) is oncological safe procedure even in patients with lymph node metastases.

METHODS

OPSCC patients were divided into Modified Radical Neck Dissection (MRND) and SND groups. The outcome measures were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and regional recurrence free survival (RRFS).

RESULTS

Thirty-seven SNDs and 18 MRNDs were performed. Regional relapse rate was 6.1% in SND group whilst 18.8% in MRND group(p=0.19). The 5-year OS, DFS and RRFS rates' differences were not statistically significant between SND and MRND groups (p=0.40, p=0.42 and p=0.18, respectively). At multivariate analysis, advanced stage impacted the 5-year OS and DFS(HR=9.39, p<0.01 and HR=11.03, p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The SND seems to be effective in a TORS framework. The indication should be accurately discussed by the multidisciplinary tumor board.

Outcomes of Patients With Single-Node Metastasis of Human Papillomavirus-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated With Transoral Surgery

Importance

Regional lymph node metastasis remains an important prognostic factor in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Although survival among patients with regional metastasis in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related OPSCC is more favorable compared with patients who are HPV negative, prognostic variables associated with failure in patients with single-node metastasis are not known.

Objective

To evaluate recurrence and survival in patients with HPV-related OPSCC with single-lymph node metastasis treated with transoral surgery.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 207 adults with newly diagnosed p16-positive OPSCC and pathology-confirmed single-node disease who underwent surgical resection with or without adjuvant therapy at 2 tertiary academic medical centers from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016. Statistical analysis was performed from September 1, 2018, to September 1, 2020.

Interventions

Surgery alone (n = 59), surgery with adjuvant radiation (n = 75), or surgery with adjuvant chemoradiation (n = 73).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was regional recurrence. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, any recurrence, and identification of factors associated with regional recurrence and overall survival.

Results

Among 207 patients, 178 (86%) were men, with a median age of 57 years (range, 35-82 years) at the time of surgery. Median follow-up was 36.2 months (range, 7-127 months). Regional recurrence occurred in 11 patients (5%). Of these, 1 patient (9%) was lost to follow-up after diagnosis, 1 (9%) was treated with palliative chemotherapy, and 9 (82%) were treated with curative intent. Ultimately, 7 patients received successful salvage treatment, and 3 died with disease. Overall, there were 21 patients (10%) with any recurrence, with 4 patients (19%) experiencing local recurrence, 11 (52%) experiencing regional recurrence, and 6 (29%) experiencing distant metastasis. The 5-year overall survival was 95% (95% CI, 89%-98%) for all patients. Older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.2), advanced T stage (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 0.9-14.0), and positive margins (OR, 10.9; 95% CI, 1.8-67.5) were associated with increased regional recurrence. Extranodal extension (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.04-0.8), lymph node size greater than 3 cm (OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7), and adjuvant therapy (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.02-0.4) were associated with decreased regional recurrence. Advanced comorbidities (hazard ratio, 6.20; 95% CI, 1.4-27.7), lymphovascular invasion (hazard ratio, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.0-21.2), and regional recurrence (hazard ratio, 16.0; 95% CI, 3.1-82.0) were associated with worse overall survival.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that patients with HPV-related OPSCC and single-node disease undergoing surgical resection with or without adjuvant treatment have excellent survival. Adjuvant therapy appears to improve regional control. Among patients with regional recurrence of OPSCC, there is a high rate of successful salvage treatment.

Prevalence and distribution of cervical lymph node metastases in HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

In oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OP-SCC), the prevalence and distribution of clinical and pathological lymph node metastasis in the neck have been extensively reported. It served as the basis for consensus recommendations on the selection of the lymph node levels in the neck requiring a treatment. The objective of the study is to compare the prevalence and distribution of neck node metastases in HPV+ and HPV- OP-SCC from a large series of patients with OP-SCC who underwent a cervical lymph-node dissection (LND) as part of their treatment.

METHODS

The study concentrated on OP-SCC patients treated by various neck node dissection (LND) procedures from January 2014 to December 2018 in 3 French institutions. Patients with prior head and neck cancer, prior neck surgery, the use of induction chemotherapy, or patients with carcinoma of unknown primary were excluded. HPV-status was assessed by p16 immunohistochemistry. For each patient, the clinical and the pathological nodal status, as well as the distribution of the positive nodes in each neck level (from Ia to V) were reported.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and sixty-three patients were included (126 p16-negative (p16-), and 137 p16-positive (p16+). The rate of clinical positive node (cN+) reached 54% and 88.3% in the p16- and p16+ groups, respectively (p < 0.001); the corresponding rate of pathological positive node (pN+) reached 61.9% and 91.2%, respectively (p < 0.001). Regarding the clinical lymph node distribution, in p16+ patients, more positive nodes were observed in the ipsilateral level IV (p = 0.003), and less positive nodes were observed in the contralateral levels III and IV (p = 0.003 and p = 0.045, respectively). Regarding the pathologic lymph node distribution in the ipsilateral neck, in the cN0 patients, no significant difference was observed between p16- and p16+ patients (p = 0.33 to 1); in the cN+ patients, the nodes were distributed in levels Ib, II, III, IV and V without differences between the p16- and the p16+ patients. In the contralateral neck of p16- patients, nodes metastases were mainly observed in levels II, III and IV, whereas for the p16+ patients, positive nodes were only observed in level II (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the higher prevalence of cN+ and pN+ in p16+ OP-SCC patients, but without meaningful difference in the distribution of the lymph node drainage between p16- and p16+ OP-SCC. It indicates that no difference should be made between p16- and p16+ patients regarding the extend of neck treatment.

Risk and Rate of Occult Contralateral Nodal Disease in Surgically Treated Patients With Human Papillomavirus-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Base of the Tongue

Importance

The optimal treatment strategy for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) of the base of the tongue (BOT) has not been sufficiently studied.

Objective

To investigate the rate of and risk factors for occult contralateral nodal disease in patients with HPV-related BOT OPSCC undergoing transoral surgery and bilateral neck dissections.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective case series reviewed the medical records of patients with HPV-related BOT OPSCC who underwent transoral surgery and bilateral neck dissections from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2018, at the tertiary care center of Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. Patients had a median follow-up of 30.0 months (interquartile range, 11.0-60.4 months). Patients with recurrent disease or multiple synchronous OPSCC primary tumors were excluded for a total of 89 patients. Data were analyzed from January 1 through June 1, 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the rate of contralateral occult nodal disease. Secondary outcomes were potential risk factors for contralateral occult nodal disease and regional recurrence rates.

Results

Eighty-nine patients were included in the series, of whom 81 (91.0%) were men. The mean (SD) age was 60 (9) years. Overall, 34 patients (38.2%) had pathologic contralateral nodal metastases. Seventy patients had no clinical evidence of contralateral nodal disease. Of these 70, occult nodes were identified in 15 (21.4%). Risk of contralateral disease was higher when the primary tumor crossed midline (odds ratio, 6.23; 95% CI, 1.71-22.77). Of the 55 patients with no occult disease identified, only 2 (3.6%) received radiotherapy to the contralateral neck, and no regional recurrence of disease was noted.

Conclusions and Relevance

Given the rate of occult contralateral nodal disease of 21.4%, it appears that contralateral elective neck dissection or radiotherapy should be recommended in patients with HPV-related BOT OPSCC. Patients with a pathologically negative result of contralateral neck dissection may not benefit from radiotherapy to that nodal basin. Future prospective investigations should evaluate functional and oncologic outcomes of contralateral elective neck dissection compared with elective radiotherapy in the contralateral neck for HPV-related BOT OPSCC.

Patterns of Nodal Metastases and Predictors of Occult Disease in HPV-Associated Oropharynx Cancer

OBJECTIVE

For human papilloma virus-associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC), we evaluated the distribution of neck-level lymph node (LN) metastasis, based on postsurgical histopathology, and the incidence of and risk factors for occult LN metastases, as these patterns need clarification for this newer cancer subset.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

National Cancer Database (NCDB).

METHODS

We analyzed 2358 patients in the NCDB with HPV+ OPSCC who underwent neck dissection (ND) from 2010 to 2015. Incidence and distribution of LN metastases were calculated for neck levels I to V. Variables associated with occult LN metastasis were assessed by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

In therapeutic NDs (n = 1935), the following proportions of positive LNs were found: level I, 9.0% (n = 175); level II, 81.0% (n = 1568); level III, 29.6% (n = 573); level IV, 11.9% (n = 230); and level V, 4.9% (n = 95). In elective NDs (n = 423), occult-positive LNs were found in 35.8% (n = 152), with the following proportions by level: level I, 3.3% (n = 14); level II, 26.9% (n = 114); level III, 8.7% (n = 37); level IV, 4.0% (n = 17); and level V, 0.2% (n = 1). The presence of occult LNs was independently associated with a Charlson-Deyo score of 1 (odds ratio, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.18-4.31; P = .014) and lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio, 5.91; 95% CI, 3.21-11.18; P < .001). Occult LN metastases were not significantly associated with pT classification, primary site, or number of LNs resected.

CONCLUSION

For HPV+ OPSCC, occult nodal disease is common. Therapeutic NDs should encompass at least levels II, III, and IV and possibly I, whereas elective NDs could possibly encompass levels II and III.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.