Prognostic factors of cervical node status in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic among patients with lung and head and neck cancer assisted in a public cancer center in Brazil

BACKGROUND

There is no updated national data regarding the real impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delaying diagnosis and treatment among patients with lung, and head, and neck cancers in Brazil. This study aimed to analyze the COVID-19 pandemic impact on cancer diagnosis and clinical outcomes among lung, head, and neck cancer patients assisted in a tertiary cancer center in Southeastern Brazil, as well as to analyze these patients' pretreatment clinical features.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort of patients with lung or head and neck cancer assisted in a tertiary cancer center in southeastern Brazil between January/2019 and December/2021. To assess statistical differences among groups [i.e., cohort 2019 versus (vs.) 2020 and 2019 vs. 2021] chi-square test was used with a 5% significance level and 90% power for sample size calculation. Differences among baseline clinical features and sociodemographic characteristics were evaluated either by T-test for two samples or Fisher's or Pearson's chi-square test (for quantitative or qualitative variables). All utilized tests had a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

Six hundred fifty-two patients were included, 332 with lung and 320 with head and neck cancer; it was observed a significant decrease in oncologic treatment recommendations and increase in palliative care recommendation for patients with lung cancer, despite similar stages at diagnosis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more pain symptoms were reported at the first Oncology assessment for patients with head and neck cancer (p < 0.05). Compared to 2019, head and neck cancer patients diagnosed in 2021 presented a worse initial performance status (p = 0.008). There was a statistically significant increase in survival for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2021 when compared to 2019 (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This research highlights low survival rates for patients with lung and head and neck cancer in Brazil, even before the pandemic started, as consequence of advanced diseases at diagnosis at the public health system and clinical degrading features. Additionally, there was an increase incidence in both lung cancer and head and neck cancer despite no differences in clinical stage. This reflects how fragile is the public healthcare system even before facing an acute public health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the total impact on public health may follow for many years.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 29 Studies Predicting Diagnostic Accuracy of CT, MRI, PET, and USG in Detecting Extracapsular Spread in Head and Neck Cancers

BACKGROUND

Extracapsular spread (ECS) is the extension of cancer cells beyond the lymph node capsule and is a significant prognostic factor in head and neck cancers. This meta-analysis compared the diagnostic accuracy of CT, MRI, PET, and USG in detecting ECS in head and neck cancers.

METHODOLOGY

The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared the diagnostic accuracy of CT, MRI, PET, and USG in detecting ECS in head and neck cancers. They included studies that were published between 1990 and December 2023 and that used histopathology as the reference standard for ECS.

RESULTS

The pooled sensitivity and specificity of CT scan were 0.63 (95% CI = 0.53-0.73) and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.74-0.91), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 0.83 (95% CI = 0.71-0.90) and 0.85 (95% CI = 0.73-0.92), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PET were 0.80 (95% CI = 0.74-0.85) and 0.93 (95% CI = 0.92-0.94), respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of USG were 0.80 (95% CI = 0.68-0.88) and 0.84 (95% CI = 0.74-0.91), respectively. MRI had significantly higher sensitivity than CT scan (p-0.05). The specificity of CT and MRI was not significantly different (p-0.99). PET scan had the highest specificity among all imaging modalities.

CONCLUSION

MRI is the most accurate imaging modality for detecting ECS in head and neck cancers. CT scan is a reasonable alternative, but PET scan may be considered when high specificity is required. USG may not add any further benefit in detecting ECS.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the retromolar trigone: A SEER-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the retromolar trigone (primary SCC RMT) is an uncommon malignant tumor. There is still much to learn about its clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. In order to better understand the clinicopathological features and predictive survival aspects of primary SCC RMT, this study examined data from the SEER database from 2000 to 2020. Furthermore, in order to forecast the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with primary SCC RMT, we created nomograms.

METHOD

The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to retrieve the information on individuals with primary SCC RMT who received a diagnosis between 2000 and 2020. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional risk regression model. Using R software, prognostic nomograms were created to forecast the OS and CSS likelihood. The nomograms' prediction abilities were evaluated using the consistency index (C-index), calibration curve, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULT

A total of 1717 patients with primary SCC RMT were included, they were randomly assigned to the primary and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio using R software. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that age, marital status, regional nodes positive, Summary stage, TNM stage, T stage, N stage, surgery were independent prognostic factors of OS, and age, marital status, regional nodes positive, tumor sizes, Summary stage, N stage, surgery were independent prognostic factors of CSS in the primary cohort. The C-index of the nomogram OS was 0.705 (95 % CI: 0.685-0.725) and the C-index of CSS was 0.734 (95 % CI:0.714-0.754) in the primary cohort. In validation cohort, the C-index of the nomogram OS and CSS were 0.730 (95 % CI: 0.710-0.750) and 0.723 (95 % CI: 0.684-0.762), respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and CSS rates in the primary cohort and validation cohort were approximately in line with the nomogram estimations, in accordance to the calibration curves.

CONCLUSION

We conducted an analysis using the SEER database to investigate the features, survival outcomes, and prognostic parameters of patients with primary SCC RMT. And we developed two prognostic nomograms that can be used by clinicians to forecast the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients with primary SCC RMT.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma - do we always need elective neck dissection? evaluation of clinicopathological factors of greatest prognostic significance: a cross-sectional observational study

The aim of the study was to find clinical and pathological factors with the greatest prognostic significance in patients with OSCC. The analysis included 125 patients grouped according to the tumor primary site (TPS): the floor of the mouth (FOM), tongue (TC) and retromolar triangle (RMT). Grading (G), tumor size (pT), nodal metastases (NM), local recurrence (LR), nodal recurrence (NR), perineural invasion (PNI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), extranodal extension (pENE), and nodal yield (NY) were evaluated in each group.

Results

With regard to TPS, FOM appeared to be the most metastatic. However, the recurrence rate was similar to TC tumors, which were characterized by higher G than those in other locations. When analyzing G, the highest percentage of LR (40.5%) and NM (34.5%) was observed among patients with G2. As G increased, so did the number of pENE G1 - 7.4%; G2 - 31%; G3 - 35.7%; LVI: G1 - 25.9%; G2 - 50%; G3 - 57.1%; PNI: G1 - 29.6%; G2 - 47.6%; G3 - 92.9%; NR G1 - 14.8%; G2 - 32.1%; G3 - 21.4%. Grading did not affect the type of growth and did not directly affect the occurrence of NR. pT and DOI increased the frequency of NM but we did not observe any effect of pT and DOI on LR, PNI, and LVI. NY in the study group did not increase the risk of NR.

Conclusion

Tumor primary sites within the FOM, TC, and pT classification are the factors that increase the risk of NM and LR. However, apart from the primary site predisposing to the occurrence of NM, the histological structure of the tumor turned out to be the most important feature affecting the patient's prognosis. The number of cases of pENE+, LVI+, PNI+, NM+, and NR+ increased with the increase in G. Although the pT, DOI increased the frequency of NM, we did not observe the effect of the pT and DOI on LR, PNI and LVI. Thus, even in the case of a small tumor of the FOM and TC with at least G2, elective neck dissection should be performed each time.

Evaluating the Clinicopathologic Parameters of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma based on its Local Distribution

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common oral lesions and the tongue is one of the most common areas involved. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathologic feature of tongue SCCs based on its local distribution.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, clinical data such as age, gender, location, and clinical appearance were extracted from the archives of the Oral Pathology Department, Isfahan Dental School, registered with a definitive diagnosis of tongue SCC during 2005-2019. Then, 34 specimens were selected for histopathological evaluation in a simple random way. The histopathologic slides were examined to determine the grade of tumor malignancy. The data were entered into SPSS23 software and analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher exact, One-way ANOVA, and Non-parametric tests. P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of the 275 OSCCs, 68 samples were tongue SCC. The mean age of patients was 61.7 ± 15 and 61.8% were women. The most common clinical manifestations were exophytic lesions (42.6%) and the most common site was the lateral border of the tongue (36.8%). The results did not show a significant relationship between the clinicopathologic feature including mean age (p = 0.766), gender (p = 0.338), clinical presentation (p = 0.434), grade of malignancy (p = 0.763) and location. But, among the histopathological parameters, the pattern of invasion (p = 0.047) was significantly associated with the local distribution.

Conclusion

Given that most OSCCs had moderate differentiation of malignancy, identification of clinical features is needed. Attention to the pattern of invasion and location on the tongue can be effective in determining the therapeutic approach.

Assessing Prognostic Value of Quantitative Neck Dissection Quality Measures in Patients With Clinically Node-Negative Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance

In clinically localized (T1-2) oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), regional lymph node metastasis is associated with a poor prognosis. Given the high propensity of subclinical nodal disease in these patients, upfront elective neck dissections (END) for patients with clinically node-negative disease are common and associated with better outcomes. Unfortunately, even with this risk-adverse treatment paradigm, disease recurrence still occurs, and our understanding of the factors that modulate this risk and alter survival have yet to be fully elucidated.

Objective

To investigate the prognostic value of lymph node yield (LNY), lymph node ratio (LNR), and weighted LNR (wLNR) in patients with clinically node-negative T1-2 OCSCC.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, data were collected retrospectively from 7 tertiary care academic medical centers. Overall, 523 patients with cT1-2N0 OCSCC who underwent elective neck dissections after primary surgical extirpation were identified.

Exposures

Lymph node yield was defined as the number of lymph nodes recovered from elective neck dissection. Lymph node ratio was defined as the ratio of positive nodes against total LNY. Weighted LNR incorporated information from both LNY and LNR into a single continuous metric.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Locoregional control (LRC) and disease-free survival (DFS) were both evaluated using nonparametric Kaplan-Meier estimators and semiparametric Cox regression.

Results

On multivariable analysis, LNY less than or equal to 18 lymph nodes was found to be significantly associated with decreased LRC (aHR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.04-2.24) and DFS (aHR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.12-1.92) in patients with pN0 disease, but not those with pN-positive disease. Importantly, patients with pN0 disease with LNY less than or equal to 18 and those with pN1 diseasehad nearly identical 5-year LRC (69.7% vs 71.4%) and DFS (58.2% vs 55.7%). For patients with pN-positive disease, LNR greater than 0.06 was significantly associated with decreased LRC (aHR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.28-5.55) and DFS (aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.07-2.53). Overall, wLNR was a robust prognostic variable across all patients with cN0 disease, regardless of pathologic nodal status. Risk stratification via wLNR thresholds demonstrated greater optimism-corrected concordance compared with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition nodal staging for both LRC (0.61 vs 0.57) and DFS (0.61 vs 0.58).

Conclusions and Relevance

Movement toward more robust metrics that incorporate quantitative measures of neck dissection quality and regional disease burden, such as wLNR, could greatly augment prognostication in cT1-2N0 OCSCC by providing more reliable and accurate risk estimations.

Protocol for a multicentre, prospective observational study of elective neck dissection for clinically node-negative oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (END-TC study)

INTRODUCTION

In early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), elective neck dissection (END) is recommended when occult lymph node metastasis is suspected; however, there is no unanimous consensus on the risks and benefits of END in such cases. The management of clinically node-negative (cN0) OTSCC remains controversial. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of END and its impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with cN0 OTSCC.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospective, multicentre, nonrandomised observational study. The choice of whether to perform END at the same time as resection of the primary tumour is based on institutional policy and patient preference. The primary endpoint of this study is 3-year overall survival. The secondary endpoints are 3-year disease-specific survival, 3-year relapse-free survival and the impact on patient QoL. Propensity score-matching analysis will be performed to reduce selection bias.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Clinical Research Review Board of the Nagasaki University. The protocol of this study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry. The datasets generated during the current study will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. The results will be disseminated internationally, through scientific and professional conferences and in peer-reviewed medical journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000027875.

Treatment outcomes in poor metabolizers of cytochrome P450 2A6 with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced head- and neck-squamous cell carcinoma

Introduction

Human Cytochrome 2A6 (CYP2A6) is involved in the oxidative metabolism of the nicotine to the inactive cotinine. CYP2A6 is a primary enzyme in nicotine metabolism, the enzyme has been proposed as a novel target for smoking cessation.

Materials and Methods

A total of 70 male patients of locally advanced head- and neck-squamous cell carcinoma confirmed by histopathological examination were enrolled in this study. All patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (total dose of 70 Gray in 35 fractions in 7 weeks with concurrent tablet capecitabine 1250 mg/m2/day). Response assessment was based on response evaluation criteria in solid tumor criteria. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated from the whole blood of all patients by TRI REAGENT BD (SIGMA USA) followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay which was done in studying messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Excision Repair Cross Complementation Group 1 in blood lymphocytes of patient.

Results

The most common stage prevalent was Stage IV A in 28 (56%) patients followed by Stage III in 16 (32%) patients. Out of 70, 20 (28.6%) patients defaulted for treatment, so the analysis was done in 56 patients. A total of 19 (34%) patients had a complete response (CR) and 17 (30%) patients had no response. In all the patients who had CR, posttreatment relative quantification (RQ) expression levels were high. Among nonresponders only three had higher RQ folds and the rest 14 had lower RQ folds.

Conclusion

Posttreatment expression levels of CYP2A6 were found to be a better predictor for tumor response to the treatment than the pretreatment expression levels. Almost all the patients having higher RQ folds had CR and those having lower RQ folds had either no response or progressive disease on follow-up visits.

Overexpression of circFNDC3B promotes the progression of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma through the miR-1322/MED1 axis

BACKGROUND

The potential role of circFNDC3B in regulating oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma development (OTSCC) remains unknown.

METHODS

The level of circFNDC3B in OTSCC tissues or cell lines was measured and its function in vitro and in vivo was analyzed. Interactions among circFNDC3B, miR-1322, and MED1 were verified by luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays.

RESULTS

The level of circFNDC3B in tissues or cell lines of OTSCC was higher than that in control groups. siRNA-mediated circFNDC3B inhibition resulted in weakened proliferation, migration, and invasion, which was reversed by miR-1322. Overexpression of MED1 in OTSCC cells partially reversed the tumor suppression functions of si-circFNDC3B or miR-1322 mimics in vitro. circFNDC3B overexpression dramatically promoted tumor growth in vivo. circFNDC3B directly bound with miR-1322 and consequently promoted the MED1 expression in OTSCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The circFNDC3B/miR-1322/MED1 axis participates in OTSCC progression, which may provide novel therapeutic targets for OTSCC.

Diversity of the Origin of Cancer Stem Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Clinical Implications

Simple Summary

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) histopathologically accounts for ≥90% of oral cancer. In this review article, we focus on the diversity of the origin of OSCC and also discuss cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subset of cancer cells that occupy a very small portion of the cancer mass and have characteristics of stem cells. When gene abnormalities accumulate in somatic stem cells, those cells transform into CSCs. CSCs as the origin of cancer then autonomously grow and develop into cancer. The histopathological phenotype of cancer cells is determined by the original characteristics of the somatic stem cells and/or surrounding environment. OSCC may be divided into the following three categories with different malignancy based on the origin of CSCs: cancer from oral epithelial stem cell-derived CSCs, cancer from stem cells in salivary gland-derived CSCs, and cancer from bone marrow-derived stem cell-derived CSCs.

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) histopathologically accounts for ≥90% of oral cancer. Many clinicopathological risk factors for OSCC have also been proposed, and postoperative therapy is recommended in guidelines based on cancer stage and other risk factors. However, even if the standard treatment is provided according to the guidelines, a few cases rapidly recur or show cervical and distant metastasis. In this review article, we focus on the diversity of the origin of OSCC. We also discuss cancer stem cells (CSCs) as a key player to explain the malignancy of OSCC. CSCs are a subset of cancer cells that occupy a very small portion of the cancer mass and have characteristics of stem cells. When gene abnormalities accumulate in somatic stem cells, those cells transform into CSCs. CSCs as the origin of cancer then autonomously grow and develop into cancer. The histopathological phenotype of cancer cells is determined by the original characteristics of the somatic stem cells and/or surrounding environment. OSCC may be divided into the following three categories with different malignancy based on the origin of CSCs: cancer from oral epithelial stem cell-derived CSCs, cancer from stem cells in salivary gland-derived CSCs, and cancer from bone marrow-derived stem cell-derived CSCs.

Development of a novel signature derived from single cell RNA-sequencing for preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is considered as an adverse prognostic indicator for cancer patients. Preoperative knowledge of LNM is valuable for pretreatment decision making. Here, we sought to develop and validate an LNM signature for preoperative prediction of LNM in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS

By studying single cell RNA-sequencing data (scRNA-seq), differentially expressed mRNA were selected and analyzed through univariate logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to identify an LNM signature. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to establish an LNM nomogram incorporating LNM signature and T-classification.

RESULTS

The LNM signature was significantly associated with lymph node status and prognosis. The LNM signature and LNM nomogram displayed a robust predictive effect.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that LNM signature is a powerful biomarker for preoperative prediction of LNM in patients with HNSCC, which may be effective to realize individualized outcome prediction.

Perfusion defects in non-enlarged metastatic lymph nodes using vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging: Detection performance and diagnostic value

A perfusion defect (PD) in non-enlarged lymph nodes (LNs) of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most reliable radiological criterion for the diagnosis of metastasis. However, conventional contrast-enhanced (CE) T1 weighted images using turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence is limited in detecting PD in non-enlarged LNs due to flow artifacts from cervical blood vessels. Vessel wall (VW) MR imaging with blood vessel flow suppression and high spatial resolution may provide new insights into the detection of PD. However, there are no reports in the literature on the usefulness of VW MR imaging for the diagnosis of LN metastasis. It is demonstrated that PD of non-enlarged LNs in CE VR MR imaging of OSCC patients is useful for the diagnosis of metastatic LNs. VW MR imaging was significantly more sensitive in detecting PD of non-enlarged metastatic LNs than conventional TSE imaging on visual evaluation. Furthermore, it was found that the image contrast between PD and surrounding intranodal tissue in CE VW MR images was higher than that in conventional CE TSE images. In the correlation between imaging and histopathological findings of metastatic LNs, all LNs that exhibited PD on CE VW MR images were at an advanced histopathological metastatic stage. The pathology of PD was necrotic tissue with keratinization. The results indicated that PD in CE VW imaging is useful in diagnosing non-enlarged LNs at an advanced metastasis stage. The addition of VW MR imaging to conventional MR examination achieves higher diagnostic performance for non-enlarged metastatic LNs.

Identification and Validation of an EMT-Related LncRNA Signature for HNSCC to Predict Survival and Immune Landscapes

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized as decisive factors in the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and they participate in the epithelial–mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of HNSCC. LncRNAs are closely related to the prognosis of patients with HNSCC; thus, it is essential to identify EMT-related lncRNAs with prognostic value for HNSCC. The coexpression network of EMT-related lncRNAs was constructed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). An EMT-related eight-lncRNA-based prognostic signature was constructed using LASSO Cox regression and Cox proportional hazards analyses. Univariate and multivariate analyses and stratified prognosis confirmed that the prognostic signature was an independent predictive factor. Subsequently, we performed immune cell infiltration analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) pathway enrichment analysis to uncover the potential molecular mechanisms of prognostic differences in the high- and low-risk groups. Next, we discussed the relationship between the prognostic signature and immune checkpoint-related genes, their TIDE scores, and the sensitivity of common chemotherapeutics. Finally, we further verified the expression differences in lncRNAs that were included in our signature via RT–qPCR in eighteen paired tissues. In summary, this prognostic signature provides powerful prognostic biomarkers for HNSCC and could serve as a predictor for the sensitivity of common chemotherapeutics and immunotherapy responses as well as providing a reference for further personalized treatment.

Significance of cervical node necrosis in preoperative MRI as a prognostic indicator: retrospective study of patients with SCC of tongue

Aim: To ascertain the prognostic value of cervical nodal necrosis (CNN) observed in patients of tongue squamous cell carcinoma with magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and methods: In this retrospective observational study, records of 144 patients diagnosed with newly diagnosed SCC of tongue were considered. Preoperative MRI study, demographic and clinical data were reviewed. Based on MRI reports, patients were categorised into: with or without the presence of cervical node necrosis (CNN or non CNN). Subsequent treatments, histopathological reports and follow up data were studied to determine key prognostic elements, overall survival and disease free survival by statistical analysis. Results: The incidence of CNN was 55.55% in the study sample. CNN category, depth of invasion, N stage and extra nodal extension were significant negative prognostic factors for overall and disease free survival. Conclusion: Based on our results, pre operative MRI based presence of cervical node necrosis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma is an independent prognostic indicator for poor overall and disease free survival. Long term prospective studies with larger cohorts could be undertaken to establish its role as an important biomarker for precision treatments.

A systematic review of therapeutic outcomes following treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the retromolar trigone

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the retromolar trigone (RMT) is a rare but potentially fatal disease that carries a poor prognosis due to its unique anatomic position. RMT SCCs tend to spread to vital nearby structures, including the tonsillar pillar, masticatory muscles, and underlying mandibular bone, even in their early stages, and aggressive treatment is often warranted. This systematic review appraises and qualitatively analyzes all available literature regarding the survival outcomes and prognosis of RMT SCC. Four databases were searched to identify all eligible articles published since January 1980. Of the 1,248 studies, a total of 15 studies representing 4,838 cases met the inclusion criteria. The evaluated patients had a high rate of advanced tumor stage (T3 or T4: 61.4%), lymph node metastasis (38.8%), and mandibular bone invasion (24%) at the time of diagnosis. Aggressive surgical treatments such as lip-splitting (92%), segmental mandibulectomy (61.1%), radical neck dissection (44.1%), and reconstruction using free flaps (49.5%) was undertaken for 92% of the pooled patient population. The mean rates for local, regional, and systemic recurrence were 23.40%, 8.40%, and 8.50%, respectively. The mean 5-year overall survival rate was 38.90%. Osteonecrosis was noted in 11.6% of the 328 patients who received radiotherapy. In conclusion, RMT SCC is generally associated with high recurrence, low survival, and high postoperative complication rates. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are thus warranted. However, significant methodological problems hamper current knowledge. Future studies of this topic that use randomized or cohort designs are thus needed.

Comparison of CECT and CT perfusion in differentiating benign from malignant neck nodes in oral cavity cancers

Aim

The objective of the study was to assess the performance of CT Perfusion in comparison to CECT for preoperative detection of metastases to lymph nodes in squamous cell cancers of oral cavity.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with squamous cell cancers of oral cavity underwent CECT and CTP. Two radiologists evaluated CECT and CTP parameters independently. Surgery and post-operative histopathology was performed in all patients.

Results

Level wise analysis of the largest node was done. 102 lymph nodes on CECT and 82 lymph nodes on CTP were correlated with post-operative histopathological findings. CECT had a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 75 %, 98.6 % and 91.2 %(p-value <0.001) respectively in differentiating benign from metastatic nodes. Mean transit time[MTT] was significantly the most accurate CTP parameter and carried a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and AUC of 90.5 %, 93.4 %, 92.7 % and 0.96 (p < 0.001). The sensitivity of MTT was higher than the sensitivity of overall CECT.

Conclusions

CTP is a promising tool for detection of metastatic cervical nodes in squamous cell cancers of the oral cavity.

Introducing the Node Reporting and Data System 1.0 (Node-RADS): a concept for standardized assessment of lymph nodes in cancer

"Node-RADS" addresses the lack of consensus in the radiologic assessment of lymph node involvement by cancer and meets the increasing demand for structured reporting on the likelihood of disease involvement. Node Reporting and Data System 1.0 (Node-RADS) systematically classifies the degree of suspicion of lymph node involvement based on the synthesis of established imaging findings. Straightforward definitions of imaging findings for two proposed scoring categories "size" and "configuration" are combined into assessment categories between 1 ("very low likelihood") and 5 ("very high likelihood"). This scoring system is suitable for assessing likely involvement of lymph nodes on CT and MRI scans. It can be applied at any anatomical site, and to regional and non-regional lymph nodes in relation to a primary tumor location. Node-RADS will improve communication with referring physicians and promote the consistency of reporting for primary staging and in response assessment settings. KEY POINTS: • Node-RADS standardizes reporting of possible cancer involvement of regional and distant lymph nodes on CT and MRI. • Node-RADS proposes the scoring categories "size" and "configuration" for assigning the 5-point Node-RADS score from 1 ("very low likelihood") to 5 ("very high likelihood"). • Node-RADS aims to increase consensus among radiologists for primary staging and in response assessment settings.

Comparison of different lymph node staging systems in patients with positive lymph nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The evaluation of neck lymph node metastasis is critical for predicting survival after head and neck cancer treatment. However, traditional pathological N staging does not completely correlate with survival; the total number of lymph nodes resected during surgery affects staging, and a minimal number of nodes must be resected to achieve a superior outcome. Thus, the prognostic abilities of various lymph node staging systems for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-positive lymph nodes were compared.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data for 639 patients with OSCC-positive nodes who were treated and monitored at the Changhua Christian Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The different N staging systems were compared to evaluate their disease-free survival (DFS) predictability.

RESULTS

The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were as follows: 0.551 for the traditional American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) N staging, 0.60 for lymph node density (LND), 0.596 for log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS), and 0.597 for the number of metastatic lymph nodes (nmLN). The LND, LODDS, and nmLN systems could predict DFS better than AJCC N staging. Multivariable analysis for DFS revealed that extranodal spread, level IV or V positive nodes, and tumor invasion deeper than 13 mm were independent prognostic factors in these four models. LND and LODDS predicted DFS better than pathological N staging.

CONCLUSION

LND and LODDS staging predicted DFS better than AJCC N staging for OSCC-positive nodes. In the future, the prognostic ability of AJCC staging may be strengthened by LND or LODDS staging.

Efficacy of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Cervical Myofascial Pain Following Neck Dissection Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on cervical myofascial pain following neck dissection in reducing pain and improving cervical range of motion (ROM).

Methods

Forty-six patients with cervical myofascial pain following neck dissection surgery were recruited and subdivided at random into two equal groups. The ESWT group received ESWT once a week for 4 weeks (0.25 mL/mm², 1,000 shocks) and a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (3 times/day for 4 weeks). The control group received only topical NSAID. The pain assessment was done by using the visual analog scale (VAS) and pressure algometry. A cervical ROM device was used for the assessment of the lateral flexion and rotation of the neck ROM on both sides. All measurements were collected at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks.

Results

The ESWT group revealed a significant improvement in all parameters at post I and post II than did the control group (p>0.001), that revealed a statistical decrease only in the VAS score at post I without any statistical difference in the pain threshold and neck ROM. However, there were statistical differences in all parameters at post II compared to those at pre-treatment and post I (p<0.001).

Conclusion

As a confirmation of the efficacy of ESWT in cervical myofascial pain control following neck dissection, we observed better results with no side effects in the ESWT group (Clinical Trial Registry No. PACTR202002648274347).

Diffusion-weighted MRI: impact of the size of the ROI in detecting metastases in subcentimeter lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Our aim is to determine the impact of the size of ROI in detecting subcentimeter metastatic lymph nodes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Secondary aim is to determine the impact of the histopathologic grade of the primary cancer on the ADC value of the metastatic nodes.

METHODS

The prospective study included 51 patients with histopathologically proven HNSCC at the primary site. Primary site includes oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. ADC values of the lymph nodes were measured on ADC maps by placing two ROIs in the lymph nodes (0.2 cm² in the center of the node and the whole node). Lymph nodes were dissected by levels, marked by the surgeon, and sent to the pathologist.

RESULTS

By applying a smaller ROI, ADC values have greater sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, and AUC in detecting metastasis compared to the ADC value of the entire node (88.0%, 80.73%, 90.7%, 75.9%, 0.912% versus 80.0%, 77.98%, 85% ,71.4%, and 0.819%, respectively) p < 0.001. Statistically significant negative correlation was established between the tumor grade and the ADC of lymph node at ROI 0.2 cm²and ROI of the whole lymph node (rho = - 0.425; p = 0.002, and rho = - 0.298; p = 0.038, respectively).

CONCLUSION

ROI size affects the ADC value of the nodes. The higher histopathological grade of the primary tumor is inversely correlated with the ADC value of the lymph nodes.

Clinicopathological study of involvement of the submandibular gland in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Our purpose was to provide a pathological basis for preservation of the submandibular glands during neck dissection for oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by investigating whether intraglandular lymph nodes exist in submandibular glands, and the modes of involvement of submandibular glands in oral SCC. We studied the records of 95 patients with oral SCC (other than that in the floor of the mouth) treated at our hospital from January 2017 to June 2018. The specimens of submandibular glands discarded after neck dissection were analysed, and serially sectioned. Sections 5μm thick were obtained at 0.5mm intervals and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for examination under light microscopy. A total of 116 specimens were obtained from the 95 patients, and about 5000 slides were evaluated. No intraglandular lymph nodes were detected in the submandibular glands. In the subgroup of patients whose primary tumours had extended into the floor of the mouth, four submandibular glands were involved by direct spread of the primary tumour. In the subgroup with metastases to level Ib lymph nodes, four submandibular glands were involved by extranodal extension from the metastatic nodes. No intraglandular lymph nodes or micrometastases were detected. We conclude that no intraglandular lymph nodes are present in submandibular glands, which may be involved by direct extension of the primary carcinoma or metastatic cervical lymph nodes with extranodal extension. Preservation of the submandibular glands during neck dissection seems to be feasible and safe in selected patients with oral SCC.

Long noncoding RNA MYOSLID promotes invasion and metastasis by modulating the partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition program in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Partial epithelial mesenchymal transition (p-EMT) was found to play a potential role in the initial stage of metastasis in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to function as promoters or inhibitors of cancer metastasis. This study aimed to identify p-EMT-related lncRNAs in HNSCC.

METHODS

Differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) and mRNAs (DEGs) in HNSCC obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were screened out by using the "edgeR" package. DE-lncRNAs in the Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) lncRNA microarray dataset GSE84805 were screened out by using the "limma" package. Slug-related lncRNAs were determined by Pearson correlation analysis (|Pearson correlation coefficient| ≥ 0.4, p < 0.01) based on TCGA. Survival analysis were performed for the overlapping DE-lncRNAs by using the "Survival" package. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were used to predict the potential functions of MYOSLID. RT-qPCR and In Site Hybridization (ISH) were used to explore the MYOSLID expression and its clinical significance in HNSCC specimens. Immunohistochemical staining, siRNA, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and western blot were used to explore the biological function and potential molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

MYOSLID was identified as a Slug-related lncRNA and with prognostic value among the 9 overlapping DE-lncRNAs. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that MYOSLID was closely related to important biological processes and pathways that regulate cancer metastasis. The results of univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis based on TCGA and HNSCC tissue microarray data suggested MYOSLID was an independent prognostic factor. MYOSLID expression in HNSCC was closely correlated with Slug, PDPN and LAMB3. The knockdown of MYOSLID in OSCC cell line significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion compared to those in the control cells. In addition, the knockdown of MYOSLID significantly reduced Slug, PDPN and LAMB3 expression levels. However, the knockdown of MYOSLID had no effect on the expression levels of the EMT biomarkers E-cadherin and Vimentin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that MYOSLID expression was closely related to the p-EMT program in HNSCC, and it might be a new predictive biomarker for aggressive HNSCC.

Comparison of tumor volume, thickness, and T classification as predictors of outcomes in surgically treated squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue

BACKGROUND

As per TNM classification, superficial tumors with a favorable prognosis are fallaciously clubbed together with unfavorable, deeply infiltrating lesions in the same classification.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 588 patients with treatment-naive oral tongue cancers. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of nodal metastasis and extracapsular spread (ECS) using tumor volume and thickness as separate models. The C-index was generated to quantify predictive accuracy of T classification, thickness, and tumor volume for survival.

RESULTS

Compared to T classification, tumor volume and thickness were better predictors of nodal metastasis and ECS. Predictive accuracy for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) given by C-index was equal and better for thickness (0.60 and 0.69) and tumor volume (0.61 and 0.69) as compared to T classification (0.59 and 0.64, respectively). For early-stage T1 to T2 oral tongue cancer, thickness is a better predictor of nodal metastasis as compared to tumor volume and T classification.

CONCLUSION

Concordance between the tumor thickness and volume proves that tumor thickness can be taken as a surrogate and reliable predictor of outcomes instead of calculating the tumor volume.

Infracentimetric cervical lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Incidence and prognostic value

OBJECTIVES

Supracentimetric cervical lymph node metastasis is classically a poor prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence and survival in head and neck cancer. Causality, however, is more controversial for infracentimetric cervical lymph node metastases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and prognostic value of infracentimetric lymph node metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred and forty-three neck dissections from 150 head and neck cancer patients were analyzed. A single pathologist exhaustively inventoried the number and size of all adenopathies in the surgical specimen.

RESULTS

Cervical lymph node metastases were infracentimetric in 38% of cases, with 72% extracapsular spread (versus 91% for supracentimetric adenopathies; P<0.01). Infracentimetric metastases were more often associated with other cervical lymph node metastases (mean 5.3 versus 3.9; P=0.14). Fifty three percent of specimens showed only supracentimetric metastases (versus 13% infracentimetric metastases; P<0.01). Disease-specific and failure-free survival were lower in case of infracentimetric metastasis, associated with supracentimetric metastasis or not, than in case of macrometastasis only.

CONCLUSION

Infracentimetric cervical lymph node metastasis is a factor of poor prognosis, and may represent a different, more aggressive lymphatic process. We suggest complete neck dissection by the surgeon and meticulous analysis by the pathologist, the results of which guide complementary therapy. Close surveillance of recurrence is also recommended.

Which is the most suitable lymph node predictor for overall survival after primary surgery of head and neck cancer: pN, the number or the ratio of positive lymph nodes, or log odds?

PURPOSE

To investigate the best lymph node (LN) metastasis predictor for overall survival (OS) in head neck cancer (HNC): pN classification, number of positive lymph nodes (PNOD), lymph node ratio (LNR), or log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS).

METHODS

In total, 225 surgically treated HNC patients were evaluated for the different LN classifications and OS.

RESULTS

Five-year OS was 71.8 %. Mean number of yielded LN and PNOD was 25.3 ± 16.7 and 2.7 ± 5.9, respectively. 64.8 % had a LNR > 0.10 and 64.4 % a LODDS > 10. In univariable analysis, multimodal therapy (p = 0.039), advanced pT (p < 0.0001), advanced UICC stage (p = 0.029), LNR > 0.10 (p = 0.049), and LODDS > -1.0 (p = 0.021) were associated with lower OS. In multivariable analysis, advanced pT [hazard ratio (HR) 2.194; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.294-3.722; p = 0.004] and LODDS > -1.0 (HR 1.634; 95 % CI 1.002-2.665; p = 0.059) remained independent predictors for lower OS.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems useful to analyze the prognostic significance of LODDS in other samples of HNC.