Transoral treatment strategies for head and neck tumors

Epidemiological and clinical description of patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated in a public oncology referral hospital in Chile

Introduction

The incidence of squamous carcinoma of the oropharynx (OPSCC) has presented an increase worldwide, a fact that occurs along with a phenomenon of epidemiological transition, whose pathogenesis is linked to human papilloma virus (HPV) in a significant part of the cases. Published evidence at the Latin American level is scarce. The present study aims to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated in a public oncology reference centre in Chile.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was carried out. Patients with histological confirmation of OPSCC aged 18 years or older, referred to the National Cancer Institute of Chile between 2012 and 2023 were included. The association with HPV was determined by immunohistochemistry for p16.

Results

178 patients were analysed, most of them in locoregionally advanced stages involving the palatine tonsil. Seventy-seven percent were male, with a median age of 60 years. Sixty-seven percent of patients were positive for p16, with a progressive increase to 85% in the last 2 years of the study. The p16(+) patients were younger and had fewer classical risk factors. Primary treatment was radiotherapy in 94% of patients.

Conclusion

The epidemiological profile of patients with OPSCC treated in a Chilean public oncology referral centre reflects the epidemiological transition observed in developed countries. This change justifies the need to adapt health policies and conduct research that considers the characteristics of this new epidemiological profile.

T1a Glottic Cancer: Advances in Vocal Outcome Assessment after Transoral CO2-Laser Microsurgery Using the VEM

Patients with unilateral vocal fold cancer (T1a) have a favorable prognosis. In addition to the oncological results of CO₂ transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), voice function is among the outcome measures. Previous early glottic cancer studies have reported voice function in patients grouped into combined T stages (Tis, T1, T2) and merged cordectomy types (lesser- vs. larger-extent cordectomies). Some authors have questioned the value of objective vocal parameters. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory prospective study was to investigate TOLMS-associated oncological and vocal outcomes in 60 T1a patients, applying the ELS protocols for cordectomy classification and voice assessment. Pre- and postoperative voice function analysis included: Vocal Extent Measure (VEM), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), auditory-perceptual assessment (GRB), and 9-item Voice Handicap Index (VHI-9i). Altogether, 51 subjects (43 male, eight female, mean age 65 years) completed the study. The 5-year recurrence-free, overall, and disease-specific survival rates (Kaplan–Meier method) were 71.4%, 94.4%, and 100.0%. Voice function was preserved; the objective parameter VEM (64 ± 33 vs. 83 ± 31; mean ± SD) and subjective vocal measures (G: 1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7; VHI-9i: 18 ± 8 vs. 9 ± 9) even improved significantly (p < 0.001). The VEM best reflected self-perceived voice impairment. It represents a sensitive measure of voice function for quantification of vocal performance.

[Surgical reconstruction in laryngeal carcinoma]

Tumors of the larynx can substantially impair vocal function, breathing and also swallowing. The primary goal of reconstructive surgical treatment of laryngeal tumors is to sufficiently resect the tumor while minimizing the effects of the treatment on the voice, breathing and swallowing. In general, primary reconstructions in primary laryngeal surgery have many advantages. The tissue at this point in time is soft because the scarring process has not yet been initiated. A better prerequisite for a sufficient glottic closure can also be expected through the immediate adjustment of the volume of the vocal folds; however, reconstructive treatment can also be carried out secondarily. Different methods of reconstructive surgery for laryngeal carcinoma are presented and discussed.

Current Role of Surgery in the Management of Oropharyngeal Cancer

In the last few decades, the surgical treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has undergone enormous changes. Until the 1990s, open surgery was the primary treatment for OPSCC. However, due to the potentially severe functional morbidity of this approach, open surgery was largely displaced by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the 1990s. At the same time, new, less-invasive surgical approaches such as transoral surgery with monopolar cautery began to emerge, with the potential to reduce functional morbidity and avoid the late-onset toxicity of CRT. More recently, the growing incidence of HPV-positive disease has altered the patient profile of OPSCC, as these patients tend to be younger and have a better long-term prognosis. Consequently, this has further bolstered interest in minimally-invasive techniques to de-intensify treatment to reduce long-term toxicity and treatment-related morbidity. In this context, there has been a renewed interest in the primary surgery, which allows for accurate pathologic staging and thus—potentially—de-intensification of postoperative CRT. The continuous advances in minimally-invasive surgical approaches, including transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS), have also altered the surgical landscape. These minimally-invasive approaches offer excellent functional outcomes, without the severe toxicity associated with intensive CRT, thus substantially reducing treatment-related morbidity. In short, given the increasing prevalence of HPV-positive OPSCC, together with the severe long-term sequela of aggressive CRT, surgery appears to be recapturing its previous role as the primary treatment modality for this disease. While a growing body of evidence suggests that TLM and TORS offer oncologic outcomes that are comparable to CRT and open surgery, many questions remain due to the lack of prospective data. In the present review, we explore the emerging range of surgical options and discuss future directions in the treatment of OPSCC, including the most relevant clinical trials currently underway.

Feasibility of Transoral Approach to Accessory Parotid Tumors

Tumors of the accessory parotid gland are very rare. Surgical removal of an accessory parotid tumor is usually accomplished by superficial parotidectomy through an external neck incision. However, this procedure inevitably results in a neck scar. In this case, we performed complete excision of a parotid tumor via an endoscopic-assisted transoral approach. Resection of such benign tumors can be achieved with less morbidity by endoscope-assisted surgery with a nerve monitoring system. The field of transoral surgery will continue to expand with technological advancements.

Trans-oral miniature X-ray radiation delivery system with endoscopic optical feedback

Purpose

Surgery, chemo- and/or external radiation therapy are the standard therapy options for the treatment of laryngeal cancer. Trans-oral access for the surgery reduces traumata and hospitalization time. A new trend in treatment is organ-preserving surgery. To avoid regrowth of cancer, this type of surgery can be combined with radiation therapy. Since external radiation includes healthy tissue surrounding the cancerous zone, a local and direct intraoral radiation delivery would be beneficial.

Methods

A general concept for a trans-oral radiation system was designed, based on clinical need identification with a medical user. A miniaturized X-ray tube was used as the radiation source for the intraoperative radiation delivery. To reduce dose distribution on healthy areas, the X-ray source was collimated by a newly designed adjustable shielding system as part of the housing. For direct optical visualization of the radiation zone, a miniature flexible endoscope was integrated into the system. The endoscopic light cone and the field of view were aligned with the zone of the collimated radiation. The intraoperative radiation system was mounted on a semi-automatic medical holder that was combined with a frontal actuator for rotational and translational movement using piezoelectric motors to provide precise placement.

Results

The entire technical set-up was tested in a simulated environment. The shielding of the X-ray source was verified by performing conventional detector-based dose measurements. The delivered dose was estimated by an ionization chamber. The adjustment of the radiation zone was performed by a manual controlling mechanism integrated into the hand piece of the device. An endoscopic fibre was also added to offer visualization and illumination of the radiation zone. The combination of the radiation system with the semi-automatic holder and actuator offered precise and stable positioning of the device in range of micrometres and will allow for future combination with a radiation planning system.

Conclusions

The presented system was designed for radiation therapy of the oral cavity and the larynx. This first set-up tried to cover all clinical aspects that are necessary for a later use in surgery. The miniaturized X-ray tube offers the size and the power for intraoperative radiation therapy. The adjustable shielding system in combination with the holder and actuator provides a precise placement. The visualization of radiation zone allows a targeting and observation of the radiation zone.

The Role of Conventional Surgery in Oropharyngeal Cancer

Anatomically, the oropharynx can be divided into four subsites: the soft palate, pharyngeal wall, base of tongue, and the tonsillar complex. Surgical access to these tumours is often challenging due to the anatomic localization. For this reason, such tumours were traditionally managed with open surgical techniques, usually involving a mandibulotomy, to provide better visualization and access to the oropharynx, followed by free-flap reconstruction of the oropharyngeal defect. However, the invasiveness of this approach could lead to significant morbidity, including speech, swallowing, and airway dysfunction, in addition to poor cosmetic outcomes. In response, less invasive approaches (Mercante et al. 2013) have been developed including minimally invasive surgical approaches (chiefly transoral surgery) as well as non-surgical methods, primarily radiotherapy, and chemotherapy (Mercante et al. 2013).

[Experience of transaxillary endoscopic thyroid surgery]

AIM

To compare the outcomes after open and endoscopic interventions on thyroid gland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We have retrospectively analyzed 158 interventions on thyroid gland for the period March 2014 - January 2016. Herewith, 21 interventions were performed endoscopically with transaxillary removal of specimen.

RESULTS

The study was designed in 2 groups - main (endoscopic surgery) and control (open surgery). There were 2 complications in the main group: intraoperative injury of cricoid cartilage by harmonic scalpel and unilateral subcutaneous emphysema of the neck and face. In the control group one patient had transient hypocalcemia.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic thyroid surgery is technically feasible in certain patients, adequate technical equipment and sufficient experience of surgical team.