Impact of Close and Positive Margins in Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Tis-T2 Glottic Cancer

The impact of margins in laryngeal cancer patients treated with transoral laser microsurgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

In laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) treated with transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS), the status of margins significantly affected local control. When a positive or close margin is present, there is no ubiquitous consensus regarding further treatments. The rationale of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the survival impact of the status of the margins in patients affected by LSCC treated with TOLMS.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were: patients affected by LSCC, staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging System and treated by TOLMS without any previous treatment; margins status (close, positive, negative) and the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival has to be reported.

RESULTS

Nine studies were deemed eligible for the qualitative analysis, and 3 for the quantitative analysis to investigate the association between margin status and OS. The cumulative number of patients was 3130. The sample size ranged from 96 to 747 patients. The follow-up period ranged from 0 to 201 months. The meta-analysis results show that positive margins have an aHR of 1.30 yet with CI range (0.56 to 2.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Our current meta-analysis results are unable to definitively assess the real impact of resection margins on OS. Few authors provide accurate data regarding position and types of margins. Further prospective or high-quality studies are required.

Surgical margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A narrative review

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a prevalent and frequently recurring malignancy, often necessitates surgical intervention. The surgical margin (SM) plays a pivotal role in determining the postoperative treatment strategy and prognostic evaluation of HNSCC. Nonetheless, the process of clinical appraisal and assessment of the SMs remains a complex and indeterminate endeavor, thereby leading to potential difficulties for surgeons in defining the extent of resection. In this regard, we undertake a comprehensive review of the suggested surgical distance in varying circumstances, diverse methods of margin evaluation, and the delicate balance that must be maintained between tissue resection and preservation in head and neck surgical procedures. This review is intended to provide surgeons with pragmatic guidance in selecting the most suitable resection techniques, and in improving patients' quality of life by achieving optimal functional and aesthetic restoration.

Enhancing quality of life in head and neck cancer patients: a comparative analysis of 3D exoscope-assisted surgery vs. traditional approaches

Introduction

The increasing population of survivors of head and neck carcinomas is becoming more conspicuous. Consequently, the pivotal role of quality of life, particularly elucidated through the assessment of dysphagia and dysphonia, is progressively influencing the decision-making process. The current study aims to assess whether VITOM 3D could offer a comparable post-treatment quality of life to traditional approaches for patients with laryngeal cancer and oro-hypopharyngeal cancer.

Methods

A case series of laryngeal cancer and oro-hypopharyngeal cancer patients treated either with an exoscopic-assisted surgical setup and with conventional treatments (transoral microsurgery and radio-chemotherapy) at the Otolaryngology Unit of IRCCS San Martino Hospital, Genoa, is presented. The post-treatment quality of life of the two cohorts were compared through the administration of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, Voiceik Handicap Index-10, M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory were administrated to both cohorts of patients.

Results

In the laryngeal cancer group, a total of 79 patients were included. Of these, 50.1% underwent transoral exoscope-assisted surgery, while 49.9% underwent primary transoral microscopic-assisted surgical approach. No significant differences were observed in terms of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire and Voice Handicap Index-10 between the two subgroups. Conversely, in the oro-hypopharyngeal cancer group, 43 patients were included. Of these, 37.2% underwent primary transoral exoscope-assisted surgery, while 62.8% received (chemo)radiotherapy. No notable differences were reported in terms of the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire and M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory between the transoral exoscope-assisted surgery and (chemo)radiotherapy subgroups.

Conclusions

Assessments of quality of life, conducted through the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire questionnaire, dysphonia evaluations using the Voice Handicap Index-10, and dysphagia assessments employing the M.D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory questionnaire, demonstrate analogous outcomes between conventional treatment modalities and transoral interventions utilizing the 3D exoscope.

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.

Value and role of surgical margins in transoral laser microsurgery of the larynx, literature review and clinical considerations

PURPOSE

There is no agreement on the most appropriate post-operative pathway for the management of positive margins after laser cordectomy for early stage glottic tumours (T1-2N0M0). This literature review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the post-operative treatment with the best oncological results among follow-up, radiotherapy (RT) and surgical second look. The parameters utilized were incidence of recurrence, overall (OS), disease-specific (DSS) and disease-free (DFS) survival and larynx preservation (LP).

METHODS

The articles were found through a string typed into PubMed from 2007 to 2022. The studies with detailed oncological results were selected according to inclusion criteria, and then the meta-analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria for 2808 patients. The positive margin was found in 748 patients (26.6%), of which 416 were referred to follow-up, 89 to RT and 242 to a surgical second look. A false positive margin was found in 58/104 patients (56%). The recurrence rate in patients with positive margins was significantly higher (p = 0.003). In OS, DSS, DFS and LP, the odds ratio (OR) value was always greater than 1, assessing the role of the positive margin as a risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Prospective studies will be necessary to establish the role of positive margin as a prognostic factor. A surgical second look in case of positive margin seems to be the best option for the patient in terms of lower risk of recurrence and better oncological results. Better collaboration between surgeon and pathologist would be desirable to limit the real and false positive margins.

Artificial Intelligence for Upper Aerodigestive Tract Endoscopy and Laryngoscopy: A Guide for Physicians and State-of-the-Art Review

OBJECTIVE

The endoscopic and laryngoscopic examination is paramount for laryngeal, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, nasal, and oral cavity benign lesions and cancer evaluation. Nevertheless, upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) endoscopy is intrinsically operator-dependent and lacks objective quality standards. At present, there has been an increased interest in artificial intelligence (AI) applications in this area to support physicians during the examination, thus enhancing diagnostic performances. The relative novelty of this research field poses a challenge both for the reviewers and readers as clinicians often lack a specific technical background.

DATA SOURCES

Four bibliographic databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar.

REVIEW METHODS

A structured review of the current literature (up to September 2022) was performed. Search terms related to topics of AI, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) in UADT endoscopy and laryngoscopy were identified and queried by 3 independent reviewers. Citations of selected studies were also evaluated to ensure comprehensiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Forty-one studies were included in the review. AI and computer vision techniques were used to achieve 3 fundamental tasks in this field: classification, detection, and segmentation. All papers were summarized and reviewed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This article comprehensively reviews the latest developments in the application of ML and DL in UADT endoscopy and laryngoscopy, as well as their future clinical implications. The technical basis of AI is also explained, providing guidance for nonexpert readers to allow critical appraisal of the evaluation metrics and the most relevant quality requirements.

The impact of undergoing surgical margin evaluation during endoscopic surgery for early-stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The impact of evaluating versus not evaluating surgical margins for early-stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has not been evaluated.

METHODS

Overall survival was compared between patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for cT1-2, N0, M0 LSCC and had surgical margins evaluated versus not evaluated versus unevaluable in the National Cancer Database (2010-2019) using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards analyses.

RESULTS

7597 patients met study eligibility criteria. 4123 (54.3%) patients underwent margin evaluation, 1631 (21.5%) did not undergo margin evaluation, and 1843 (24.3%) had unevaluable margins. Patients undergoing margin evaluation had better overall survival than patients who did not undergo margin evaluation (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78-1.00, p = 0.044) and patients with unevaluable margins (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78-0.98, p = 0.021). Patients undergoing margin evaluation received significantly less adjuvant radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical margin evaluation is an important prognostic factor for patients receiving endoscopic surgery for early-stage LSCC and should be conducted whenever possible.

Prognostic role of surgical margins in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To define if positive and close surgical margins are associated to worse prognosis in patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out at a tertiary referral center. The primary outcome was local-regional control (LRC), and the results were summarized with hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 308 patients (median age: 62.0, IQR: 55.0-68.2) were included. Univariable analysis showed a significant reduced LRC for patients with positive margins (HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.02-3.24). However, they were not associated with worse LRC after adjusting for adverse tumor variables (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.40-1.65). ROC analysis was performed on 123 patients with negative margins (AUC: 0.54) measuring an optimal threshold of 1.25 mm (sensitivity = 60.0%; specificity = 50.5%). Univariable analysis showed non-significant differences between close and wide negative margins (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.59-3.54).

CONCLUSIONS

A positive surgical margin is not an independent predictor of tumor control and survival. A threshold of 1.25 mm was identified as the most appropriate to define close margins, but no difference was measured after distinguishing negative margins in close and wide margins.

Management and Oncologic Outcomes of Close and Positive Margins after Transoral CO2 Laser Microsurgery for Early Glottic Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The present study analyzed the impact of margin status on local control and survival, and the management of close/positive margins after transoral CO₂ laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma.

METHODS

351 patients (328 males, 23 females, mean age 65.6 years) underwent surgery. We identified the following margin statuses: negative, close superficial (CS), close deep (CD), positive single superficial (SS), positive multiple superficial (MS), and positive deep (DEEP).

RESULTS

A total of 286 patients (81.5%) had negative margins, 23 (6.5%) had close margins (8 CS, 15 CD) and 42 (12%) had positive margins (16 SS, 9 MS, 17 DEEP). Among the 65 patients with close/positive margins, 44 patients underwent enlargement, 6 radiotherapy and 15 follow-up. Twenty-two patients (6.3%) recurred. Patients with DEEP or CD margins showed a higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratios of 2.863 and 2.537, respectively), compared to patients with negative margins. Local control with laser alone, overall laryngeal preservation and disease-specific survival decreased significantly in patients with DEEP margins (57.5%, 86.9% and 92.9%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CS or SS margins could be safely submitted to follow-up. In the case of CD and MS margins, any additional treatment should be discussed with the patient. In the case of DEEP margin, additional treatment is always recommended.

Prognosis and Outcomes in Early Stage Glottic Carcinoma Involving the Anterior Commissure Treated with Laser CO2 Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Analysis

The anterior commissure (AC) is the area where the vocal cords attach to the thyroid cartilage through Broyles' ligament. Many authors argue that involvement of the anterior commissure in early stage glottic carcinoma (I, II) constitutes a risk factor for local recurrence. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether anterior commissure involvement in early stage glottis cancer is an independent risk factor for recurrence and mortality. The study included all those patients diagnosed with glottis carcinoma in stages I and II of the AJCC treated by transoral laser surgery at the Hospital San Pedro (Logroño, Spain) between 2005 and 2015. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (AC1) or absence (AC0) of involvement of the commissure. Of 29 patients treated, 44.8% were AC1. Patients with anterior commissure involvement had more local recurrence (p = 0.2701); higher mortality rate (p = 0.2256); lower disease-free survival (p = 0.0881) and a lower overall survival (p = 0.0331). The 5-year survival rate was 24.5% lower in patients with invasion of the anterior commissure. The involvement of the anterior commissure is an independent risk factor that should be considered in the prognosis of laryngeal cancer.

Videomics of the Upper Aero-Digestive Tract Cancer: Deep Learning Applied to White Light and Narrow Band Imaging for Automatic Segmentation of Endoscopic Images

Introduction

Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) is an endoscopic visualization technique useful for upper aero-digestive tract (UADT) cancer detection and margins evaluation. However, NBI analysis is strongly operator-dependent and requires high expertise, thus limiting its wider implementation. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated potential for applications in UADT videoendoscopy. Among AI methods, deep learning algorithms, and especially convolutional neural networks (CNNs), are particularly suitable for delineating cancers on videoendoscopy. This study is aimed to develop a CNN for automatic semantic segmentation of UADT cancer on endoscopic images.

Materials and Methods

A dataset of white light and NBI videoframes of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) was collected and manually annotated. A novel DL segmentation model (SegMENT) was designed. SegMENT relies on DeepLabV3+ CNN architecture, modified using Xception as a backbone and incorporating ensemble features from other CNNs. The performance of SegMENT was compared to state-of-the-art CNNs (UNet, ResUNet, and DeepLabv3). SegMENT was then validated on two external datasets of NBI images of oropharyngeal (OPSCC) and oral cavity SCC (OSCC) obtained from a previously published study. The impact of in-domain transfer learning through an ensemble technique was evaluated on the external datasets.

Results

219 LSCC patients were retrospectively included in the study. A total of 683 videoframes composed the LSCC dataset, while the external validation cohorts of OPSCC and OCSCC contained 116 and 102 images. On the LSCC dataset, SegMENT outperformed the other DL models, obtaining the following median values: 0.68 intersection over union (IoU), 0.81 dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 0.95 recall, 0.78 precision, 0.97 accuracy. For the OCSCC and OPSCC datasets, results were superior compared to previously published data: the median performance metrics were, respectively, improved as follows: DSC=10.3% and 11.9%, recall=15.0% and 5.1%, precision=17.0% and 14.7%, accuracy=4.1% and 10.3%.

Conclusion

SegMENT achieved promising performances, showing that automatic tumor segmentation in endoscopic images is feasible even within the highly heterogeneous and complex UADT environment. SegMENT outperformed the previously published results on the external validation cohorts. The model demonstrated potential for improved detection of early tumors, more precise biopsies, and better selection of resection margins.

Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) following Conservative Surgery of the Supraglottic Region: Impact on Functional Outcomes

Simple Summary

The present study has been suggested by the previous experience of our group showing that patients treated with conventional radiotherapy (named 3D conformal radiotherapy—3D-CRT) performed after conservative surgery (CS) for tumors of the supraglottic regions experienced a high rate of severe long-term toxicity. Therefore, we reported the toxicity profile of a similar cohort of patients treated with a high-precision radiotherapy technique (named intensity-modulated radiotherapy—IMRT). Moreover, to investigate the advantage of IMRT, we performed a comparison with a historical cohort treated with 3D-CRT. Results showed that patients treated with IMRT achieved a very low toxicity profile and comparison with 3D-CRT was in favor of IMRTs. Therefore, we believe that the results of the present study provide preliminary findings on the potential of IMRT in improving the toxicity profile of patients treated with surgical organ preservation strategies for laryngeal tumors.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on the toxicity profile of patients treated with conservative surgery (CS) of the supraglottic (SG) region. Data on patients treated with CS and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT)-IMRT were prospectively collected. Results. In total, 20 patients were analyzed. Of these, six patients (35%) required the positioning of a temporary tracheostomy. The functional larynx preservation rate was 95%. Females had a higher risk of both endoscopic intervention and chondronecrosis, while the median age was significantly higher in patients requiring enteral nutrition. The incidence of long-term severe toxicities was lower in patients treated with IMRT than in the historical 3D-CRT cohort. Patients who had received PORT-IMRT achieved a lower rate of permanent laryngeal and swallowing dysfunctions. Overall, results from the comparison with the historical 3D-CRT cohort favor the IMRTs.

NLR, PLR, LMR and MWR as diagnostic and prognostic markers for laryngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and monocyte-to-white blood cell ratio (MWR) can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for laryngeal carcinoma (LC).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 50 patients with LC treated in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of Beijing Tongren Hospital from August 2014 to August 2015 were enrolled in research group. In addition, 40 healthy volunteers from the same period were selected as control group. The counts of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets in the peripheral blood of participants were measured with a blood counting instrument (Sysmex XE-2100, Sysmex Corporation, Japan), and the NLR, PLR, LMR and MWR were calculated. After that, the survival rate of patients was observed through a 5-year follow-up. The prognostic value of the above four indexes and their combination was discussed in patients with different clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the NLR, PLR and MWR were higher and the LMR was lower in the research group. In terms of survival, patients with higher NLR, PLR and MWR and lower LMR showed a higher 5-year mortality than those with lower NLR, PLR and MWR and higher LMR, indicating that NLR, PLR and MWR were higher and LMR was lower in the survival group than in the death group. Subsequent analysis identified that NLR, PLR, LMR and MWR were closely correlated with age, alcohol drinking, smoking, clinical staging and T-staging. Clinical staging, T-staging, NLR, PLR, LMR, and MWR were confirmed as influencing factors for LC.

CONCLUSIONS

NLR, PLR, LMR, and MWR can be used as diagnostic and prognostic markers for LC and their combination has a superior diagnostic performance.

Oncological Outcomes of Transoral Laryngeal Microsurgery with Fiber-Optic Diode Laser for Early Glottic Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

Backgroud/Objectives: Transoral laser laryngeal microsurgery (LTLM) has been widely used in the treatment of early-stage glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) for the past few decades. Although T stage, tumor grade, anterior commissure involvement, type of cordectomy, positive surgical margin, and postoperative additional therapies were accused as the prognostic factors for recurrence, there is still controversy about these data in the literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oncological results of our patients with early glottic LSCC treated with LTLM as a single-modality therapy in a single-center study.

METHODS

Patients with early-stage (Tis-1-2/N0) glottic LSCC who underwent LTLM as a primary treatment from 2011 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological factors and oncologic outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-one patients were enrolled in this study. The 5-year overall (OS), disease-specific (DSS), disease-free (DFS), and laryngectomy-free survival rates were 84.5%, 97.9%, 79.2%, and 93.5%, respectively. The most common stage, histopathological type, and type of endoscopic cordectomy were T1 stage, well-differentiated cancer, and type 2 cordectomy, respectively. A positive surgical margin was defined in 20 (12.4%) patients. There was a significant relationship between histopathological grade and positive surgical margins (p = 0.038). OS and DSS rates of "wait and see" modality were lower, while DFS of radiotherapy was lower than that of other treatment modalities in patients with positive surgical margins, but the differences were not statistically significant. Nineteen (11.8%) patients had a recurrence. DSS was statistically significantly lower in patients with recurrence (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study showed that anterior commissure involvement, surgical margin positivity, and higher T stage statistically did not reduce survival rates in early-stage LSCC patients treated with LTLM. As the histopathological grade of the tumor worsens, the risk of surgical margin positivity increases. RT may have a negative effect on recurrence and organ preservation in the additional treatment of patient with positive surgical margins.

Organ Preservation Strategies in Laryngeal Chondrosarcoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma (LC) is a rare, slowly growing malignancy. The preferred treatment is laryngeal preservation surgery (LPS). Some patients may require multiple interventions or total laryngectomy (TL). We investigated risk factors for retreatment and TL, and assessed the impact of LPS on oncological and functional outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series METHODS: We searched our institution database for LC. Tumor grading, localization, and margin status were tested as predictors of recurrence and organ preservation.

RESULTS

We included 21 patients (seven females, mean age 58 ± 12 years). LPS was applied in 20 (95.2%) of them as a primary procedure. Six patients were treated by transoral approach and 14 received "open-neck" LPS. Fifteen (71.4%) were operated only once, while six patients underwent a total of 15 adjunctive procedures. Additional operations were always performed for recurrence of tumors localized within the cricoid plate. The histological grading was G1 in 81% and G2 in 19%. However, two patients with a primary G1 LC showed a G2 recurrence. Reoperations for recurrence were more frequent among patients with G2 in respect to G1 histology (83% vs. 7%, P < .001). Fifty percent of G2 LC and 8% of G1 underwent TL (P < .05). Margin status had no influence on recurrence rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with G2 LC have more recurrences requiring surgery and a higher incidence of TL. Cricoid plate localization is relevant for organ preservation. Margin status signals possible disease persistence, without influencing the need for future surgeries. Need for reoperation entails a risk of not being able to maintain organ functionality.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Glottic Cancer in Patients Over 75 Years Old

Objectives/Hypothesis

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has a non‐negligible incidence in elderly patients. However, there is still no clear indication on the ideal treatment for early‐intermediate glottic LSCC in this specific age group. Both surgical and nonsurgical approaches may be burdened by complications and sequelae that negatively impact patient's health. In this setting, carbon dioxide transoral laser microsurgery (CO₂ TOLMS) is a promising minimally invasive treatment option.

Study Design

Retrospective case series in a single tertiary academic institution.

Methods

Patients who underwent CO₂ TOLMS for Tis‐T3 glottic LSCC from 1997 to 2017 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, and tumor characteristics, as well as postoperative complications were recorded. Overall (OS), disease‐specific (DSS), recurrence‐free (RFS), laryngo‐esophageal dysfunction free survivals (LEDFS), and organ preservation (OP) were calculated.

Results

A total of 134 patients (mean age, 80 ± 4 years; median, 79; range, 75–93) were included in the study. Seven lesions were classified as pTis, 65 as pT1a, 22 as pT1b, 35 as pT2, and 5 as pT3. No treatment‐related death was observed. Twenty‐eight (20.9%) patients reported 10 surgical and 19 medical complications. Five‐year OS, DSS, RFS, LEDFS, and OP were 68.9%, 95.4%, 79.5%, 66%, and 92.5%, respectively. Age and comorbidities were associated with OS and LEDFS. Advanced T categories were negatively correlated with OS, DSS, RFS, LEDFS, and OP. Age and comorbidities were not significant risk factors for complications.

Conclusions

CO₂ TOLMS can be considered a valuable therapeutic approach for selected Tis‐T3 glottic LSCC even in the elderly given its favorable oncologic outcomes and minimal aggressiveness.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:135–141, 2022

Introduction of a New Pathology Workup Protocol for Glottic Cancer Treated With Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM): Prospective Analysis of Oncological Outcomes and Matched Case-Control Study

Background/Purpose

The value of margin status after TLM for glottic cancer is debatable, due to difficulties in specimen orientation and margin analysis. To reduce these difficulties, we recently introduced a standardized protocol of oriented fixation of TLM specimens. This proved feasible and resulted in high margin evaluability rates and a decreased rate of false positive deep margins, when compared to a historical TLM cohort. For the patients whose specimens were processed according to this protocol, we prospectively analyzed oncological outcomes, identified prognostic factors and assessed the influence of the protocol introduction on outcomes compared with a historical TLM cohort.

Methods

Ninety-six patients with glottic malignancies treated with TLM were included. Resection specimens were processed according to the new protocol. Descriptive statistics and survival analyses were used to determine oncological outcomes. To assess the effect of the protocol introduction on outcomes, a matched-case-control analysis was performed, using a historical TLM-cohort as controls. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze prognostic effects of patient and treatment characteristics, including the pathology protocol introduction, on overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS) and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS).

Results

Two-year outcomes were favorable: 88.5% OS, 97.0% DSS, and 87.6% LRFS. At multivariable analysis, the presence of multiple positive superficial margins was a negative prognosticator for OS (HR 4.102) and increasing cT classification proved a negative prognosticator for DFS (HR 2.828) and LRFS (HR 2.676). Matched case-control analysis did not reveal a significant difference in oncological outcomes between cohorts. Deep margin status had a strong differential effect for DFS (p-value for interaction = 0.0205) and for LRFS (p-value for interaction = 0.0176) between cohorts, indicating a prognostic effect of deep margin status on both outcomes in the current cohort, but not in the historical cohort.

Discussion/Conclusion

The introduction of a new standardized technique of oriented fixation of TLM specimens did not affect oncological outcomes when compared to a historical TLM cohort, but assigned a significant prognostic effect to deep margin status for DFS and LRFS, facilitating the decision making process with regards to planning of second-look procedures, administration of adjuvant radiotherapy or determination of follow-up intensity.

Current Intraoperative Imaging Techniques to Improve Surgical Resection of Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review

Simple Summary

Laryngeal cancer is a prevalent head and neck malignancy, with poor prognosis and low survival rates for patients with advanced disease. The recurrence rate for advanced laryngeal cancer is between 25 and 50%. In order to improve surgical resection of laryngeal cancer and reduce local recurrence rates, various intraoperative optical imaging techniques have been investigated. In this systematic review we identify these technologies, evaluating the current state and future directions of optical imaging for this indication. Evidently, the investigated imaging modalities are generally unsuitable for deep margin assessment, and, therefore, inadequate to guide resection in advanced laryngeal disease. We discuss two optical imaging techniques that can overcome these limitations and suggest how they can be used to achieve adequate margins in laryngeal cancer at all stages.

Abstract

Laryngeal cancer is a prevalent head and neck malignancy, with poor prognosis and low survival rates for patients with advanced disease. Treatment consists of unimodal therapy through surgery or radiotherapy in early staged tumors, while advanced stage tumors are generally treated with multimodal chemoradiotherapy or (total) laryngectomy followed by radiotherapy. Still, the recurrence rate for advanced laryngeal cancer is between 25 and 50%. In order to improve surgical resection of laryngeal cancer and reduce local recurrence rates, various intraoperative optical imaging techniques have been investigated. In this systematic review, we identify these technologies, evaluating the current state and future directions of optical imaging for this indication. Narrow-band imaging (NBI) and autofluorescence (AF) are established tools for early detection of laryngeal cancer. Nonetheless, their intraoperative utility is limited by an intrinsic inability to image beyond the (sub-)mucosa. Likewise, contact endoscopy (CE) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are technically cumbersome and only useful for mucosal margin assessment. Research on fluorescence imaging (FLI) for this application is sparse, dealing solely with nonspecific fluorescent agents. Evidently, the imaging modalities that have been investigated thus far are generally unsuitable for deep margin assessment. We discuss two optical imaging techniques that can overcome these limitations and suggest how they can be used to achieve adequate margins in laryngeal cancer at all stages.

Narrow-Band Imaging in oncologic otorhinolaryngology: State of the art

OBJECTIVES

To describe the diagnostic performance of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) combined with White Light Imaging (WLI) in the diagnosis of mucosal lesions at each location of the upper aerodigestive tract, for detection of primary tumor in case of carcinoma of unknown primary, for determination of intraoperative resection margins, and to describe its main diagnostic pitfalls.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A PubMed search was carried out according to the PRISMA method.

RESULTS

Four hundred and seventy-seven articles published between 2007 and 2020 were identified, 133 of which met the study inclusion criteria and were assessed.

CONCLUSION

The current literature seems to support the use of NBI in diagnosis and/or follow-up of (pre-)malignant head & neck tumors, and in the determination of intraoperative resection margins.

Validation of the European Laryngological Society classification of glottic vascular changes as seen by narrow band imaging in the optical biopsy setting

Purpose

In 2016, the European Laryngological Society (ELS) proposed a classification for vascular changes occurring in glottic lesions as visible by narrow band imaging (NBI), based on the dichotomic distinction between longitudinal vessels (not suspicious) and perpendicular ones (suspicious). The aim of our study was to validate this classification assessing the interobserver agreement and diagnostic test performance in detecting the final histopathology.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing clinical charts, preoperative videos, and final pathologic diagnosis of patients submitted to transoral microsurgery for laryngeal lesions in two Italian referral centers. In each institution, two physicians, independently re-assessed each case applying the ELS classification.

Results

The cohort was composed of 707 patients. The pathologic report showed benign lesions in 208 (29.5%) cases, papillomatosis in 34 (4.8%), squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) up to carcinoma in situ in 200 (28.2%), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 265 (37.5%). The interobserver agreement was extremely high in both institutions (k = 0.954, p < 0.001 and k = 0.880, p < 0.001). Considering the diagnostic performance for identification of at least SIN or SCC, the sensitivity was 0.804 and 0.902, the specificity 0.793 and 0.581, the positive predictive value 0.882 and 0.564, and the negative predictive value 0.678 and 0.908, respectively.

Conclusion

The ELS classification for NBI vascular changes of glottic lesions is a highly reliable tool whose systematic use allows a better diagnostic evaluation of suspicious laryngeal lesions, reliably distinguishing benign ones from those with a diagnosis of papillomatosis, SIN or SCC, thus paving the way towards confirmation of the optical biopsy concept.

Comparison of laser microsurgery and open partial laryngectomy for T1-2 laryngeal cancer treatment

Background

This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of transoral laser microsurgery and open partial laryngectomy (OPL) in treating T1-2 laryngeal cancer.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 182 patients with T1-2 cancer with anterior vocal commissure (AVC) involvement. The local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates at 5-year follow-up and the influencing factors were analyzed.

Results

No significant difference was observed in the LC or DFS rates between the two groups at 3- and 5-year follow-up. No significant difference was found between the two groups with T1-stage disease. The 5-year LC rates were significantly different from patients with grade 3 or 4 tumors on indirect laryngoscopy and patients with class III or IV tumors on the modified Mallampati test (MMT) (log-rank test: χ²=8.037, P=0.005). The 3-year LC rate of OPL in the depth of pathological infiltration (3-5 mm) group was found to be significantly higher than that of TLM. Significant differences in pathological infiltration depth (3-5 mm) existed between the two groups (log-rank test: χ²=5.786, P=0.016).

Conclusions

T1 lesions are generally limited and superficial, and laser surgery can be well-controlled. For patients with difficult airway exposure, surgeons should have extensive surgical experience and skills. It is recommended that a variety of equipment should be ready so that surgeons can convert to open surgery at any time. For patients with a deep infiltration depth, surgeons should examine laryngoscopy imaging results before surgery.

Current indications for adjuvant treatment following transoral laser microsurgery of early and intermediate laryngeal cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the information in the literature on the indications for adjuvant therapy after transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for early/intermediate stage laryngeal cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

A high rate of 'nonevaluable' margins after TLM significantly complicates decision-making concerning adjuvant therapy. However, consensus grows that second-look TLM in patients with multiple superficial and deep positive margins is more sensible than sending these patients systematically for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT).

SUMMARY

The classical adagium: 'Failure to achieve negative margins indicates need for adjuvant RT' does not translate automatically to patients with glottic cancer treated by TLM. Rather, specifically patients with multiple superficial positive margins and positive deep margins after TLM need careful judging what constitutes the best additional adjuvant treatment. Second-look resection is nowadays regarded as the preferred adjuvant treatment for many of these patients whereas RT is reserved for those in whom a second look TLM is judged unlikely to result in 'true negative margins.' Additionally, when the pathology of the re-resection reveals multiple foci of residual disease or suggests again a resection with positive margins, adjuvant postoperative RT is likely to result in a better local control. If this strict selection of patients for adjuvant RT is adhered to carefully, oncological and functional results will be optimal.

An Observational Cohort Study on 194 Supraglottic Cancer Patients: Implications for Laser Surgery and Adjuvant Treatment

Supraglottic laryngeal cancer is characterized by poor prognosis. In contrast, excellent outcomes have been published in early-stage supraglottic cancers after laser surgery in single-institutional series in centers of excellence. Are these results reproducible in the normal clinical practice of less specialized facilities? As part of an observational cohort study, the outcomes of 194 supraglottic cancer patients were assessed after treatment by larynx-preserving surgery (transoral laser microsurgery [TLM] or open partial laryngectomy [OPL]) or total laryngectomy (TL), with each having risk-adopted adjuvant treatment, or primary (chemo-)radiotherapy (pCRT or pRT). In early-stage supraglottic cancers, TLM achieved a 5-year overall survival (5-year OS) of 62.0%. No significant survival difference could be discerned between patients with and without adjuvant treatment (HR 1.47; 95% CI: 0.80 2.69). The comparison between pCRT and pRT patients suggests that CRT is more effective in supraglottic cancer. The 5-year OS rate achieved in our multiinstitutional setting is comparable to that reached in laser surgery centers of excellence (59.4-76.0%). According to our data and supported by the literature, adjuvant RT (aRT) is not sufficiently effective in supraglottic cancers. In case adjuvant therapy is indicated, adjuvant chemoradiation (aCRT) could be recommended.

Shrinkage of specimens after CO2 laser cordectomy: an objective intraoperative evaluation

PURPOSE

The margin status after CO₂ laser cordectomy for glottic carcinoma may influence prognosis. There are no studies assessing the possible bias due to anatomic changes of the specimens for shrinkage. The authors evaluated the intraoperative shrinkage of specimens immediately after transoral CO₂ laser microsurgery (CO₂ TOLMS) to improve the understanding and the interpretation of surgical margins.

METHODS

This is a prospective study involving a consecutive cohort of 23 patients (19 males, 4 females, mean age 69.9 years, range 42-83 years) with early glottic carcinoma treated by CO₂ TOLMS from February 2017 to April 2019. The anteroposterior shrinkage of the specimen, of the tumor, and of the anterior and posterior margins was measured intraoperatively with a cross table reticle glass micrometer ruler, inserted into the eyepiece of the surgical microscope.

RESULTS

The mean shrinkage of the mucosal specimen from intralaryngeal measurement to post-resection measurement was 3.8 ± 0.3 mm, resulting in an average loss of 29% of the anteroposterior length (p < 0.01). The anteroposterior length of both the tumor and the margins after resection significantly decreased, but the shrinkage of the anterior and posterior margins was significantly greater than the shrinkage of the tumor (49% versus 20% and 45% versus 20%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates significant shrinkage of specimens after CO₂ TOLMS, especially in the anteroposterior length of the vocal cords, and justifies the good oncological results for specimens with close and single positive superficial margins. Follow-up versus a second surgical look policy could be safely suggested in cases of close superficial and single positive superficial margins.

Contribution of narrow band imaging in delineation of laryngopharyngeal superficial cancer spread: a prospective study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) added to White Light (WL) in the delineation of laryngopharyngeal superficial cancer spread during office-based transnasal flexible endoscopy.

METHODS

This bi-centric prospective study was conducted between October 2014 and December 2017. We included consecutive patients with laryngopharyngeal malignant tumors. Transnasal flexible endoscopy was performed by two endoscopists who were blinded to each other's assessments and who examined each patient independently. The first endoscopist only performed a WL examination, while the second endoscopist carried out both WL and NBI. The extent of tumor involvement was reported based on predefined anatomical sub-units. Biopsies in NBI + /WL- sub-units were subsequently performed during panendoscopy.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were included in the study. A total of 72 NBI + /WL- sub-units were sampled in 38 patients, and 37 of the biopsies were positive (51.4%): 16 for invasive carcinoma, 17 for high-grade dysplasia/carcinoma in situ and 4 for low-grade dysplasia. Ultimately, 26.2% of patients had at least one positive biopsy in an NBI + /WL- sub-unit and, therefore, a better tumor delineation. The clinical T stage was upgraded in 4.8% of cases examined.

CONCLUSION

Adding NBI to WL imaging during transnasal flexible endoscopy in patients presenting with laryngopharyngeal pre-malignant or malignant lesions improves the delineation of superficial cancer spread, thereby leading to better adapted treatments. Clinicaltrials.gov registration number: NCT02035735.

Transoral Laser Surgery for Early Glottic Carcinoma: A Single Surgeon Experience of 101 Consecutive Cases

PURPOSE

Investigate the clinical and oncological results of early-stage glottic laryngeal carcinoma patients performed by a single surgeon.

METHODS

This study was carried out at a tertiary academic center. A total of 101 patients were included (92 males [91.1%], 9 females [8.9%]). Mean age was 62.98 ± 10.2 years (range 33-87). Recurrence, disease-free survival, overall survival, laryngeal preservation rates were analyzed.

RESULTS

Tumor stage was Tis (carcinoma in situ) in 11 patients (10.9%), T1a in 66 patients (65.3%), T1b in 12 patients (11.9%), and T2 in 12 patients (11.9%). Postoperative pathology was squamous cell carcinoma in 69 patients (68.3%), carcinoma in situ in 26 patients (25.7%), and high-grade dysplasia in 6 patients (5.9%). Five patients (5.0%) underwent type 1, 7 (6.9%) type 2, 45 (44.6%) type 3, 24 (23.8%) type 4, 6 (5.9%) type 5a, 8 (7.9%) type 5c, 4 (4.0%) type 5d, and 2 (2.0%) type 6 cordectomy. Median follow-up time was 30 months (range 14-66). There were 5 recurrences (5.0%). Three-year disease-free survival was 94.4%. Three-year disease-free survival for stage I and II patients was 94.9 and 91.7%, respectively. Overall survival was 93.8%. Only 1 patient died related to cardiovascular disease. Disease-specific survival was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this is a large case series with good oncological outcomes presented with the perspective of a single surgeon. The data of the study is in accordance with the previous reports.

Impact of resection margin status and revision transoral laser microsurgery in early glottic cancer: analysis of organ preservation and local disease control on a cohort of 153 patients

Introduction

Transoral laser microsurgery represents the treatment of choice for early glottic cancer. Its use and effectiveness are mainly related to laryngeal exposure and deep extension of tumor. Histopathologic assessment of surgical margin presents a main issue about transoral laser microsurgery and complete oncological excision.

Objective

The aim was to analyze the impact of revision surgery on organ preservation and local disease control in patients with early glottic cancer treated by transoral laser microsurgery.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study on a cohort of 153 patients with early glottic cancer (Tis, T1, T2) treated by transoral laser microsurgery. Resection margins were classified as follows: “free” if macroscopic margin-tumor distance was at least 2 mm, as “close” if it was less than 2 mm and “positive” if the margin was involved by carcinoma. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with free resection margins (Group A) and patients with positive, close or not-evaluable resection margins (Group B). Group A (36) underwent periodic followup. Group B (117) underwent a second look laser CO₂ 2 months after surgery. Fifteen patients of Group A with suspected persistence of carcinoma during followup underwent a second laser resection after a time interval of 4–8 months after first surgery. Overall survival, disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, ultimate local control with laser alone and organ preservation rates were estimated.

Results

Five-year overall survival rate and 5-year disease-specific survival were 100% in both groups. The five-year laryngeal preservation rate was 100% in Group A and 95.2% in Group B. Five-year disease-free survival was 92.15% and 5-year ultimate local control with laser alone in 92.15% of patients.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that revision Transoral Laser Microsurgery is able to confirm the oncological radicality in most cases, even in the case of positive, close or non-evaluable margins. Considering our results, according to our experience, the second look with CO₂ laser is a therapeutic strategy to consider, even in the case of close or non-evaluable as well as positive margins.

Management of Early Glottic Cancer Treated by CO2 Laser According to Surgical-Margin Status: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Introduction  Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is the treatment of choice for Tis-T2 squamous cell glottic carcinomas due to its advantages compared with open surgery and radiotherapy. However, the CO ₂ laser beam causes changes and damage on the specimens, making the histological assessment of resection margins, the gold standard for confirming radical tumor resection, sometimes difficult.

Objective  To assess the different ways to manage patients depending on the status of the histopathological margin according to recent studies to detect the most commonly shared therapeutic strategy.

Data Synthesis  We analyzed the literature available on the PubMed and Web of Science databases, including only articles published since 2005, using specific keywords to retrieve articles whose titles and abstracts were read and analyzed independently by two authors to detect relevant studies. Therefore, we focused on disease-free survival, overall survival, local control, laryngeal preservation, and disease-specific survival. Thus, 17 studies were included in the present review; they were grouped according to the status of the histological margin, and we analyzed the different management policies described in them. This analysis showed that there is not a shared strategy, though in most studies the authors performed a second-look surgery in the cases of positive margins and a close follow-up in cases of negative ones. The main disagreement is regarding the management of close or non-valuable resection margins, since some some authors performed a second-look surgery, and others, a close follow-up.

Conclusions  Definitely, the most shared policy is the second-look surgery in case of positive surgical margins, and a close follow-up in case of close or non-valuable resection margins.

Key Points

Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) for Glottic Cancer: Prospective Assessment of a New Pathology Workup Protocol

Background/Purpose: The value of margin status after TLM for glottic cancer is debatable, due to difficulties in specimen orientation and margin analysis. Purpose of this study was the prospective evaluation of feasibility of a new standardized technique of oriented fixation of the TLM specimen and identification of the added value on tissue processing and margin status reporting.

Methods: Patients with suspicious glottic lesions undergoing TLM were included. After resection, the specimen margins were inked in the OR using different colors. Subsequently, the specimens were fixed on a pig liver carrier and sent for further processing, accompanied with photographs of the larynx pre-TLM and of the mounted specimen. Feasibility was assessed by registration of duration of specimen preparation in the OR and the lab and by procedure-specific questionnaires. Objective evaluation included assessment of margin status and proportion of evaluable margins. Chi square tests were used to make comparisons of proportions.

Results: One hundred and four consecutive patients were included between May 2016 and September 2019. TLM was performed in a primary and salvage setting in 89.4 and 10.6% of patients, respectively. Mean duration of intraoperative specimen preparation was 5.1 min (SD 2.6 min). No difficulties in orientation nor fixation during intraoperative preparation were reported in 87.5 and 88.2%, respectively. Specimen orientation was judged by the pathologist as very adequate in 89.4%, with the accompanying photographs considered helpful for orientation and processing in 84.6%. Substantial difficulties in further lab processing and pathologic examination were identified in 17.7%. Deep margin evaluability was very high (98.0%) and significantly higher than the evaluability of superficial mucosal margins. Compared to our previous series published by our group (n = 142), deep margin evaluability significantly rose from 62.7 to 98.0% (p < 0.001) and true positive rate of the deep margins increased from 0 to 44.4% (p = 0.002).

Discussion/Conclusion: The new and standardized technique of oriented fixation of TLM specimens on a pig liver carrier proves feasible both in the OR and lab setting and results in high margin evaluability rates, especially for the deep margin, as well as a decreased rate of false positive deep margins when compared to a historical TLM cohort.

Predictors of Postoperative Radiation Following Laser Resection in Early-Stage Glottic Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Guideline recommendations for the treatment of early-stage glottic cancer are limited to single-modality therapy with surgery or radiation alone. We sought to investigate the clinicopathologic and treatment factors associated with the use of postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) following laser excision for patients with T1-T2N0 glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study of the National Cancer Database.

SETTING

National Cancer Database review from 2004 to 2014.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 1338 patients with primary cT1-T2N0M0 glottic SCC undergoing primary laser excision were included. Hospitals were divided into quartiles based on yearly volume of laryngeal laser cases performed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of PORT.

RESULTS

The overall rate of PORT was 30.0%. Predictors of PORT included treatment at lower-volume hospitals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for quartiles 2-4, 1.32-4.84), positive margins (aOR, 3.83 [95% CI, 2.54-5.78]), and T2 tumors (aOR, 3.58 [95% CI, 2.24-5.74]). PORT utilization demonstrated a strong inverse correlation with hospital volume. Among top-quartile hospitals, the rate of PORT was 11.2%, while rates of PORT at second-, third-, and fourth-quartile institutions were 19.2%, 32.2%, and 37.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Predictors of PORT in multivariable analysis included treatment at lower-volume facilities, positive margins, and T2 disease. This study highlights the importance of treating early-stage glottic carcinoma at high-volume institutions. In addition, there is a need to reevaluate the use of PORT and reduce the rate of dual-modality therapy for patients with early-stage glottic SCC.

Early glottic tumours with anterior commissure involvement. Literature review and consensus document. Head and Neck and Skull Base Commission, SEORL-CCC

The choice of the most appropriate treatment in early-stage glottic cancer with anterior commissure involvement remains controversial. Its therapeutic management is complex because it is a significant prognostic indicator of local control with 37% recurrence, due to the difficulty in establishing tumour extension with understaging of up to 40%, and due to the comparison of results in series on tumours that behave variably as they progress, such as T1a, T1b and T2a with commissure involvement. Furthermore, the complexity of the surgical approach using transoral CO2 laser microsurgery requires surgical skill, appropriate equipment and experience. Aspects to be reviewed in this document are: an updated anatomical definition of the anterior commissure, tumour progression based on histopathological studies, usefulness of videostroboscopy and NBI in diagnostic accuracy, validity of imaging tests, oncological results published in series reviews, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, tumour margin treatment and voice evaluation.Finally, by way of a summary, the document includes a series of recommendations for the treatment of these tumours.

Research Progress Regarding Surgical Margins, Molecular Margins, and Prognosis of Laryngeal Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Researchers have refined the study of surgical margin in the anatomical subarea of the larynx to determine the most appropriate distance of the surgical margin for laryngeal carcinoma, to achieve accurate resection of laryngeal carcinoma and to improve the possibility of retention of laryngeal function.

METHODS

A comprehensive review of the primary literature was performed from 2009 to 2019 utilizing keywords laryngeal carcinoma, surgical margin, molecular margin, and prognostic factor. Articles were included at the discretion of the authors based on novel and/or contributions to the literature.

RESULTS

The prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma significantly correlates with the status of surgical margins. Patients with positive surgical margins have higher recurrence and metastasis rates and worse prognosis. Patients with negative pathological surgical margin but with the expression or altered expression levels of one or more tumor-related molecular biomarkers had high rates of recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical intervention can improve the prognosis of patients with positive surgical margins. Patients with close margins should be followed closely. Among patients with negative surgical margins, patients with abnormal molecular margin results should be closely followed up. However, the specific selection of one or several molecular biomarkers as the detection index of molecular margin currently requires multicenter prospective or retrospective large sample study as guidance.

Margins in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Transoral Laser Microsurgery: A National Database Study

Objectives

To determine national positive margin rates in transoral laser microsurgery, to compare patients with positive and negative margins, and to identify factors associated with positive margins.

Study Design

Retrospective review of the National Cancer Database.

Setting

Population based.

Subjects/Methods

Patients included those with TIS-T3 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (2004-2014). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictors.

Results

A total of 1959 patients met inclusion criteria. The national positive margin rate was 22.3%. Sixty-five percent of patients had T1 disease; 94.3% were N-negative; and 74.0% had glottic tumors. Fifty-eight percent of patients were treated at academic centers, and 60.6% were treated at facilities performing <2 cases per year. On multivariable analysis, factors associated with margin status included facility volume (odds ratio [95% CI]; in cases per year: 0.93 [0.89-0.97], P = .001), academic status (vs nonacademic; academic: 0.70 [0.54-0.90], P = .008), T-stage (vs T1; T2: 2.74 [2.05-3.65], T3: 5.53 [3.55-8.63], TIS: 0.59 [0.38-0.92], P < .001), and N-stage (vs N0; N1: 3.42 [1.79-6.54], N2: 2.01 [1.09-3.69], P < .001). Tumor subsite was not associated with margin status.

Conclusion

The national positive margin rate for laryngeal laser surgery is 22%, which is concerning given the equivalent survival benefit offered by surgery and primary radiation and the increased likelihood of bimodal therapy in the situation of positive margins. Cases treated at nonacademic centers and those with lower caseloads had a higher likelihood of positive margins. There was a linear association between T-stage and likelihood of positive margins, with T3 tumors being 5 times as likely as T1 to yield positive margins. This study highlights the importance of proper patient selection for transoral laser microsurgery resections.

Efficacy of Transnasal Flexible Videoendoscopy With Narrow Band Imaging for Follow-Up of Patients After Transoral Laser Cordectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Transoral laser surgery is the optimal surgical treatment modality for the early stages of glottic cancer. To allow for further treatment to be as effective and as minimal as possible, persistent or recurrent tumors should be detected very soon. The main aim is to minimize the risk of necessity of performing a total laryngectomy. Flexible videoendoscopy with narrow band imaging (NBI) was recommended by the European Laryngological Society as a diagnostic method for the follow-up of patients treated for laryngeal cancer. Nevertheless, the efficacy of this technique has not been extensively studied in patients after transoral laser cordectomies for vocal fold cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of in-office transnasal NBI flexible videoendoscopy in the follow-up of patients after transoral laser cordectomy for glottic cancer. We also focused on describing the specific characteristics of recurrent tumor appearance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The presented study was conceived as a prospective study. Ninety-four consecutive patients who underwent transoral laser cordectomy for severe dysplasia, Tis, T1, and T2 glottic cancer in the period from June 2010 to August 2015 were enrolled in the study. All patients were postoperatively regularly followed using transnasal videoendoscopic examinations with NBI. Whenever a suspect lesion was identified during in-office examination, its nature was proven histologically.

RESULTS

We discovered 23 suspect findings in 21 patients by means of flexible videoendoscopy with NBI. Fifteen (65.2%) of them were histologically confirmed as recurrent tumors, whereas in 8 (34.8%) of them, the recurrent tumor was not proven. In two patients, the recurrent tumor was evident on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, but NBI endoscopy did not reveal relapsing disease. The rest (71 patients) were considered true negative. Of the 15 recurrent tumors detected by NBI-coupled videoendoscopy, 8 (53.3%) were identified as submucosal masses with nonsignificant or no vascular changes, 4 (26.7%) were noted as the progression of leukoplakia without visible vascular changes, only 2 (13.3%) showed typical vascular changes, and, in 1 (6.7%) case, evident, significantly exophytic tumor with pathological vascularization was discovered. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the in-office transnasal videolaryngoscopy with NBI were calculated to be 88%, 92%, 71%, and 97%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study demonstrate that transnasal endoscopy with NBI in an outpatient setting is an excellent method for the follow-up of patients after transoral laser cordectomy for glottic cancer. The method achieves high sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value and a slightly low positive predictive value. Nevertheless, we must bear in mind that recurrent tumors after previous endoscopic resection may have a completely different appearance than new tumors originating from previously untreated tissues. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A study of the association between local recurrence and surgical margins in vertical partial laryngectomy for T1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The effect of surgical margins on local recurrence in T1 glottic squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) is unclear. Objectives: To investigate the association between surgical margins and local recurrence of T1 GSCC patients with vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL). Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied 117 T1 GSCC patients. Close and negative margins were estimated as distance <5 mm and ≥5 mm. The effect of surgical margins on local recurrence was evaluated. For patients with invasion not reaching muscular-layer, a threshold margin of 2 mm was detected. Results: About 109 patients were exclusively treated by VPL and 8 patients received postoperative radiotherapy. In 109 cases, the posterolateral margins and shortest margins in recurrence group were both lower than no-recurrence group (p<.01). The ratios of posterolateral margin to average diameter, upper-lower diameter and internal-external diameter in recurrence group were also statistically lower (p<.05). A threshold margin of 2 mm showed statistical difference on recurrence in patients with invasion not reaching muscular-layer. Conclusions and significance: Posterolateral margin is crucial for local recurrence in T1 GSCC patients treated by VPL. A shortest margin of ≥5 mm should be considered. For the patients with invasion not reaching the muscular-layer, a threshold of 2 mm is enough for safe margin.

The Prognostic Value of Adding Narrow-Band Imaging in Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Early Glottic Cancer: A Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is a universally recognized safe and minimally invasive approach for early glottic cancer. Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an optical technique working with a filtered light that reveals superficial mucosal abnormalities through the neoangiogenic pattern. The aim of this systematic review is to demonstrate the role of intraoperative NBI during TLM for early glottic cancer to better evaluate tumor extension and for more precise margin resection.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines was performed. A literature search was performed using the following keywords: TLM, NBI, and early glottic cancer. Two independent authors evaluated the extracted data. Data regarding status of surgical margins after TLM, local recurrence, recurrence-free survival, and need of additional samples following NBI were collected.

RESULTS

Five articles met inclusion criteria with a total of 577 patients undergoing TLM with intraoperative NBI. A significant reduction of positive superficial margins was found in patients treated with (52%) and without (28.6%) intraoperative use of NBI (P < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of intraoperative NBI increases the accuracy of neoplastic superficial spreading evaluation and accuracy of mass resection during TLM for early glottic cancer. The significant reduction of superficial positive margins dramatically decreases the number of patients at risk and improves clinical outcomes. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Oncological outcomes of CO2 laser cordectomies for glottic squamous cell carcinoma with respect to anterior commissure involvement and margin status

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Controversial prognostic factors of primary CO₂ laser cordectomy are anterior commissure involvement (ACI) and status of margin.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of oncological outcomes in 102 patients with early glottic cancer undergoing laser cordectomy between 2013 and 2015.

RESULTS

The T stages distribution included: 72.6% T1a, 14.7% T1b, and 12.7% T2. The ACI was diagnosed in 26 patients. The primary cordectomy was radical in 72 patients. The 2- and 5-year disease free survival (DFS) for all patients were, respectively, 83.3% and 77.3%.The 2-year DFS rates for T1a, T1b, T2 were, respectively, 91.7%, 66.7%, and 53.9% and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The 2-year DFS rates according to the ACI and free anterior commissure tumors were, respectively, 65.4% and 89.2%, and the ACI indicated worse prognosis (P = 0.057). The 2-year DFS rates according to margins status were higher for patients with close or positive margins, who had second resection (88.9%) compared with those of negative margins (80.9%) (P = 0.340). Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Multidisciplinary Team Guided Approach to the Management of cT3 Laryngeal Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of 104 Cases

The optimal treatment for T3 laryngeal carcinoma (LC) is still a matter of debate. Different therapeutic options are available: Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), open partial horizontal laryngectomies (OPHLs), total laryngectomy (TL), and organ preservation protocols (radiation therapy (RT) or chemo-radiation (CRT)). This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate oncologic outcomes of 104 T3 LCs treated by surgery or non-surgical approaches from January 2011 to December 2016 at a single academic tertiary referral center. Each case was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) devoted to the management of head and neck cancers. We divided the cohort into two subgroups: Group A, surgical treatment (TLM, OPHLs, TL) and Group B, non-surgical treatment (RT, CRT). For the entire cohort, two- and five-year overall survival (OS) rates were 83% and 56%, respectively. The two- and five-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 75% and 65%, and disease-specific survival rates were 93% and 70%, respectively. The N category was a significant independent prognosticator for OS (p = 0.02), whereas Group B was significantly and independently associated with DFS (HR 4.10, p = 0.006). Analyzing laryngo-esophageal dysfunction-free survival as an outcome, it was found that this was significantly lower in higher N categories (p = 0.04) and in cases that underwent non-surgical treatments (p = 0.002). Optimization of oncologic outcomes in T3 LCs may be obtained only by a comprehensive MDT approach, considering that different treatment options have heterogenous toxicity profiles and indications.

Nature and role of surgical margins in transoral laser microsurgery for early and intermediate glottic cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Summarize recent findings regarding the impact of margin status on oncologic outcomes and organ preservation, as well as evaluate possible management policies of close and positive margins after transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for Tis-T2 glottic carcinomas.

RECENT FINDINGS

Impact of margin status on survival rates remains controversial, whereas some authors found close and positive margins to be independent risk factors for recurrence and poorer survival rates, others did not find any significant variations compared with negative ones. A common trend can be observed in performing a watchful waiting policy or second look TLM in patients with close-superficial and positive single-superficial margins. Further treatment seems preferable in case of deep and positive multiple superficial margins.

SUMMARY

Positive margins are present in up to 50% of patients treated by TLM, even though a high rate of false positivity, reaching 80%, has been described. Close and positive single superficial margins seem to be linked to higher recurrence rates compared with negative margins, even though watchful wait and see policy, especially when performed by adjunctive visual aids like Narrow Band Imaging, maintains good final oncological and organ preservation outcomes. Further treatments are required in case of deep margin positivity.

Evaluation of surgical margin status in patients with early glottic cancer (Tis-T2) treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery, on local control

Purpose

To assess the impact of surgical margins status on local control in patients with primary early glottic (Tis-T2) squamous cell carcinoma after treatment with transoral CO₂ laser microsurgery (TLM) and to assess the significance of additional wound bed biopsies.

Methods

Patients with Tis-T2 tumours treated with TLM type I–III resections according to the European Laryngological Society classification between 2009 and 2013 were included in retrospective analysis. Recurrence rate was determined in patients with free versus non-free specimen margins and wound biopsies. Five-year survival rates were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic impact of pT-category, resection margin status, tumour differentiation, wound bed biopsy status, and number of biopsies on local control (LC) were tested with the log-rank test.

Results

Eighty-four patients were included in the analysis. Positive margins were seen in 68 patients (81.0%). Margin status after TLM did not significantly influence LC (p = 0.489), however, additional wound bed biopsies were significantly associated with lower LC (p = 0.009). Five-year LC, disease-specific survival, overall survival and laryngeal preservation were 78.6, 78.0, 98.6 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

Additional wound bed biopsies can help predict local recurrence in patients treated with TLM for early glottic carcinoma. We propose that there is enough evidence to support a wait-and-see policy in patients with positive specimen margins and negative wound bed biopsies. For patients with positive wound bed biopsies, further treatment is warranted.

Up-Front and Salvage Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Early Glottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Single Centre Retrospective Case Series

Introduction/aim

Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is a minimally invasive surgical alternative for radiotherapy (RT) in the primary management of early glottic cancer. More recently, TLM emerged also as a possible salvage treatment for selected radiorecurrent cancers. We reviewed outcomes of primary and salvage TLM performed in a Belgian tertiary referral center.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of records from 142 consecutive patients who underwent TLM was performed. Oncologic outcomes were evaluated by means of descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier estimates. Variation of estimated outcomes between different subgroups was evaluated using Log-Rank analysis.

Results

Of 142 patients, 109 (76.8%) underwent TLM as a primary treatment and 33 (23.2%) were treated in a salvage setting for recurrent or second primary glottic cancer. cT classification in the up-front TLM group was cT1a in 72 (66.1%), cT1b in 11 (10.1%), and cT2 in 26 (23.9%) patients. In the salvage group, patients were cT/rT classified as cT1a-rT1a in 17 (51.5%), cT1b-rT1b in 1 (3.0%), cT2-rT2 in 14 (42.4%), and cT3-rT3 in 1 (3.0%) patients. All patients were cN0. Second-look TLM was performed in 28 patients (19.7%), and RT was associated as adjuvant therapy in 5 patients (3.5%). Mean follow-up was 51.6 months (SD = 38.4 months). Three-year overall survival (OS) was 94.1% (SE = 2.2%), 3-year disease-specific survival (DSS) 100%, 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) 80.1% (SE = 3.8%), 3-year local recurrence-free survival (RFS) 81.0% (SE = 3.7%), and 3-year ultimate local control rate with laser alone 89.2% (SE = 3.0%). Upon subgroup analysis, no differences in OS, DSS, and DFS were observed between the up-front and salvage group (log rank; p = 0.306, p = 0.298, and p = 0.061 respectively). However, local RFS and ultimate local control rate with laser alone were significantly higher in the primary treated TLM group (log rank, p = 0.014 and p = 0.012). Five-year laryngeal preservation rate was 89.7% (SE = 3.5%) in the total population, 100% in the upfront group, and 64.9% (SE = 9.8%) in the salvage group, a difference which proved statistically significant (Log-Rank, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This retrospective study confirms excellent oncologic outcomes of up-front TLM for early glottic cancer. In the salvage setting, TLM allows avoidance of total laryngectomy in the majority of cases.