Radical Resection of Malignant Tumors of Major Salivary Glands: Is This Possible?

In primary therapy, a universally recognized surgical indication applies to all tumors of the salivary glands. According to the classic rule, radical resection of a head and neck tumor requires clean margins of at least 5 mm, although recent studies have shown that for certain locations, 1 mm may be sufficient. In the surgical resection of a tumor of the salivary glands, especially of the parotid gland, can these rules be respected? Owing to the complex branching and connections of the facial nerve within the parotid gland, even a medium-sized malignant tumor may be in contact with a branch of the nerve, thus raising the question of its preservation. The facial nerve is so important from a functional and aesthetic point of view that it is commonly believed that it should be preserved unless it is incorporated into the tumor. This is a compromise between an oncological resection, that is, the complete excision of the tumor with no residual cancer cells left behind, and quality of life. Almost all authors try to overcome this lack of radicality by indicating postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy. In this article, the pros and cons of nerve preservation will be analyzed by examining the published studies on this topic.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma. An indolent but aggressive tumour. Part A: from aetiopathogenesis to diagnosis

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a relatively rare tumour of the minor and major salivary glands. It is uncommon in the parotid gland while it is much more frequent in the submandibular gland and in minor salivary and mucinous glands (oral cavity, oropharynx, and paranasal sinuses). ACC may also arise in secretory glands located in other tissues, such as in the tracheobronchial tree, oesophagus, breast, lungs, prostate, uterine cervix, lachrymal and Bartholin’s glands, and skin. The natural history of ACC is characterised by an indolent growth rate, a relatively low probability of regional lymph node metastases and a high likelihood of haematogenous dissemination. ACC has been traditionally subdivided into three histological groups (cribriform, tubular, and solid) based on solid components of the tumour. Some studies have shown that tumours with a solid growth component have a rapid fatal course, compared to tumours without a solid growth component, but other studies have failed to correlate growth patterns with clinical course. The purpose of this review is to analyse the very large number of studies (sometimes contradictory) on ACC. In this first part, the aetiology, epidemiology, histopathology, clinical behaviour and diagnostic workup are examined.

Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Maxillary Sinus. A Case Report

We report a case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the left maxillary sinus in a 30 year-old man. The major problem encountered was the histological diagnosis of the first biopsy, which showed a non specific fasciculated, myxoid, alveolar pattern suggestive of a mesenchymal malignancy, thus preventing the correct diagnosis that became possible only when the surgical specimen was available.

Local Adoptive Immunotherapy of Advanced Head and Neck Tumors with Lak Cells and Interleukin-2

Since October 1987 a pilot phase I-II study on the effect of loco-regional injections of recombinant interleukin 2 (rIL-2) in association with LAK cells has been performed in advanced, recurrent head and neck cancer patients. Fourteen patients were treated with autologous LAKs and rIL-2 (Glaxo) given peritumorally and in the mastoid region (rIL-2 only in the latter site). LAKs (2-70 × 107) + rIL-2 were injected on the first day of therapy, followed by 9 daily injections of rIL-2 only. The total daily dose of rIL-2 was escalated from 2,400 to 1.8 × 106 IU. Clinical evaluation was performed 30 days from the onset of therapy; 3 partial (95%, 66% and 50% reduction) and 3 minor responses were seen in the evaluated patients. All the other patients with a progressive disease after the first cycle were shifted to palliative chemotherapy. The partial responses were found in patients with a tumor burden « 20 cm2. Cervical node metastasis did not respond to treatment. No relevant side effects occurred. These results indicate that loco-regional immunotherapy with rIL-2 and LAK cells can produce clinical responses in advanced head and neck cancer patients.

A Statistical Approach to Detection of the Primary Cancer Based on the Site of Neck Lymph Node Metastases

Preoperative differential diagnosis of a swelling in the neck is mandatory for a good therapeutic planning. Indiscriminate biopsy as first approach is to be disregarded, since it can compromise the result of a radical neck dissection in cases where a metastasis of epidermoid cancer is histologically recognized. A cervical biopsy is not to be performed until a complete HNT examination (including the thyroid and major salivary glands) has excluded the presence of a primary tumor in these regions. Since every localization of the head and neck malignancies shows rather fixed patterns in its lymphatic spreading, a correlation between site of T and particular localizations of N within the neck can be found. The knowledge of the probabilities that an adenopathy in a given region of the neck correlates with a primary tumor located in a given site of the body could strongly aid the physician in detecting the latter, following a rational statistically based approach. This study was performed applying Bayes theorem for probability calculus to the maps of distribution of metastases of tumors of different site in 3,700 patients who were taken into National Cancer Institute of Milan during 7 consecutive years. The results are gathered in tables and text-figures showing the great significance of some correlations, who become more evident when the adenopathies are multiple, but who usefully direct the physician also when the adenopathy is only one.

An Analysis of 800 Breast Cancer Patients Relapsed after Radical Mastectomy

The chronology of first recurrences, their topographic distribution and survival from mastectomy were retrospectively studied in a series of 800 mastectomized women with special reference to the relationship between these data and treatment delay, T N categories and free interval. Visceral metastases were more frequent in patients under 50 years, whereas local recurrences were more common in patients over 50. The average free interval was 26 months (over 5 years in 18% of cases) and seemed to be influenced little by the treament delay or by tumor size; it was shorter in patients under 50 years and shorter still in patients with lymph node involvement at operation. A similar correlation exists between these parameters and survival. The 5 year survival rate of the 800 cases with recurrence was 52%, which is quite different from the rate generally indicated for surgical cases, and much higher than the rate for the natural history of untreated breast cancer. The survival rate in cases with first metastases confined to the soft tissues is much higher than in those with bone and/or with visceral metastases. The survival after recurrence proves to be significantly influenced by the length of the free interval, but much more by the presence or absence of regional lymph node involvement, so that the lymph nodes status (N–- or N+) turns out to be a prognostic item of primary importance, even after the onset of recurrence.

Postoperative Radiotherapy for Synovial Sarcoma of the Head and Neck during Pregnancy: Clinical and Technical Management and Fetal Dose Estimates

Aims and background

In vivo and phantom dosimetry is reported to estimate the fetal dose and evaluate the effectiveness of a special shielding device to reduce fetal exposure in a woman undergoing postoperative radiation therapy for synovial oral cavity sarcoma at the 30th week of pregnancy.

Methods

In vivo measurements were performed by placing thermoluminescent dosimeters on 3 points for fetal dose estimation: uterine fundus, umbilicus and pubis. A Rando anthropomorphic phantom was used to simulate radiotherapy. We also performed off-axis dose measurements for wedged beams to estimate the dose contribution of this accessory used in the treatment.

Results

The special shielding device reduced the fetal dose by 70% on average, despite the presence of wedges, which increased the dose by a factor of about 2.5. Before delivery the patient received 48 Gy, and from the in vivo measurements a fetal dose of 8.5, 1.7 and 0.7 cGy was estimated to the uterine fundus, umbilicus and pubis, respectively.

Conclusions

Pre-treatment simulation in the same irradiation conditions is the only reliable approach to predict the fetal dose. By using a special shielding device, radiotherapy can be optimized while keeping the fetal exposure below the risk of deterministic damage.

Solitary fibrous tumor: A retrospective analysis on 65 patients from a reference center

10572

Background: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) are very rare mesenchymal tumors with an unpredictable malignant potential. We retrospectively reviewed the long-term outcome of patients operated on at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori (INT), Milan, in a 18-year time span. Methods: All patients who underwent surgery at INT from 1990 to 2008 for primary SFT or first local relapse were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and pathologic data were recorded. Local recurrence, distant metastases and overall survival were analyzed both from time of diagnosis and from time of local recurrence/distant metastasis. Biomolecular studies are ongoing for those cases whose frozen material is available. Results: 65 patients were identified (M/F: 33/32 - age: mean 54 yrs, range 19–85 yrs - site: peritoneum 45%, pleura 21%, lower-limb 17%, other 18% - extension at diagnosis: localized 94%, locally-advanced/unresectable 3%, metastatic 3% - size: median 11 cm, range 2–40 cm). The median follow-up was 54 months (range 0–185 months). The overall 5/10-year survival (OS), local relapse-free survival (LRFS) and metastasis-free survival (DRFS) were, respectively, 92/91%, 89/86%, 94/89%. The 5-year OS, LRFS, DMRFS after the first local relapse were, respectively, 100%, 67%, 89%. The overall incidence of metastases was 17% (lung was the commonest site). The 5-year post-metastasis OS was 45%. Multivariate analysis on clinical and pathologic/molecular prognostic factors is ongoing. Conclusions: SFT arise from a variety of anatomic sites. Surgery is curative in most patients, and local relapse has a limited impact on prognosis. Pathologic prognostic factors are under investigation to help identify the minority of patients with a poor clinical outcome.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Further improvement in outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with optimized radiotherapy and induction plus concomitant chemotherapy: an update of the Milan experience

PURPOSE

To report the outcome of a consecutive series of patients with nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), focusing on the impact of treatment-related factors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 2000 and 2006, 87 patients with NPC were treated with either conventional (two- or three-dimensional) radiotherapy (RT) or with intensity-modulated RT (IMRT). Of these patients, 81 (93%) received either concomitant CHT (24%) or both induction and concomitant chemotherapy (CHT) (69%). Stage was III in 36% and IV in 39% of patients. Outcomes in this study population were compared with those in the previous series of 171 patients treated during 1990 to 1999.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 46 months, actuarial rates at 3 years were the following: local control, 96%; local-regional control, 93%; distant control (DC), 90%; disease-free survival (DFS), 82%; overall survival, 90%. In Stage III to IV patients, distant control at 3 years was 56% in patients treated with concomitant CHT only and 92% in patients treated with both induction and concomitant CHT (p = 0.014). At multivariate analysis, histology, N-stage, RT technique, and total RT dose had the strongest independent impact on DFS (p < 0.05). Induction CHT had a borderline effect on DC (p = 0.07). Most dosimetric statistics were improved in the group of patients treated with IMRT compared with conventional 3D technique. All outcome endpoints were substantially better in the study population compared with those in the previous series.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome of NPC has further improved in the study period compared with the previous decade, with a significant effect of RT technique optimization. The impact of induction CHT remains to be demonstrated in controlled trials.

Lymph node metastases in malignant tumors of the paranasal sinuses: prognostic value and treatment

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of nodal involvement and its prognostic value in malignant tumors of the paranasal sinuses, particularly in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Tertiary cancer center.

PATIENTS

The medical records of 704 consecutive patients surgically treated for malignant tumors of the paranasal sinuses from January 1968 to March 2003 were reviewed. The tumors were staged according to American Joint Committee on Cancer-International Union Against Cancer 2002 classification. Only patients with clinically positive nodes underwent a neck dissection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Lymph node metastases (at presentation or during follow-up, occurring alone, or with concurrent local recurrence and/or distant metastasis). Also analyzed were local recurrence (occurring alone or with concurrent distant metastasis), distant metastasis (occurring alone), and overall survival.

RESULTS

The tumor site was the ethmoid sinus in 305 cases and maxillary sinus in 399 cases. At baseline, 5 patients (1.6%) in the ethmoid sinus group and 33 (8.3%) in the maxillary sinus group presented with positive nodes (P < .001); during follow-up, nodal recurrences (alone or simultaneous with T and/or M recurrence) occurred in 15 and 51 patients, respectively, and the corresponding 5-year incidence estimates were 4.3% and 12.5% (P = .001). The highest incidence of node metastases was found in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in T2 tumors. Five-year overall survival estimates were 45.3% for patients with N0 tumors and 0% for those with N+ (N1, N2, or N3) ethmoid sinus tumors, and 50.6% and 16.8%, respectively, for patients with maxillary sinus tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymph node metastases are a poor prognostic factor for patients with malignant tumors of the paranasal sinuses. The incidence of these metastases is low, particularly in ethmoid sinus tumors. A prophylactic treatment of the neck in patients with N0 tumors (surgery or radiotherapy) might be considered in T2 squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus and in undifferentiated carcinoma of the ethmoid sinus.

High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Affects Prognosis in Patients With Surgically Treated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA tumors actively integrating the E6 and E7 oncogenes have a distinct biologic behavior resulting in a more favorable prognosis. To which extent the viral integration by itself, and/or the associated wild-type (wt) TP53 status, and/or a functional p16 contribute to prognosis is unclear.

Patients and Methods

To clarify how the presence of high-risk (HR) -HPV, TP53, and p16INK4a status interact with clinical outcome, we considered a retrospective series of 90 consecutive oropharyngeal cancer patients treated primarily with surgery.

Results

Seventeen (19%) patients showed integrated HPV 16 DNA (HPV positive), wt TP53 in all but two patients, normal p16INK4a in 15 assessable patients, and p16 expression in all 17 patients. Thirty-five patients (39%), two of whom were HPV positive, harbored TP53 mutations. p16INK4a deletion and p16 null immunophenotype occurred in 28 and 58 patients, respectively, and was similarly distributed in both patients with mutated TP53 (48% and 82%, respectively) and in patients with wt TP53 (46% and 77%, respectively). Statistical analysis showed that HPV-positive status significantly affects all investigated end points: overall survival (P = .0018), incidence of tumor relapse (P = .0371), and second tumor (P = .0152), whereas TP53 and p16INK4a status and p16 expression were not prognostic by themselves.

Conclusion

Our molecular and clinical results are in agreement with previous findings but provide additional information into the biologic mechanisms involved in HR-HPV oropharyngeal cancer in comparison to HPV-negative tumors. According to the reduced risk of relapse and second tumors associated with HR-HPV positivity of oropharyngeal cancer, the therapeutic strategy and follow-up procedures should be reviewed.

Lip-splitting in transmandibular resections: Is it really necessary?

Mandibular resection approach (Commando or Composite resection) is one of the fundamental techniques for oral and oropharyngeal large tumour resection. We reviewed the charts of patients who underwent a transmandibular resection for an oral and/or oropharyngeal cancer between 1980 and 2002. Of 700 patients who underwent a mandibular resection for cancer, 332 had been operated without lower lip splitting. A mono or bilateral en-block neck dissection was always performed, except in cases of relapses after a prior surgical treatment with neck dissection. We repaired 307 patients with flaps (pedicled or free flaps, with or without bone). Unsplitting of the lip never complicated resection and reconstruction. Furthermore the procedure was time sparing, as we avoided haemostasis and suture of the lip. The cosmetic results were better than those obtained by traditional technique. We used a non-lip-splitting technique also for pull-through, marginal mandibulectomy and, sometimes, for mandibular-swing approaches. In the latter case, the technique has some advantages and disadvantages and must be applied according to circumstances. We can conclude that lip-splitting in transmandibular resection for oral and oropharyngeal tumours is not necessary.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the head and neck region: experience at the pediatric unit of the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the clinical features and outcome of pediatric patients with head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), which can be divided into parameningeal, orbital, or nonorbital, nonparameningeal.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective single-institution analysis.

SETTING

The study was performed at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy.

METHODS

The study considered 142 consecutive patients < 21 years treated from 1973 to 2003.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients were treated using a multimodality approach: complete conservative surgery was performed at diagnosis in only two patients, all patients received chemotherapy, and most (91%) also had radiotherapy. Disease-free survival and overall survival were estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

For the series as a whole, the 5-year disease-free and overall surival rates were 49% and 57%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate improved over the years from 38% before 1980 to 78% after 1990; it was 44% for parameningeal, 79% for orbital, and 77% for nonorbital, nonparameningeal RMS.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of head and neck RMS is complex and necessarily multidisciplinary. Complete surgery is rarely feasible in the head and neck region. This study confirms that orbital RMS has a favourable outcome, whereas therapeutic results are generally unsatisfactory in parameningeal cases, although recent progress in radiotherapeutic techniques and in the efficacy of chemotherapy would suggest clear improvements in survival.

Review of 346 patients with free-flap reconstruction following head and neck surgery for neoplasm

We present our 14-year experience of free tissue transfer following surgery for head and neck neoplasm. We evaluated 346 patients mean age 57 years, 65% had squamous cell carcinoma; the most frequent sites were oral cavity and mandible (168) craniomaxillo facial region (94) pharynx +/- cervical oesophagus and oropharyngostomes (84). In 327 (95%) cases the reconstruction was a success. Flap revision was necessary in 29 (8.4% of total) and recovery was successful in 10/29. Nine patients (2.6%) died perioperatively. Poor preoperative condition, previous treatment, and requirement for vein graft were significantly associated with increased risk of major complications after surgery. Cosmetic and functional outcomes were assessed on 1-10 scales: 69 and 77% of patients, respectively, had cosmetic and functional results in the 7-10 range, indicating successful outcome. Overall survival probabilities, estimated on 338 patients with malignant disease, were 53% at 2 years and 32% at 5 years. Most patients, but not all, had advanced disease stage, and 188 (54%) had recurrent disease. Hence, overall survival rates are acceptable and justify the use of complex reconstruction procedures in such patients.

Craniofacial resection for malignant tumours involving the anterior skull base

Ethmoid malignant tumours are rare, but nearly all at least approach or involve the lamina cribrosa. An anterior craniofacial resection is almost always mandatory for a radical resection. While almost everything has been written about technical details, few studies reported meaningful analysis about prognostic factors and long-term results, for a series of reasons: the infrequency of these tumours, the variety of histologies, small patients cohorts presented by each author, a medley of untreated and pre-treated patients, the lack of a universally accepted classification. We perform a review of the literature in the light of our experience of 330 anterior craniofacial resections for ethmoid malignant tumours. We present our classification of ethmoid malignant tumours (called INT, Istituto Nazionale Tumori). It turned out to be more prognostic than AJCC-UICC classification.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma of childhood and adolescence: a 30-year experience at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori in Milan

BACKGROUND

Survival rates are reportedly excellent for papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) in childhood/adolescence, despite their strong tendency to spread. The aim of this study was to verify this assumption in a single-institution series spanning a 30-year period with a very long follow-up.

PROCEDURE

From 1968 to 2001, 74 cases of thyroid carcinoma were collected. The papillary histological type was confirmed in 42 cases with available slides; we recorded the sex, age at diagnosis, age of menarche, tumor side and size, TNM/pTNM classification, multicentricity, vascular invasion, type of surgery, post-operative complications, post-surgical therapies and outcome up to May 31, 2004.

RESULTS

The female/male ratio was 2.2; pT4, pN1 and M1 cases were 52%, 95%, and 12% (four in lungs and one in bone), respectively. Total thyroidectomy was performed in 33 patients, hemithyroidectomy in 8, and a biopsy in 1 inoperable case. Nine patients (21%) relapsed, six in the cervical lymph nodes and three in the lungs. After a median follow-up of 189 months, all patients were alive, two of them with evidence of disease. Overall and progression-free survival curves were independent of sex, age, TNM/pTNM classification, or type of surgery. Overall survival was also independent of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike its adult counterpart, PTC of childhood and adolescence is a cancer with a high frequency of spread, but an excellent outcome irrespective of sex, age at diagnosis, TNM/pTNM classification, type of surgery, recurrence. Since pediatric PTCs proved highly responsive to hormone manipulation, it is worth considering a different therapeutic approach from adult cases.

Conservative surgical approach for thyroid and lymph-node involvement in papillary thyroid carcinoma of childhood and adolescence

BACKGROUND

Prior to 1990s, papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) in childhood/adolescence underwent a standard therapeutic approach (total thyroidectomy plus elective neck dissection, followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation), with an overall survival of about 100%. The aim of this study is to outline the possibility of a conservative approach (hemithyroidectomy plus selective neck dissection of clinically involved nodes, followed by TSH-suppressive therapy) in a selected group of patients.

PROCEDURE

From 1968 to 2001, 42 pediatric PTC patients were treated at our institution. Absence of distant metastases and a tumor clinically limited to one lobe were both present in 28 cases that underwent a radical (20 cases) or a conservative (8 cases) surgical approach at the thyroid level. At cervical node level, 10 patients underwent a radical and 32 a conservative surgical approach. Clinicopathologic features at onset, type of therapy (radical vs. conservative), post-operative complications, and outcome till May 31, 2004 were recorded. The impact of the type of surgery on outcome was evaluated.

RESULTS

Overall and progression-free survival (PFS) curves were found to be independent of the type of therapy (radical vs. conservative) in subgroups of patients matched for extent of disease at onset. Post-operative complications occurred only with radical surgical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood and adolescence PTCs show a high rate of spread but an excellent outcome independent of the type of therapy (radical vs. conservative). Taking into account the marked responsiveness to TSH-suppression and the complications after radical therapy, in selected cases, a conservative approach should be considered, reserving more aggressive therapies in case of metastases or relapse.

Phenotype–genotype correlation: Challenge of intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

BACKGROUND

Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses shows microscopic features indistinguishable from colorectal cancer. Our aim was to verify whether the morphologic resemblances mirror genetic profile similarities.

METHODS

Twenty consecutive surgically treated ITAC cases, previously investigated for p16(INK4a) and TP53, were investigated for hMLH1, hMSH2, and beta-catenin immunoreactivity, and for adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), K-ras, and BRAF gene mutations.

RESULTS

One case was immunonegative for both hMLH1 and hMSH2, and 12 tumors (40%) revealed a strong beta-catenin overexpression. No BRAF and APC truncating mutations were identified, whereas K-ras mutations were detected in 9 ITACs (50%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm the phenotypic similarities at the genetic level between colorectal cancer and ITACs showing deregulation of K-Ras/BRAF and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome 18q. By contrast, both frequency rate and type of inactivation of the APC-beta-catenin pathway differ in the 2 tumors, suggesting different gatekeeper events in the early development of ITAC (p16(INK4a) and TP53) and colorectal cancer (APC).

Lung metastasectomy in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of salivary gland

To define the role of surgical management of lung metastases in ACC. Twenty ACC patients referred to lung metastasectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-six operations were performed; at the first metastasectomy, a resection with clear margins (R0) was achieved in 11 patients (55%), 3 are alive and well. Four out of 9 patients with residual disease (R2) are still alive. Median survival after metastasectomy was 78 and 52 months for R0 and R2 (p=0.4); median freedom from progression (FFP) in R0 and R2 groups was 30 and 15 months (p=0.2), respectively. A better outcome was obtained for patients with a disease-free interval 36 months and 6 metastases and bilateral involvement were critical in achieving a R0 intervention. Lung metastasectomy provided a prolonged FFP in a high selected subset of patients with ACC. However, if this could be translated into a survival benefit, it is still to be demonstrated.

Which classification for ethmoid malignant tumors involving the anterior skull base?

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare three systems of classification for malignant ethmoidal tumors in patients undergoing anterior craniofacial resection.

METHODS

A radiologic locoregional evaluation of 241 patients with malignant ethmoid tumors was performed before patients underwent an anterior craniofacial resection. Disease in each case was staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer-Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (AJCC-UICC) 1997 classification, the AJCC-UICC 2002 classification, and the Istituto Nazionale Tumori (INT) classification. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox models were used to investigate the prognostic value of each classification system on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The classifications were compared in terms of prognostic discrimination capability, measured by use of an index of agreement between each classification and DFS or OS time.

RESULTS

All three classification systems yielded statistically significant results in the Cox analysis, both for DFS and OS. In the AJCC-UICC 2002 system, minor differences were observed between T1 and T3 tumors. The INT classification showed a progressive worsening of the prognosis with increasing stage. The index of prognostic discrimination favored the INT classification over both the 1997 and 2002 AJCC-UICC classifications.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the 1997 and 2002 AJCC-UICC classifications seemed to have limited prognostic value. By contrast, the INT classification satisfied one of the main goals of tumor staging, demonstrating the progressive worsening of prognosis with different tumor classes.

Prediction of TP53 status for primary cisplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin chemotherapy in ethmoid sinus intestinal-type adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

To assess the role of TP53 status in predicting pathologic complete remission after primary chemotherapy in patients with ethmoidal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with ethmoidal ITAC enrolled onto a phase II study received chemotherapy with cisplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin (PFL) followed by surgery and radiation. On surgical specimens, absence of viable tumor cells was defined as pathologic complete remission (pCR). TP53 status/p53 function, analyzed on pretreatment biopsies, were retrospectively correlated with pathologic results and patient outcome.

RESULTS

Twelve patients achieved a pCR; 18 patients did not (overall response rate, 40%). In patients with wild-type (wt) TP53 or functional p53 protein, the pCRs were 83% and 80%, respectively; in patients with mutated TP53 or impaired p53 protein, pCRs were 11% and 0%, respectively (P < or = .0001). At a median 55-month follow-up, all pCR patients were disease-free; 44% of nonresponding patients experienced relapse (P = .0061).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate the existence of two genetic ITAC subgroups, defined by differences in TP53 mutational status or protein functionality, that strongly influence pathologic response to primary chemotherapy and, ultimately, prognosis. PFL seems to be highly effective in terms of pCR and disease-free survival in the presence of a wt or a still-efficient p53 protein, even when encoded by a mutated TP53 gene (eg, early-stop codon mutation), but ineffective in ITACs carrying a disabled p53 protein. Whether this model is extensible to other head and neck cancers needs appropriate investigation.

Improved outcome of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with conventional radiotherapy

PURPOSE

To describe the outcome of patients with nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with conventional radiotherapy at a single institution.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From 1990 to 1999, 171 consecutive patients with NPC were treated with conventional (two-dimensional) radiotherapy. Tumor histology was undifferentiated in 82% of cases. Tumor-node-metastasis Stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer 1997 system) was I in 6%, II in 36%, III in 22%, and IV in 36% of patients. Mean total radiation dose was 68.4 Gy. Chemotherapy was given to 62% of the patients. The median follow-up for surviving patients was 6.3 years (range, 3.1-13.1 years).

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival rates were 72%, 74%, and 62%, respectively. The 5-year local, regional, and distant control rates were 84%, 80%, and 83% respectively. Late effects of radiotherapy were prospectively recorded in 100 patients surviving without relapse; 44% of these patients had Grade 3 xerostomia, 33% had Grade 3 dental damage, and 11% had Grade 3 hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis shows an improved outcome for patients treated from 1990 to 1999 compared with earlier retrospective series, despite the use of two-dimensional radiotherapy. Late toxicity, however, was substantial with conventional radiotherapy.

Evolving treatment strategies for parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma: The experience of the istituto nazionale tumori of Milan

BACKGROUND

Ninety pediatric patients with parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma (PM-RMS) were treated between 1970 and 2002 at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan.

METHODS

Combined treatment was implemented in high-risk patients with whole-brain irradiation and intrathecal chemotherapy between 1978 and 1981 and intrathecal methotrexate alone between 1982 and 1987. Radiotherapy was given with conventional fractionation until 1988 and hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART) thereafter.

RESULTS

The 5-year disease-free survival was 41.3%, increasing from 15.4% (1970-1977) to 55.9% (1989-2002) for localized cases. Local failure rates were 41% and 24% with conventional fractionation and HART, respectively. In patients treated with HART, acute toxicities were more pronounced, but the treatment compliance was better. Severe radiation-related late sequelae were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome for patients with PM-RMS has improved over the years but is still not as satisfactory as that for patients with RMS of other sites. Thanks to improvements in radiotherapy techniques and chemotherapy efficacy, meningeal prophylaxis is no longer necessary. Although more evidence is needed to confirm our data, the results obtained with twice-daily HART seem promising.

Adenocarcinoma of ethmoid sinus: an occupational disease

Sinonasal tumours, particularly those of ethmoidal origin, are rare neoplasms, of which adenocarcinoma is the most frequent histotype in Europe. The association between sinonasal malignancies and exposure to wood or leather dusts has been widely documented, however, the precise tumour site and histology has seldom been reported. In the present study, exposure to wood or leather dusts was investigated in 499 patients diagnosed with sinonasal tumours, who were treated at the Head and Neck Surgery Department of the National Cancer Institute of Milan, Italy, between 1987 and 2001. The original tumour site and histology were carefully assessed. Of the 499 patients evaluated, 249 had ethmoidal tumours; 124 of which adenocarcinomas, affecting 115 males; 9 females. Of the males with adenocarcinoma, 90.4% had been exposed to wood or leather dusts; 16.3% of these had only been exposed for a short time and long before onset of the disease (median exposure 11 years; median latency 31 years). Of the remaining 125 patients with ethmoidal tumours other than adenocarcinomas, only 2 (1.6%) had ever been exposed to these dusts. Non-ethmoidal sinonasal tumours were seen in 250 cases; 17 of these (6.8%) were adenocarcinomas; no exposure to wood or leather dusts was reported in any of these patients. Ethmoid proved to be the sinonasal site affected by adenocarcinomas induced by exposure to wood or leather dusts. Even brief exposure, which may have occurred a very long time before onset of the disease, seems to be sufficient to increase the incidence of this tumour type. No significant correlation was observed between exposure and either non-ethmoidal sinonasal neoplasms or ethmoidal tumours other than adenocarcinomas.

Head and neck tumors other than squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review deals with classification and treatment of some rare nonsquamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

RECENT FINDINGS

Paranasal sinus tumor classification is under evaluation. Contrary to the past, the recent tendency is to build stage classifications on prognostic factors that mainly reflect limitations for adequate surgery, and not simply on dimensional criteria, which are more frequently used in TNM. Among sinonasal tract tumors new pathologic entities have been described. So far, little is known about their natural history and about the need to use pathologic classification to differentiate treatment. Recent advances in radiotherapeutic techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, will probably have an impact on future treatment of paranasal sinus tumors. Several molecular targets (c-kit, HER-2/neu, androgen receptors) have been identified in salivary gland cancer. It is interesting to note that among different histotypes there is a trend toward a consistent expression of specific markers in specific cancers, suggesting a possible implication of them in the disease histogenesis. Not surprisingly these findings prompted clinical research with molecular targeted drugs.

SUMMARY

Nonsquamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are rare neoplasms. A multidisciplinary team treatment plan is needed, in particular for skull base-located tumors. Salivary gland cancer displays several molecular targets that need to be investigated further.

A novel intraarterial chemotherapy using paclitaxel in albumin nanoparticles to treat advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: preliminary findings

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intraarterial infusion of paclitaxel incorporated into human albumin nanoparticles for use as induction chemotherapy before definitive treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-three previously untreated patients (age range, 27-75 years) who had carcinoma of the tongue (stage T3-T4, any N) received intraarterial therapy with paclitaxel incorporated into albumin nanoparticles delivered by transfemoral catheterization into the external carotid artery (10 patients), selectively into the lingual artery (12 patients), or into a faciolingual trunk (1 patient). Each patient received two to four infusions, with a 3-week interval between infusions. The dose administered was 230 mg/m(2) in eight patients, 180 mg/m(2) in six patients, and 150 mg/m(2) in nine patients. Sixteen patients underwent surgery. Of these 16 patients, eight subsequently received radiotherapy, and three received a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Of the remaining seven patients, one received chemotherapy alone, four received radiotherapy alone, one received chemotherapy plus radiotherapy, and one refused any further treatment.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven infusions were performed successfully. Eighteen patients (78%) had a clinical and radiologic objective response (complete, 26%; partial, 52%). Three patients (13%) showed stable disease, and two (9%) showed disease progression. The four patients with complete clinical response who underwent surgery showed microscopic residual carcinoma measuring less than 1 mm in two patients, less than 5 mm in one patient, and less than 1 cm in one patient. The toxicities encountered were hematologic (grade 3) in two patients (8.6%) and neurologic (grade 4) in two patients (reversible paralysis of the facial nerve, 8.6%). Two catheter-related complications occurred: one reversible brachiofacial paralysis and one asymptomatic occlusion of the external carotid artery.

CONCLUSION

Intraarterial infusion of paclitaxel in albumin nanoparticles proved reproducible and effective and deserves further investigation as induction chemotherapy before definitive treatment of advanced tumors of the tongue, with a view to organ preservation.

Primary chemotherapy in resectable oral cavity squamous cell cancer: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Prognosis of patients with advanced oral cavity cancer is worth improving. Chemotherapy has been reported to be especially active in oral cavity tumors. Here we repeat the results of a randomized, multicenter trial enrolling patients with a resectable, stage T2-T4 (> 3 cm), N0-N2, M0 untreated, squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to three cycles of cisplatin and fluorouracil followed by surgery (chemotherapy arm) or surgery alone (control arm). In both arms, postoperative radiotherapy was reserved to high-risk patients, and surgery was modulated depending on the tumor's closeness to the mandible. Patients' accrual was opened in 1989 and closed in 1999. It included 195 patients.

RESULTS

In the chemotherapy arm, three toxic deaths were recorded. No significant difference in overall survival was found. Five-year overall survival was, for both arms, 55%. Postoperative radiotherapy was administered in 33% of patients in the chemotherapy arm, versus 46% in the control arm. A mandible resection was performed in 52% of patients in the control arm, versus 31% in the chemotherapy arm.

CONCLUSION

The addition of primary chemotherapy to standard surgery was unable to improve survival. However, in this study, primary chemotherapy seemed to play a role in reducing the number of patients who needed to undergo mandibulectomy and/or radiation therapy. Variations in the criteria used to select patients for these treatment options may make it difficult to generalize these results, but there appears to be room for using preoperative chemotherapy to spare destructive surgery or radiation therapy in patients with advanced, resectable oral cavity cancer.

[Lymph node metastases in paranasal sinus carcinoma: prognostic value and treatment]

The purpose of this report is to assess, on the basis of a sizeable study, the prognostic value of lymph node metastases in paranasal sinus carcinoma and, in particular, in squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus. We have reviewed the charts of 601 cases of paranasal sinus carcinoma between 1970 and 1999. All of the patients were treated surgically, alone or associated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The maxillary sinus tumors numbered 379 (153 squamous cell carcinomas, 15 undifferentiated carcinomas, 94 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 19 adenocarcinomas, 98 mesenchymal tumors and rare forms) and the ethmoidal tumors were 222 (117 adenocarcinomas, 27 squamous cell carcinomas, 16 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 13 undifferentiated carcinomas, 49 other histological forms). Lymph node metastases in ethmoidal tumors were rare, with the exception of undifferentiated carcinoma (46.1%). The percentages of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus upon presentation were: T2 15.5%, T3 7%, and T4 4%. All these patients underwent lymph node excision. The metastases successive to treatment of the primary tumor were: T2 16.9%, T3 8.8%, and T4 12%. 75% of these late metastases occurred contemporaneously with a recurrence of T and only 5 (25%) constituted the single reawakening of disease; four of these patients underwent neck surgery and were cured operatively. One had fixed, inoperable metastases. The NED survival rate at least two years after T therapy in patients free from metastases was 50.4%, against 25% in those with initial or distant metastases (T2 72.9% vs. 30.4%, T3 37.5% vs. 22.2%, and T4 28.6% vs. 0%). In conclusion, squamous cell carcinomas of the maxillary sinus which have extended to the oral cavity (T2) show greater lymph node propagation than those of the superoposterior portion (T3-T4). The presence or successive appearance of lymph node metastases indicates elevated malignancy of the tumor, with a very negative prognosis. N, however, is rarely the cause of death for these patients. Prophylactic lymph node excision in N0 patients is therefore not indicated.

Primary high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the minor salivary glands with cutaneous metastases at diagnosis

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) represents 15% of all salivary glands malignancies. Metastatic disease at diagnosis is observed in less than 5% of the cases. The lung is the most commonly involved site. This is the first reported case of high-grade MEC of the salivary gland with skin metastases at diagnosis. This feature was associated with a chemoresistant and aggressive behaviour. Differential diagnosis between metastatic MEC and primary skin MEC is essential for therapeutic management and prognosis.

Intraarterial chemotherapy with polyoxyethylated castor oil free paclitaxel, incorporated in albumin nanoparticles (ABI-007): Phase I study of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and anal canal: preliminary evidence of clinical activity

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to determine the feasibility, maximum tolerated dose, and toxicities of intraarterial administration of paclitaxel-albumin nanoparticles in patients with advanced head and neck and recurrent anal canal squamous cell carcinoma. Antitumor activity also was assessed.

METHODS

Forty-three patients (31 with advanced head and neck and 12 with recurrent anal canal squamous cell carcinoma) were treated intraarterially with ABI-007 every 4 weeks for 3 cycles. In total, 120 treatment cycles were completed, 86 in patients with head and neck carcinoma (median, 3 cycles; range, 1-4) and 34 in patients with anal canal carcinoma (median, 3 cycles; range, 1-4). ABI-007 was compared preliminarily with Taxol for in vitro cytostatic activity. Increasing dose levels from 120 to 300 mg/m2 were studied in 18 patients. Pharmacokinetic profiles after intraarterial administration were obtained in a restricted number of patients.

RESULTS

The dose-limiting toxicity of ABI-007 was myelosuppression consisting of Grade 4 neutropenia in 3 patients. Nonhematologic toxicities included total alopecia (30 patients), gastrointestinal toxicity (3 patients, Grade 2), skin toxicity (5 patients, Grade 2), neurologic toxicity (4 patients, Grade 2) ocular toxicity (1 patient, Grade 2), flu-like syndrome (7 patients, Grade 2; 1 patient, Grade 3). In total, 120 transfemoral, percutaneous catheterization procedure-related complications occurred only during catheterization of the neck vessels in 3 patients (2 TIA, 1 hemiparesis) and resolved spontaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraarterial administration of ABI-007 by percutaneous catheterization does not require premedication, is easy and reproducible, and has acceptable toxicity. The maximum tolerated dose in a single administration was 270 mg/m2. Most dose levels showed considerable antitumor activity (42 assessable patients with 80.9% complete response and partial response). The recommended Phase II dose is 230 mg/m2 every 3 weeks.

[Prosthetic rehabilitation with endosseous implants in fibular free flaps reconstructed mandibles]

Mandibular defect following neoplasm resection involves severe alterations in morphology. Today, however, these alterations can be repaired with the use of revascularized free flaps. Chewing can be returned to normal, or at least to an acceptable level, thanks to the insertion of endosseous implants, used both to support the fixed prosthesis and the mobile prosthesis (overdenture). The present work reports the Authors' experience with 5 patients who underwent compound mandibular resection and reconstruction with revascularized fibula free flaps. In all cases the mandible was totally toothless and rehabilitation called for the insertion of a total prosthesis held by a bar secured to the endosseous implant. In 2 cases the implants were inserted at the time of reconstruction. Four patients completed the rehabilitation program, with a 93% (14/15) implant success rate. All were able to return to a normal diet. Likewise the aesthetic results were valid. The main problem was to achieve an adequate interface between the soft tissues and the implants.

Combined anterior craniofacial resection for tumors involving the cribriform plate: early postoperative complications and technical considerations

OBJECTIVE

Combined craniofacial resection has become the standard approach for malignant tumors involving the cribriform plate and anterior cranial fossa. Despite its widespread application, however, many surgeons agree that the procedure carries a risk of significant morbidity and even mortality. The purpose of this study was to analyze the experience at a single institution to determine the incidence of early postoperative complications encountered after combined craniofacial resection of tumors involving the cribriform plate and to provide information to improve management.

METHODS

Between 1987 and 1997, 168 patients underwent combined craniofacial resection at the National Cancer Institute of Milan for tumors involving the cribriform plate. Patient charts, operative notes, follow-up clinic notes, radiographic studies, and pathology reports were analyzed. Morbidity encountered in the first 30 cases was compared with that encountered in the subsequent 138 cases.

RESULTS

The most frequently encountered pathological findings were adenocarcinoma (53.6%), squamous cell carcinoma (17%), and esthesioneuroblastoma (9.8%). Eight patients (4.7%) died, 6 of whom were among the first 30 patients to undergo resection. Among patients with fatal complications were three with meningoencephalitis, three with intracranial hemorrhage, and one with myocardial infarction. Fifty patients (29.7%) had nonfatal morbidity; 16 of these patients were among the first 30 patients operated. Transient cerebrospinal fluid leakage was the most frequent adverse effect (9.5%); 12 patients (7.1%) had pneumocephalus, 3 (1.8%) had meningitis, 4 (2.4%) had wound infections, 3 (1.8%) experienced transient impairment of mental status, 3 (1.8%) had transient diplopia, 2 (1.2%) had diabetes insipidus, and 1 (0.6%) had bone flap necrosis.

CONCLUSION

We observed a dramatic decrease in mortality and morbidity in patients who underwent combined craniofacial resection after the first 30 cases in our series. Improvement of specific aspects of surgical technique, such as more refined reconstructive methods and improved prophylactic antibiotic therapy, is at least partly responsible for this favorable trend.

[Malignant maxillary tumors involving the pterygo-maxillary and infratemporal fossae: a series of 65 patients and a comparison of the 1997 and 1977 UICC-AJCC staging systems]

The prognosis for maxillary malignancies with posterior extension to the pterygo-maxillary and infratemporal fossae is worse than for those with anterior-inferior extrinsication. Maxillectomy using only an anterior approach does not enable enblock, radical resection of such tumors. Many different approaches to the infratemporal fossae have been described in the literature. The authors use a double infratemporal and transfacial approach. Between 1990 and 1998 this approach was used on 65 patients with malignant maxillary tumors. There was one post-operative death due to myocardial infarction. There were only 9 cases of temporal infection, and all were resolved. There were no cases of necrosis of either the temporal muscle or the revascularized flaps. The cases included the following tumors: spinocellular and anaplastic carcinoma (21 cases); adenoid-cystic carcinoma (16); adenocarcinoma (4); sarcoma (18); other malignant tumors (6). There were 29 primary tumors while the remaining 36 were recurrences from prior treatment. Using the UICC-AICC 1987-92 staging system there were 22 cases of T3 and 43 T4. Using the 1997 system there were 35 T3s and 30 T4s. Resection was radical in 54 cases while in the remaining 11 there were micro or macroscopic limitations at the rhinopharyngeal level and/or at the orbit apex. The NED survival percentages were: T3 59.2%; T4 28% (using the 1987-92 system) while they were T3 45.7% and T4 26.7% (using the 1997 system). In the 41 patients with carcinoma (spinocellular, anaplastic, adeno and adenoid-cystic) the NED survival percentages were: T3 54.5%; T4 23.4% (using the 1987-92 system) while they were T3 45% and T4 19% (using the 1997 system). The NED survival percentage was 41.4% for primary tumors and 36.1% for recurrences. These results lead one to conclude that this surgical technique permits good results with T3-T4 maxillary malignancies. The prognosis for recurrences is worse than for primary tumors and the prognosis for sarcoma is better than for carcinoma. The UICC-AICC staging systems are valid for prognostic purposes. The current analyses indicate that the 1987-92 system is slightly more suitable than the 1997 system. In fact, there were 13 patients which the 1987-92 system had classified as T4 and which the 1997 system had reclassified as T3. In all these cases the prognosis was more similar to that of T4 than T3.

[Malignant maxillary tumors involving the pterygo-maxillary and infratemporal fossae: a series of 200 cases]

At the Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit of the Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori in Milan, Italy between 1987 and 1999 200 anterior cranio-facial resections were performed on malignant ethmoid tumors involving the anterior cranial base and extending to the nasal fossae and, at times to the orbit and maxillary and sphenoid sinuses. In the second portion of this case study the authors simplified their surgical technique. The frontal craniotomy was made rectangular and low, performed with an oscillating saw and scalpel, without drilling holes. The osteotomy of the cranial base was modulated according to tumor extension. Typically a paralateronasal facial incision was performed without opening the upper lip. Whenever the maxillary sinus and/or orbit were involved, the skin incision and osteotomy was consequently modified. Repair of the cranial base was performed with a pedicled pericranial flap. In this case study there were 6 post-operative deaths in the first 30 patients and only 2 in the remaining 170. The male/female ratio was 145/55, mean age 55 years (12-80) and average follow-up 38 months (2-117). There were 120 primary tumors while the remaining 80 patients presented recurrences from prior treatments. There were 96 adenocarcinomas, 42 spinocellular carcinomas, 21 esthesioneuroblastoma 15 adenoid-cystic carcinomas, 9 melanomas and 17 rare tumors. Our classification identified the following stages: 69 T2, 54 T3 and 77 T4 while the UICC-AJCC staging system indicated: 25 T1, 16 T2, 68 T3 and 91 T4. The NED survival according to tumor stage (INT classification) was: T262.3%, T3 44.4% and T4 29.9%. The NED survival for patients who had not previously undergone treatment was: T2 71.7%, T3 58.8% and T4 42.5%. On the other hand the NED survival for the cases of recurrence was: T2 43.5%, T3 20% and T4 16.2%. These results lead to the conclusion that the surgical technique currently used is valid and that the anterior cranio-facial resection should always be performed in patients with ethmoid tumors coming into contact with, or eroding, the cribriform plate. For all staging classes, the prognosis for those patients undergoing surgery for recurrence from prior, inadequate treatment was significantly worse than that for the primary tumors.