Transoral robotic surgery and intensity-modulated radiotherapy in the treatment of the oropharyngeal carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To perform a meta-analysis evaluating trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS), and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

METHODS

This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 5624 patients (IMRT, n = 4322; TORS, n = 1302) were included in this meta-analysis. The majority of patients in the IMRT cohort were treated with concurrent CT (n = 3433, 81.3%). On the other hand, the majority of patients in the TORS cohort was treated with an adjuvant treatment (n = 826, 67.8%). IMRT subgroup showed a cumulative survival rate of 83.6% (99% CI 76.9-89.3%), while it was 91.3% (99% CI 81.2-97.8%) in the TORS subgroup. Disease-free survival was significantly different between IMRT (79.6%, 99% CI 70.6-87.3%), and TORS (89.4%, 99% CI 82.7-94.5%). IMRT subgroup showed a feeding tube dependence rate of 4.0% (99% CI 1.1-8.4%), but it was not significantly different from the TORS subgroup (1.3%, 99% CI 0-4.9%). Tracheostomy dependence rates were similar among the two subgroups (IMRT, 0.7%, 99% CI 0-1.1%; TORS, 0.2%, 99% CI 0-1.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

TORS appears to be a consolidated effective surgical approach in the management of OPSCC, according to both oncologic and functional outcomes. Further RCTs comparing TORS and IMRT with homogeneous cohorts in terms of tumor staging and HPV status are advisable.

Oncologic and survival outcomes for resectable locally-advanced HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer treated with transoral robotic surgery

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether up-front trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) for clinically-staged locally-advanced human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer is associated with oncologic and survival outcomes comparable to early-stage (cT1/T2) tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 628 patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer who underwent up-front TORS from 2007 to 2017. Patients were stratified into two cohorts based on early-stage (cT1/2) versus locally-advanced (cT3/4) tumor at presentation.

RESULTS

We identified 589 patients who presented with early-stage tumors, and 39 patients with locally-advanced tumors. Of these, 73% of patients required adjuvant radiation, and 33% required adjuvant chemoradiation. There was no significant difference in the administration of adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation between the two cohorts. Patients in the locally-advanced disease cohort were significantly more likely to have Stage II/III disease by clinical and pathologic criteria by American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition criteria (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in 5-year overall survival (OS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS) based on Kaplan-Meier survival estimates between the two cohorts (p = 0.75, 0.6, respectively), with estimated OS of 91% at 5 years, and estimated RFS of 86% at 5 years across the study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Up-front TORS offers favorable survival outcomes for appropriately selected locally-advanced cases of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. Furthermore, up-front TORS is comparably effective in allowing avoidance of adjuvant therapy, particularly chemotherapy, in both cT1/T2 and locally-advanced HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. In the absence of clear technical contraindication to surgery, cT3/T4 classification should not be considered an absolute contraindication to surgery.

Functional and oncological outcomes of salvage transoral robotic surgery: a comparative study

PURPOSE

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) as a first-line therapy has been well-documented but evidence is missing regarding salvage therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the oncological and functional outcomes of TORS as a primary and salvage therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective monocentric study included 74 patients operated by a single surgeon and sorted out into two groups: primary treatment (PT) or Salvage treatment (ST) in case of previous history of radiation therapy. Patients were further stratified by tumour location: larynx and pharynx (lST vs lPT and pST vs pPT).

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included in PT group (64.9%) and 26 in ST group (35.1%). ST patients had more frequent cTis/T1 tumours (57.7% vs 29.2%, p = 0.0164) and no clinical lymph disease (3.8% vs 37.5%, p = 0.0016). Tracheostomy was more often performed in the ST group (57.7% vs 16.7%, p = 0.0003) and the lST subgroup (88.9% vs 9.1%, p < 0.0001). Gastric feeding tube placement was more frequent in the ST group (76.9% vs 33.3%, p = 0.0003), the pST subgroup (64.7% vs 15.4%, p = 0.0009) and the lST subgroup (100% vs 54.5%, p = 0.0297). We observed a trend for more postoperative complications in the ST group (69.2% vs 47.9%, p = 0.0783). The overall survival was lower in the ST group (p = 0.0004), and in the pST subgroup (p < 0.0001). The disease-free survival rate was lower in the ST group (p = 0.0001), the pST subgroup (p = 0.0002) and the lST subgroup (p = 0.0328).

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that survival and functional outcomes after salvage TORS are worse than in first line surgery.

Patient Selection for Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: What the Surgeon Wants to Know

ABSTRACT

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an excellent treatment strategy for well-selected patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Potential benefits of TORS are greatest among patients for whom surgical resection will reduce or eliminate the need for adjuvant therapy. Proper patient selection largely depends on imaging, which is used to determine tumor resectability, to inform expected morbidity and functional outcome, to assess the potential need for adjuvant therapy, to evaluate for vascular or other anatomic contraindications, and to gauge adequacy of transoral access to the tumor. This article provides the radiologist with a practical and accessible approach to interpreting preoperative imaging among patients with oropharyngeal cancer, emphasizing what the surgeon wants to know to inform the determination of whether the patient is a TORS candidate and why this information is important. By accurately reporting this information, the radiologist facilitates the multidisciplinary care team's selection of a treatment regimen optimized for the circumstances of the individual patient.

Determination of posterolateral oropharyngeal wall thickness and the potential implications for transoral surgical margins in tonsil cancer

BACKGROUND

Margins in transoral surgery for tonsil cancer can be limited by oropharyngeal wall thickness (OWT), but the normal range is not well established.

METHODS

In 240 noncancer subjects, OWT was measured bilaterally in the vicinity of the tonsils with MRI. Statistical analysis was performed to assess for interaction of age, sex, location, and obesity.

RESULTS

Mean(SD) OWT measured 3.4(0.6) mm posteriorly, 3.7(2.0) mm between the styloglossus and stylopharyngeus, and 5.3(0.8) mm laterally. OWT was greater in men, correlated with obesity, decreased posteriorly and laterally in the 60-80 versus 40-59 year age groups, and increased when styloglossus/stylopharyngeus were closer. OWT was <5 mm in 36.7%-97.9% of locations, with the largest percentage below this threshold located posteriorly.

CONCLUSIONS

OWT is frequently <5 mm, particularly in the posterior and intermuscular areas, suggesting that a smaller surgical margin may need to be accepted in transoral tonsil cancer surgery for anatomic reasons.

Comparison of Survival After Transoral Robotic Surgery vs Nonrobotic Surgery in Patients With Early-Stage Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance

Transoral robotic surgery has been widely adopted since approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in December 2009, despite limited comparative data.

Objective

To compare the long-term outcomes of transoral robotic surgery with those of nonrobotic surgery for patients with early-stage oropharyngeal cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort comparative effectiveness analysis was performed of patients in the National Cancer Database with clinical T1 and T2 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015, who underwent definitive robotic and nonrobotic surgery. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and propensity score matching were performed in patients with known human papillomavirus status to adjust for patient- and disease-related covariates. Survival after robotic and nonrobotic surgery was also compared in 3 unrelated cancers: prostate, endometrial, and cervical cancer. Statistical analysis was performed from April 10, 2019, to May 21, 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Overall survival.

Results

Of 9745 patients (7652 men [78.5%]; mean [SD] age, 58.8 [9.6] years) who met inclusion criteria, 2694 (27.6%) underwent transoral robotic surgery. There was a significant increase in the use of robotic surgery from 18.3% (240 of 1309) to 35.5% (654 of 1841) of all surgical procedures for T1 and T2 oropharyngeal cancers from 2010 to 2015 (P = .003). Robotic surgery was associated with lower rates of positive surgical margins (12.5% [218 of 1746] vs 20.3% [471 of 2325]; P < .001) and lower use of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (28.6% [500 of 1746] vs 35.7% [831 of 2325]; P < .001). Among 4071 patients with known human papillomavirus status, robotic surgery was associated with improved overall survival compared with nonrobotic surgery in multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95 CI, 0.61-0.90; P = .002). Similar results were seen when analyzing only the subset of facilities offering both robotic and nonrobotic surgery. The 5-year overall survival was 84.8% vs 80.3% among patients undergoing robotic vs nonrobotic surgery in propensity score-matched cohorts (P = .001). By contrast, there was no evidence that robotic surgery was associated with improved survival in other cancers, such as prostate cancer (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.79-1.07; P = .26), endometrial cancer (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.90-1.04; P = .36), and cervical cancer (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.96-1.69; P = .10).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that transoral robotic surgery was associated with improved surgical outcomes and survival compared with nonrobotic surgery in patients with early-stage oropharyngeal cancer. Evaluation in comparative randomized trials is warranted.

A new landmark for lingual artery identification during transoral surgery: Anatomic-radiologic study

BACKGROUND

A landmark for the identification of the lingual artery (LA) through a transoral perspective can provide surgeons with an easy method to prevent and manage intraoperative bleeding during transoral approach to the base of tongue (BOT).

METHODS

Thirteen tongue and five head and neck specimens were dissected to identify and assess the reliability of the lingual point (LP) as a new landmark for the LA at BOT. The pathway of 42 LAs was radiologically evaluated; axial depth and vertical offset were measured for each LA.

RESULTS

Dissection study: a description of LP is provided; the LA was easily identified in all specimens (36/36 sides) using LP as a landmark. Radiologic study: the mean depth of the LA was 4.2 mm, the mean vertical offset was 1.3 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

LP is a simple and reliable landmark for identification of the LA, potentially helping surgeons to prevent and manage intraoperative bleeding.

HPV/p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer treated with transoral robotic surgery: The roles of margins, extra-nodal extension and adjuvant treatment

PURPOSE

Human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment outcomes are re-defining management. Traditional margins, the role of extranodal extension (ENE) and adjuvant treatment intensity continue to be debated. This study aimed to determine the impact of margins, ENE and adjuvant therapy on survival following transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

METHODS

Patients treated with TORS at an academic center were retrospectively identified (2013-2019). Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

48 patients were included. 40 (83%) were male. Mean age was 61.2 years. 43 (90%) were stage I. 22 (45.8%) had ENE. 31 (65%) had margins >1 mm. 38 (79%) had indications for radiation therapy; 9 (24%) refused. Chemotherapy was recommended in 36 (75%) patients; 24 (67%) refused. Locoregional control was 98%, metastasis-free survival was 96%, and disease-specific survival was 100% at 5-years. Overall survival was 95%.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high survival rate seen after TORS, it is likely that margins, ENE and adjuvant treatment may not significantly contribute to outcomes.

Muscle invasion in oropharyngeal carcinoma undergoing transoral robotic surgery

BACKGROUNDS

Pathologic features of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treated with trans-oral robotic surgery predict prognosis and adjuvant therapy. We hypothesized that pathologic muscle invasion (pMI) is associated with poor pathological markers.

METHODS

Retrospective review of surgically treated OPSCC to identify pMI and its association with poor pathologic markers.

RESULTS

pMI was present in 12/37 patients, and compared to non-pMI, was associated with higher rates of lymphovascular invasion (75% vs. 36%, p = 0.03), perineural invasion (16.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.04), extranodal extension (66.7% vs. 20%, p < 0.01), and tumor stage (8.3% vs. 48% pT1, 75% vs. 52% pT2 and 16.7% vs. 0% pT3). pMI was associated with having a positive margin on main specimen (41.7% vs. 12%, p = 0.04) but not after considering additional margins.

CONCLUSIONS

Muscle invasion was associated with higher pathologic tumor staging, poor pathologic factors, and higher rates of positive margin on main specimen.

MRI-Based Assessment of the Pharyngeal Constrictor Muscle as a Predictor of Surgical Margin after Transoral Robotic Surgery in HPV-Positive Tonsillar Cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Transoral robotic surgery is an emerging strategy for treating human papillomavirus-positive cancers, but the role of MR imaging in predicting the surgical outcome has not been established. We aimed to identify preoperative MR imaging characteristics that predispose the outcome of transoral robotic surgery toward an insecure (positive or close) surgical margin in human papillomavirus-positive tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between December 2012 and May 2019, sixty-nine patients underwent transoral robotic surgery at our institution. Among these, 29 who were diagnosed with human papillomavirus-positive tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma, did not receive neoadjuvant treatment, underwent preoperative 3T MR imaging, and had postoperative pathologic reports and were included in this retrospective study. Two neuroradiologists evaluated the preoperative MR imaging scans to determine the tumor spread through the pharyngeal constrictor muscle using a 5-point scale: 1, normal constrictor; 2, bulging constrictor; 3, thinning constrictor; 4, obscured constrictor; and 5, tumor protrusion into the parapharyngeal fat. The risk of an insecure surgical margin (involved or <1 mm) according to the MR imaging scores was predicted using logistic regression with the Firth correction.

RESULTS

The interobserver agreement for the MR imaging scores was excellent (κ = 0.955, P < .001). A score of ≥4 could predict an insecure margin with 87.5% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity (area under the curve = 0.899) and was the only significant factor associated with an insecure margin in the multivariable analysis (OR, 6.59; 95% CI, 3.11-22.28; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The pre-transoral robotic surgery MR imaging scoring system for the pharyngeal constrictor muscle is a promising predictor of the surgical margin in human papillomavirus-positive tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.

Human papillomavirus oropharynx carcinoma: Aggressive de-escalation of adjuvant therapy

BACKGROUND

Aggressive dose de-escalated adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) in patients with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+)OPSCC).

METHODS

Patients with HPV(+)OPSCC on a phase II clinical trial of primary surgery and neck dissection followed by dose de-escalated RT (N = 79) were compared with a cohort of patients who received standard adjuvant therapy (N = 115). Local recurrence-free, regional recurrence-free, distant metastases-free survival, and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 194 patients, 23 experienced progression at a median of 1.1 years following surgery (interquartile range [IQR] 0.7-2.0; range 0.3-5.4); 10 patients in the de-escalated cohort and 13 patients in the standard cohort. The 3-year PFS rate for the de-escalated cohort was 87%, and in the standard cohort was 90% (hazard ratio [HR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.50-2.75]).

CONCLUSION

Patients with HPV(+)OPSCC who undergo surgical resection and neck dissection and meet criteria for adjuvant therapy can undergo aggressive dose de-escalation of RT without increasing risk of progression locally, regionally or at distant sites.

Current Indications for Transoral Robotic Surgery in Oropharyngeal Cancer

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing dramatically and is conclusively linked to increasing rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers have been shown to occur in a unique demographic group and show favorable oncologic outcomes compared with HPV-negative OPSCC. There has been a paradigm shift in the treatment of early-stage OPSCC, with most patients now undergoing primary surgery in the United States. Transoral robotic surgery is associated with excellent oncologic and functional outcomes in the treatment of OPSCC and is increasingly being used for a broader range of oropharyngeal indications.

Outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery and transoral robotic surgery in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has evolved to a standard therapy modality for oropharyngeal carcinoma, especially in T1/ T2 tumors involving the base of the tongue due to its advantages compared with open surgery. However, knowledge about its benefits compared with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) are scarce. This study compares oncological and functional results of TLM or TORS in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis comprises all patients with OPSCC treated with TLM (n = 30) or TORS (n = 24) between April 2003 and May 2018 (follow-up 43 ± 38.3 months). Both treatment groups (TLM and TORS) were comparable in terms of the stage of the disease, prognosis-determining factors, and adjuvant therapy modalities.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences regarding to the resection status (p = 0.272), the rate of local- (p = 0.834) and distant- recurrence (p = 0.416), with a disease-free survival of 86.7 % and 87.5 %, respectively (p = 0.892). In addition, we could not confirm any differences regarding to operating time (p = 0.860), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.660), inpatient stay (p = 0.585) and postoperative bleeding rate (p = 0.245). The frequency of tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy between both groups is comparable, with a longer duration of tube feeding in patients who have received TLM (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, TORS allows for similar oncological outcomes compared with TLM at comparable perioperative risks. The postoperative swallowing function may benefit from TORS.

Identification of Clinical and Socioeconomic Predictors of Adjuvant Therapy after Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery in Patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Treatment of oropharynx cancers usually requires radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination of all three. Although these treatments are effective, they can cause both short- and long-term side effects, particularly when more than one treatment option is used. Robotic surgery is now an option for patients with oropharynx cancers, but it is not clear how many patients will require additional treatment with radiation, or combined chemotherapy and radiation, after surgical treatment. In this study we used a large national database of oropharynx cancer patients and found that two-thirds of patients who were treated with robotic surgery required radiation therapy and one-third required chemotherapy with radiation. In addition, we found that the true tumor stage of the patients in this study was often higher than was initially thought prior to surgery. Finally, patients treated at high volume surgical centers were more likely to have more of their tumor removed compared to those at low volume facilities. Better survival quality of oropharynx cancer patients could be achieved by improving pre-surgical selection of patients so that the number of treatment modalities is reduced.

Abstract

Trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) has emerged as an important surgical treatment option in the management of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and -negative oropharynx cancer. However, treatment selection is paramount to ensure that patients will not require multimodality adjuvant therapy. In this study, we determined predictors of adjuvant therapy in TORS-treated patients. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used to identify patients with newly diagnosed clinical T1-T4, N0-N3 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent TORS between 2010–2016. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to estimate overall survival (OS). A total of 2999 patients were studied, and the five-year OS for the entire cohort was 82.5%, and for HPV-positive and -negative cohorts it was 88.3% and 67.9%, respectively (p < 0.001). Among all patients treated with TORS, 35.1% of patients received no additional treatment, 33.5% received adjuvant radiation alone (RT), and 31.3% received adjuvant chemoradiation. The N stage was pathologically upstaged in 629 (20.9%) patients after TORS. Patients treated at higher-volume centers were more likely to have negative surgical margins (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98, p < 0.001), but this did not influence the receipt of adjuvant therapy. The high rate of adjuvant multimodality treatment after TORS suggests a need for improved patient selection. Limitations of this study, including lack of data on loco-regional control, progression free survival, acute and late toxicities, and utilization of pretreatment PET/CT imaging, should be addressed in future studies.

T cell fraction impacts oncologic outcomes in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We investigated T cell clonality (TCC) and T cell fraction (TCF) in human papilloma virus associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+)OPSCC) progressors [cases] vs. non-progressors [controls].

METHODS

This nested case-control study included patients undergoing intent-to-cure surgery ± adjuvant therapy from 6/1/2007-10/3/2016. Patients experiencing local/regional/distant disease (progressors), and a consecutive sample of non-progressors were matched (2 controls: 1 case) on tumor subsite, T-stage and number of metastatic lymph nodes. We performed imunosequencing of the CDR3 regions of human TCRβ chains.

RESULTS

34 progressors and 65 non-progressors were included. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline TCF (range: 0.039-1.084) and TCC (range: 0.007-0.240) (p > 0.05). Female sex was associated with higher TCF (p = 0.03), while extranodal extension (ENE) was associated with lower TCF (p = 0.01). There was a positive correlation between tumor size and clonality (R = 0.34, p < 0.01). The strongest predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) was TCF (HR 0.80, 95%CI 0.66-0.96, p = 0.02). The strongest predictors of cancer specific survival (CSS) were TCF (HR0.69, 95%CI 0.47-1.00, p < 0.05) and Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) score (p < 0.05). Similarly, the strongest predictors of overall survival (OS) were TCF (HR 0.62, 95%CI 0.43-0.91, p = 0.01) and ACE-27 score (p = 0.03). On multivariable modeling, TCF ≥ 0.4 was independently associated with PFS (HR 0.34, 95%CI 0.14-0.85, p = 0.02) while an ACE-27 score of ≥ 2 independently predicted CSS (HR 3.85, 95%CI 1.07-13.85, p = 0.04) and OS (HR 3.51, 95%CI 1.10-11.20, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HPV(+)OPSCC, TCF was higher in female patients and those without ENE, suggesting differential immune responses. Lower TCF was significantly and independently associated with disease progression. Better ACE-27 scores appear to predict improved oncologic control.

Robotic surgery of head and neck cancers, a narrative review

Head and neck cancers are the most common cancers in the body. Treatments are determined on the basis of the location and stage of the primary tumor. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the tumor, prevent recurrence or metastasis, and maintain the quality of life. There are several treatments available for the management of head and neck cancers, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, new molecular agents, and a combination of them. Transoral robotic technique is a short-time operation using a type of robotic machine in which the patient undergoes anesthesia for a shorter time and the side effects of this operation and the time of hospitalization are less than open surgery. Due to the importance of speed and accuracy in head and neck cancer surgery and the importance of application of robotics in surgery, the present study was designed and implemented to review the application of robotics in the management of head and neck cancers. In this review study, the keywords: application, robotic, surgical, head cancer, transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and neck cancer, were searched in ISI, PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar databases. Related articles written domestically or abroad that have covered areas such as the background of transoral robotic surgery, maintaining organ function and approaches, the advantages and disadvantages of TORS, the affordability of TORS, the combination of TORS with other therapeutic approaches published from 2003 to 2019 were reviewed. The use of robotic surgery for precise operations such as head and neck cancers seems to be essential. More advanced robotic devices are expected to expand the surgery treatment for head and neck cancers as well as the results of using TORS for oncologic optimization and acceptability of results while maintaining organ function and patient's quality of life.

[The role of surgery and salvage surgery in the era of HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinomas]

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas is increasing worldwide. Due to a markedly different response to treatment compared to HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinomas, determining the ideal therapeutic approach can be challenging. Particularly in never-smokers, HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas respond well to primary radiation therapy; at the same time recent studies indicate comparable survival after primary surgery. For stage I tumors according to TNM‑8, retrospective analyses show very good oncologic outcomes after surgery alone, and no added benefit of adjuvant radio- or chemotherapy. Results of prospective treatment deintensification trials are expected in the coming years. Minimally invasive transoral surgical approaches for selected oropharyngeal cancers can improve preservation of postoperative function and quality of life. For both HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinomas, salvage surgery is the treatment of choice for resectable recurrent locoregional disease and resectable distant metastases.

A new endoscopic surgical approach to the larynx, hypopharynx, and neck lymphatics: The robotic-assisted extended "Sistrunk" approach (RESA)

BACKGROUND

We report on the feasibility of a novel robotic-assisted extended "Sistrunk" approach (RESA) to the larynx, hypopharynx, and lateral neck lymphatics.

METHODS

Studies were performed using the da Vinci Xi and SP system on three cadavers comprising of three supraglottic laryngectomies, one partial hypopharyngectomy, and four lateral level II to IV neck dissections.

RESULTS

In all resections at first a central common working space overlying the hyoid bone was created. The da Vinci Xi system was used with two vestibular and two submental ports for laryngeal/hypopharyngeal resections, and an additional port through a facelift incision for level II to IV neck dissections. The da Vinci SP system was used with only one submental port.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe herein a novel endoscopic robotic approach to the larynx, hypopharynx, and neck based on the traditional "Sistrunk" procedure. The technique should help improving exposure of the primary lesion and reduce access-related morbidity to the neck.

The prognostic role of medical comorbidities in surgically treated human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Prognostic factors specific to surgically managed human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+)OPSCC) are not fully understood. Medical co-morbidities may have an impact on survival after surgical treatment. We aimed to identify co-morbidities associated with distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in HPV(+)OPSCCs.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of HPV(+)OPSCC patients at a tertiary referral center from 2007 to 2016. All patients in the study underwent primary intent-to-cure transoral resection with concomitant neck dissection ± adjuvant radiation ± chemotherapy. Exclusion criteria included a history of previous head and neck cancer or distant metastases at diagnosis. Associations with DMFS and CSS were evaluated using univariable and multivariable Cox regression and summarized with hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

406 patients were included in the cohort (100% HPV(+), 90% Male). All had tumors of the tonsil (62%) or base of tongue (38%). Median follow-up for the cohort was 4.0 years (IQR: 2.6-6.2). Higher tumor stage and a higher Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 score were significantly associated with worse DMFS and CSS (p < 0.02 for all). A history of diabetes mellitus (N = 36, 9%) was significantly associated with DMFS (HR 3.05 [95%CI 1.26-7.37], p = 0.014) and CSS (HR 4.82 [95%CI 1.84-12.61], p = 0.001). On multivariable analysis, after adjusting for tumor stage, diabetes remained significantly associated with worse DMFS (HR 2.58 [95%CI 1.06-6.26], p = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

Diabetes mellitus may be associated with worse DMFS and CSS in surgically managed HPV(+)OPSCC.

Prognostic impact of resection margin involvement in surgically managed HPV-positive tonsil cancer

OBJECTIVES

To find out the role of resection margin involvement in surgically managed HPV-positive tonsil cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 94 subjects with HPV-positive tonsil cancer undergoing surgical treatment. We evaluated the relationships between the resection margin status, clinicopathological factors, and oncological outcome.

RESULTS

The rate of resection margin involvement was 22.3% (21/94) after ablative surgery. Margin involvement, lymphatic invasion, and extracapsular spread were associated with the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) rate in univariate analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed a significant association between the margin involvement and 5-year DFS rate (HR = 4.602; 95% CI = 1.202-17.620; p = 0.026) and 5-year DSS rate (HR = 12.826; 95% CI = 1.399-117.593; p = 0.024). The incidence of resection margin involvement was significantly higher in patients with larger tumors (35.19 ± 15.07 mm vs. 25.53 ± 10.32 mm, p = 0.011) and more invasive tumors (17.84 ± 7.90 mm vs. 13.46 ± 6.88 mm, p = 0.037). The cutoff value of tumor size and depth of invasion for resection margin involvement was 29.5 mm (74% sensitivity and 63% specificity) and 14.5 mm (74% sensitivity and 61% specificity), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Resection margin involvement was significantly correlated with tumor size and the depth of invasion in HPV-positive tonsil cancer. Furthermore, resection margin involvement was associated with adverse outcomes.

Transoral robotic surgery for recurrent cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract-Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for recurrent head and neck (H&N) cancer is an emerging but relatively infrequent procedure.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting survival data and functional outcomes for patients undergoing TORS for previously treated H&N cancers.

RESULTS

Eight hundred seventy-eight records were identified, of which eight were eligible for inclusion, covering 161 cases (range 1-64). The pooled rates were as follows: 2-year overall survival 73.8% (4 studies, range 70.6-75.0, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 65.4 to 81.5, [I2 0.0%, P = 1.0]); 2-year disease-free survival 74.8% (4 studies, range 56.2-92.0, 95% CI 63.3 to 84.8, [I2 36.9%, P = .2]); postoperative hemorrhage 9.3% (4 studies, range 3.3-13.3, 95% CI 4.7 to 15.1, [I2 0.0%, P = .5]).

CONCLUSIONS

Functional and oncological outcomes are favorable, although the follow-up is limited in the literature. Larger cohorts with longer follow-up are needed for definitive conclusions to be drawn.

Diagnosis and Management of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary in the Head and Neck: ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and other health care providers on the diagnosis and management of squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary in the head and neck (SCCUP).

METHODS

The American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, and advocacy experts to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 2008 through 2019. Outcomes of interest included survival, local and regional disease control, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 100 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. Four main clinical questions were addressed, which included subquestions on preoperative evaluations, surgical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, appropriate pathology techniques, and adjuvant therapy.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations were developed to address preoperative evaluation for patients with a neck mass, surgical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, appropriate treatment options in unilateral versus bilateral SCCUP.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines.

Successful transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery for leiomyoma in the base of the tongue

Leiomyomas are benign tumors with smooth muscle differentiation that occur most frequently in the uterine myometrium. They are uncommon in the head and neck region. We report a rare case of tongue base leiomyoma successfully resected with transoral endoscopic surgery. A 14-year-old male was found to have a tongue base tumor. The tumor located in the right tongue base. It had a smooth surface and no deep invasion. The tumor was resected with transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery. There were no serious adverse events requiring further intervention. Histologically, the tumor was composed of densely cellular fascicles of spindle-shaped cells with smooth muscle differentiation with diffuse and intense reactivity for α-smooth muscle actin, desmin, calponin, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase on immunohistochemistry. After careful consideration of the differential diagnosis, the tumor was diagnosed a smooth muscle tumor, mostly consistent with leiomyoma. This is the first report of leiomyoma arising from the tongue base that was completely resected by transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery without adverse events. For tongue base tumors, endoscopic transoral surgery can be considered as an option for complete resection without impairment of postoperative function.

Multi-modal Framework for Image-guided Trans-oral Surgery with Intraoperative Imaging and Deformation Modeling

Treatment of throat cancers have improved due to minimally-invasive trans-oral approaches. Surgeons rely on preoperative imaging to guide their resection; however, large tissue deformations occur during trans-oral procedures due to placement of necessary retractors and laryngoscopes which hinders the surgeon's ability to accurately assess tumor extent and location of critical structures. We propose an image-guided framework utilizing intraoperative imaging and deformation modeling to improve surgeon accuracy and confidence. A CT-compatible laryngoscopy system previously developed was evaluated in this framework. Intraoperative images were acquired during laryngoscopy; force-sensing capabilities were enabled in the laryngoscope; and tracking of the scope and anatomic features was trialed. Tissue deformation and displacement were quantified and determined to be extensive, with values <; 4.6 cm in the tongue, <; 1.8 cm in bony structures, and <; 108.9 cm³ in airway volume change. Surgical navigation using intraoperative imaging and tracking was evaluated. Preliminary assessment of deformation modeling showed potential to supplement intraoperative imaging. Future work will involve streamlined integration of the components of this framework.

Trans-oral robotic surgery for the management of oropharyngeal carcinomas: a 9-year institutional experience

Trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) has changed surgical management of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). In this study we present surgical and oncologic outcomes of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, treated using TORS, with and without an adjuvant therapy. Sixty patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas treated with TORS between January 2008 and December 2017 have been retrospectively evaluated considering clinicopathologic features, disease characteristics, adjuvant treatments and oncological outcomes. TORS was performed for OPSCC to the base of tongue in 41.7%, tonsils in 46.7%, soft palate and posterior pharyngeal wall in 3.3% and 5%, respectively. Neck dissection was performed in 43.3% of patients. Management strategies included surgery alone in 30%, TORS and adjuvant radiotherapy in 33.3%, and TORS plus adjuvant chemotherapy in 36.7%. The 5-year overall survival of the total group was 77.6%, the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 85.2%, and the 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate was 90.6%. Finally, in selected patients TORS appears to yield similar oncologic outcomes and functional outcomes to traditional techniques and non-operative treatment with a possible benefit on long-term quality of life. The future offers exciting opportunities to combine TORS and radiotherapy in unique ways. However, further research is urgently needed to clarify the indications for adjuvant therapy following TORS resections.

Facial artery musculomucosal flaps in oropharyngeal reconstruction following salvage transoral robotic surgery: a review of outcomes

OBJECTIVE

There has been little reported on the transoral reconstructive options following salvage transoral robotic surgery. This paper describes the facial artery musculomucosal flap as a method to introduce vascularised tissue to a previously irradiated resection bed.

METHODS

A facial artery musculomucosal flap was used to reconstruct the lateral pharyngeal wall in 13 patients undergoing salvage transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Outcomes recorded include flap and donor site complications, length of stay, and swallowing and speech outcomes.

RESULTS

There were no immediate or late flap complications, or cases of delayed wound healing in this series. There were two facial artery musculomucosal related complications requiring surgical management: one bleed from the facial artery musculomucosal donor site and one minor surgical revision. Healing of the flap onto the resection bed was successful in all cases.

CONCLUSION

The facial artery musculomucosal flap provides a suitable transoral local flap option for selected patients undergoing salvage transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal malignancies.

Multi-institutional analysis of outcomes following transoral surgery for HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rising, even in elderly patients. The outcomes of transoral surgery (TOS) in this population are not entirely known.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed at two institutions from October 2003 to September 2016 on patients 70 years or older with HPV-related OPSCC treated with TOS.

RESULTS

A total of 75 patients were included with a mean age of 74 years (70-87 years). At a median follow-up of 35.7 months, 3-year overall survival was 81.5% and disease-specific survival was 94.3%. Advanced cT stage (odds ratio, 2.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-6.64) negatively impacted OS. Conjunctive consolidation was performed to create a staging system with patients older than 80 years, severe comorbidity, and cT3-4 having worse survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with HPV-related OPSCC treated with TOS have excellent survival and therefore should not be excluded from such therapy based on age alone.

Phase II Evaluation of Aggressive Dose De-Escalation for Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine if dose de-escalation from 60 to 66 Gy to 30 to 36 Gy of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for selected patients with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma could maintain historical rates for disease control while reducing toxicity and preserving swallow function and quality of life (QOL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MC1273 was a single-arm phase II trial testing an aggressive course of RT de-escalation after surgery. Eligibility criteria included patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, smoking history of 10 pack-years or less, and negative margins. Cohort A (intermediate risk) received 30 Gy delivered in 1.5-Gy fractions twice per day over 2 weeks along with 15 mg/m2 docetaxel once per week. Cohort B included patients with extranodal extension who received the same treatment plus a simultaneous integrated boost to nodal levels with extranodal extension to 36 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions twice per day. The primary end point was locoregional tumor control at 2 years. Secondary end points included 2-year progression-free survival, overall survival, toxicity, swallow function, and patient-reported QOL.

RESULTS

Accrual was from September 2013 to June 2016 (N = 80; cohort A, n = 37; cohort B, n = 43). Median follow-up was 36 months, with a minimum follow-up of 25 months. The 2-year locoregional tumor control rate was 96.2%, with progression-free survival of 91.1% and overall survival of 98.7%. Rates of grade 3 or worse toxicity at pre-RT and 1 and 2 years post-RT were 2.5%, 0%, and 0%. Swallowing function improved slightly between pre-RT and 12 months post-RT, with one patient requiring temporary feeding tube placement.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive RT de-escalation resulted in locoregional tumor control rates comparable to historical controls, low toxicity, and little decrement in swallowing function or QOL.

Transoral laser microsurgery for treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in 368 patients

BACKGROUND

Oncological and functional outcome of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) for primary treatment of oropharyngeal cancer was examined using a multimodal treatment concept.

METHODS

A total of 368 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (pT1-4, pN0-2, M0) underwent TLM +/- neck dissection (85%), +/- (chemo)radiotherapy (57%). The majority of patients had advanced stage III and IVa disease (79%).

RESULTS

Five-year Kaplan-Meier estimates for local control were 83.5% for pT1, 74.1% for pT2, 77.3% for pT3, and 76.0% for pT4a tumors. Five-year estimates of overall, disease-specific, and recurrence-free survival for stage I were 76.0%, 92.8%, and 69.1%; for stage II 71.1%, 85.7%, and 49.6%; for stage III 61.7%, 72.5%, and 58.8%; and for stage IVa 57.3%, 73.7%, and 63.9%, respectively. Postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy improved the outcome for advanced disease. p16-positive tumors had superior survival estimates. Overall, 93.5% maintained regular oral nutrition without feeding tube dependency.

CONCLUSION

Primary TLM in multimodal concepts of treatment offers good oncologic outcome even for advanced-stage oropharyngeal cancer.

Current Role of Surgery in the Management of Oropharyngeal Cancer

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

Functional Organ Preservation Surgery in Head and Neck Cancer: Transoral Robotic Surgery and Beyond

In recent years, interest in functional organ preservation surgery (FOPS) in the treatment of head and neck cancer has increased dramatically as clinicians seek to minimize the adverse effects of treatment while maximizing survival and quality of life. In this context, the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is becoming increasingly common. TORS is a relatively new and rapidly-evolving technique, with a growing range of treatment indications. A wide range of novel, flexible surgical robots are now in development and their commercialization is expected to significantly expand the current indications for TORS. In the present review, we discuss the current and future role of this organ-preserving modality as the central element in the multimodal treatment of head and neck cancer.

Treatment of Tonsillar Carcinoma following Nononcologic Tonsillectomy: Efficacy of Transoral Robotic Revision Tonsillectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a suitable treatment approach for patients diagnosed with tonsillar carcinoma after a standard palatine tonsillectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary care medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent TORS at the University of Washington from 2010 to 2017 (n = 150) were identified. All patients who were diagnosed with tonsillar carcinoma following a nononcologic tonsillectomy and subsequently underwent TORS radical tonsillectomy were included (n = 14). Tumor stage-matched subjects (n = 44) were included who did not undergo standard tonsillectomy prior to TORS. Our primary outcome was final margin status. Secondary outcomes were presence of residual tumor, receipt and dose of postoperative adjuvant therapy, disease-free survival (DFS), and disease-specific survival. Patients with <6 months of follow-up following definitive treatment were excluded from survival analyses.

RESULTS

Final margin status was clear in all subjects. Residual tumor was not identified in 13 of 14 (92.9%) prior-tonsillectomy subjects following TORS radical tonsillectomy. Seven of 14 (50%) prior-tonsillectomy subjects and 12 of 44 (27.3%) TORS-matched subjects did not require adjuvant therapy due to favorable pathology. Among subjects who received post-TORS radiation therapy (RT) at our institution, RT dose reduction was achieved in 3 of 4 (75%) prior-tonsillectomy subjects and 21 of 24 (87.5%) TORS-matched subjects. Ten of 14 (71.4%) prior-tonsillectomy subjects and 31 of 44 (70.5%) TORS-matched subjects avoided post-TORS chemotherapy. DFS was not significantly different ( P = .87) between prior-tonsillectomy and TORS-matched groups, and no subjects died of related disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients diagnosed with tonsillar carcinoma following a prior nononcologic standard palatine tonsillectomy are suitable candidates for revision surgery with TORS radical tonsillectomy.

The interplay of IMRT and transoral surgery in HPV-mediated oropharyngeal cancer: Getting the balance right

Transoral surgery (TOS) and IMRT represent two primary local ablative treatment modalities for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). The choice of one over the other represents an interplay between the chance of cure vs risk of late sequelae. HPV-mediated (HPV+) OPC patients generally have excellent outcomes, especially in TNM-8 stage I disease. Controversies exist over which treatment has a more favorable toxicity profile and equal efficacy in the management of this population. Non-randomized retrospective data show comparable oncological and functional outcomes between TOS-based vs IMRT-based treatment for this disease. Several de-intensification concepts have been explored in this subset in both primary surgery-based vs primary radiotherapy-based trials. However, no robust mature trial data are available to convincingly guide treatment selection. TOS is often presented as one of the de-intensification options although the majority of series also describe the use of adjuvant treatments which inevitably result in non-negligible toxicities. Patient selection and surgeons' training are paramount. Understanding tumor biology and the prognostic value of traditional 'adverse' features will further guide trial design for refinement of risk tailored approach. In conclusion, comparative data suggests TOS and IMRT are both effective treatment for TNM-8 stage I HPV+ OPC with similar oncological and functional outcomes. TOS as a single modality has potential advantages in mitigating radiation included toxicities. TOS should be avoided in the presence of clinically overt extranodal extension or when negative margins are unlikely to be achieved. TOS is also less ideal for cases with radiological features predicting a high risk of distant metastasis.

Personalizing Postoperative Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment is a complex multidisciplinary undertaking. Although overtreatment can result in functional and cosmetic defects, undertreatment can result in cancer recurrence. Surgery and chemoradiotherapy are both accepted standards for the curative intent treatment of locally advanced mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, but are often prioritized differently depending on the site of tumor origin (e.g., oral cavity/sinonasal vs. oropharynx/larynx), tumor burden, tumor biology, quality-life considerations, and patient preference. Regardless of modalities chosen, failure to cure remains a considerable problem in locally advanced disease. For patients treated with primary surgery, high-risk pathologic features portend higher recurrence rates, and adjuvant therapy can reduce these rates and improve outcomes. This report details which tumor- and nodal-related factors are indications for adjuvant therapy, examines the impact of tumor HPV status on adjuvant treatment paradigms, and considers which systemic therapies should be used for which patients when trimodality therapy is indicated.