Porcine small intestine graft for reconstruction of oral defects

Tongue reconstruction after oncological resection: Analysis of the functional outcomes

The curative management of oral squamous cell carcinoma can be responsible for swallowing and/or speech impairments. In this study, we analyzed the functional outcomes in patients who underwent an oncological resection and a primary reconstruction of the tongue and/or of the floor of the mouth (TFM). We also investigated the predictive factors for poor functional outcomes. This retrospective study included operated patients from October 2013 to May 2021 at the TOURS University Hospital. We assessed the functional results two years after the completion of the cancer treatment with self-administered questionnaires quantifying swallowing and speech disorders. Thirty-three patients were included and reconstructed with antebrachial free flap (N = 16), local flap (N = 8) or Biodesign ® membrane (N = 9). A higher proportion of pT1 tumor was observed in patient who had a Biodesign-based reconstruction (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of postoperative complications or for the duration of enteral feeding. The 21 patients who had an adjuvant radiation therapy had no significant more altered functions. Functional scores were significantly higher in the free flap reconstruction group (DHI =24 and SHI=21) (p = 0.008). No predictive factors for poor outcomes were observed. The repair of TFM defects must be adapted to the resection size. The reconstruction techniques allow to get acceptable functional outcomes even for the greater tumors or in case of radiation therapy. Further research would be required to better identify the predictive factors for poor outcomes.

Extracellular Matrix Scaffold-Assisted Tumor Vaccines Induce Tumor Regression and Long-Term Immune Memory

Injectable scaffold delivery is a strategy to enhance the efficacy of cancer vaccine immunotherapy. The choice of scaffold biomaterial is crucial, impacting both vaccine release kinetics and immune stimulation via the host response. Extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds prepared from decellularized tissues facilitate a pro-healing inflammatory response that promotes local cancer immune surveillance. Here, an ECM scaffold-assisted therapeutic cancer vaccine that maintains an immune microenvironment consistent with tissue reconstruction is engineered. Several immune-stimulating adjuvants are screened to develop a cancer vaccine formulated with decellularized small intestinal submucosa (SIS) ECM scaffold co-delivery. It is found that the STING pathway agonist cyclic di-AMP most effectively induces cytotoxic immunity in an ECM scaffold vaccine, without compromising key interleukin 4 (IL-4) mediated immune pathways associated with healing. ECM scaffold delivery enhances therapeutic vaccine efficacy, curing 50-75% of established E.G-7OVA lymphoma tumors in mice, while none are cured with soluble vaccine. SIS-ECM scaffold-assisted vaccination prolonged antigen exposure is dependent on CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and generates long-term antigen-specific immune memory for at least 10 months post-vaccination. This study shows that an ECM scaffold is a promising delivery vehicle to enhance cancer vaccine efficacy while being orthogonal to characteristics of pro-healing immune hallmarks.

Advances in oral tongue reconstruction: a reconstructive paradigm and review of functional outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Glossectomy remains a common treatment of oral tongue malignancies, which has a range of functional impacts depending on the extent of resection. This review aims to categorize and provide context for the approach to reconstructing these defects using recent evidence.

RECENT FINDINGS

The reconstruction method of choice should be tailored to the size and location of the glossectomy defect with special consideration to replace tongue volume and preserve mobility. There has been an increasing focus on patient-reported outcomes in oral tongue reconstruction. For defects beyond one-third of the tongue, free tissue reconstruction, and more recently, the submental artery island flap yield excellent results. Advances in reconstruction of larger defects have included preoperative soft tissue planning and assessment of outcomes in total glossectomy patients with laryngeal preservation.

SUMMARY

Depending on the defect, the appropriate reconstruction may range from healing by secondary intention to large volume free tissue transfer. In general, functional outcomes diminish with increasing size and complexity of the defect regardless of the reconstructive technique.