Relapse Rates With Surgery Alone in Human Papillomavirus–Related Intermediate- and High-Risk Group Oropharynx Squamous Cell Cancer: A Multi-Institutional Review

ctDNA and Recurrence Risk for Adjuvant De-Escalation in HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Secondary Analysis of the DART Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

The De-escalated Adjuvant Radiation Therapy (DART) phase 3 randomized clinical trial (RCT) showed that in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, postoperative minimal residual disease (MRD), detected through circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA), was associated with a higher risk of disease progression. When considered along with pathologic factors, postoperative ctHPVDNA assessment may improve patient selection for adjuvant treatment de-escalation; however, more data are needed to demonstrate how it may be used in personalizing treatment intensity.

Objective

To determine the association of postoperative MRD status with progression-free survival (PFS) after surgery for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a secondary analysis of the DART RCT, which was conducted from October 2016 to August 2020 in multiple sites in the US. Participants from the de-escalated adjuvant radiation therapy group and the standard of care group with available blood specimen data were included. Reports from 3-month posttreatment surveillance visits were used to assess associations and outcomes. Data analyses were performed from March 2023 to March of 2025.

Interventions

The DART group received 30 to 36 Gy of radiation therapy in 1.5 to 1.8 Gy twice daily, plus docetaxel, 15 mg/m2, on days 1 and 8. The standard of care group received 60 Gy with or without weekly cisplatin, 40 mg/m2.

Main Outcome and Measure

PFS.

Results

The analysis included 140 patients (mean [SD] age, 59.1 [8.4] years; 12 [8.6%] females and 128 [91.4%] males; 97 [69.3%] with no smoking history); characteristics were similar to the overall DART RCT population. Of these, 17 patients (12.1%) had postoperative MRD (13 of 96 [13.5%] receiving DART and 4 of 44 [9.1%] receiving standard of care). For all patients, postoperative MRD positivity was strongly associated with worsened PFS at 24 months (MRD positivity, 69.5%; MRD negativity, 95.9%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.59). MRD positivity was associated with PFS when evaluating only those patients in the DART group, where 24-month PFS was 68.4% compared to 92.6% for MRD-negative patients (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08-0.93). Three months after completion of all treatment, 8 of 117 patients (6.8%) had detectable ctHPVDNA, whereas 109 of 117 (93.2%) did not, and detection was highly associated with PFS (HR, 20.48; 95% CI, 6.91-60.67).

Conclusions and Relevance

This secondary analysis of the DART RCT found that patients with detectable ctHPVDNA after surgery had a higher risk of disease progression. When added to the pathologic factors considered, ctHPVDNA assessment may improve selection of patients for treatment de-escalation. In addition, the 3-month posttreatment time point, early in surveillance, may identify a sizable portion of patients with progression and may guide intervention and surveillance after surgery for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02908477.

The role of biomarkers in the management of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer have very good survival outcomes but a high burden of toxicity. This has led to significant efforts to attempt to use a variety of biomarkers to select patients who are candidates for de-escalated treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Initially, the field used HPV status alone as a biomarker to select patients with oropharyngeal cancer for de-escalation, however, the recently presented results of NRG Oncology HN005 showed that this is an insufficient strategy to select patients for potential de-escalation as patients in that study who received 60 Gy rather than the standard 70 Gy of radiation had diminished progression-free survival. This has led to a myriad of other strategies to potentially identify patients who may be able to receive less intense treatment but maintain a high rate of cure.

SUMMARY

Many biomarker options exist to try and select patients for potential treatment de-escalation. We anxiously await the results of multiple ongoing phase II studies regarding many of these biomarkers and believe that the future of treatment for oropharyngeal cancer will be significantly more personalized.

The Impact of "Close Margins" in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With TORS

OBJECTIVE

Margin distance is a significant prognosticator in oral cavity cancer but its role in HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma [HPV(+)OPSCC] remains unclear. Here, we investigate the impact of margin distance on locoregional recurrence in HPV(+)OPSCC.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of surgically treated HPV(+)OPSCC patients. Patients received either standard of care (at least 60 Gy with or without cisplatin) or de-escalated adjuvant therapy (30-36 Gy with concurrent docetaxel). Margin distance was measured in mm from the primary specimen or in combination with separately submitted margins. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with univariate and multivariable Cox regressions were conducted to determine the impact of margin distance on risk of local and locoregional recurrence.

SETTING

Setting for this is 3 tertiary centers between January 2010 and February 2024.

RESULTS

Among 1102 included patients, 33 (3.0%) had positive final margins. 374 patients had adequate margin distance data available. Margin distance was >3 mm in 73.4%, 1 to 3 mm in 24.5%, and <1 mm in 2.2% of patients. Positive final margins, pT4 disease, pN2 disease, and surgery alone as a treatment modality (P < .02 for all) was associated with higher risk of 5-year locoregional recurrence. Margin distance did not significantly impact risk of local or locoregional recurrence even after adjusting for de-escalated adjuvant therapy (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Positive final margins after TORS without adjuvant radiotherapy for HPV(+)OPSCC carries a high risk of local recurrence. Margin distance does not appear to significantly impact risk of local or locoregional recurrence, even after de-escalated adjuvant radiotherapy.

Does the Presence of Matted Nodes in Colon Adenocarcinoma Influence 5-Year Overall Survival?

Background and Objectives: Colon cancer (CC) is prevalent globally, constituting 11.9% of cases in Mexico. Lymph node metastases are established prognostic indicators, with extracapsular lymph node extension (ENE) playing a crucial role in modifying prognosis. While ENE is associated with adverse factors, certain aspects, like matted nodes (lymph node conglomerates), are underexplored. Matted nodes, clusters of lymph nodes infiltrated by cancer cells, are recognized as an independent prognostic factor in other cancers. This study investigates the prognostic implications of matted nodes in CC. Materials and Methods: From a retrospective analysis of 502 CC consecutive cases treated with colectomy (2005-2018), we identified 255 (50.8%) cases with lymph node metastasis (our study group), which were categorized into two groups: (1) lymph node metastasis alone (n = 208), and (2) lymph node metastasis with matted nodes (n = 47). A comparative survival analysis was performed. Results: Of the 255 patients, 38% had lymph node metastasis. Patients with matted nodes (18.4%) showed an association with higher pN stage and lymphovascular invasion. The 5-year survival rate for patients with matted nodes was 47.7%, compared to 60% without (p = 0.096); however, this association demonstrated only a statistical tendency. Multivariate analysis identified clinical stage and adjuvant chemotherapy use as independent factors contributing to survival. Conclusions: This study underscores matted nodes as potential prognostic indicators in CC, emphasizing their association with higher pN stage and reduced survival. Although the patients with matted nodes showed lower survival, this figure did not search statistical significance, but a tendency was detected, which necessitates precise further research, which is essential for validating these findings and integrating matted nodes into the broader context of colorectal cancer management.

Association of adjuvant radiation and survival in human papilloma virus-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion as the sole adverse pathologic feature

BACKGROUND

Postoperative radiotherapy radiation therapy (PORT) for early-stage human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with positive lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has an unclear association with overall survival (OS).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study queried the National Cancer Database for surgically treated, T1-2, N0-1 HPV+ OPSCC from 2010 to 2019. Primary exposures were LVI and PORT, and the main outcome was 5-year OS. Odds ratios and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated using multivariable models and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 2768 patients, average age was 59.3 years, 2207 (79.7%) were male, and 386 (13.9%) had LVI. Of patients with LVI as their sole adverse pathologic feature, 220 (57.0%) received PORT, which was not associated with 5-year OS (HR, 1.13; CI, 0.65-1.19).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with surgically treated, early-stage HPV+ OPSCC and positive LVI as their only pathologic adverse feature may not require PORT.

Latin American Consensus on the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is well known as a serious health problem worldwide, especially in low-income countries or those with limited resources, such as most countries in Latin America. International guidelines cannot always be applied to a population from a large region with specific conditions. This study established a Latin American guideline for care of patients with head and neck cancer and presented evidence of HNSCC management considering availability and oncologic benefit. A panel composed of 41 head and neck cancer experts systematically worked according to a modified Delphi process on (1) document compilation of evidence-based answers to different questions contextualized by resource availability and oncologic benefit regarding Latin America (region of limited resources and/or without access to all necessary health care system infrastructure), (2) revision of the answers and the classification of levels of evidence and degrees of recommendations of all recommendations, (3) validation of the consensus through two rounds of online surveys, and (4) manuscript composition. The consensus consists of 12 sections: Head and neck cancer staging, Histopathologic evaluation of head and neck cancer, Head and neck surgery-oral cavity, Clinical oncology-oral cavity, Head and neck surgery-oropharynx, Clinical oncology-oropharynx, Head and neck surgery-larynx, Head and neck surgery-larynx/hypopharynx, Clinical oncology-larynx/hypopharynx, Clinical oncology-recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer, Head and neck surgery-reconstruction and rehabilitation, and Radiation therapy. The present consensus established 48 recommendations on HNSCC patient care considering the availability of resources and focusing on oncologic benefit. These recommendations could also be used to formulate strategies in other regions like Latin America countries.

Diagnostic challenges and prognostic implications of extranodal extension in head and neck cancer: a state of the art review and gap analysis

Extranodal extension (ENE) is a pattern of cancer growth from within the lymph node (LN) outward into perinodal tissues, critically defined by disruption and penetration of the tumor through the entire thickness of the LN capsule. The presence of ENE is often associated with an aggressive cancer phenotype in various malignancies including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In HNSCC, ENE is associated with increased risk of distant metastasis and lower rates of locoregional control. ENE detected on histopathology (pathologic ENE; pENE) is now incorporated as a risk-stratification factor in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative HNSCC in the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) TNM classification. Although ENE was first described almost a century ago, several issues remain unresolved, including lack of consensus on definitions, terminology, and widely accepted assessment criteria and grading systems for both pENE and ENE detected on radiological imaging (imaging-detected ENE; iENE). Moreover, there is conflicting data on the prognostic significance of iENE and pENE, particularly in the context of HPV-associated HNSCC. Herein, we review the existing literature on ENE in HNSCC, highlighting areas of controversy and identifying critical gaps requiring concerted research efforts.

The Lack of Standardized Outcomes for Surgical Salvage of HPV-Positive Recurrent Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Scoping Review

Although HPV status is known to provide an improved prognosis in initial treatments of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), it is unclear how it affects patients who receive salvage surgery (SS), which has historically poor survival rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of SS for patients with locoregional recurrence (LRR) of HPV-positive OPSCC and its impact survival rates. We conducted a scoping review of literature through October 2022 and included 995 individuals. Survival endpoints, such as overall survival (OS), Kaplan-Meier curves, and median post-recurrence survival, were analyzed in addition to demographics. Of all studies, 18.8% (6/32) reported any survival data for SS patients, with the most prevalent reporting 2- and 5-year OS in two studies. Median post-recurrence survival was not reported for SS. These findings reveal the limited and unpredictable reporting of survival-specific data on SS for HPV-positive OPSCC. With limited survival assessment, it is difficult to assess the potential advantages and disadvantages of this therapy to guide clinical decision-making.

Consensuses, controversies, and future directions in treatment deintensification for human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer

The most common cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the United States is oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), and its incidence has been rising since the turn of the century. Because of substantial long-term morbidities with chemoradiation and the favorable prognosis of HPV-positive OPC, identifying the optimal deintensification strategy for this group has been a keystone of academic head-and-neck surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology for over the past decade. However, the first generation of randomized chemotherapy deintensification trials failed to change the standard of care, triggering concern over the feasibility of de-escalation. National database studies estimate that up to one third of patients receive nonstandard de-escalated treatments, which have subspecialty-specific nuances. A synthesis of the multidisciplinary deintensification data and current treatment standards is important for the oncology community to reinforce best practices and ensure optimal patient outcomes. In this review, the authors present a summary and comparison of prospective HPV-positive OPC de-escalation trials. Chemotherapy attenuation compromises outcomes without reducing toxicity. Limited data comparing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with radiation raise concern over toxicity and outcomes with TORS. There are promising data to support de-escalating adjuvant therapy after TORS, but consensus on treatment indications is needed. Encouraging radiation deintensification strategies have been reported (upfront dose reduction and induction chemotherapy-based patient selection), but level I evidence is years away. Ultimately, stage and HPV status may be insufficient to guide de-escalation. The future of deintensification may lie in incorporating intratreatment response assessments to harness the powers of personalized medicine and integrate real-time surveillance.

HPV as a Carcinomic Driver in Head and Neck Cancer: a De-escalated Future?

OPINION STATEMENT

Patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma have improved prognosis relatively to those with tumors not driven by HPV. Both definitive radiotherapy (typically with concurrent chemotherapy) and transoral robotic surgery (with adjuvant therapies based on pathologic risk factors) are both acceptable treatment options for patients. The decision on which treatment is optimal depends on individual patient factors and should be made in a multi-disciplinary setting with input from a radiation oncologist, head and neck surgeon, and medical oncologist. Where appropriate, patients in this setting should be considered for enrollment on clinical studies evaluating de-escalation of treatment intensity given the very favorable outcomes and high toxicity profile associated with conventional therapies. However, caution is needed given negative data for de-escalation in the definitive chemotherapy and radiation setting. It remains unclear what the prognostic significance of HPV status is in patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck outside of the oropharynx.

Detectable Post-operative Circulating Tumor Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA And Association with Recurrence in Patients with HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

  To determine the rate of detectability of ctHPVDNA after surgery but before adjuvant therapy in patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV(+)OPSCC) and to investigate whether detectable ctHPVDNA at this time point may be associated with risk of recurrence.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

 Prospectively collected samples from patients with OPSCC were examined in a blinded fashion using a multi-analyte PCR assay. 45 samples were collected from HPV(+)OPSCC patients pre-op (prior to any treatment), and 159 samples post-op (before or at the start of adjuvant RT). Samples were identified via the radiation oncology biobank or via participation in a clinical trial. RT consisted of 60 Gy +/- cisplatin or de-escalation (30 Gy to 36 Gy in 20 b.i.d. fractions + docetaxel). 32 patients had paired samples available pre and post-op for the primary analysis. Additional exploratory analyses including associations of patient and tumor characteristics with recurrence were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models for all 159 post-op samples.. Detectability of ctHPVDNA was compared across groups utilizing logistic regression. Estimates of recurrence free survival (RFS) were made using Kaplan-Meier (KM).

RESULTS

In a paired analysis of 32 pre and post-op timepoints, 94% of patients had detectable ctHPVDNA pre-op and 41% post-op. RFS at 18 months was 83% (95% CI: 47-95%) for patients with detectable post-op ctHPVDNA compared to 100% for patients with undetectable post-op ctHPVDNA (p=.094).In an exploratory analysis of non-paired post-op samples, ctHPVDNA was detectable in 26% (41 of 159) of patients (median of 22 days post-op). Age (1.06, p=0.025), LVSI (OR 3.17, p=0.011) and ENE (OR=5.67, p=0.001) were associated with detectable ctHPVDNA after surgery. Detectable post-op ctHPVDNA was significantly associated with RFS (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Amongst patients with detectable pre-op ctHPVDNA, a significant proportion have detectable post-op ctHPVDNA in paired post-op samples, collected prior to the initiation of adjuvant radiation therapy. Future prospective study is warranted to investigate the association of detectable post-op ctHPVDNA with recurrence, including in comparison to established clinical and pathologic risk factors.

Treatment De-intensification for HPV-associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Definitive Surgery Paradigm

Human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+OPSCC) constitutes the majority of head and neck diagnoses within the United States. Patients with HPV+OPSCC have biologically and demographically distinct disease, leading to high cure rates after standard treatments. This long survivorship period coupled with the toxicity of standard treatments makes de-intensification strategies an urgent research question. Surgery has generally been avoided for HPV+OPSCC as historical surgical techniques were invasive and morbid. With the advent of minimally invasive transoral techniques, definitive surgical options are becoming more popular. Minimally invasive surgery offers unique opportunities in a de-intensification paradigm, including more detailed patient selection, radiation volume reduction, and radiation dose de-intensification. Nevertheless, careful patient selection must be exercised as surgical defects may lead to quality of life decrements beyond what is gained through de-intensification. Ongoing phase III efforts will help clarify the patient cohorts best suited for surgically oriented de-intensification.

Extracapsular extension, pathologic node status, and adjuvant treatment in primary surgery patients with human papillomavirus-mediated oropharyngeal cancer: A national hospital-based retrospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

The significance of extracapsular extension (ECE) and adjuvant treatment paradigm in patients with surgically managed human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is debated.

METHODS

National, hospital-based, retrospective cohort study of 2663 patients pN+ HPV+ OPC who underwent primary surgery.

RESULTS

Patients with ECE had a 1.74-times risk of death (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-2.40, p = 0.001) compared to patients without ECE. Among patients with pN1, ECE-positive disease, risk of overall mortality was similar across treatment paradigms (surgery alone: ref; adjuvant radiation therapy [RT]: aHR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.36-1.85; p = 0.62; adjuvant CRT: aHR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.34-1.32; p = 0.24). Patients with pN2 ECE-positive disease treated with adjuvant RT alone exhibited similar risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.24-4.47, p = 0.96) compared to adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT). In patients with advanced, ECE-positive disease (e.g., pT3-T4pN2), adjuvant CRT did not reduce the risk of overall mortality relative to adjuvant RT.

CONCLUSION

Although pathologic ECE negatively predicts for survival in patients with HPV+ OPC, our analyses support expansion of postoperative de-intensification clinical trial eligibility criteria in patients with ECE-positive disease.

Oropharyngeal Carcinoma Treated with Surgery Alone: Outcomes and Predictors of Failure

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the oncologic outcomes and risk factors for recurrence in patients who underwent surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), and in whom adjuvant therapy was not recommended or was declined.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of patients with OPSCC who were treated with transoral surgery only at a tertiary care academic medical center from April 2010 to March 2019.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients met inclusion criteria. In 16, adjuvant therapy was recommended but declined. There were 8 recurrences, of which 6 had been given recommendations for adjuvant therapy. Of the 8 recurrences, 2 died, 2 are alive with disease, and 4 were successfully salvaged. Five patients died of unrelated causes. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI, P = .016) had a significant impact on recurrence, while other pathologic features of the primary tumor such as size, location, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and margin status did not. Margins were classified as "positive" in 4 patients, "close" in 54, and "negative" in 16. There were 3 local recurrences (4.1%), each of whom had declined adjuvant therapy. Lymph node features such as N-stage (P = .0004), number of positive nodes (P = .0005), and presence of extra-nodal extension (ENE, P = .0042) had a statistically significant impact on relapse. Smoking history and surgical approach showed no significant impact on recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Patients who undergo surgery for HPV-positive OPSCC with negative margins, no PNI, no LVI, and ≤1 positive lymph node without ENE have low risk for recurrence. These patients can likely be safely treated with surgery alone. Patients with these risk factors who decline adjuvant therapy are at risk for recurrence, and should be monitored.

Benefit of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in human papillomavirus (HPV) era: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the survival benefit of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with resected human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

METHODS

A total of 2,589 human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent surgery were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the baseline characteristics between patients who received postoperative radiotherapy and those who did not. Overall survival and disease-specific survival were estimated.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, postoperative radiotherapy did not increase overall survival and disease-specific survival. The subgroup analysis revealed that overall survival and disease-specific survival benefits of postoperative radiotherapy were observed only among patients with N2 or N3 stage disease. Multivariate analysis revealed that old age and advanced T, N stages were prognostic factors for disease-specific survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent surgery.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative radiotherapy might improve the survival of human papilloma virus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients with advanced N stage.

Assessment Criteria and Clinical Implications of Extranodal Extension in Head and Neck Cancer

Tumor breaching the capsule of a lymph node is termed extranodal extension (ENE). It reflects aggressiveness of a tumor, creates anatomic challenges for disease clearance, and increases the risk of distant metastasis. Extranodal extension can be assessed on a pathology specimen, by radiology studies, and by clinical examination. Presence of ENE in a pathology specimen has long been considered a high-risk feature of disease progression and would ordinarily benefit from the addition of chemotherapy to adjuvant radiotherapy. Although the eighth edition of the Union for International Cancer Control/American Joint Committee on Cancer stage classification dichotomizes pathologic ENE according to its presence or absence, emerging evidence suggests that the extent of a pathologic ENE may provide additional value for risk stratification to guide adjuvant therapy. Recent data suggest that the prognostic importance of pathologic ENE is also applicable for HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In addition, compelling data demonstrate that indisputable radiologic ENE is a powerful risk stratification tool to identify patients at high risk for treatment failure, especially distant metastasis, applicable for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, the definition and taxonomy of radiologic ENE requires standardization. The goal of this review is to clarify the contemporary understanding of the prognostic implications of ENE in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, present the nuances of what is presently known and unknown, and elucidate how to classify ENE pathologically and radiologically with an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Finally, with the development of several risk stratification methods, the relative role of ENE and other prognostic schema will be explored.

Increased rate of recurrence and high rate of salvage in patients with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with adverse features treated with primary surgery without recommended adjuvant therapy

BACKGROUND

Some patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) do not receive guideline-recommended postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) following primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

METHODS

Three-hundred and sixty-four patients with treatment-naïve, HPV-associated OPSCC were recommended to receive PORT based on clinicopathological features following TORS. Patients were stratified based on if they received PORT. Oncologic outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

The 3-year locoregional failure (LRF) was 32% in patients who did not receive PORT and 4% in patients who received PORT (P < .001). Despite increased LRF, avoiding PORT was not associated with increased 3-year distant metastasis rates (8% vs 4%, P = .56) or worse 3-year survival (95% vs 98%, P = .34). Recurrences in the surgery alone cohort varied between local and regional sites and were often successfully salvaged.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HPV-associated OPSCC who do not receive indicated PORT have an increased risk of LRF but similar survival due to high salvage rates.

Novel Strategies to Effectively De-escalate Curative-Intent Therapy for Patients With HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: Current and Future Directions

The treatment of patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC) is rapidly evolving and challenging the standard of care of definitive radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin. There are numerous promising de-escalation strategies under investigation, including deintensified definitive chemoradiotherapy, transoral surgery followed by de-escalated adjuvant therapy, and induction chemotherapy followed by de-escalated locoregional therapy. Definitive radiotherapy alone or with cetuximab is not recommended for curative-intent treatment of patients with locally advanced HPV-OPC. The results of ongoing phase III studies are awaited to help answer key questions and address ongoing controversies to transform the treatment of patients with HPV-OPC. Strategies for de-escalation under investigation include the incorporation of immunotherapy and the use of novel biomarkers for patient selection for de-escalation.

Advances in Diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Management of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: State of the Art

During the past decade and a half, the most common cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has shifted from tobacco and alcohol to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-driven p16-positive OPSCC and tobacco-related OPSCC differ in their underlying molecular and genetic profiles, socioeconomic demographics, and response to treatment. HPV-related OPSCC tends to occur in younger patients and has a significantly better response to treatment and excellent prognosis. The stark contrast in prognosis-with around 90% overall 5-year survival for HPV-related p16-positive OPSCC and 40% for non-HPV-related p16-negative OPSCC-has prompted major changes in the eighth edition of the staging manual of the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer). The past 10-15 years have also witnessed major advances in surgery, radiation therapy (RT), and systemic therapy. Minimally invasive surgery has come of age, with transoral robotic procedures and laser microsurgery. Intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) and more recently proton-beam RT have markedly improved the conformity of RT, with an ability to precisely target the cancer and cancer-bearing regions while sparing normal structures and significantly reducing long-term treatment-related morbidity. Progress in systemic therapy has come in the form of immunotherapy and targeted agents such as cetuximab. Owing to the better prognosis of HPV-driven OPSCC as well as the morbidity associated with treatment, de-escalation of therapy via multiple strategies is being explored. The article reviews the advances in diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of OPSCC in the HPV era.^©RSNA, 2019.

Outcomes in surgically resectable oropharynx cancer treated with transoral robotic surgery versus definitive chemoradiation

PURPOSE

Optimal treatment strategies for the management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remain unclear. The objective of this study is to examine the role of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) on functional and treatment outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with OPSCC (tonsil/base of tongue) who underwent TORS with neck dissection± adjuvant therapy between January 2011 to December 2016 were compared to a stage matched cohort of patients treated with primary chemoradiation. Demographic, treatment, and outcome data were collected.

RESULTS

54 patients received primary chemoradiation and 65 patients (surgical group) received TORS ± adjuvant therapy for clinically staged disease meeting study criteria. 25% (N = 17) were treated with surgery alone. The remainder of the surgical group received postoperative radiation (N = 48), half of which received adjuvant chemotherapy (N = 24) in addition to radiation. 63% (N = 41) of the patients did not have risk factors for chemotherapy. No differences in overall or disease free survival were observed with TORS compared to chemoradiation (p = 0.9), although Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was higher in the surgical group (p = 0.01). The strongest predictor of prolonged gastrostomy tube use was not treatment, but rather co-morbidity (p = 0.03), with no significant differences beyond 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Although no significant survival differences were observed across treatment groups, this was maintained despite increased comorbidity index in the surgical patients. Given the ability to de-escalate and/or eliminate adjuvant therapy, particularly in a less healthy population, TORS would appear to be the viable treatment option it has become.

Primary surgery for human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer: Survival outcomes with or without adjuvant treatment

OBJECTIVES

Human papillomavirus-associated (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a unique form of head and neck cancer with improved prognosis. We assessed survival for stage I patients with low- or intermediate-risk pathologic features with surgery alone compared with surgery with adjuvant radiation (RT) or chemoradiation (CRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified patients with stage I HPV+ OPSCC (after restaging with 8th edition staging system) treated with surgery alone, adjuvant RT or CRT in the National Cancer Data Base from 2010 to 2013. We compared survival for low-risk patients (≤1 metastatic lymph nodes with no adverse features) and intermediate-risk patients (2-4 metastatic lymph nodes, microscopic extranodal extension (ENE) or lymphovascular invasion).

RESULTS

We examined 1677 patients with median follow-up of 43.9 months. In the intermediate-risk group, 4-year overall survival was 94.0% with surgery alone, 91.5% with adjuvant RT and 92.0% with adjuvant CRT (p = 0.72). There were similar rates of overall survival in the low-risk group. In multivariable models accounting for clinicopathologic differences the dose of adjuvant RT was not associated with mortality. On Cox proportional hazard modeling, adjuvant RT (HR 0.94; CI 0.43-2.08) or CRT (HR 0.96; CI 0.45-2.11) did not significantly improved survival compared with surgery alone in the intermediate-risk group (reference). Similar results were seen in the low-risk group. The composite number of pathologic risk features significantly improved risk stratification.

CONCLUSION

We provide observational evidence that adjuvant RT or CRT does not provide a survival benefit for stage I HPV+ OPSCC with low- or intermediate-risk pathologic features.

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.

Nomogram for preoperative prediction of nodal extracapsular extension or positive surgical margins in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Extracapsular extension (ECE) in regional lymph nodes and positive surgical margins (PSM) are considered high-risk adverse pathologic features in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) that each constitute an indication for postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation. We identify pre-operative clinical factors that can predict post-operative ECE and/or PSM and create a nomogram to help clinical decision making.

METHODS

Adult patients with non-metastatic OPSCC with initial surgical treatment and confirmed HPV status diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 were selected from the National Cancer Database. Clinical staging was modified to American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition parameters. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis to identify predictors of pathologic ECE and/or PSM.

RESULTS

5065 patients were included. 47.5% of the 3336 HPV-positive (HPV+) patients had ECE/PSM. 40.4% of the 1729 HPV-negative (HPV-) patients with had ECE/PSM. A model was built that included age, clinical ECE, tumor grade, and clinical T and N staging for HPV+ patients. Increasing N-classification was highly predictive of pathologic ECE and/or PSM (N1 OR = 3.6, N2 OR = 7.0, N3 OR = 11.2, p < 0.01). Clinical ECE (OR = 4.1, p < 0.01), tumor grade (ORs 2.2-4.4 with p < 0.05), and increasing clinical T-classification (ORs 1.2-1.8, p < 0.05) were also associated with ECE and/or PSM. A similar model was built for HPV- with similar predictive capability. Two internally validated nomograms were designed that demonstrated good discrimination (HPV+ AUC = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.64-0.68, and HPV- AUC = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.67-0.72) and good calibration (goodness-of-fit statistic of HPV+ 6.32, p = 0.61 and HPV- 11.66, p = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

These are the first nomograms designed to help predict ECE or PSM for both HPV+ and HPV- OPSCC. The nomograms can facilitate shared decision-making between clinicians and patients as they consider upfront treatment selection for OPSCC.

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.