Association between radiation dose to organs at risk and acute patient reported outcome during radiation treatment for head and neck cancers

BACKGROUND

Associations between patient-reported outcomes and dose to organs at risk (OARs) may promote management and guide future investigations.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated PROs and OAR dose in head and neck (H&N) cancer.

RESULTS

In 169 patients, we identified weak associations between: "Difficulty swallowing/chewing" and increased mean RT dose to the oral cavity, larynx, pharyngeal constrictor muscles (PCM) and contralateral parotid; "choking/coughing" and larynx mean dose; "problems with mucus in mouth and throat" and oral cavity, contralateral parotid mean dose and parotid V30, contralateral submandibular gland and PCM mean dose; "difficulty with voice/speech" and oral cavity, contralateral parotid, contralateral submandibular gland and larynx mean dose; and "dry mouth" and ipsilateral submandibular gland, oral cavity and PCM mean dose.

CONCLUSION

We identified weak associations between PRO and dose to OARs-these data can guide on treatment management, patient counseling, and serve as a baseline for future investigations.

From presumed benign neck masses to delayed recognition of human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To describe patients with delayed diagnosis of human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPC) after initial incorrect diagnosis of branchial cleft cyst or nondiagnostic workup of unilateral neck mass.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Patients with delayed diagnosis of HPV-OPC after initial nondiagnostic workup for unilateral neck mass were eligible. Medical record abstraction was performed to describe clinical characteristics at initial presentation and later diagnosis of HPV-OPC. To estimate nodal growth rates, the short axis diameter of the lymph nodes was determined from imaging reports.

RESULTS

Six patients met eligibility criteria. After a median interval of 42 months (range, 3 months-7 years) from initial presentation with unilateral neck mass, patients were diagnosed with HPV-OPC. At the time of HPV-OPC diagnosis, five were AJCC eighth edition overall stage I, and one was stage II. Primary tumors were T0 or T1 in the majority (83.3%, n = 5). Among five patients with available serial imaging, despite diagnostic delay, three of five still had a single lymph node without involvement of additional nodes, whereas the remaining two developed additional suspicious nodes (ipsilateral and contralateral). Two of five developed evidence of extranodal extension. Median lymph node growth was 9.5% per year (range, -6% to 32%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the natural history of HPV-OPC is not well understood, this case series suggests that it can be slow growing and mimic benign processes, leading to diagnostic delays. Adults presenting with neck masses should undergo complete diagnostic evaluation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 130:392-397, 2020.

Salvage of Recurrence after Surgery and Adjuvant Therapy: A Multi-institutional Study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing salvage surgery for recurrent oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) after initial treatment with surgery and adjuvant therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series with chart review.

SETTING

Five academic tertiary care centers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Patients included those with OCSCC and OPSCC who were initially treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy between 2000 and 2015 and underwent salvage surgery for local and/or regional recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients were included (76% OCSCC, 24% OPSCC). Five-year overall survival was 31% (95% CI, 21%-41%) and was significantly improved among patients with human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal tumors (hazard ratio [HR], 0.34; 95% CI, 0.11-0.98) and significantly worse for those with postoperative positive margins (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.43-4.93). Adjuvant (chemo)reirradiation was not associated with disease control or survival regardless of margin status. Combined locoregional recurrence was significantly correlated with a positive margin resection (HR, 5.75; 95% CI, 1.94-17.01). Twenty-five patients (25%) underwent a second salvage surgical procedure, of whom 8 achieved long-term disease control.

CONCLUSION

Patients presenting with resectable recurrence after initial therapy with surgery and adjuvant therapy have a reasonable salvage rate when a negative margin resection can be attained. Patients with postoperative positive margins have poor survival outcomes that are not significantly improved with adjuvant (chemo)reirradiation. Those with combined locoregional recurrence are at particularly high risk for postoperative positive margins. The functional consequences of salvage surgery and its effect on quality of life are critical in decision making and require further investigation.

Surgical Management of Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism and the Impact of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Testing on Outcome

Objective To review our surgical experience and the impact of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) testing among patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Academic referral hospital. Subject and Methods Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHPT) patients were identified with normal-range blood ionized calcium and serum elevated parathyroid hormone. Patient demographics, intraoperative findings, IOPTH dynamics, and biochemical outcomes were compared with those of classic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients. Results Of the 2120 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy, 616 patients met the inclusion criteria: 119 (19.5%) patients had NCHPT, and 497 (80.5%) had classic PHPT. NCHPT patients had higher rates of multigland hyperplasia as compared with classic PHPT (12% vs 4%, P = .002) and smaller gland size ( P < .001). Of 119 NCHPT patients, 114 (97%) achieved >50% drop in IOPTH intraoperatively, as opposed to 492 (99%) among 497 classic PHPT patients ( P = .014). IOPTH drop >50% had an equivalent positive predictive value for long-term cure in both groups. Conclusions Surgeons treating NCHPT patients should suspect the presence of multigland disease and have a low threshold for converting to bilateral exploration depending on IOPTH decay dynamics.

The incidence of vocal fold motion impairment after primary thyroid and parathyroid surgery for a single high-volume academic surgeon determined by pre- and immediate post-operative fiberoptic laryngoscopy

BACKGROUND

Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is a well-recognized complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Preoperative counseling requires a thorough understanding of the incidence, risk factors, and value of early diagnosis of postoperative VFMI. Our objective is to describe the incidence of and risk factors for VFMI for a single high-volume academic surgeon, and to assess the utility of immediate postoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FOL) in early diagnosis of VFMI.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing primary thyroid and parathyroid procedures by a single high-volume surgeon at an academic tertiary care center. All patients underwent preoperative and immediate postoperative FOL. The primary outcome was incidence of VFMI, either temporary (<1 year) or permanent (1 year or more). The unit of analysis was number of recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN) at risk. Risk factors for VFMI were analyzed using logistic regression, reporting unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR and aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The study population comprised 1547 patients undergoing 1580 procedures for a total of 2527 nerves at risk, excluding the 27 nerves found to have motion impairment on preoperative FOL. Sixty-seven new incidents of VFMI were identified on postoperative FOL, with an additional six new incidents detected after voice complaints prompted FOL upon follow-up. Thus, the incidence of postoperative VFMI was 2.9% of RLNs at risk (73 of 2527). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of immediate postoperative FOL were 92% and 99.8% respectively. Permanent VFMI occurred in 9 cases (0.4%), 3 of which were from intentional RLN transection for malignancy. Odds of VFMI were significantly lower after parathyroidectomy (aOR = 0.1, 95%CI = 0.01-0.8 compared with hemithryoidectomy) and higher with central neck dissection (aOR = 2.4, 95CI = 1.0-5.9). Among cases of malignancy, odds of VFMI increased significantly with increasing T-stage (adjusted p_trend<0.001).

CONCLUSION

VFMI is rare and usually temporary after primary thyroid and parathyroid procedures, with increased risk associated with larger primary malignancies and the inclusion of central neck dissection. Immediate postoperative FOL is useful for early detection of VFMI that may allow for clear definition of temporary and permanent immobility rehabilitation especially if there is evidence to support early intervention.

The prognostic role of sex, race, and human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal and nonoropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell cancer

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-established prognostic marker for oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC). Because of the limited numbers of women and nonwhites in studies to date, sex and racial/ethnic differences in prognosis have not been well explored. In this study, survival differences were explored by the tumor HPV status among 1) patients with OPSCCs by sex and race and 2) patients with nonoropharyngeal (non-OP) head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCCs).

METHODS

This retrospective, multi-institution study included OPSCCs and non-OP HNSCCs of the oral cavity, larynx, and nasopharynx diagnosed from 1995 to 2012. Race/ethnicity was categorized as white non-Hispanic, black non-Hispanic, Asian non-Hispanic, and Hispanic of any race. Tumors were centrally tested for p16 overexpression and the presence of HPV by HPV16 DNA and high-risk HPV E6/E7 messenger RNA in situ hybridization. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The study population included 239 patients with OPSCC and 621 patients with non-OP HNSCC with a median follow-up time of 3.5 years. After adjustments for the tumor HPV status, age, current tobacco use, and stage, the risk of death was lower for women versus men with OPSCC (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.55; P = .04). The results were similar with p16. In contrast, for non-OP HNSCCs, HPV positivity, p16 positivity, and sex were not associated with OS.

CONCLUSIONS

For OPSCC, there are differences in survival by sex, even after the tumor HPV status has been taken into account. For non-OP HNSCC, the HPV status and the p16 status are not of prognostic significance. Cancer 2017;123:1566-1575. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Differences in the Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancers by Sex, Race, Anatomic Tumor Site, and HPV Detection Method

Importance

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes an increasing proportion of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs), particularly in white men. The prevalence of HPV among other demographic groups and other anatomic sites of HNSCC is unclear.

Objective

To explore the role of HPV tumor status among women and nonwhites with OPSCC and patients with nonoropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (non-OP HNSCC).

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective cohort study at 2 tertiary academic centers including cases diagnosed 1995 through 2012, oversampled for minorities and females. A stratified random sample of 863 patients with newly diagnosed SCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or nasopharynx was used.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes were HPV status as measured by p16 immunohistochemical analysis, HPV16 DNA in situ hybridization (ISH), and high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA ISH.

Results

Of 863 patients, 551 (63.9%) were male and median age was 58 years (interquartile range, 51-68 years). Among 240 OPSCCs, 144 (60%) were p16 positive (p16+), 115 (48%) were HPV16 DNA ISH positive (ISH16+), and 134 (56%) were positive for any oncogenic HPV type (ISH+). From 1995 to 2012, the proportion of p16+ OPSCC increased significantly among women (from 29% to 77%; P = .005 for trend) and men (36% to 72%; P < .001 for trend), as well as among whites (39% to 86%; P < .001 for trend) and nonwhites (32% to 62%; P = .02 for trend). Similar results were observed for ISH+ OPSCC (P ≤ .01 for all). Among 623 non-OP HNSCCs, a higher proportion were p16+ compared with ISH positive (62 [10%] vs 30 [5%]; P = .001). A high proportion (26 of 62 [42%]) of these p16+ non-OP HNSCCs were found in sites adjacent to the oropharynx. The proportion of p16+ and ISH+ non-OP HNSCCs were similar by sex. Over time, the proportion of non-OP HNSCCs that were p16+ (or ISH+) increased among whites (P = .04 for trend) but not among nonwhites (each P > .51 for trend). Among OPSCCs, p16 had high sensitivity (100%), specificity (91%), and positive (93%) and negative predictive value (100%) for ISH positivity. In non-OP HNSCCs, p16 had lower sensitivity (83%) and positive predictive value (40%) but high specificity (94%) and negative predictive value (99%) for ISH positivity.

Conclusions and Relevance

During 1995 through 2012, the proportion of OPSCCs caused by HPV has increased significantly. This increase was not restricted to white men but was a consistent trend for women and men, as well as for white and nonwhite racial groups. Few non-OP HNSCCs were HPV related. P16 positivity was a good surrogate for ISH+ tumor status among OPSCC, but not a good surrogate for non-OP HNSCC.

Changes in Unknown Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck at Initial Presentation in the Era of Human Papillomavirus

IMPORTANCE

The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in unknown primary squamous cell carcinoma (UPSCC) of the head and neck at initial presentation focuses the investigation for the primary tumor on the oropharynx. The trends, frequency, and detection rate of UPSCCs have not been evaluated in the context of HPV tumor status.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the frequency of UPSCC over time and to evaluate the proportion of HPV-positive UPSCCs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective, single-institutional case series of patients diagnosed with UPSCC and evaluated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from January 1, 2005, to June 1, 2014. Human papillomavirus tumor status was determined by p16 immunohistochemical analysis and/or high-risk HPV DNA by in situ hybridization as clinically available.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Number and clinical characteristics of UPSCC cases over time.

RESULTS

Eighty-four UPSCC cases were eligible for analysis. The mean age of the patients was 57.3 years (range 29-80 years), and 88.1% (n = 74) were male. The frequency of UPSCC increased significantly over time (P for trend = .01) and was significantly higher during later calendar periods (14 cases during 2005-2008 vs 39 cases during 2012-2014, P = .03). A total of 69 cases (90.7%) with available HPV tumor status were HPV-positive. The patients with HPV-positive UPSCC were significantly more likely to be male (91% vs 42.9%, P = .005) and younger (56.1 vs 67.7 years, P = .002) than the HPV-negative patients with UPSCC. The overall primary tumor site detection rate was 59.3% (n = 48). There was a nonsignificant increase in the detection rate from calendar periods 2005-2008 to 2012-2014 (50.0% vs 64.9%, P = .38). Since transoral robotic surgery was adopted in the diagnostic evaluation of UPSCC in 2011, a nonsignificant increase in the detection of primary tumors was observed (53.8% vs 64.3%, P = .34).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The frequency of UPSCC has increased significantly in recent calendar periods, and most cases are HPV-positive. As expected, patients with HPV-positive UPSCC tend to be male and younger.

Understanding the impact of survival and human papillomavirus tumor status on timing of recurrence in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tumor status is associated with improved prognosis after disease recurrence in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In this study the potential role of survival bias in the relationship between HPV tumor status and the timing of recurrence was evaluated, given conflicting evidence in the literature.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed on a previously published retrospective two institution study of recurrent OPSCC with known HPV tumor status. Patients were categorized as "early" (surviving <24 months) or "late" survivors (⩾24 months). Timing of first recurrence and overall survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and cox proportional hazard methods. Two-sided p-values <0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

In total 101 patients met criteria including 81 late and 20 early survivors. HPV-positive tumor status was associated with longer time to recurrence in late survivors (median 21.8 vs. 13.8 months, p=0.028). Late survivors had later recurrences in HPV-positive (p<0.001) and HPV-negative patients (p=0.0096), as well as in both locoregional (p<0.0001) and distant metastatic recurrence (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, both HPV-positive tumor status (adjusted HR [aHR] 0.48, p=0.006) and survival beyond 24 months (aHR 0.21, p<0.001) were associated with later recurrence. When stratified, HPV tumor status was only associated with later recurrence in late survivors (aHR 0.47, p=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Late survivorship was associated with late recurrence for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. Stratification by survival illustrates how survival bias links late survivorship with late recurrences and contributes to our understanding of the impact of HPV tumor status on the timing of recurrence.

Epigenetic screening of salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma identifies hypomethylation of CLIC3 as a common alteration

OBJECTIVES

The role of promoter methylation in the development of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) has not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated the epigenetic landscape of MEC.

METHODS

The Illumina HumanMethylation27 BeadChip array and differential methylation analysis were utilized to screen for epigenetic alterations in 14 primary MEC tumors and 14 matched normal samples. Bisulfite sequencing was used to validate these results, with subsequent quantitative Methylation-Specific PCR (qMSP) to validate chloride intracellular channel protein 3 (CLIC3) in a separate cohort. Furthermore, CLIC3 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed in another separate cohort of MEC. Finally, clinical and pathological characteristics were statistically analyzed for correlation with methylation status of CLIC3 and CLIC3 IHC H-scores by Wilcoxon rank sum, Kruskall-Wallis, and X(2) test tests.

RESULTS

We obtained 6 significantly differentially methylated gene candidates demonstrating significant promoter hyper- or hypo-methylation from the array data. Using bisulfite sequencing, we found one gene, CLIC3, which showed differential methylation between MEC tumor and normal samples in a small validation cohort. qMSP analysis of the CLIC3 promoter in a separate validation set showed significantly lower methylation level in tumor than in normal. The level of CLIC3 methylation in MECs was not statistically correlated with clinical or pathological characteristics. However, IHC staining intensity and distribution of CLIC3 were significantly increased in MECs, compared with those of normal salivary gland tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypomethylation of CLIC3 promoter and its overexpression are significant events in MEC. Its functional role and potential therapeutic utility in MEC are worthy of further exploration.

The role of sexual behavior in head and neck cancer: implications for prevention and therapy

HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OSCC) is associated with oral sexual behaviors. The sharp rise in incidence of HPV-OSCC in the USA has been attributed to changes in sexual norms over the past five decades, with lower age at sexual debut and higher numbers of sexual partners per individual. In addition, variations in HPV-OSCC prevalence by race, age cohort and gender may be attributable to differences in oral sexual behaviors among these groups. Oral HPV infection is the putative precursor to HPV-OSCC. Risk factors for oral HPV incidence, prevalence, clearance and persistence are crucial to understanding how, and in whom, oral HPV infection progresses to malignancy. Future investigation should focus on elucidating the natural history of oral HPV infection persistence and malignant transformation, developing effective screening tools and exploring opportunities for prevention such as vaccination and public health education.

Contemporary concepts in management of acute otitis media in children

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common disease of childhood. AOM is most appropriately diagnosed by careful otoscopy with an understanding of clinical signs and symptoms. The distinction between AOM and chronic otitis media with effusion should be emphasized. Treatment should include pain management, and initial antibiotic treatment should be given to those most likely to benefit, including young children, children with severe symptoms, and those with otorrhea and/or bilateral AOM. Tympanostomy tube placement may be helpful for those who experience frequent episodes of AOM or fail medical therapy. Recent practice guidelines may assist the clinician with such decisions.

Critique of reductionistic models of obsessive-compulsive disorder: toward a new explanatory paradigm

This paper explores extant research on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for the purpose of critically analyzing the serotonergic model of OCD, including the model's underlying assumptions, research methodologies and implications for drug-based treatment. Based on a review of animal and human research on self-efficacy, it is suggested that compulsive behaviors be viewed as behavioral strategies to increase feelings of self-efficacy. It is suggested that a research paradigm based on the self-efficacy model be used to explore these behaviors in both clinical and non-clinical populations with the aim of investigating causal factors and for purposes of treatment.