Transoral Surgery Alone for Human-Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the oncologic and functional results of treating oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection as monotherapy. A review was performed, including all patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection as the only means of therapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma from March 2007 to July 2009 at a single tertiary care academic medical center. We reviewed all cases with ≥ 24-month follow-up. Functional outcomes included tracheostomy dependence and oral feeding ability. Oncologic outcomes were stratified by human papillomavirus (HPV) status and tobacco use and included local, regional, and distant disease control, as well as disease-specific and recurrence-free survival. Eighteen patients met study criteria. Ten patients (55.6%) were able to eat orally in the immediate postoperative period, and 8 (44.4%) required a temporary nasogastric tube for a mean duration of 13.6 days (range 3 to 24 days) before returning to an oral diet. No patient required placement of a gastrostomy tube, and all patients are tracheostomy-tube–free. Among the HPV-positive nonsmokers (12/18, 66.7%), Kaplan-Meier estimated 3-year local, regional, and distant control rates were 90.9%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimated disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival were 100% and 90.9%, respectively. No complications occurred.

Septic arthritis: a unique complication of nasal septal abscess

Nasal septal abscesses (NSAs) occur between the mucoperichondrium and the nasal septum. They most often arise when an untreated septal hematoma becomes infected. The most commonly reported sequela is a loss of septal cartilage support, which can result in a nasal deformity. Other sequelae include potentially life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, brain abscess, and subarachnoid empyema. We report the case of a 17-year-old boy who developed an NSA after he had been struck in the face with a basketball. He presented to his primary care physician 5 days after the injury and again the next day, but his condition was not correctly diagnosed. Finally, 7 days after his injury, he presented to an emergency department with more serious symptoms, and he was correctly diagnosed with NSA. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, and he remained hospitalized for 6 days. Among the abscess sequelae he experienced was septic arthritis, which has heretofore not been reported as a complication of NSA. He responded well to appropriate treatment, although he lost a considerable amount of septal cartilage. He was discharged home on intravenous antibiotic therapy, and his condition improved. Reconstruction of the nasal septum will likely need to be pursued in the future.

Severe symptomatic hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy in a patient with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery

Patients who undergo a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) procedure are at moderate risk for calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Those who subsequently undergo thyroid or parathyroid surgery are at high risk for developing severe symptomatic hypocalcemia if they are not monitored and adequately treated prophylactically. We describe the case of a morbidly obese 40-year-old man who had undergone RYGB surgery 6 months prior to the discovery of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma. He subsequently underwent total thyroidectomy with central and bilateral neck dissection. Following surgery, he developed severe symptomatic hypocalcemia, as his calcium level fell to a nadir of 6.0 mg/dl. He required aggressive oral and intravenous repletion therapy with calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium for 10 days before hospital discharge. Providers should institute careful preoperative screening, patient counseling, and prophylactic calcium and vitamin D therapy for all thyroid surgery patients who have previously undergone RYGB surgery to prevent the development of severe and life-threatening hypocalcemia. Only a few reports of patients have been published on the dangers of thyroid and parathyroid surgery in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. We report a new case to add to the body of literature on this patient population. We also review calcium homeostasis and supplementation as they relate to this situation.

Lipomatous lesions of the parotid gland: analysis of 70 cases

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To investigate presenting signs and symptoms, preoperative workup, operative therapy, and morbidity of benign and malignant lipomatous lesions of the parotid gland.

STUDY DESIGN

Medical literature review and retrospective chart review for all patients who underwent surgery for lipomatous lesions of the parotid gland at our institution from 1959 to 2009.

METHODS

Seventy patients underwent surgery for such lesions. Histologic sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and reviewed, and clinical information was obtained from hospital medical records for each case.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients (70.0%) were male and 21 (30.0%) female (mean age, 49.9 years). Of the lesions, 43 (63.2%) were intraparotid, 25 (36.8%) periparotid, 69 (98.6%) unilateral, and 1 (1.4%) bilateral (average size, 3.7 cm). Fifty-nine patients were treated with superficial or partial superficial parotidectomy, 10 were treated with total parotidectomy, and one was treated with parapharyngeal space dissection. Complications included six cases (8.6%) of facial paresis or paralysis and two cases of hematoma. No lesions recurred.

CONCLUSIONS

We present the largest series, to our knowledge, of lipomatous lesions of the parotid gland. These masses, although rare, should be considered in the evaluation of a parotid mass. This series provides insight into the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and surgical treatment of parotid lipomatous lesions. Surgical extent depends on lesion location in the gland. Lipomatous masses can be effectively treated surgically with low morbidity and high cure rates.

Transoral surgery alone for human-papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the oncologic and functional results of treating oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection as monotherapy. A review was performed, including all patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection as the only means of therapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma from March 2007 to July 2009 at a single tertiary care academic medical center. We reviewed all cases with ≥24-month follow-up. Functional outcomes included tracheostomy dependence and oral feeding ability. Oncologic outcomes were stratified by human papillomavirus (HPV) status and tobacco use and included local, regional, and distant disease control, as well as disease-specific and recurrence-free survival. Eighteen patients met study criteria. Ten patients (55.6%) were able to eat orally in the immediate postoperative period, and 8 (44.4%) required a temporary nasogastric tube for a mean duration of 13.6 days (range 3 to 24 days) before returning to an oral diet. No patient required placement of a gastrostomy tube, and all patients are tracheostomy-tube-free. Among the HPV-positive nonsmokers (12/18, 66.7%), Kaplan-Meier estimated 3-year local, regional, and distant control rates were 90.9%, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimated disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival were 100% and 90.9%, respectively. No complications occurred.This study suggests that carefully selected patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma can be effectively treated with surgery alone with excellent functional and oncologic outcomes.

Human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: assessing virus presence in normal tissue and activity in cervical metastasis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been established as an etiologic and prognostic factor in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). HPV oncogenesis involves expression of E6/E7 oncoproteins, with downstream p53 degradation and pRb inhibition. Although much research has focused on HPV's oncogenic behavior in primary OPSCC, minimal information exists about HPV in adjacent normal and metastatic tissue.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study

METHODS

Patient-matched tumor, normal, and metastatic tissue was gathered from 42 OPSCC patients and tested with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), in situ hybridization (ISH), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RT-qPCR was performed using total RNA from fresh-frozen tissues and primers for HPV16 E6, E7, and p16 transcripts. HPV ISH was performed to detect the presence of HPV DNA and IHC to detect p16 protein.

RESULTS

Primary tumor, adjacent normal tissue, and tumor metastasis from 17 OPSCC patients were analyzed. When comparing the presence of HPV16 DNA in tumor, metastatic, and normal tissue by ISH, perfect correlation is found at all subsites (P < .0001). However, active infections determined by HPV16 E6 and E7 expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction or p16 detection by IHC, were present only in primary and metastatic tissue (P = .0012, E6; P = .02, E7). No such correlation was found in normal tissue when compared to primary or metastatic tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a clear pattern of active HPV expression that correlates to disease course. In HPV-positive patients, all sites including primary, metastatic, and normal tissues are DNA positive. Transcriptionally active infections were detected in primary and metastatic tissues, whereas normal tissues appear to have latent infections.

Search for chromosome rearrangements: new approaches toward discovery of novel translocations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Chromosome rearrangements that result in gene fusions have important roles in the initial steps of tumorigenesis, especially in leukemias and lymphomas, but the biological and clinical impact of gene fusions in common solid tumors are less understood. The purpose of this study was to discover novel translocations that could result in gene fusions in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs).

METHODS

Translocations were identified using 2 different bioinformatics pipelines, SnowShoes-FTD and FusionHunter, examining data from 11 paired-end RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data in OPSCC. Translocations were validated by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing analysis.

RESULTS

Two novel cancer-specific translocations involving MGST3-ZMAT5 and MS4A7-C2CD3 were found in 2 of the tumor samples tested. However, these translocations were found only in the single tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

We hope that this integrative methodology will elucidate key aspects of tumor biology as well as generate novel targets for cancer diagnoses and therapies.

Transoral robotic surgery for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

We present our experience with the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for treatment of supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied all patients who underwent TORS for supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma, with or without adjuvant therapy, from March 2007 through June 2009, who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Primary functional outcomes included dysphonia, tracheostomy dependence, and gastrostomy tube dependence. Disease control and survival were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Of 9 patients in the study group, 7 (78%) had advanced-stage disease. All 9 patients had negative margins after TORS, with no perioperative complications. Regional recurrence and local recurrence developed in 1 patient each. One patient died of disease. At last follow-up, 7 patients (78%) were tracheostomy free, and 7 (78%) were gastrostomy tube free.

CONCLUSIONS

Transoral robotic surgery is a promising modality for resection of supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. Transoral robotic surgery achieved functional laryngeal preservation in most patients with no complications.

Abstract 3100: Identifying novel chromosomal fusions out of RNAseq data from oropharyngeal cancers

Chromosome rearrangements that result in gene fusions have important roles in the initial steps of tumorigenesis especially in leukemias and lymphomas, but the biological and clinical impact of gene fusions in the common solid tumor has been less appreciated. We previously generated RNAseq data from 12 oropharyngeal tumors along with matched normal tissue from the same patients. We utilized and compared two bioinformatic pipelines, SnowShoes-FTD and FusionHunter to identify two novel fusion events involving of MGST3-ZMAT5 and MS4A7-DKFZp586P0123. These fusions were validated utilizing. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Sanger sequencing validated. In the first translocation the 5′ UTR of MGST3 was fused with exon 1 of ZMAT5, and in the second translocation the exon 2 of MS4A7 was fused with 3′ UTR of DKFZp586P0123. These precise fusions were not present in the matched normal tissue, however, they were only found in the single tumor in which they were identified. Given a growing and powerful set of high-throughput massively parallel sequencing technologies, the future for genome-wide analysis of chromosome rearrangement appears open in many directions. Ultimately, we hope that this integrative methodology will elucidate key aspects of tumor biology as well as generate novel targets for cancer diagnostics and therapy.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3100. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3100

Transcriptional profiling by sequencing of oropharyngeal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To compare full transcriptome expression levels of matched tumor and normal samples from patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma stratified by known tumor etiologic factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Full transcriptome sequencing was analyzed for 10 matched tumor and normal tissue samples from patients with previously untreated oropharyngeal carcinoma. Transcriptomes were analyzed using massively parallel messenger RNA sequencing and validated using the NanoString nCounter system. Global gene expression levels were compared in samples grouped by smoking status and human papillomavirus status. This study was completed between June 10, 2010, and June 30, 2011.

RESULTS

Global gene expression analysis indicated tumor tissue from former smokers grouped more closely to the never smokers than the current smokers. Pathway analysis revealed alterations in the expression of genes involved in the p53 DNA damage-repair pathway, including CHEK2 and ATR, which display patterns of increased expression that is associated with human papillomavirus-negative current smokers rather than former or never smokers.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the application of messenger RNA sequencing technology as an important clinical tool for more accurately stratifying patients based on individual tumor biology with the goal of improving our understanding of tumor prognosis and treatment response, ultimately leading to individualized patient care strategies.

Long-term functional and oncologic results of transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To examine the long-term functional and oncologic results in patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) as primary therapy or as part of combined therapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma arising in the tonsil or base of tongue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed a prospective TORS database of patients with squamous cell carcinoma arising in the tonsil or base of tongue treated between March 2007 and February 2009 to determine oncologic outcomes at 24 months or more of follow-up. The presenting tumor stage, histopathologic factors, surgical margins, and adjuvant treatment extent were evaluated. Functional outcomes included gastrostomy tube dependence and tracheostomy dependence. Oncologic outcomes included local, regional, and distant control and disease-specific and recurrence-free survival.

RESULTS

A total of 66 TORS patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Most (97.0%; 64 of 66) were able to eat orally within 3 weeks after surgery before starting adjuvant therapy. Long-term gastrostomy tube use was required in 3 of the 66 (4.5%) and long-term tracheotomy in 1 (1.5%). Three-year estimated local control and regional control were 97.0% and 94.0%, respectively. Two-year disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival were 95.1% and 92.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

With appropriate adjuvant therapy, TORS achieves excellent functional results for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncologic outcomes are equivalent or superior to results of other surgical and nonsurgical treatments.

Linking expression of FOXM1, CEP55 and HELLS to tumorigenesis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To investigate the relationship between the expression of FOXM1, CEP55, and HELLS in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma to human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking, and tumor stage.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Transcriptome data were analyzed from matched tumor-normal samples taken from patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Data were previously generated using deep-sequencing techniques (mRNA-Seq). Transcript levels of all three genes were validated using the NanoString nCounter system in a larger group of patients. Analyses were conducted to assess possible associations between expression levels and HPV infection status, smoking status, or tumor staging.

RESULTS

FOXM1, CEP55, and HELLS were all overexpressed in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma tissue when compared to normal tissue. Significant trends were found between expression levels of FOXM1, CEP55, and HELLS and tumor staging. Tumors staged 3 or greater showed significantly higher levels of expression compared with those staged 1. No significant association or trend was found between expression of any genes of interest and etiologic subgroupings (i.e., HPV, smoking).

CONCLUSIONS

FOXM1, CEP55, and HELLS were all overexpressed in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Gene expression is related to tumor stage. The significant association between the expression of these genes and advanced tumor stage suggest that they may play a role in tumorigenesis.

Use of the medicinal leech for salvage of venous congested microvascular free flaps of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the utility of leech therapy in venous congested microvascular free flaps in which venous outflow could not be established or surgical revision was unsuccessful.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients at a tertiary referral center from January 2002 to December 2008 who received leech therapy for a venous congested microvascular free flap in which venous outflow could not be established primarily or failed surgical revision.

RESULTS

Six patients were identified. Leech therapy was required for a median of 9 days (4-14 days). The median lowest hemoglobin level per patient was 8.0 g/dL (5.4-9.3 g/dL). All patients (6/6, 100%) required blood transfusions during therapy. The median number of units of packed red blood cells transfused per patient was 13.5 U (4-29 U). All flaps (6/6, 100%) were successfully salvaged with leech therapy. There was one minor complication, observed as 2 episodes of syncope in the same patient, related to anemia. There were no cases of infection transmitted as a result of leech therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Leech therapy can be used to successfully salvage venous congested microvascular free flaps in the absence of primary venous outflow. Leech therapy can be used safely and with little morbidity compared with other reports.

Ultrasonic shears in free-tissue transfer: increased efficiency and cost savings

OBJECTIVE

The harvest of some microvascular free flaps for head and neck reconstruction entails tedious and time-consuming dissection of multiple perforating vessels and/or muscular attachments. The objective of this study is to investigate the use of ultrasonic shears as a means to decrease operative time and increase surgical efficiency in the harvest of microvascular free flaps.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A prospective study of all people undergoing fibula (FFF) or anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects was conducted from October 1, 2005, through December 30, 2009.

RESULTS

There were 69 FFF and 39 ALT free flaps performed by a single surgeon during the study period. Ultrasonic shears were used in 53 (76.8%) FFF and 26 (80.6%) ALT free flaps, whereas traditional dissection techniques were used in 16 (23.2%) FFF and 13 (19.4%) ALT free flaps. The use of ultrasonic shears significantly decreased the harvest time of FFF and ALT free flaps an average of 14.5 and 16.3 minutes, respectively. The average cost savings associated with the use of ultrasonic shears was $492 for FFF and $543 for ALT free flaps compared to traditional dissections techniques. Similar rates of complications were observed when ultrasonic shears were used compared to traditional techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ultrasonic shears in the harvest of microvascular free flaps decreases operative time, leading to significantly decreased costs without an increased risk of complications compared to traditional dissection techniques.

Enzymatic generation of hydrogen peroxide shows promising antifouling effect

The antifouling (AF) potential of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) produced enzymatically in a coating containing starch, glucoamylase, and hexose oxidase was evaluated in a series of laboratory tests and in-sea field trials. Dissolved H(2)O(2) inhibited bacterial biofilm formation by eight of nine marine Proteobacteria, tested in microtiter plates. However, enzymatically produced H(2)O(2) released from a coating did not impede biofilm formation by bacteria in natural seawater tested in a biofilm reactor. A field trial revealed a noticeable effect of the enzyme system: after immersion in the North Sea for 97 days, the reference coating without enzymes had 35-40 barnacles, 10% area coverage by diatoms and 15% area coverage by tunicates. The enzyme containing coating had only 6-12 barnacles, 10% area coverage by diatoms and no tunicates. The enzyme system had a performance similar to a copper-based commercial coating and thus appears to have potential as a non-persistent AF agent.

Enzyme-based antifouling coatings: a review

A systematic overview is presented of the literature that reports the antifouling (AF) protection of underwater structures via the action of enzymes. The overall aim of this review is to assess the state of the art of enzymatic AF technology, and to highlight the obstacles that have to be overcome for successful development of enzymatic AF coatings. The approaches described in the literature are divided into direct and indirect enzymatic AF, depending on the intended action of the enzymes. Direct antifouling is used when the enzymes themselves are active antifoulants. Indirect antifouling refers to the use of enzymes to release an active biocide with AF activity. For direct AF, several patents have been granted, and a commercial product has been launched. However, the achievement of an efficient broad-spectrum AF coating based on a single or a few enzymes has not yet been achieved. An indirect AF coating is not yet available commercially. The technology is mainly limited by the instability of substrate supply, whether the substrates are found in the surrounding seawater or in the coating itself. Legislative issues regarding which part(s) of an enzyme system should be regarded as biocidal for product registration purposes are also considered. The above question currently remains unanswered for technologies utilising indirect enzymatic AF.

Epidemic aluminum intoxication in hemodialysis patients traced to use of an aluminum pump

This study was designed to identify the source, risk factors, and clinical consequences of an outbreak of aluminum intoxication in hemodialysis patients using case-control and cohort studies. In 1991, a dialysis center in Pennsylvania [Dialysis Center A (DCA)] identified a number of patients with elevated serum aluminum levels. All patients receiving dialysis at DCA during January 1, 1987 to March 26, 1992 were involved in the study. A case-patient was defined as any patient with a serum aluminum level > or = 100 micrograms/liter after > or = 5 dialysis sessions at DCA. Fifty-nine case-patients were identified. Risk factors for elevated serum aluminum levels were receipt of bicarbonate- (rather than acetate-) based dialysate, higher number of sessions using bicarbonate dialysis, receipt of acid concentrate (used in bicarbonate dialysis) passed through one of two electric pumps, and a greater number of sessions using this concentrate. The electric pumps had an aluminum casing, casing cover, and impeller. Elevated levels of aluminum were found in acid concentrate after passing through a pump. Seizures and mental status changes requiring hospitalization were associated with aluminum exposure. We found that epidemic aluminum intoxication was caused by the use of an electric pump with aluminum housing to deliver acid concentrate used in bicarbonate dialysis. This outbreak demonstrates why it is essential to insure that all fluid pathways, storage tanks, central delivery systems, and pumps are compatible with low pH fluids before converting from acetate to bicarbonate dialysis.

Is triple contrast computed tomographic scanning useful in the selective management of stab wounds to the back?

We devised a protocol to prospectively manage stab wounds to the back with the hypothesis that the triple contrast computed tomographic (CT) scan is an effective means of detecting occult injury in these patients. All wounds to the back in hemodynamically stable adults were locally explored. All patients with muscular fascial penetration underwent triple contrast CT scanning utilizing oral, rectal, and IV contrast. Patients did not undergo surgical exploration if their CT scan was interpreted as negative or if the CT scan demonstrated injuries not requiring surgical intervention. Fifty-three patients were entered into the protocol. The time to complete the triple contrast CT scan ranged from 3 to 6 hours at a cost of $1050 for each scan. In 51 patients (96%), the CT scan either had negative findings (n = 31) or showed injuries not requiring exploration (n = 20). These patients did well with nonsurgical management. Two CT scans documented significant injury and led to surgical exploration and therapeutic celiotomies. Although triple contrast CT scanning was able to detect occult injury in patients with stab wounds to the back it did so at considerable cost and the results rarely altered clinical care. Therefore, its routine use in these patients is not recommended.

The challenge of prospective pricing: work smarter

Nursing administrators are faced with the challenge of containing costs under Medicare's prospectively set reimbursement limits. The author suggests that nurses "work smarter" by utilizing the unique aspects of prospective pricing in a program that will maintain professionalism while improving "bottom line" outcomes. A pro-active strategy for administrators within nursing departments, on a hospital-wide basis, and in the entire health care delivery system is described. The author shows how determining nursing costs and revenues by diagnosis can be a way to validate both the cost-effectiveness of an RN staff and a high professional standard of practice. She outlines four elements of a trustworthy, effective change process.