Human papillomavirus circulating tumor DNA: a diagnostic tool in squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary-a pilot study

Introduction

Neck mass is the most common presentation of human papillomavirus-related (HPV-related) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Recently, circulating tumor HPV-DNA (ctHPVDNA) assays have been developed to detect active OPSCC. This pilot study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of ctHPVDNA in establishing HPV status for known vs. unknown OPSCC presenting as a neck mass.

Methods

A single-institution pilot study was conducted on all patients with OPSCC presenting as a neck mass between 2021 and 2022. The diagnostic accuracy of ctHPVDNA was compared to that of standard diagnostic procedures used to obtain HPV status according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline for squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (SCCUP). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ctHPVDNA were calculated.

Results

A total of 27 patients were included; 70.4% were current or former smokers, 48.1% (N = 13) had identifiable primaries, and 51.9% (N = 14) had SCCUP. Four patients with known primaries required operative direct laryngoscopy with biopsy (DLB) to establish HPV status. Two patients with SCCUP underwent diagnostic transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to establish HPV status and localize the primary. Twelve patients underwent therapeutic TORS and neck dissection. The gold standard for HPV status was based on final histopathologic p16 or HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) staining during workup/treatment. ctHPVDNA had 95.8% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, and 75% NPV in predicting HPV-positive OPSCC in the whole sample. Binary logistic regression model using ctHPVDNA results to predict HPV-positive OPSCC was significant (-2 log likelihood = 5.55, χ2 = 8.70, p <.01, Nagelkerke's R squared = .67). Among patients with identifiable primaries, all patients had HPV-positive tumors on final pathology, and ctHPVDNA was positive in 100%. In the unknown primary patients, ctHPVDNA had 90.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, and 75% NPV.

Discussion

ctHPVDNA demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for both known and unknown primaries. Incorporation of ctHPVDNA into the diagnostic algorithm for SCCUP may reduce the need for multiple procedures to establish HPV status.

Lung Cancer Survival Trends in the Veterans Health Administration

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer survival is improving in the United States. We investigated whether there was a similar trend within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry were analyzed for temporal survival trends using Kaplan-Meier estimates and linear regression.

RESULTS

A total number of 54,922 Veterans were identified with lung cancer diagnosed from 2010 to 2017. Histologies were classified as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (64.2%), small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (12.9%), and 'other' (22.9%). The proportion with stage I increased from 18.1% to 30.4%, while stage IV decreased from 38.9% to 34.6% (both P < .001). The 3-year overall survival (OS) improved for stage I (58.6% to 68.4%, P < .001), stage II (35.5% to 48.4%, P < .001), stage III (18.7% to 29.4%, P < .001), and stage IV (3.4% to 7.8%, P < .001). For NSCLC, the median OS increased from 12 to 21 months (P < .001), and the 3-year OS increased from 24.1% to 38.3% (P < .001). For SCLC, the median OS remained unchanged (8 to 9 months, P = .10), while the 3-year OS increased from 9.1% to 12.3% (P = .014). Compared to White Veterans, Black Veterans with NSCLC had similar OS (P = .81), and those with SCLC had higher OS (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Lung cancer survival is improving within the VHA. Compared to White Veterans, Black Veterans had similar or higher survival rates. The observed racial equity in outcomes within a geographically and socioeconomically diverse population warrants further investigation to better understand and replicate this achievement in other healthcare systems.

The Case for Allowing Proton Beam Therapy on Head and Neck Cooperative Group Studies

This Viewpoint present the case for revisiting the proscription of proton beam therapy in trials of patients with de novo, nonmetastatic head and neck cancer.

Surrogate endpoints in clinical trials of p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: an individual patient data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The increased incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers has motivated efforts to optimise treatment for these patients with excellent prognosis. Validation of surrogates for overall survival could expedite the investigation of new therapies. We sought to evaluate candidate intermediate clinical endpoints in trials assessing definitive treatment of p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer with chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

METHODS

We did a retrospective review of five multicentre, randomised trials (NRG/RTOG 9003, 0129, 0234, 0522, and 1016) that tested radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy in patients (aged ≥18 years) with p16-positive localised head or neck squamous-cell carcinomas. Eight intermediate clinical endpoints were considered as potential surrogates for overall survival: freedom from local progression, freedom from regional progression, freedom from distant metastasis, freedom from locoregional progression, freedom from any progression, locoregional progression-free survival, progression-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival. We used a two-stage meta-analytical framework, which requires high correlation between the intermediate clinical endpoint and overall survival at the patient level (condition 1), and high correlation between the treatment effect on the intermediate clinical endpoint and the treatment effect on overall survival (condition 2). For both, an r2 greater than 0·7 was used as criteria for clinically relevant surrogacy.

FINDINGS

We analysed 1373 patients with oropharyngeal cancer from May 9, 2020, to Nov 22, 2023. 1231 (90%) of patients were men, 142 (10%) were women, and 1207 (88%) were White, with a median age of 57 years (IQR 51-62). Median follow-up was 4·2 years (3·1-5·1). For the first condition, correlating the intermediate clinical endpoints with overall survival at the individual and trial level, the three composite endpoints of locoregional progression-free survival (Kendall's τ 0·91 and r2 0·72), distant metastasis-free survival (Kendall's τ 0·93 and r2 0·83), and progression-free survival (Kendall's τ 0·88 and r2 0·70) were highly correlated with overall survival at the patient level and at the trial-group level. For the second condition, correlating treatment effects of the intermediate clinical endpoints and overall survival, the composite endpoints of locoregional progression-free survival (r2 0·88), distant metastasis-free survival (r2 0·96), and progression-free survival (r2 0·92) remained strong surrogates. Treatment effects on the remaining intermediate clinical endpoints were less strongly correlated with overall survival.

INTERPRETATION

We identified locoregional progression-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and progression-free survival as surrogates for overall survival in p16-positive oropharyngeal cancers treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which could serve as clinical trial endpoints.

FUNDING

NRG Oncology Operations, NRG Oncology SDMC, the National Cancer Institute, Eli Lilly, Aventis, and the University of Michigan.

Critical review of the current and future prospects of VEGF-TKIs in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck

As the prognosis for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck remains unsatisfactory when compared to other malignancies, novel therapies targeting specific biomarkers are a critical emerging area of great promise. One particular class of drugs that has been developed to impede tumor angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. As current data is primarily limited to preclinical and phase I/II trials, this review summarizes the current and future prospects of these agents in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In particular, the combination of these agents with immunotherapy is an exciting area that may be a promising option for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease, evidenced in recent trials such as the combination immune checkpoint inhibitors with lenvatinib and cabozantinib. In addition, the use of such combination therapy preoperatively in locally advanced disease is another area of interest.

Safety and efficacy of durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation in Black patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The PACIFIC trial established consolidative durvalumab after concurrent chemoradiation as standard-of-care in patients with stage III or unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Black patients, however, comprised just 2% (n = 14) of randomized patients in this trial, warranting real-world evaluation of the PACIFIC regimen in these patients.

METHODS

This single-institution, multi-site study included 105 patients with unresectable stage II/III NSCLC treated with concurrent chemoradiation followed by durvalumab between 2017 and 2021. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and grade ≥3 pneumonitis-free survival (PNFS) were compared between Black and non-Black patients using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients with a median follow-up of 22.8 months (interquartile range, 11.3-37.3 months) were identified for analysis, including 57 Black (54.3%) and 48 (45.7%) non-Black patients. The mean radiation prescription dose was higher among Black patients (61.5 ± 2.9 Gy vs. 60.5 ± 1.9 Gy; p = .031), but other treatment characteristics were balanced between groups. The median OS (not-reached vs. 39.7 months; p = .379) and PFS (31.6 months vs. 19.3 months; p = .332) were not statistically different between groups. Eight (14.0%) Black patients discontinued durvalumab due to toxicity compared to 13 (27.1%) non-Black patients (p = .096). The grade ≥3 pneumonitis rate was similar between Black and non-Black patients (12.3% vs. 12.5%; p = .973), and there was no significant difference in time to grade ≥3 PNFS (p = .904). Three (5.3%) Black patients and one (2.1%) non-Black patient developed grade 5 pneumonitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and tolerability of consolidative durvalumab after chemoradiation appears to be comparable between Black and non-Black patients.

Radiotherapy Plus Cisplatin With or Without Lapatinib for Non-Human Papillomavirus Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Patients with locally advanced non-human papillomavirus (HPV) head and neck cancer (HNC) carry an unfavorable prognosis. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with cisplatin or anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody improves overall survival (OS) of patients with stage III to IV HNC, and preclinical data suggest that a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor dual EGFR and ERBB2 (formerly HER2 or HER2/neu) inhibitor may be more effective than anti-EGFR antibody therapy in HNC.

Objective

To examine whether adding lapatinib, a dual EGFR and HER2 inhibitor, to radiation plus cisplatin for frontline therapy of stage III to IV non-HPV HNC improves progression-free survival (PFS).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial enrolled 142 patients with stage III to IV carcinoma of the oropharynx (p16 negative), larynx, and hypopharynx with a Zubrod performance status of 0 to 1 who met predefined blood chemistry criteria from October 18, 2012, to April 18, 2017 (median follow-up, 4.1 years). Data analysis was performed from December 1, 2020, to December 4, 2020.

Intervention

Patients were randomized (1:1) to 70 Gy (6 weeks) plus 2 cycles of cisplatin (every 3 weeks) plus either 1500 mg per day of lapatinib (CRT plus lapatinib) or placebo (CRT plus placebo).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was PFS, with 69 events required. Progression-free survival rates between arms for all randomized patients were compared by 1-sided log-rank test. Secondary end points included OS.

Results

Of the 142 patients enrolled, 127 (median [IQR] age, 58 [53-63] years; 98 [77.2%] male) were randomized; 63 to CRT plus lapatinib and 64 to CRT plus placebo. Final analysis did not suggest improvement in PFS (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.56-1.46; P = .34) or OS (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.61-1.86; P = .58) with the addition of lapatinib. There were no significant differences in grade 3 to 4 acute adverse event rates (83.3% [95% CI, 73.9%-92.8%] with CRT plus lapatinib vs 79.7% [95% CI, 69.4%-89.9%] with CRT plus placebo; P = .64) or late adverse event rates (44.4% [95% CI, 30.2%-57.8%] with CRT plus lapatinib vs 40.8% [95% CI, 27.1%-54.6%] with CRT plus placebo; P = .84).

Conclusion and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, dual EGFR-ERBB2 inhibition with lapatinib did not appear to enhance the benefit of CRT. Although the results of this trial indicate that accrual to a non-HPV HNC-specific trial is feasible, new strategies must be investigated to improve the outcome for this population with a poor prognosis.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01711658.

Photon vs. Proton Radiotherapy in the Definitive Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Single Institution Experience

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Definitive therapy for nasopharyngeal cancer includes chemotherapy and radiation (RT). Common toxicities such as xerostomia, mucositis, and hearing loss are correlated with the RT dose delivered to associated organs at risk. We hypothesized that compared to our historical experience with IMRT, the implementation of proton therapy (PT) would reduce radiation dose to organs at risks without compromising oncologic outcomes.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A retrospective review of all non-metastatic stage II-IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma (SCC, lymphoepithelioma, undifferentiated carcinomas) treated with definitive therapy at our institution from 2012-2022. Disease parameters and the mean dose to organs at risk were evaluated. Statistical comparison was made with the chi square test for categorical and Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), using a log-rank test to compare IMRT and PT. PFS was defined as the time from the start of treatment to the first of either disease progression, relapse or death from any cause. PT was delivered with pencil-beam scanning in all patients. IMRT included multi-field treatment and volumetric-modulated arc therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients were included in analyses: 48 treated with IMRT and 32 with PT. Comparing IMRT to PT cohorts, there was no difference in the median age of patients (51 vs 55 years, p = 0.73), nor the distribution by T stage (p = 0.57) or N stage (p = 0.34) or in the percentage of patients with ECOG 2/3 performance status at presentation (p = 0.11). All but one patient received concurrent systemic therapy and there was no difference in the use of concurrent cisplatin between cohorts (83% vs 78%, p = 0.57). The most common non-cisplatin concurrent regimen was weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel. Induction chemotherapy was more commonly used in patients treated with PT (10.4% vs 25%, p = 0.04) while there was no difference in the use of adjuvant chemotherapy (10.4% vs 9.4%, p = 0.88). Among 42 cases initiating treatment since the opening of our proton center, 32 (76%) have received PT. Comparing IMRT and PT dosimetry, patients treated with PT received significantly lower mean dose to the better spared parotid gland (32.8 vs 25.7 Gy, p = 0.001), lesser spared parotid gland (35.5 vs 31.1 Gy, p = 0.047), better spared cochlea (31.5 vs 25.5 Gy, p = 0.004), lesser spared cochlea (41.8 vs 33.2 Gy, p = 0.004), larynx (44.5 vs 21.7 Gy, p<0.001), and oral cavity (42.6 vs 17.0 Gy, p<0.001). After a median follow-up time of 30 months (45 mos IMRT, 23 mos PT) the estimated 2-year PFS was 63.9% with IMRT and 90.3% with PT (p = 0.047). The estimate of 2-year overall survival was 86.8% with IMRT and 96.8% with PT (p = 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Comparing patients by radiation treatment modality, PT was associated with a statistically significant reduction in mean radiation dose to the parotid glands, cochlea, larynx, and oral cavity with excellent initial oncologic outcomes.

Treatment of Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma with Proton Beam Therapy: Outcomes from the Proton Collaborative Group Prospective Registry

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Given the generally long natural history of thymic malignancies, proton beam therapy (PBT) is advocated to minimize the risk of long-term toxicities to mediastinal organs. Adverse events (AE) and long-term clinical outcomes for this population have not been well-characterized.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The Proton Collaborative Group registry (NCT01255748), a multi-institutional prospective database of academic and community proton centers in the US, was queried for patients with thymomas and thymic carcinomas treated with PBT. Patients with recurrent/metastatic disease, non-thymic histology, received either prior or palliative radiotherapy (dose < 40 Gy RBE) were excluded. Overall survival (OS) and local control (LC) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods.

RESULTS

A total of 97 patients were identified in the PCG registry. After applying relevant exclusion criteria, 70 patients from 12 proton centers treated from 2011-2021 were included for analysis. Median follow-up length was 16 months. Median age was 58.5 years (IQR 46-63), and 60% were female. 81.4% had a diagnosis of thymoma, and 18.6% thymic carcinoma. 59 patients underwent surgical resection. 11 were treated with definitive PBT, of which 5 received concurrent chemotherapy. Median dose was 54 Gy RBE (range 41.4 - 70 Gy RBE), median number of fractions was 30 (range 21 - 38). 73.4% received pencil beam scanning and 23% uniform scanning PBT. Treatment was overall well-tolerated: a single patient developed grade 4 pneumonitis. Grade 3 AEs were seen in 3 patients - dyspnea, anorexia, and heart failure. Highest grade toxicity experienced was grade 2 for 47.1% and grade 1 for 42.9% of patients. 3-year overall survival (OS) was 82.6% for the entire cohort. 3-year OS was 94% for resected/adjuvant cohort and 35.6% in the non-surgical/definitive cohort. 3-year local control (LC) was 91.7% for the entire cohort. By surgery/margin status, 3-year LC was 96.8% in patients with close or negative margins (a single failure in a patient with close margins), whereas 3-year LC was 55.1% for patients with positive margins/unresectable disease.

CONCLUSION

Thymic malignancies treated with PBT appear to have favorable outcomes, especially in the adjuvant setting, in this cohort representing the largest series of such patients.

Insurance Authorization and Access to Proton Therapy for Patients With Head and Neck Cancers

PURPOSE

We evaluated our institutional experience to assess potential racial inequities in insurance coverage for proton therapy in patients with head and neck (HN) cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We examined the demographics of 1519 patients with HN cancer seen in consultation at our HN multidisciplinary clinic (HN MDC) and 805 patients for whom a proton insurance authorization was sought (PAS) from January 2020 to June 2022. The prospects for proton therapy insurance authorization were prospectively noted based on each patient's ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) diagnosis code and their specific insurance plan. Proton-unfavorable (PU) insurance were those plans whose policy describes proton beam therapy as "experimental" or "not medically necessary" for the given diagnosis.

RESULTS

For patients seen in our HN MDC, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) were significantly more likely to have PU insurance than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients (24.9% vs 18.4%, P = .005). In multivariable analysis including race, average income of residence ZIP code, and Medicare eligibility age, BIPOC patients had an odds ratio of 1.25 for PU insurance (P = .041). In the PAS cohort, while there was no difference in the percentage of patients receiving insurance approval for proton therapy between NHW and BIPOC populations (88% vs 88.2%, P = .80), for patients with PU insurance, the median time to determination was significantly longer (median, 15.5 days), and the median time to start any radiation of any modality was longer (46 vs 35 days, P = .08). Compared with NHW patients, the median time from consultation to start of radiation therapy was longer for BIPOC patients (37 vs 43 days, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

BIPOC patients were significantly more likely to have insurance plans unfavorable to proton therapy coverage. These PU insurance plans were associated with a longer median time to determination, a lower approval rate for proton therapy, and a longer time to start radiation of any modality.

The expanding role of IAP antagonists for the treatment of head and neck cancer

Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) inhibit the intrinsic and extrinsic cell death pathways, promoting cell survival. Antagonists of these pathways are under study as anti-cancer therapeutics. A high proportion of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) have genomic alterations in IAP pathways, resulting in the dysregulation of cell death pathways and rendering them susceptible to IAP antagonist therapy. Preclinical studies suggest IAP antagonists, also known as second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases mimetics, may be effective treatments for HNSCC, especially when combined with radiation. Mechanistic studies have shown both molecular mechanisms (i.e., enhanced cell death) and immune mechanisms (e.g., immunogenic cell death and T-cell activation), underlying the efficacy of these drugs in preclinical models. Phase I/II clinical trials have shown promising results, portending a future where this class of targeted therapies becomes incorporated into the treatment paradigm for head and neck cancers. IAP antagonists have shown great promise for head and neck cancer, especially in combination with radiation therapy. Here, we review recent preclinical and clinical studies on the use of these novel targeted agents for head and neck cancer.

Outcomes Stratification of Head and Neck Cancer Using Pre- and Post-treatment DNA Methylation From Peripheral Blood

PURPOSE

Established prognostic factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) mostly consist of clinical and tumor features assessed before treatment. We report a novel application of DNA methylation in peripheral blood before and after radiation therapy to further improve outcomes stratification.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Peripheral blood samples from patients with nonmetastatic HNSCC were obtained for methylation analysis 1 week before and 1 month after radiation therapy. Patients were randomized 1:1 to a Discovery Cohort or a Validation Cohort. In the Discovery Cohort, associations between genome-wide methylation change (posttreatment minus pretreatment) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) as well as overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Cox regression. A methylation risk score (MRS) was then constructed from methylation levels at the top associated sites, filtered for residing within the regulatory regions of genes expressed in cells of hematopoietic lineage. The prognostic value of MRS was separately assessed in the Discovery and Validation Cohorts.

RESULTS

Between December 2013 and September 2018, 115 patients participated in this study. Human papilloma virus negative status, oral cavity cancer, gastrostomy tube insertion, and higher neutrophil count before radiation therapy were associated with shorter RFS and OS (P < .05). Genes downstream of the methylation sites comprising MRS are HIF1A, SF1, LGALS9, and FUT5, involved in hypoxia response, blood cell maturation, and immune modulation. High MRS (in the top third) was significantly associated with worse RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 7.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-35.5; P = .016) and OS (HR, 15.9; 95% CI, 1.6-153.6; P = .017) in the Discovery Cohort, independent of the aforementioned risk factors. These findings were replicated in the Validation Cohort, for which high MRS also independently predicted worse RFS (HR, 10.2; 95%, CI 2.4-43.4; P = .002) and OS (HR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3-10.4; P = .015).

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully trained and validated a signature of DNA methylation in peripheral blood before and after radiation therapy that stratified outcomes among patients with HNSCC, implicating the potential for genomics-tailored surveillance and consolidation treatment.

Treatment outcomes and cost comparisons for older adults with T4 laryngeal squamous cell cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate treatment modalities of T4 larynx cancer in older adults using SEER-Medicare.

METHODS

The database was queried for patients aged 66 and older with nonmetastatic T4 laryngeal squamous cell cancer from 2006 to 2015. Treatment modalities compared were surgery plus chemoradiation (SCR), surgery plus radiation (SR), chemoradiation (CR), surgery (S), and radiation (R). Multivariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to explore the relationship of treatment modality and survival. Total cancer-related costs were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 438 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients receiving CR or SR had similar CSS to SCR (HR 1.36 and HR 1.24, respectively). Those receiving S (HR 2.00) or R (HR 2.41) had significantly worse CSS. Similar findings were observed for OS. Cancer care-related costs were not significantly different but highest in SCR ($162215) and lowest in R ($121421).

CONCLUSION

Older patients with T4 larynx cancer had similar survival rates when treated with CR, SR, and SCR. Average total health care costs were not significantly different between modalities. Patients not eligible for triple-modality could consider these other treatment options.

Ninety-day mortality following transoral robotic surgery or radiation at Commission on Cancer-accredited facilities

BACKGROUND

Postoperative mortality for oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) varies from 0.2% to 6.5% on trials; the real-world rate is unknown.

METHODS

NCDB study from 2010 to 2017 for patients with cT1-2N0-2M0 OPSCC with Charleson-Deyo score 0-1. Ninety-day mortality assessed from start and end of treatment at Commission on Cancer-accredited facilities.

RESULTS

3639 patients were treated with TORS and 1937 with radiotherapy. TORS cohort had more women and higher income, was younger, more often treated at academic centers, and more likely to have private insurance (all p < 0.05). Ninety-day mortality was 1.3% with TORS and 0.7% or 1.4% from start or end of radiotherapy, respectively. From end of therapy, there was no significant difference on MVA between treatment modality.

CONCLUSIONS

There is minimal difference between 90-day mortality in patients treated with TORS or radiotherapy for early-stage OPSCC. While overall rates are low, for patients with expectation of cure, work is needed to identify optimal treatment.

Late Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscess in Patients with a History of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

OBJECTIVE

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a common procedure performed by spine surgeons with rare complications and high treatment success. Late presentation of retropharyngeal abscess in patients with a history of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is rare but can have devastating consequences. There is a paucity of data to guide medical and surgical management of retropharyngeal abscess in these patients.

METHODS

We discuss 7 patients who presented to our institution with a late retropharyngeal abscess after having a history of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. A review and description of the current literature regarding treatment and outcomes is described.

RESULTS

Seven patients presented to our institution with a retropharyngeal abscess ranging from 10 months to 7 years after undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. All patients received at least a 6-week course of appropriate intravenous antibiotics. Only one patient had their initial ACDF instrumentation removed at the time of presentation for the abscess. Four out of the 7 patients were treated with irrigation and debridement in addition to intravenous antibiotics, whereas 3 patients were treated with no surgery and intravenous antibiotics alone. All patients were asymptomatic at final follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Late retropharyngeal abscess after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a rare complication. Surgical management should be considered along with long term antibiotics. Removal of implants may not be necessary for infection resolution. Antibiotic treatment alone may be indicated for patients who are not septic, do not have airway compromise, or and can be considered for poor surgical candidates.

Preoperative low-molecular weight heparin chemoprophylaxis in head and neck free flap reconstruction

BACKGROUND

The safety of presurgical thromboprophylaxis using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has not been well described in head and neck oncologic surgery with free tissue transfer (HNS-FTT).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of HNS-FTT patients receiving versus not receiving presurgical subcutaneous enoxaparin (Px-LMWH) was performed. Outcomes included estimated blood loss (EBL), hematoma, flap compromise, DVT or pulmonary embolus (PE). Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test were performed to compare groups. Odds ratios and associated 95 % confidence intervals were provided as appropriate.

RESULTS

43 of 128 patients (34 %) received Px-LMWH. There was no significant difference in EBL, hematoma, or flap complications between groups. Patients without Px-LMWH had higher rates of DVT and PE, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 1.00, 0.095, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Presurgical Px-LMWH can be used in major head and neck reconstructive surgery without increased intraoperative blood loss or postoperative complications. Larger studies will need to be done to determine the impact of Px-LMWH on DVT and PE in this patient population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Definitive intensity modulated proton re-irradiation for lung cancer in the immunotherapy era

Introduction

As immunotherapy has improved distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), isolated locoregional recurrences have increased. However, management of locoregional recurrences can be challenging. We report our institutional experience with definitive intent re-irradiation using Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT).

Method

Retrospective cohort study of recurrent or second primary NSCLC or LS-SCLC treated with IMPT. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used for time-to-event analyses.

Results

22 patients were treated from 2019 to 2021. After first course of radiation (median 60 Gy, range 45-70 Gy), 45% received adjuvant immunotherapy. IMPT re-irradiation began a median of 28.2 months (8.8-172.9 months) after initial radiotherapy. The median IMPT dose was 60 GyE (44-60 GyE). 36% received concurrent chemotherapy with IMPT and 18% received immunotherapy after IMPT. The median patient's IMPT lung mean dose was 5.3 GyE (0.9-13.9 GyE) and 5 patients had cumulative esophagus max dose >100 GyE with 1-year overall survival (OS) 68%, 1-year local control 80%, 1-year progression free survival 45%, and 1-year DMFS 60%. Higher IMPT (HR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.7, p=0.01) and initial radiotherapy mean lung doses (HR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0-1.6, p=0.04) were associated with worse OS. Two patients developed Grade 3 pneumonitis or dermatitis, one patient developed Grade 2 pneumonitis, and seven patients developed Grade 1 toxicity. There were no Grade 4 or 5 toxicities.

Discussion

Definitive IMPT re-irradiation for lung cancer can prolong disease control with limited toxicity, particularly in the immunotherapy era.

Sins of omission: A meta-research study evaluating the omission of operability in published retrospective comparisons of surgery with stereotactic body radiotherapy in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Patients receiving stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are typically inoperable, in concordance with guidelines that advocate surgical resection as preferred treatment for operable patients. This differential treatment allocation complicates retrospective comparisons of surgery with SBRT by introducing the potential for confounding by operability.

METHODS

PubMed was queried for manuscripts reporting primary data from retrospective comparisons of overall survival (OS) between patients undergoing surgery versus SBRT for early-stage NSCLC. Each manuscript was categorized for two outcomes: (1) whether treatment allocation was based on a determination of patient operability, and (2) whether a direct OS comparison between operable SBRT patients and surgically treated patients was included. Associations with variables of interest were measured with statistical significance prespecified at p < 0.10.

RESULTS

From 3,072 manuscripts identified in our query, sixty-one analyses met screening criteria. Twenty-one (34 %) reported operability status influencing treatment allocation. These were more likely to be published in journals with a surgical focus (52 vs 20 %) and impact factor < 5 (81 vs 58 %), and to contain cohorts from institutional datasets (81 vs 55 %), and to have a radiation oncologist as first (43 vs 25 %) or senior (43 vs 28 %) author. Seven (11 %) manuscripts featured a direct OS comparison between SBRT and surgery.

CONCLUSION

Nearly-two-thirds of peer-reviewed retrospective studies that have compared OS between surgery and SBRT for early-stage NSCLC lack information on patient operability status, and nearly 90% lack a direct comparison between operable SBRT patients and those receiving surgery.

Evaluating the plan quality of a general head-and-neck knowledge-based planning model versus separate unilateral/bilateral models

The implementation of knowledge-based planning (KBP) continues to grow in radiotherapy clinics. KBP guides radiation treatment design by generating clinically acceptable plans in a timely and resource-efficient manner. The role of multiple KBP models tailored for variations within a disease site remains undefined in part because of the substantial effort and number of training cases required to create a high-quality KBP model. In this study, our aim was to explore whether site-specific KBP models lead to clinically meaningful differences in plan quality for head-and-neck (HN) patients when compared to a general model. One KBP model was created from prior volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) cases that treated unilateral HN lymph nodes while another model was created from VMAT cases that treated bilateral HN nodes. Thirty cases from each model (60 cases total) were randomly selected to create a third, general model. These models were applied to 60 HN test cases - 30 unilateral and 30 bilateral - to generate 180 VMAT plans in Eclipse. Clinically relevant dose metrics were compared between models. Paired-sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis, with the threshold for statistical significance set a priori at 0.007, taking into consideration multiple hypothesis testing to avoid type I error. For unilateral test cases, the unilateral model-generated plans had significantly lower spinal cord maximum doses (12.1 Gy vs 19.3 Gy, p < 0.001) and oral cavity mean doses (20.8 Gy vs 23.0 Gy, p < 0.001), compared with the bilateral model-generated plans. The unilateral and general models generated comparable plans for unilateral HN test cases. For bilateral test cases, the bilateral model created plans had significantly lower brainstem maximum doses (10.8 Gy vs 12.2 Gy, p < 0.001) and parotid mean doses (24.0 Gy vs 25.5 Gy, p < 0.001) when compared to the unilateral model. Right parotid mean doses were lower for bilateral model plans compared to general model plans (23.8 Gy vs 24.4 Gy). The general model created plans with significantly lower brainstem maximum doses (10.3 Gy vs 10.8 Gy) and oral cavity mean doses (35.3 Gy vs 36.7 Gy) when compared with bilateral model-generated plans. The general model outperformed the bilateral model in several dose metrics but they were not deemed clinically significant. For both case sets, the unilateral and general model created plans had higher monitor units when compared to the bilateral model, likely due to more stringent constraint settings. All other dose metrics were comparable. This study demonstrates that a balanced general HN model created using carefully curated treatment plans can produce high quality plans comparable to dedicated unilateral and bilateral models.

The impact of operability status on outcomes in patients with T4 larynx cancer undergoing larynx preservation

BACKGROUND

Large analyses of T4 larynx cancer (LC) have raised concerns that larynx preservation (LP) contributes to reduced survival compared with laryngectomy (LGX). The role of operability has not been previously considered as a confounder.

METHODS

We queried the National Cancer Database for T4M0 LC diagnosed 2004-2015. Patients were categorized as undergoing LGX, chemoradiotherapy but operable (LP-operable), and chemoradiotherapy inoperable (LP-inoperable). Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier. Cox multivariate analysis (MVA) identified variables associated with OS.

RESULTS

We identified 1405 LGX, 164 LP-operable and 1969 LP-inoperable patients. Compared with LGX, MVA demonstrated worse OS among LP-inoperable (HR 1.28 95%CI 1.17-1.40, p < 0.01) but not LP-operable patients (HR 1.12 95%CI 0.91-1.39, p = 0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

LP-operable patients did not have significantly worse OS than those undergoing LGX.

Impact of Radiation Dose to the Immune Cells in Unresectable or Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Durvalumab Era

BACKGROUND /PURPOSE

Higher estimated radiation doses to immune cells (EDIC) have correlated with worse overall survival (OS) in patients with locally-advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) prior to the PACIFIC trial, which established consolidative durvalumab as standard-of-care. Here, we examine the prognostic impact of EDIC in the durvalumab era.

MATERIALS/METHODS

This single-institution, multi-center study included patients with unresectable stage II/III NSCLC treated with chemoradiation followed by durvalumab. Associations between EDIC [analyzed continuously and categorically (≤6 Gy vs. >6 Gy)] and OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and locoregional control (LRC) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional methods.

RESULTS

100 patients were included with median follow-up of 23.7 months. The EDIC >6 Gy group had a significantly greater percentage of stage IIIB/IIIC disease (76.0% vs. 32.6%; p<0.001) and larger tumor volumes (170cc vs. 42cc; p<0.001). There were no differences in early durvalumab discontinuation from toxicity (24.1% vs. 15.2%; p=0.27). Median OS was shorter among the EDIC >6 Gy group (29.6 months vs. not reached; p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, EDIC >6 Gy correlated with worse OS (HR: 4.15, 95%CI: 1.52-11.33; p=0.006), PFS (HR: 3.79; 95%CI: 1.80-8.0; p<0.001), and LRC (HR: 2.66, 95%CI: 1.15-6.18; p=0.023). Analyzed as a continuous variable, higher EDIC was associated with worse OS (HR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.16-1.57; p<0.001), PFS (HR: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.29-1.79; p<0.001), and LRC (HR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.13-1.60; p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

In the immunotherapy era, EDIC is an independent predictor of OS and disease control in locally advanced NSCLC, warranting investigation into techniques to reduce dose to the immune compartment.

A phase II trial of pembrolizumab and cabozantinib in patients (pts) with recurrent metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC)

6008

Background: Pembrolizumab (pembro) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) approved for treating pts with recurrent/metastatic (RM) HNSCC. Cabozantinib (cabo) is a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting MET and VEGFR2 shown to reduce tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis and has immuno-modulatory properties. Methods: This is a phase II, open label multi-center, single arm trial evaluating the tolerability and clinical benefit of pembro administered at 200 mg every 3 weeks and cabo 40 mg daily for pts with RM HNSCC who have not received prior ICI. It had a lead-in safety cohort allowing reduction of cabo dose to 20mg daily. Eligible pts had RM HNSCC, deemed incurable, with a tumor PD-L1 CPS > 1, RECIST 1.1 measurable disease, a life expectancy of > 3 months, an Eastern Cooperative Group (ECOG) Performance Status (PS) of 0-1. Enrollment was initiated in March of 2019. We estimated that the ORR will improve to 35% with pembro+ cabo (from a historic of 18%) with a significance level of 0.05 and 80% power. Results: A total of 47 pts were screened, 13 screen failures [cavitation on scan (4), inability to swallow pills (2), other exclusions (7)]; 34 pts were enrolled, 32 were dosed and 31 evaluable (at least one follow-up scan). Pts had cancers of the oropharynx (21, 65%), nasopharynx (6, 19%), larynx/hypopharynx (4, 13%) and oral cavity (1,3%). 32 patients received cabo at 40 mg daily; 13 patients (41%) were dose reduced to 20mg daily [mucositis, increased liver function (LFT) tests, diarrhea]; males (n=29, 90%), median age 63 years (range 53-67); presence of distant metastases (34, 100%); prior radiation (29, 90%), chemotherapy (14, 43%); ECOG PS =0 (16, 50%), 1 (16,50%); HPV/p16 positive (17, 53%), negative (5, 16%), not applicable (10, 29%); the most frequent adverse event (AE) (all grades) was fatigue (16,50.0%), grade 3 or 4 treatment-related AE were increased LFTs, hyponatremia (3, 9.3% each). With a median follow up of 12.7 months (mos) (range 6.9- 20.5 mos), a RECIST 1.1 overall response rate ORR= 45.2% (CR=0; PR=14, 45.2%; SD =14, 45.2%; PD=3.0, 10%) with an overall clinical benefit of 90.4% were observed; The 1-yr OS was 67.7% (95% CI, 42.9%-83.6%; median 22.3 mos) and 1-yr PFS was 51.8% (95% CI, 28.8%-70.7%; median 14.6 mos). Conclusions: This phase II trial of pembro + cabo met its primary endpoint of ORR. The regimen is well-tolerated with very encouraging clinical activity in RM HNSCC and warrants further exploration in this disease. The study was supported by a grant from Exelixis to NFS. Clinical trial information: NCT03468218.

Impact of concomitant fibrates on immunotherapy outcomes for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists such as fibrates restore oxidative metabolism in cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, thereby enhancing response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in preclinical models. However, there is no evidence in humans on the clinical impact of fibrates as an adjunct to ICI.

METHODS

In this cohort study of Veterans with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving ICI, fibrate exposure was defined as a prescription filled within 90 days of an ICI infusion. Overall survival (OS), measured from the start of ICI, was compared between exposed and unexposed Veterans. Cox multivariable analysis (MVA) was used to identify factors associated with OS. A sensitivity analysis of Veterans with stage IV NSCLC who received docetaxel without ICI was similarly performed.

RESULTS

The ICI cohort included 3593 Veterans, of whom 301 (8.5%) coincidentally received a fibrate. Veterans receiving fibrates were more likely to be older, white, male, and married, and to have greater comorbidity burden, but less likely to receive chemotherapy. Coincidental fibrates were associated with improved OS both on MVA (HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.75-0.99) and in a matched subset (HR 0.75, 95%CI 0.63-0.90). In contrast, among the cohort of 968 Veterans treated with chemotherapy, fibrates did not have a significant impact on OS by MVA (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.79-1.25) or in a matched subset (HR 1.02, 95%CI CI 0.75-1.39).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant fibrates are associated with improved OS among NSCLC patients receiving ICI but not among those receiving chemotherapy. This hypothesis-generating observation supports a potential role for fibrates as an adjunct to immunotherapy.

Factors Associated With a Prolonged Diagnosis-to-Treatment Interval in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate factors associated with treatment delays and their effect on survival in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

National Cancer Database.

METHODS

Patients receiving primary radiation or surgery for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were included from 2004 to 2017. The primary outcomes were the diagnosis-to-treatment interval (DTI) and 5-year survival. Variables of prolonged DTI (>30 days) were assessed via logistic regression models. Survival was then assessed through Cox proportional hazards models. Candidate variables for both outcomes included age, sex, race, ethnicity, distance to treatment facility, insurance coverage, treatment facility type, TNM T stage, nodal status, and DTI (in models estimating survival).

RESULTS

An overall 136,203 patients with laryngeal cancer were identified, from which 51,747 remained after exclusions were applied: 18,499 received primary surgery and 33,248 received primary radiation. Being a member of a racial or ethnic minority, advanced age, female sex, ≥30 miles from treatment facility, lack of insurance, treatment at an academic cancer center, and primary radiation were associated with a prolonged DTI. However, in spite of a faster DTI, treatment at a community cancer center was independently associated with higher mortality (hazard ratio, 1.2; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite being associated with prolonged DTI, receiving treatment at a high-volume academic facility was associated with significantly improved survival. Our results indicate that improved referral pathways or outreach may help improve survival in laryngeal cancer, especially in high-risk populations.

To scan or not to scan: the dilemma of post-treatment imaging surveillance of head and neck cancer

Locoregional recurrence remains common after treatment of head and neck cancer, warranting careful surveillance in follow-up. While randomized data support an initial PET/CT several months after treatment, evidence supporting subsequent imaging is limited, and most recurrences ultimately manifest clinically. Cooperative group studies and consensus guidelines vary widely in their recommendations regarding surveillance imaging. Patients with indeterminate findings, new symptoms, or areas difficult to examine in clinic may avoid invasive and potentially morbid interventions with judicious use of subsequent imaging. For any patient undergoing post-treatment imaging, standardized reporting criteria provide a framework for risk-stratification that can enhance communication and potentially guide management.

The omission of intentional primary site radiation following transoral robotic surgery in 59 patients: No local-regional failures

BACKGROUND

We assessed locoregional control with omission of intentional primary site radiation after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and quantified nontargeted primary site dose.

METHODS

Following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, patients treated with primary TORS resection for squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx were reviewed. Patients with cT1-2 tumors, >2 mm margins, in whom the surgeon resected the primary without revising specimen-driven margins, qualified for omission of primary site radiation.

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2019, 112 patients met criteria. Fifty-nine (52%) patients did not receive radiation targeting the primary site; of whom, 22 received no radiation. In this group, there were no local failures; mean age was 58 years and median follow-up was 25 months. Thirty-seven patients received adjuvant radiation targeting the neck, mean bystander dose to the primary site was 28.8 Gy (range, 13.3-50.6 Gy).

CONCLUSION

In a 59 patient population, omission of radiation to the primary site after TORS resulted in no locoregional failures.

Association of Operability with Post-Treatment Mortality in Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Operability is both a crucial determinant in treatment selection and a potential confounder in analyses comparing surgery with non-surgical approaches such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). We aimed to assess the association between operability status and intervention with post-treatment mortality in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We defined four groups of patients with cT1-T2N0M0 NSCLC diagnosed 2010 to 2014 from the National Cancer Database: SBRT patients deemed operable vs. inoperable and surgery patients receiving open vs. minimally-invasive approaches. Mortality rates at 30, 60, and 90 days post-treatment were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

We abstracted 80,108 patients, 0.8% undergoing SBRT and operable, 13.2% undergoing SBRT and inoperable, 52.4% undergoing open surgery, and 33.7% undergoing minimally-invasive surgery. Mortality rates were highest among open surgery patients and lowest among operable SBRT patients (2.0% vs. 0.2% at 30 days and 3.7% vs. 0.7% at 90 days), with intermediate results in the other two groups. These findings persisted on multivariate Cox regression: compared to patients undergoing minimally-invasive surgery, mortality risk was highest among open surgery patients (30 days HR 1.32, 95%CI 1.16-1.51; 90 days HR 1.36, 95%CI 1.24-1.50; both P < .001) and lowest among operable SBRT patients (30 days HR 0.09, 95%CI 0.01-0.64; 90 days HR 0.15, 95%CI 0.05-0.46; both P ≤ .016). These associations were maintained in a propensity score-matched subset.

CONCLUSION

Operable patients undergoing SBRT experience minimal post-treatment mortality compared to their inoperable counterparts. These findings illustrate the potential for confounding by operability to bias results in cohort studies that compare surgical vs. non-surgical approaches in early-stage NSCLC.

Repurposing Statin Drugs to Decrease Toxicity and Improve Survival Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer

OBJECTIVE

The rising incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) calls for the assessment and improvement of currently available therapies that may enhance the therapeutic ratio in these patients. Statin drugs are one of the most widely used drug classes in the world for their lipid-lowering properties. As such, statins have been widely studied and found to possess pleiotropic effects that may make them effective in cancer treatment and toxicity mitigation. The aim of this review is to examine the potential use of statin drugs as adjunctive therapy in patients with HNSCC.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed.

REVIEW METHODS

Any preclinical or clinical articles pertaining to the effects of statin drugs on treatment-related toxicity or survival outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer were included in this narrative review.

CONCLUSIONS

Emerging data suggest that statins may improve survival and reduce toxicities associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer, by mechanisms that are poorly understood at present.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Given their affordability and safety, statins deserve further study as a tool to improve oncologic outcomes and enhance survivorship in patients with HNSCC.

Survival impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists in head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Preclinical evidence suggests a link between the renin-angiotensin system and oncogenesis. We aimed to explore the impact of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) in head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

Over 5000 patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked dataset and categorized according to ACEi and ARB and diagnoses of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or hypertension (HTN). Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were compared using Cox multivariable regression (MVA), expressed as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

No significant MVA associations for OS or CSS were found for ACEi. Compared to patients with CKD/HTN taking ARB, those with CKD/HTN not taking ARB experienced worse OS (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.09-1.51, p = 0.003) and CSS (HR 1.23, 95%CI 1.00-1.50, p = 0.050).

CONCLUSIONS

ARB usage is associated with improved OS and CSS among HNC patients with CKD or HTN.

Effect of antibiotic therapy on immunotherapy outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer: Analysis from the Veterans Health Administration Database

9017

Background: Dysregulation of the gut microbiota induced by antibiotic therapy (Abx) may alter the anticancer immune response. Multiple small studies have associated Abx use with inferior immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to study the impact of Abx in a larger population of NSCLC patients treated with ICI within the Veterans Health Administration. Methods: We conducted a nested cohort study of Veterans who were diagnosed with NSCLC between 2010 & 2018 and treated with ICI. Two exposures to Abx were specified and separately analyzed: prior Abx (pAbx) was defined as receipt of an Abx prescription within 30 days prior to initiation of ICI, and concurrent Abx (cAbx) was defined as receipt of an Abx prescription within 60 days following ICI initiation. A landmark analysis of 2 months from ICI start was applied to the cAbx analysis to exclude any Veterans with an OS event before that time point. OS was measured from start of ICI using Cox proportional hazard multivariate analyses (MVA). Results: 3,634 Veterans received ICI, mostly nivolumab (59.3%) or pembrolizumab (35.1%). Their median age was 69, and a plurality had male gender (97.0%), white race (73.0%), comorbidity count ≥1 (60.4%), adenocarcinoma (47.8%), and stage IV disease at diagnosis (40.9%). Of the 762 (21.0%) Veterans prescribed pAbx, beta-lactams, quinolones, and macrolides were the most common classes. These patients had shorter OS than those without pAbx (median 7 versus 10 months). Receipt of pAbx was also associated with lower OS on MVA (HR 1.31, p<0.01). In the propensity-matched cohort analysis, Veterans receiving pAbx had lower OS (HR 1.27, p<0.01) (Table top). For the cAbx analysis, 3,223 Veterans survived to the 2-month landmark, of whom 970 (30.1%) received cAbx. These Veterans had shorter OS than those without cAbx (median 7 versus 10 months). Lower OS with cAbx was also observed both on Cox MVA (HR 1.33, p<0.01) and in the matched cohort (HR 1.32, p<0.01) (Table bottom). Conclusions: In the largest analysis to date of Abx use in NSCLC patients receiving ICI, receipt of Abx within either 30 days before or 60 days after start of ICI was associated with lower OS. These findings suggest Abx therapy may have a detrimental effect on immunotherapy outcomes.[Table: see text]

Surgical outcomes for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer at facilities with stereotactic body radiation therapy programs

8538

Background: Patients undergoing surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be at high-risk for post-operative mortality. Access to stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) offers a less invasive alternative for this population that may facilitate more appropriate patient selection for surgery. Methods: An analysis of all patients with early-stage NSCLC reported to the National Cancer Database between 2004-2015 was performed. Post-operative mortality rates were derived using vital status data. Utilization of SBRT was defined by each facility’s SBRT Experience in years and SBRT-to-Surgery volume ratios, defined by quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression with backward elimination was used to test for independence of associations between exposures of interest and post-operative mortality. Interaction testing was performed to assess the statistical relationship of covariates found to have independent associations. Results: The study cohort consisted of 202,542 patients who underwent surgical resection of clinical stage T1-T2 NSCLC (AJCC 7th edition). The 90-day post-operative mortality rate declined significantly during the study period from 4.6% to 2.6% (p < 0.001). During this period, the proportion of facilities that utilized SBRT increased from 3.3% to 77.5% (p < 0.001) and the proportion of patients treated with SBRT increased significantly from 0.7% to 15.4% (p < 0.001). Lower 90-day post-operative mortality rates were observed at facilities with greater than six years of SBRT experience (OR 0.84, CI 0.76-0.94, p = 0.003) and SBRT-to-Surgery volume ratios above 17% (OR 0.85, CI 0.79-0.92, p < 0.001). Additional covariates associated with 90-day mortality included higher surgical volume, geographic region, year of diagnosis, age, sex, race, insurance status, facility type, Charlson-Deyo score, clinical T stage, histology, anatomic location, surgery type, and prior malignancy. Interaction testing between these covariates was negative, demonstrating that higher SBRT Experience and SBRT-to-Surgery volume ratios were independently associated with lower 90-day surgical mortality. Conclusions: Patients who underwent surgery for early-stage NSCLC at facilities with higher SBRT Experience and SBRT-to-Surgery volume ratios had lower rates of post-operative mortality. These findings suggest that the availability of SBRT may be a surrogate for a more comprehensive and safer approach to matching patients to surgery or SBRT. The observation of higher post-operative mortality rates at facilities without an SBRT program deserves further study.

Association of proton pump inhibitors with survival in Veterans with non-small cell lung cancer receiving immunotherapy

e18729

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) can disrupt the gut microbiome and thereby modulate response to immunotherapy in cancer patients. In a recently published post-hoc analysis of 757 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving atezolizumab pooled from two prospective trials, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were significantly lower among the 234 patients receiving PPI. We investigated the impact of PPI in a larger cohort of NSCLC patients treated with ICI within the Veterans Health Administration. Methods: We conducted a nested cohort study of Veterans who were diagnosed with NSCLC between 2010 & 2018 and treated with ICI (immune checkpoint inhibitors). Exposure was defined as receipt of a PPI prescription within 90 days of an ICI infusion. Chi-square tests were used to compare characteristics of exposed versus unexposed Veterans. OS was measured from start of ICI. Cox proportional hazard multivariate (MV) regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) corresponding to variables associated with OS. Results: We identified 3,634 Veterans receiving ICI with non-exclusive exposures to nivolumab (59.3%), pembrolizumab (35.1%), durvalumab (6.9%), and atezolizumab (3.3%). Their median age was 69, and a plurality had male gender (97.0%), white race (73.0%), comorbidity count ≥1 (60.4%), adenocarcinoma (47.8%), and stage IV disease at diagnosis (40.9%). In this nested cohort, 2,159 (59.4%) were exposed to PPI, predominantly omeprazole (1,264 or 85.6% of PPI group). Patients receiving PPI were more likely to be ≤71 years of age, to be white, to reside in rural areas, to have a higher comorbidity burden, to have adenocarcinoma histology, and to receive chemotherapy (all p≤0.04). On MV analysis, PPI use was not significantly associated with detriment in OS (HR 0.96 [0.89-1.04], p= 0.35). In the matched cohort analysis, median survival did not significantly differ between the 1,389 patients taking PPI and the 1,389 without PPI (median 10 versus 10 months, HR 0.98 [0.90-1.06], p= 0.59). Conclusions: In the largest analysis to date of concurrent PPI use in patients with NSCLC receiving ICI, there were no survival differences associated with concomitant PPI use. These results suggest that PPIs do not compromise ICI efficacy.

Association of concomitant NSAID and immunotherapy on outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: Analysis of the National Veterans Health Administration Database

9107

Background: Preclinical data suggests the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may be enhanced with concomitant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications. Real-world evidence to support investigating this hypothesis in prospective randomized trials are needed. Methods: A retrospective cohort study queried the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (VA-CDW) to identify patients diagnosed with NSCLC who were treated with ICI between 2010-18. Exposure to concomitant NSAID was determined whenever NSAID prescriptions were released from the VA pharmacy within 90 days of the first ICI infusion. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to compare baseline characteristics. The outcome of overall survival (OS) was measured from the start of ICI. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to adjust for demographic, clinical, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Results: The study cohort consisted of 3,415 patients with NSCLC treated with ICI, and 2,336 (64%) were exposed to concomitant NSAID. The median age was 69, male 97%, race: white 73%, black 21%, and 66% lived in urban areas. Most patients were initially diagnosed with stage III or IV disease (68%); tumor histology: adenocarcinoma 48% and squamous cell 38%. Comorbidity counts were 0 in 40%, 1-3 in 30%, and 4+ in 30%. Chemotherapy was delivered before ICI in 54% and concurrently with ICI in 31%. The most commonly used NSAIDs were aspirin (35%), ketorolac (11%), and ibuprofen (7%); 44% were exposed to more than one NSAID. With a median follow-up of 8 months, exposure to concomitant NSAIDs was associated with a longer OS (HR = 0.90; 0.83-0.98, p = 0.01) after adjusting for all available potential confounders on multivariable analyses. Longer OS persisted following propensity score matching (HR = 0.89; 0.82-0.97 p = 0.007). Other factors significant for OS on multivariable testing included use of chemotherapy after ICI (HR = 0.53 [0.40-0.69], p < 0.001), concurrent chemotherapy during ICI (HR = 0.68 [0.62-0.74], p < 0.001), younger age, black race, female gender, and adenocarcinoma histology. Among the various NSAIDs analyzed on the multivariable analyses, only diclofenac approached statistical significance (HR = 0.78 [0.59-1.03], p = 0.08). Limiting the comparison to patients exposed to diclofenac (n = 101) versus no NSAIDs (n = 1,298), the comparison demonstrated a similar trend for OS (HR = 0.79 [0.60-1.04], p = 0.094), although the association was attenuated after propensity-score matching (HR = 0.90 [0.63-1.29], p = 0.57). Conclusions: This retrospective cohort study of Veterans with NSCLC who were treated with ICI identified that concomitant receipt of NSAIDs is associated with longer OS.

Association of azole antifungals with survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving immunotherapy

e18777

Background: Preclinical data suggest certain azole derivatives may have antitumor efficacy and modulate responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Clinical evidence of synergy can support ongoing research that is investigating the role of repurposing current FDA-approved azole medications to improve outcomes in people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated the association of concomitant azole drugs in a population of NSCLC patients treated with ICI within the Veterans Health Administration. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of veterans diagnosed with NSCLC between 2010-2018 who were treated with ICI. Receipt of azole drugs was defined as taking a systemic azole within 90 days of ICI therapy. Overall survival (OS) was measured from the start of ICI therapy using Cox-Proportional Hazard (PH) multivariable regression. Patients whose earliest azole administration occurred more than 30 days after initiation of ICI were excluded. Results: We identified 3,413 Veterans treated with ICI; of these, 324 (9.5%) were treated with an azole, most commonly clotrimazole (3.0%) and fluconazole (2.5%). Patients had predominantly stage IV disease (40.8%) at initial diagnosis, followed by stage III (27.1%), stage I-II (19.9%), and unknown stage (12.1%). There was no significant difference in OS multivariable analysis (HR = 0.93 [0.81-1.06]; p = 0.28). Propensity score-matched analysis with 324 patients in each cohort also did not measure a significant difference in OS (HR = 0.89 [0.75-1.06]; p = 0.18) between patients who received any azole versus those who did not. When evaluating specific azole agents on multivariable analysis, there was an association of higher OS with receipt of clotrimazole (HR = 0.72 [0.56 – 0.92]; p = 0.009) and more than one azole (HR = 0.71 [0.53-0.96]; p = 0.026) when compared with no azole. There was an association of shorter OS with miconazole (HR = 1.92 [1.30-2.832]; p = 0.001) and no association with itraconazole (p = 0.08), fluconazole (p = 0.20), or ketoconazole (p = 0.87). In the matched analysis of 102 clotrimazole patients versus no azole, OS was longer in patients who received clotrimazole (HR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.55 – 1.04; p = 0.087), although this effect was not statistically significant. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrated a trend towards longer survival with concomitant clotrimazole and ICI for advanced NSCLC. This association was not seen for other azole mediations.

TRYHARD, a randomized phase II trial (RTOG Foundation 3501) of concurrent accelerated radiation plus cisplatin (cis) with or without lapatinib (Lap) for stage III- IV Non-HPV head and neck carcinoma (HNC)

6014

Background: Chemoradiation (CRT) with cis or anti-EGFR Ab has been shown to improve survival of patients with stage III-IV HNC. Since Lap, a dual EGFR and HER2 inhibitor, has shown effectiveness with CRT in a pilot non-HPV HNC cohort, the RTOG Foundation launched a phase II trial to test the hypothesis that adding Lap to the RT-cis for frontline therapy of stage III-IV Non-HPV HNC improves progression-free survival (PFS). Methods: Patients with stage III-IV carcinoma of the oropharynx (p16-negative), larynx, and hypopharynx, having Zubrod performance of 0-1, and meeting predefined blood chemistry criteria were enrolled after providing consent. Patients were randomized (1:1) to 70 Gy (6 weeks) + 2 cycles of CDDP (q3 weeks) plus either Lap (1500 mg daily, Arm A) or placebo (Arm B) starting 1 week prior to RT and concurrent with RT and for 3 months post RT. PFS was the primary endpoint. The protocol specified 69 PFS events (142 patients) for the final analysis based on HR = 0.65, 80% power, 1-sided alpha 0.20, and one interim efficacy and futility analysis at 50% information. PFS rates between arms for all randomized patients were compared by 1-sided log-rank test (1-sided alpha 0.1803). Overall survival (OS) was a secondary endpoint. Results: From 10/’12 to 04/’17, 142 patients were enrolled, of whom 127 were randomized, 63 to Arm A and 64 to Arm B. Arms A vs B, respectively, were similar in baseline patient characteristics, radiation delivery, completing ≥ 70 Gy (85.7% vs. 82.8%) and cisplatin delivery, completing 200 (±5%) mg/m2 (65.1% vs 70.3%), but dissimilar in Lap/placebo delivery (median dose, 87000 mg vs. 125250 mg). Median follow-up was 4.1 years for surviving patients. The final analysis suggests no improvement in PFS of adding Lap to CRT (HR [A/B]: 0.91, 95% confidence interval CI 0.56-1.46; P= 0.34; 2-year rates: 50.6%, CI 37.5-63.7% vs. 56.2% CI 43.0-69.4%), or in OS (HR: 1.06, CI 0.61-1.86; P = 0.58; 2-year rates: 71.8% CI 60.1-83.5% vs. 76% CI 64.5-87.4%), death within 30 days of therapy (3.3% vs. 3.4%), and overall treatment-related grade 3-5 adverse event rate (86.7% vs. 84.7%). Grade 3-4 mucositis rates on Arm A and Arm B were 21.7% vs. 23.7%, all grade dysphagia and rash rates were 43.3% vs. 59.3%, and 13.3% vs. 6.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The addition of Lap to the radiation-cisplatin platform did not improve progression-free or overall survival in unselected non-HPV HN. Thus, dual EGFR, HER-2 inhibition does not appear to enhance the effects of chemoradiation. Although we showed that accrual to a non-HPV HN specific trial is feasible, new strategies must be investigated to improve the outcome for this poor prognosis HN population.

Outcomes and Predictive Value of Post-adjuvant Therapy PET/CT for Locally Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

For locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) treated by surgery and adjuvant therapy, consensus has yet to be reached on whether the optimal time to initiate surveillance positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan is before or after adjuvant therapy. In this study, we characterize the utility of PET/CT scans obtained 3 months after adjuvant therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

PET/CT scans were obtained for 220 patients with stage III, IVA, or IVB OSCC who underwent resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

Using the Neck Imaging Reporting and Data System, PET/CT scans were dichotomized as suspicious (primary or neck category ≥3, or distant lesion present) versus nonsuspicious. We then computed differences in locoregional progression, distant progression, and overall survival; positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity; and success rate of salvage.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients (30%) had suspicious PET/CT scans, which were significantly associated with local failure (hazard ratio [HR] 14.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.3-26.6), distant failure (HR 18.4, 95% CI 9.6-35.3), and poorer overall survival (HR 9.5, 95% CI 5.0-17.9). Overall PPV, locoregional PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity were 85%, 79%, 73%, 58%, and 92%, respectively. Among those with biopsy-confirmed progression, 37 patients (65%) underwent salvage therapy; four (11%) were without evidence of disease at last follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

For locally advanced OSCC, PET/CT scan 3 months after adjuvant therapy is strongly predictive of disease recurrence and survival, demonstrating improved performance over postoperative imaging in previous studies. Following a suspicious post-adjuvant therapy PET/CT scan, cure of locoregional recurrence is possible but unlikely.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 2020.

Early mortality of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in the United States

Background: Early mortality is a major deterrent to oncologic management, often preventing delivery of therapy or leading to administration of treatment that offers limited benefit from aggressive interventions. Due to more recent progress in therapeutic options for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, identifying those at high risk of early mortality (within 30 days) could have implications for treatment selection. Because early mortality following diagnosis of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not well-characterized, this investigation evaluated national trends and predictors thereof. Material and methods: The National Cancer Database was queried for cases of pathologically confirmed metastatic NSCLC with complete vital status and clinical information, diagnosed between 2006 and 2014. Multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors associated with 30-day mortality. Results: Of 346,681 patients, 45,861 (13%) experienced early mortality over the past decade, which remained relatively constant over time. Predictors of early mortality included advancing age (>65 years), male gender, Caucasian race, non-private insurance, lower income, greater comorbidities, residence in metropolitan and/or lesser-educated areas, treatment at community centers, patients with no prior history of cancer and regional differences (p < .01 for all). Early mortality was highest in patients older than 80 years with multiple comorbidities (29%). The majority of patients (71%) who died within 30 days did not receive any therapy. Conclusions: A fair proportion of NSCLC patients experience early mortality, which has not decreased over time. The majority of patients with early mortality do not receive treatment. Prognostic factors for early mortality should be considered during initial evaluation and subsequent follow-up of these patients. Doing so may impact systemic treatment selection by medical oncologists, management of (oligo)metastatic disease by radiation and surgical oncologists and cost-effective administration of these therapies in the stage IV NSCLC population.

Postoperative radiation performed at the same surgical facility associated with improved overall survival in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate whether postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) at the same facility as surgery portends to better survival outcomes compared to PORT given at a different facility.

METHODS

Patients underwent upfront surgery at the National Cancer Database reporting facility followed by PORT. PORT was coded as performed at either the same facility or at a different facility as surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 10 832 patients were selected. Five-year overall survival (OS) was higher in patients undergoing PORT at the same facility: 52.5% vs 48.4% (P < 0.001). PORT performed at the same facility was associated with improved OS under multivariate (HR, 0.92; P = 0.01) and propensity score matched (hazard ratio, 0.90; P = 0.004) analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

OS was better among patients with head and neck cancer who received PORT at the same facility as surgery.

Epidemiology and treatment trends for primary tracheal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Management of tracheal squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) has been complicated by the lack of prognostic data and staging. We describe the epidemiology of TSCC and current treatment approaches.

METHODS

Five hundred thirty-two adult patients with primary TSCC from 2004 to 2012 in the National Cancer Database were identified. Demographic, clinical factors, and 5-year overall survival were analyzed. Staging was classified as localized, regional extension, and distant spread. Treatment modality was defined as "no treatment (NT)," "limited surgery (LS)," "curative surgery (CS)," "LS with any adjuvant therapy (AT) (LS+AT)," "CS with AT (CS+AT)," "radiation therapy (RT)," or "chemoradiation (CRT)."

RESULTS

Overall survival was 25%. Majority of cases were males, white, and occurred in sixth/seventh decades. Twenty-six percent of cases received CRT, 20% underwent LS+AT or CS+AT, 20% underwent LS or CS only, and 17% underwent RT alone. On multivariate analysis, CS (HR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26-0.69), CS+AT (HR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.36-0.77), CRT (HR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35-0.67), and RT (HR, 0.66 95% CI: 0.46-0.94) were associated with decreased likelihood of death compared to NT. Elderly patients and those with poor performance status had worse outcomes even on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

TSCC is increasingly treated with surgery and systemic therapy in addition to RT, with improved survival outcomes. CS, CS+AT, CRT, or RT provided improved survival advantage in patients with variable levels of improvement based on the extent of the disease. Prospective trials would help differentiate survival advantages between treatment modalities. Patients' goals of care, comorbidities, and age should be considered when deciding appropriate treatment recommendations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 130:405-412, 2020.

Short- and Long-term Opioid Use in Patients with Oral and Oropharynx Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Opioid use and abuse is a national health care crisis, yet opioids remain the cornerstone of pain management in cancer. We sought to determine the risk of acute and chronic opioid use with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective population-based study.

SETTING

Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database from 2008 to 2011.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In total, 976 nondistant metastatic oral cavity and oropharynx patients undergoing cancer-directed treatment enrolled in Medicare were included. Opiate use was the primary end point. Univariate and multivariable logistic analyses were completed to determine risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 811 (83.1%) received an opioid prescription during the treatment period, and 150 patients (15.4%) had continued opioid prescriptions at 3 months and 68 (7.0%) at 6 months. Opioid use during treatment was associated with prescriptions prior to treatment (odds ratio [OR], 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11-5.12) and was least likely to be associated with radiation treatment alone (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.18-0.68). Risk factors for continued opioid use at both 3 and 6 months included tobacco use (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.05-4.71 and OR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.44-10.24) and opioids prescribed prior to treatment (OR, 3.84; 95% CI, 2.45-5.91 and OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.95-6.50). Oxycodone prescribed as the first opioid was the least likely to lead to ongoing use at 3 and 6 months (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.62 and OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10-0.67).

CONCLUSION

Patients with oral/oropharyngeal cancer are at a very high risk for receiving opioids as part of symptom management during treatment, and a significant portion continues use at 3 and 6 months after treatment completion.

Comparing outcomes of concurrent chemotherapy regimens in patients 65 years old or older with locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The comparative efficacy of cisplatin (CDDP), carboplatin, and cetuximab (CTX) delivered concurrently with radiation for locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma continues to be evaluated.

METHODS

The linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database was used to identify and compare patient and disease profiles, mortality, toxicity, and overall cost for patients with oropharynx cancer undergoing definitive concurrent chemoradiation with CDDP, carboplatin, or CTX between 2006 and 2011. The human papillomavirus status was unknown. The primary outcome was 2-year overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Four hundred nine patients receiving concurrent CDDP (n = 167), carboplatin (n = 69), or CTX (n = 173) were included. Those who were older, those who were nonwhite, and those with a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 2 were less likely to receive CDDP. Two-year OS was inferior with CTX (hazard ratio [HR], 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.60; P = .020) and no different with carboplatin (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.73-2.35; P = .362) in a Cox proportional hazards model (reference CDDP). There was no statistically significant difference between carboplatin and CTX (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.77-2.14; P = .891). Rates of antiemetic use and hospital visits for nausea/emesis/diarrhea or dehydration were statistically higher with CDDP. Pneumonia rates were higher with carboplatin. In the multivariate model, the corrected mean per-patient spending was significantly higher for CTX and carboplatin than CDDP ($61,133 and $65,721 vs $48,709).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received CDDP had improved OS. CDDP was also associated with slightly lower overall costs and higher antiemetic usage and hospital visit rates, although a strong selection bias was observed because those receiving CTX and carboplatin were older and had higher comorbidity scores.

Survival impact and toxicity of metformin in head and neck cancer: An analysis of the SEER-Medicare dataset

OBJECTIVES

Recent preclinical research has renewed interest in the interplay between glucose dysregulation and cancer. Metformin holds promise as an adjunctive antineoplastic agent in head and neck cancer (HNC). We aimed to explore the impact of metformin in HNC patients from a population-based dataset.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Patients diagnosed with HNC from 2008 to 2011 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked dataset and categorized into three groups: non-diabetics (nD), diabetics not taking metformin (DnM), and diabetics taking metformin (D + M). Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were compared between groups using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression controlling for sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment covariates. The incidence of toxicities associated with HNC therapy was compared among groups using χ² analysis.

RESULTS

Among 1646 patients, there were 1144 nD, 378 DnM, and 124 D + M. 2-year OS rates was 65.6% for nD, 57.7% for DnM, and 73.4% for D + M by Kaplan-Meier (p < 0.01), and corresponding rates of 2-year CSS were 73.7%, 66.1%, and 88.8% (p < 0.01), respectively. On Cox multivariable analysis, OS among the three groups did not significantly differ; however, CSS was significantly worse among both nD versus DnM as compared to D + M. Toxicity rates were not significantly increased among D + M.

CONCLUSION

HNC patients with diabetes taking metformin experience improved CSS. Prospective investigation of the addition of metformin to standard-of-care HNC therapy is warranted.

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.