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Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Nov 2015Radiation is a key arm in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. During the past 2 decades, significant changes in the... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Radiation is a key arm in the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. During the past 2 decades, significant changes in the way radiation therapy is planned and delivered have improved efficacy and decreased toxicity. Refined approaches in the application of radiation and chemoradiation have led to organ-sparing treatment regimens for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers and have improved local and regional control rates in the postoperative, adjuvant setting. The molecular and genetic determinants of tumor cell response to radiation have been studied, and several potential biomarkers are emerging that could further improve application and efficacy of radiation treatment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To discuss the current understanding of potential biomarkers related to radiation response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
DATA SOURCES
Existing published literature.
CONCLUSIONS
Several potential biomarkers are actively being studied as predictors and targets to improve the use and efficacy of radiation therapy to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Several promising candidates have been defined, and new markers are on the horizon.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Mutation; Papillomavirus Infections; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
PubMed: 26046489
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2014-0574-RA -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Oct 2023Superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) has received increasing attention as a therapeutic target in the GI field with recent innovations in endoscopic...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) has received increasing attention as a therapeutic target in the GI field with recent innovations in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, there are currently no defined criteria for the application of ESD to superficial PSCC. One of the problems encountered during follow-up after ESD is cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM). Identifying the clinicopathologic predictors of cervical LNM can help to provide a basis for the refinement of therapeutic strategies for superficial PSCC.
METHODS
The risk of cervical LNM was evaluated in 331 patients with superficial PSCC who underwent initial ESD between 2008 and 2021. Since tumor size, rather than depth, is the dominant factor in the current TNM classification for PSCC, the correlation between tumor size and thickness was investigated.
RESULTS
The median follow-up period was 4.8 years. The cumulative 5-year cervical LNM rate was 6.1%. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis identified tumor thickness ≥1000 μm and lymphatic invasion as significant independent predictors. Among 204 cases with subepithelial invasion, both factors were also revealed to be significant independent predictors, suggesting that tumor thickness was superior to tumor size in predicting cervical LNM. Despite the positive correlation between tumor thickness and size, there was noticeable variability in the values (R = .20), and the current staging was inadequate to identify groups at high risk for cervical LNM.
CONCLUSIONS
Tumor thickness and lymphatic invasion are validated as significant independent predictors for cervical LNM and can be useful indicators to optimize the therapeutic strategies for superficial PSCC.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Endoscopic Mucosal Resection; Lymph Nodes; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Head and Neck Neoplasms
PubMed: 37150414
DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2023.04.2095 -
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology Dec 2020T1ρ imaging is a new quantitative MR imaging pulse sequence with the potential to discriminate between malignant and benign tissue. In this study, we evaluated the...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
T1ρ imaging is a new quantitative MR imaging pulse sequence with the potential to discriminate between malignant and benign tissue. In this study, we evaluated the capability of T1ρ imaging to characterize tissue by applying T1ρ imaging to malignant and benign tissue in the nasopharynx and to normal tissue in the head and neck.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Participants with undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and benign hyperplasia of the nasopharynx prospectively underwent T1ρ imaging. T1ρ measurements obtained from the histogram analysis for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 43 participants were compared with those for benign hyperplasia and for normal tissue (brain, muscle, and parotid glands) in 41 participants using the Mann-Whitney test. The area under the curve of significant T1ρ measurements was calculated and compared using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the Delong test, respectively. A < .05 indicated statistical significance.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in T1ρ measurements between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and benign hyperplasia and between nasopharyngeal carcinoma and normal tissue (all, < .05). Compared with benign hyperplasia, nasopharyngeal carcinoma showed a lower T1ρ mean (62.14 versus 65.45 × ms), SD (12.60 versus 17.73 × ms), and skewness (0.61 versus 0.76) (all < .05), but no difference in kurtosis (= .18). The T1ρ SD showed the highest area under the curve of 0.95 compared with the T1ρ mean (area under the curve = 0.72) and T1ρ skewness (area under the curve = 0.72) for discriminating nasopharyngeal carcinoma and benign hyperplasia (all, < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Quantitative T1ρ imaging has the potential to discriminate malignant from benign and normal tissue in the head and neck.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Head; Humans; Hyperplasia; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Nasopharynx; Neck; ROC Curve; Statistics, Nonparametric
PubMed: 33122214
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A6828 -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2022Confocal laser endomicroscopy is an optical imaging technique that allows in vivo, real-time, microscope-like images of the upper aerodigestive tract's mucosa. The...
INTRODUCTION
Confocal laser endomicroscopy is an optical imaging technique that allows in vivo, real-time, microscope-like images of the upper aerodigestive tract's mucosa. The assessment of morphological tissue characteristics for the correct differentiation between healthy and malignant suspected mucosa requires strict evaluation criteria.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to validate an eight-point score for the correct assessment of malignancy.
METHODS
We performed confocal laser endomicroscopy between March and October 2020 in 13 patients. 197 sequences (11.820 images) originated from the marginal area of pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinomas. Specimens were taken at corresponding locations and analyzed in H&E staining as a standard of reference. A total of six examiners evaluated the sequences based on a scoring system; they were blinded to the histopathological examination. The primary endpoints are sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Secondary endpoints are interrater reliability and receiver operator characteristics.
RESULTS
Healthy mucosa showed epithelium with uniform size and shape with distinct cytoplasmic membranes and regular vessel architecture. Confocal laser endomicroscopy of malignant cells demonstrated a disorganized arrangement of variable cellular morphology. We calculated an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 83.2%, 81.3%, 85.5%, 86.7%, and 79.7%, respectively, with a κ-value of 0.64, and an area under the curve of 0.86.
CONCLUSION
The results confirm that this scoring system is applicable in the laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa to classify benign and malignant tissue. A scoring system based on defined and reproducible characteristics can help translate this experimental method to broad clinical practice in head and neck diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Microscopy, Confocal; Reproducibility of Results; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Lasers
PubMed: 34348858
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2021.06.002 -
European Archives of... Apr 2022Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) allows surface imaging of the laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa in vivo at a thousand-fold magnification. This study aims to compare...
PURPOSE
Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) allows surface imaging of the laryngeal and pharyngeal mucosa in vivo at a thousand-fold magnification. This study aims to compare irregular blood vessels and intraepithelial capillary loops in healthy mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) via CLE.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We included ten patients with confirmed SCC and planned total laryngectomy in this study between March 2020 and February 2021. CLE images of these patients were collected and compared with the corresponding histology in hematoxylin and eosin staining. We analyzed the characteristic endomicroscopic patterns of blood vessels and intraepithelial capillary loops for the diagnosis of SCC.
RESULTS
In a total of 54 sequences, we identified 243 blood vessels which were analyzed regarding structure, diameter, and Fluorescein leakage, confirming that irregular, corkscrew-like vessels (24.4% vs. 1.3%; P < .001), dilated intraepithelial capillary loops (90.8% vs. 28.7%; P < .001), and increased capillary leakage (40.7% vs. 2.5%; P < .001), are significantly more frequently detected in SCC compared to the healthy epithelium. We defined a vessel diameter of 30 μm in capillary loops as a cut-off value, obtaining a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV and accuracy of 90.6%, 71.3%, 57.4%, 94.7%, and 77.1%, respectively, for the detection of malignancy based solely on capillary architecture.
CONCLUSION
Capillaries within malignant lesions are fundamentally different from those in healthy mucosa regions. The capillary architecture is a significant feature aiding the identification of malignant mucosa areas during in-vivo, real-time CLE examination.
Topics: Capillaries; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Lasers; Microscopy, Confocal; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
PubMed: 34185145
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-021-06954-8 -
The Laryngoscope May 2023Limited data is available to guide non-surgical management of Stage T4 larynx and hypopharynx cancer patients who have inoperable disease or refuse surgery. We aim to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Limited data is available to guide non-surgical management of Stage T4 larynx and hypopharynx cancer patients who have inoperable disease or refuse surgery. We aim to review the nonoperative management of T4 laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer and report the long-term therapeutic and functional outcomes.
METHODS
We reviewed the nonoperative management of T4 laryngeal (n = 44) and hypopharyngeal (n = 53) cancer from 1997 to 2015 and performed a univariate analysis (UVA).
RESULTS
The 2-/5-year OS rates were 73%/38% for larynx patients and 52%/29% for hypopharynx patients. Locoregional failure (LRF) occurred in 25% and 19% of larynx and hypopharynx patients, respectively. On UVA of the larynx subset, N3 nodal status and non-intensity-modulated radiation therapy were negatively associated with OS; treatment with radiation therapy alone impacted disease-free survival; and age >70 was associated with LRF. On UVA of the hypopharynx subset, only T4b status significantly impacted OS. In the larynx and hypopharynx groups, 68% and 85% received a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube and 32% and 40% received a tracheostomy tube, respectively. At the last follow-up visit, 66% of our larynx cohort had neither tracheostomy or PEG placed and 40% of our hypopharynx cohort had neither.
CONCLUSION
We report better than previously noted outcomes among T4 larynx and hypopharynx patients who have unresectable disease or refuse surgery.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
4 Laryngoscope, 133:1138-1145, 2023.
Topics: Humans; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms; Hypopharynx; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Organ Preservation; Neoplasm Staging; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Larynx
PubMed: 35801573
DOI: 10.1002/lary.30279 -
Viruses May 2022An aetiological role of human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) has been proposed in adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC). Moreover, HPV-related...
Analysis of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Polyomaviruses (HPyVs) in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (AdCC) of the Head and Neck Region Reveals Three HPV-Positive Cases with Adenoid Cystic-like Features.
An aetiological role of human papillomavirus (HPV) and/or human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) has been proposed in adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC). Moreover, HPV-related multiphenotypic carcinoma (HMSC) was recently introduced as an emerging entity of the sinonasal region. Here, we primarily want to study the role of HPV/HPyV in a large AdCC cohort and, secondly, possibly identify and characterize HMSC. Tumour DNA from 68 patients initially diagnosed with AdCC between 2000 and 2012 was, therefore, tested for 27 HPV types and 10 HPyVs. HPV DNA-positive samples were micromorphologically re-evaluated, further stained for p16, S100, p63 and CD117 and tested for the presence of the MYB-NFIB fusion transcript. Notably, no samples were HPyV-positive, while one sinonasal and two tonsillar carcinomas were HPV- and p16-positive. After re-evaluating the micromorphology, immunohistochemistry and presence of fusion transcripts, all tumours had the same appearance and fitted within the diagnosis of HMSC, but in all these three cases, the morphology of the HMSC and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma was overlapping. We conclude that HPV and HPyV have no major role in AdCC. However, based on our data, we also suggest that HMSC should be considered as a basaloid variant of squamous cell carcinoma, and not its own entity, until better characterized.
Topics: Adenoids; Alphapapillomavirus; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Humans; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms; Polyomavirus
PubMed: 35632780
DOI: 10.3390/v14051040 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology May 2020This study evaluated the treatment outcomes of the primary surgery (PS) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) as the initial treatment for hypopharyngeal squamous cell... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
This study evaluated the treatment outcomes of the primary surgery (PS) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) as the initial treatment for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC).
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study included patients with stages III-IV HPSCC from four tertiary referral centers consecutively enrolled from 2003 to 2012; of them, 213 (32.6%) and 439 (67.4%) had received PS and CCRT as their primary treatments, respectively. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models.
RESULTS
In patients undergoing PS and CCRT, OS rates were 45.0% and 33.1% (p < 0.001), respectively, and DFS rates were 36.2% and 28.9% (p = 0.003), respectively. In subgroup analysis, in patients with stage IVA HPSCC, PS was associated with higher OS rate (p = 0.002), particularly in those with T4 or N2 classification (p = 0.021 and 0.002, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that stage IVA HPSCC, stage IVB HPSCC, and CCRT were independent adverse prognostic factors for OS rate (p = 0.004, < 0.001, and 0.014, respectively). Furthermore, in patients with stage IVA HPSCC aged ≥ 65 years and with N2 classification, CCRT was significantly associated with lower OS rates than was PS (p = 0.027 and 0.010, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with advanced HPSCC, PS was significantly associated with better prognosis than CCRT. PS could be a favorable primary treatment modality for the management of patients with stage IVA HPSCC, particularly those aged ≥ 65 years and with T4 and N2 classification.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Chemoradiotherapy; Clinical Decision-Making; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms; Hypopharynx; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Patient Selection; Pharyngectomy; Retrospective Studies; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
PubMed: 32357934
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-020-01866-z -
Head & Neck Nov 2021To investigate a novel velopharyngeal squeeze maneuver (VPSM) and novel endoscopic pharyngeal contraction grade (EPCG) scale for the evaluation of pharyngeal motor...
Assessment of pharyngeal motor function using a novel velopharyngeal squeeze maneuver and a novel endoscopic pharyngeal contraction grade scale in patients with dysphagia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
To investigate a novel velopharyngeal squeeze maneuver (VPSM) and novel endoscopic pharyngeal contraction grade (EPCG) scale for the evaluation of pharyngeal motor function.
METHODS
During endoscopic examination of 77 post-irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and control subjects, VPSM was rated and lateral pharyngeal wall movement graded with EPCG scale during swallowing. Pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR) measured by videofluoroscopy was used for correlation.
RESULTS
VPSM and EPCG scale showed almost perfect intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (Kappa: >0.90). VPSM was present in 61% of patients suggesting good pharyngeal motor function. VPSM was predictive of EPCG scale (Wald statistic = 29.99, p < 0.001). EPCG scale also correlated strongly with PCR (r: 0.812) and was predictive for aspiration (odds ratio: 22.14 [95% CI 5.01-97.89, p < 0.001]).
CONCLUSIONS
VPSM and EPCG scale are two novel tools to assess pharyngeal motor function, and both correlate well with pharyngeal contractility and aspiration.
Topics: Deglutition; Deglutition Disorders; Humans; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Pharynx; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 34523766
DOI: 10.1002/hed.26871 -
Otolaryngologia Polska = the Polish... Sep 2023<br><b>Introduction:</b> Malignant minor salivary gland tumors are rare, accounting for fewer than 1% of all laryngeal cancers.</br>...
<br><b>Introduction:</b> Malignant minor salivary gland tumors are rare, accounting for fewer than 1% of all laryngeal cancers.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> This study aims to share our experiences regarding clinical, radiological, pathological profiles and their management.</br> <br><b>Materials and methods:</b> The current study reviews 11 cases of malignant minor salivary gland tumors of the larynx treated surgically at our Institute between 2005 and 2019.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> The mean age of the patients was 54 years (range 38-75 years) with six females and five males in the series (1.2:1). Subglottis and trachea were the sites of origin in 54% of the cases, and hoarseness with dyspnea were the most common presenting symptoms. There were nine Adenoid cystic and two Mucoepidermoid carcinoma patients. Surgery was the primary mode of treatment.</br> <br><b>Conclusions:</b> Most of the larynx's malignant minor salivary gland tumors are submucosal in origin. The outcome and prognosis vary considerably based on the tumor's histology, grade, and stage.</br>.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Adenoids; Hoarseness; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Larynx; Salivary Gland Neoplasms
PubMed: 38032326
DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0053.4040