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BMC Cancer Jul 2023In the absence of previous research, we sought to assess the H-Index's predictive significance for radiation-induced trismus (RIT) and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw...
BACKGROUND
In the absence of previous research, we sought to assess the H-Index's predictive significance for radiation-induced trismus (RIT) and osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy (C-CRT).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The research comprised 295 LA-NPC patients who had C-CRT and pre- and post-C-CRT oral exams between June 2010 and December 2021. The H-Index was calculated using neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, and albumin measurements obtained on the first day of C-CRT. Patients were divided into three and two H-index groups, respectively, based on previously established cutoff values (1.5 and 3.5) and the cutoff value determined by our receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The primary objective was the presence of any significant connections between pretreatment H-Index groups and post-C-CRT RIT and ORNJ rates.
RESULTS
RIT and ORNJ was diagnosed in 46 (15.6%) and 13 (7.8%) patients, respectively. The original H-Index grouping could only categorize RIT and ORNJ risks at a cutoff value of 3.5, with no significant differences in RIT and ORNJ rates between groups with H-Index 1.5 and 1.5 to 3.5 (P < 0.05 for each). The ideal H-Index cutoff for both RIT and ORNJ rates was found to be 5.5 in ROC curve analysis, which divided the entire research population into two groups: H-Index ≤ 5.5 (N = 195) and H-Index > 5.5 (N = 110). Intergroup comparisons revealed that patients in the H-Index > 5.5 group had significantly higher rates of either RIT (31.8% vs. 5.9%; P < 0.001) or ORNJ (17.3% vs. 2.2%; P < 0.001) than their H-Index ≤ 5.5 counterparts. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that H-Index > 5.5 was independently linked to significantly higher RIT (P < 0.001) and ORNJ (P < 0.001) rates.
CONCLUSION
Pre-C-CRT H-Index > 5.5 is associated with significantly increased RIT and ORNJ rates in LA-NPC patients receiving definitive C-CRT.
Topics: Humans; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Osteoradionecrosis; Trismus; Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37438683
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11155-z -
Oral Radiology Apr 2024This study aimed to investigate the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jawbones (ORN) after tooth extraction in patients undergoing low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT)...
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jawbones (ORN) after tooth extraction in patients undergoing low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) and assess its safety.
METHODS
This study retrospectively analyzed 145 patients with tongue cancer treated at Hiroshima University Hospital from 2007 to 2021 with LDR-BT using 192Ir or 198Au alone, LDR-BT and external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with or without chemotherapy, and LDR-BT with chemotherapy. Patients' mandible and maxilla were protected with spacers. Forty-seven patients underwent tooth extraction, and the incidence, site, and relationship of ORN with tooth extraction were recorded. A subgroup of 26 patients received additional EBRT to the neck after dissection for late cervical lymph node metastases.
RESULTS
Of 145 patients, six (4.1%) developed ORN on the same side of the mandible as LDR-BT, and EBRT was performed before and/or after LDR-BT on the sites where ORNs developed. Five of 47 (10.6%) patients who underwent tooth extraction after LDR-BT developed ORN. ORN incidence was 1.8% (2/109) in the LDR-BT and/or chemotherapy group and 11.1% (4/36) in the combination LDR-BT and EBRT and/or chemotherapy group for primary tongue cancer. Different irradiation methods (LDR-BT and/or chemotherapy and combination LDR-BT and EBRT and/or chemotherapy) and the presence or absence of tooth extraction showed significant differences (p = 0.0335 and p = 0.0139, respectively) with or without ORN.
CONCLUSIONS
Mandibular tooth extraction should be avoided on the side of LDR-BT in combined EBRT cases. However, tooth extraction is feasible using a spacer in LDR-BT and/or chemotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Brachytherapy; Osteoradionecrosis; Iridium Radioisotopes; Tongue Neoplasms; Radiotherapy Dosage; Tooth Extraction
PubMed: 37831428
DOI: 10.1007/s11282-023-00716-4 -
Head & Neck Jan 2024Unilateral total maxillectomy is indicated for locally advanced maxillary tumors that require complete removal of the midface bony structure and inferior orbital rim....
Unilateral total maxillectomy is indicated for locally advanced maxillary tumors that require complete removal of the midface bony structure and inferior orbital rim. Reconstruction of this defect is challenging due to aesthetic and functional concerns. A retrospective review of patients at two tertiary-care institutions undergoing unilateral total maxillectomy reconstruction with a stacked fibula flap from 2018 to 2022 was performed. Each patient's clinical course was reviewed, and attention was focused on the demonstration of surgical steps with photos. Twenty patients underwent stacked fibula flap reconstruction for unilateral total maxillectomy orbital preservation defects. Surgical extirpation was performed for malignancy (80%, 16/20) and for osteoradionecrosis or benign tumor in 20% (4/20). The complication rate was 30% (6/20). Most flaps survived (95%, 19/20). We present a modified, reproducible method of fibula flap reconstruction for unilateral total maxillectomy with orbital preservation that only requires two segments and maintains positive aesthetic and functional results.
Topics: Humans; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Maxilla; Fibula; Surgical Flaps; Maxillary Neoplasms
PubMed: 37933883
DOI: 10.1002/hed.27567 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Sep 2023: Before the introduction of griseofluvin, the use of X-ray radiation was the treatment of choice for tinea capitis. More than half a century later various types of...
Reconstruction of Moderately and Severely Atrophic Scalp-A Multicentric Experience in Surgical Treatment of Patients Irradiated for Tinea Capitis in Childhood and Surgical Algorithm.
: Before the introduction of griseofluvin, the use of X-ray radiation was the treatment of choice for tinea capitis. More than half a century later various types of tumors have been found to be associated with childhood irradiation due to tinea capitis, most commonly cancers of the head and neck, as well as brain tumors. The often unusually aggressive and recurrent nature of these tumors necessitates the need for repeated surgeries, while the atrophic skin with an impaired vascular supply due to radiation often poses an additional challenge for defect reconstruction. We present our experience in the surgical treatment of such patients. : This is a retrospective cohort study. In this study, 37 patients treated for acquired defects of the scalp with a history of irradiation therapy due to tinea capitis in childhood were included in this study, 24 male and 13 female patients. The mean age at the first appointment was 60.6 ± 7.8, with the youngest included patient being 46 and the oldest being 75 years old. Patients' characteristics, surgical treatment, and complications were analyzed and a reconstructive algorithm was developed. : Local flaps were used for reconstruction in 34 patients, direct sutures were used in 10 patients and 20 patients received split-thickness skin grafts for coverage of both primary and secondary defects for reconstruction of flap donor sites. One regional flap and one dermal substitute covered by an autologous skin graft were also used for reconstruction. Complications occurred in 43.2% of patients and were significantly associated with the presence of comorbidities ( = 0.001), aseptic bone necrosis ( = 0.001), as well as skin atrophy in frontal, occipital, and parietal region ( = 0.001, = 0.042 and = 0.001, respectively). A significant correlation between major complications and moderate skin atrophy was found only in the parietal region ( = 0.026). : Unfortunately, many protocols developed for scalp reconstruction are not applicable in the setting of severe or diffuse scalp skin atrophy associated with high tumor recurrence rate and radiation-induced vascular impairment, such as in tinea capitis patients in Serbia. An algorithm has been developed based on the authors' experience in managing these patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Aged; Scalp; Retrospective Studies; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Tinea Capitis; Atrophy; Algorithms
PubMed: 37763798
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091678 -
Head & Neck May 2024Fibula free flap reconstruction has revolutionized maxillofacial reconstruction. While immediate dental rehabilitation with dental implants and teeth has shown benefits,...
BACKGROUND
Fibula free flap reconstruction has revolutionized maxillofacial reconstruction. While immediate dental rehabilitation with dental implants and teeth has shown benefits, it remains uncommon, especially for patients with malignancy.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort study at a single institution explored immediate dental rehabilitation in fibula flaps for patients with malignant disease. Thirteen patients with malignancies that underwent immediate fibula free flap reconstruction with dental implants and dental prosthesis were included with a minimum of 3-month follow-up.
RESULTS
Forty eight implants replaced 90 teeth in 13 patients. All implants were integrated at 3 months, with an overall success rate of 87.5%. Two patients experienced delayed (>3 months postoperatively) implant loss due to osteoradionecrosis and infection. Peri-mucositis occurred in three patients which resolved with treatment. Skin paddles were used in 11 patients and radiation therapy was not delayed for any patient.
CONCLUSION
With proper patient selection, diagnosis of malignancy and the need for osteocutaneous flap reconstruction does not exclude the ability to place immediate implants and deliver an immediate dental prosthesis in head and neck reconstruction.
PubMed: 38726679
DOI: 10.1002/hed.27800 -
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.... Dec 2023The modified pedicled internal mammary osteomyocutaneous chimeric flap is a powerful option for head and neck reconstruction in patients not suitable for free tissue...
The modified pedicled internal mammary osteomyocutaneous chimeric flap is a powerful option for head and neck reconstruction in patients not suitable for free tissue transfer. In this article, the senior author's (K.C.) technique for flap elevation is described in the context of a patient with mandibular osteoradionecrosis resulting in severe crossbite and trismus after multiple failed attempts at reconstruction with free tissue transfer. The modified pedicled internal mammary osteomyocutaneous chimeric flap was chosen as it offered intraoral lining, extraoral soft tissue, and vascularized bone for mandibular reconstruction without requiring free tissue transfer. The flap dissection as well as the risks, benefits, and indications for this flap are described herein. The modified pedicled internal mammary osteomyocutaneous chimeric flap is a technically complex reconstructive option reserved for situations in which conventional methods have been exhausted. It offers an eloquent solution for patients who otherwise may have no options.
PubMed: 38093724
DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005432 -
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral... Oct 2023Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws remains one of the most debilitating complications of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Liquid...
BACKGROUND
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws remains one of the most debilitating complications of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Liquid pentoxifylline and vitamin E (PVe) presents an alternative formulation to tablets for patients with dysphagia or enteric feeding.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of using a liquid formulation of PVe for both established ORN and as a prophylaxis to avoid its occurrence after dental extractions. A secondary objective was to determine patient-reported side effects in relation to the liquid formulation of PVe.
STUDY DESIGN
The clinical records of 111 patients with HNC who were prescribed liquid PVe were reviewed retrospectively (66 with established ORN and 45 as prophylaxis before an invasive dental procedure).
RESULTS
In established ORN, 44% healed, and 41% were stable. In the prophylaxis group, 96% of surgical sites healed completely, with 4% (n = 2) developing ORN. Most patients (89%) were able to tolerate liquid PVe. Of the 11% (n = 12) who could not tolerate this regime, the most commonly reported side effect was gastric irritation (n = 5/12), whereas no more than 1 patient reported dizziness, malaise, and bleeding.
CONCLUSIONS
This retrospective review suggests that liquid PVe is efficacious for both established ORN and as a prophylaxis. Side effects reported were similar to those recognized for the tablet formulation.
Topics: Humans; Pentoxifylline; Retrospective Studies; Osteoradionecrosis; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Tooth Extraction; Vitamin E
PubMed: 37316424
DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.02.012 -
Medical Physics Oct 2023The increased normal tissue tolerance for FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT), as compared to conventional radiotherapy, was first observed in ultra-high dose rate electron...
PURPOSE
The increased normal tissue tolerance for FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT), as compared to conventional radiotherapy, was first observed in ultra-high dose rate electron beams. Initial clinical trials in companion animals have revealed a high risk of developing osteoradionecrosis following high-dose single-fraction electron FLASH-RT, which may be related to inhomogeneities in the dose distribution. In the current study, we aim to evaluate the possibilities of intensity-modulated electron FLASH-RT in a clinical setting to ensure a homogeneous dose distribution in future veterinary and human clinical trials.
METHODS
Our beam model in the treatment planning system electronRT (.decimal, LLC, Sanford, FL, USA) was based on a 10-MeV electron beam from a clinical linear accelerator used to treat veterinary patients with FLASH-RT in a clinical setting. In electronRT, the beam can be intensity-modulated using tungsten island blocks in the electron block cutout, and range-modulated using a customized bolus with variable thickness. Modulations were first validated in a heterogeneous phantom by comparing measured and calculated dose distributions. To evaluate the impact of intensity modulation in superficial single-fraction FLASH-RT, a treatment planning study was conducted, including eight canine cancer patient cases with simulated tumors in the head-and-neck region. For each case, treatment plans with and without intensity modulation were created for a uniform bolus and a range-modulating bolus. Treatment plans were evaluated using a target dose homogeneity index (HI), a conformity index (CI), the near-maximum dose outside the target ( ), and the near-minimum dose to the target ( ).
RESULTS
By adding intensity modulation to plans with a uniform bolus, the HI could be improved (p = 0.017). The combination of a range-modulating bolus and intensity modulation provided a further significant improvement of the HI as compared to using intensity modulation in combination with a uniform bolus (p = 0.036). The range-modulating bolus also improved the CI compared to using a uniform bolus, both with an open beam (p = 0.046) and with intensity modulation (p = 0.018), as well as increased the (p = 0.036 with open beam and p = 0.05 with intensity modulation) and reduced the median (not significant).
CONCLUSIONS
By using intensity-modulated electron FLASH-RT in combination with range-modulating bolus, the target dose homogeneity and conformity in canine patients with simulated tumors in complex areas in the head-and-neck region could be improved. By utilizing this technique, we hope to decrease the dose outside the target volume and avoid hot spots in future clinical electron FLASH-RT studies, thereby reducing the risk of radiation-induced toxicity.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Dogs; Electrons; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Neoplasms; Radiation Injuries
PubMed: 37696040
DOI: 10.1002/mp.16737 -
JCO Oncology Practice May 2024
PubMed: 38691818
DOI: 10.1200/OP.24.00182 -
Advances in Radiation Oncology Apr 2024For patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), locoregional failure and second primary tumors are common indications for adjuvant reirradiation...
PURPOSE
For patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), locoregional failure and second primary tumors are common indications for adjuvant reirradiation (re-RT). Given an absence of clear consensus on the role of adjuvant re-RT, we sought to assess histopathologic risk factors of patients with HNSCC and their resulting outcomes after adjuvant re-RT with proton therapy.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with HNSCC who underwent salvage surgery at our institution followed by adjuvant re-RT with proton therapy over 1.5 years. All included patients received prior radiation therapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate locoregional recurrence-free survival and overall survival.
RESULTS
The cohort included 22 patients, with disease subsites, including oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, larynx, and nasopharynx. Depending on adverse pathologic features, adjuvant re-RT to 66 Gy (32% of cohort) or 60 Gy (68%), with (59%) or without (41%) concurrent systemic therapy was administered. The majority (86%) completed re-RT with no reported treatment delay; 3 patients experienced grade ≥3 acute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events toxicity and no patient required enteral feeding tube placement during re-RT. Median follow-up was 21.0 months (IQR, 11.7-25.2 months). Five patients had biopsy-proven disease recurrences a median of 5.9 months (IQR, 3.8-9.7 months) after re-RT. Locoregional recurrence-free survival was 95.2%, 70.2%, 64.8% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. OS was 100%, 79.2%, and 79.2% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Four patients had osteoradionecrosis on imaging a median of 13.2 months (IQR, 8.7-17.4 months) after re-RT, with 2 requiring surgical intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Adjuvant re-RT for patients with HNSCC was well-tolerated and offered reasonable local control in this high-risk cohort but appears to be associated with a risk of osteoradionecrosis. Additional study and longer follow-up could help define optimal patient management in this patient population.
PubMed: 38778826
DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2023.101418