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Radiology. Imaging Cancer Jan 2024Interpretation of posttreatment imaging findings in patients with head and neck cancer can pose a substantial challenge. Malignancies in this region are often managed... (Review)
Review
Interpretation of posttreatment imaging findings in patients with head and neck cancer can pose a substantial challenge. Malignancies in this region are often managed through surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and newer approaches like immunotherapy. After treatment, patients may experience various expected changes, including mucositis, soft-tissue inflammation, laryngeal edema, and salivary gland inflammation. Imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, and PET scans help differentiate these changes from tumor recurrence. Complications such as osteoradionecrosis, chondroradionecrosis, and radiation-induced vasculopathy can arise because of radiation effects. Radiation-induced malignancies may occur in the delayed setting. This review article emphasizes the importance of posttreatment surveillance imaging to ensure proper care of patients with head and neck cancer and highlights the complexities in distinguishing between expected treatment effects and potential complications. CT, MR Imaging, Radiation Therapy, Ear/Nose/Throat, Head/Neck, Nervous-Peripheral, Bone Marrow, Calvarium, Carotid Arteries, Jaw, Face, Larynx © RSNA, 2024.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Osteoradionecrosis; Radiation Injuries; Positron-Emission Tomography
PubMed: 38276904
DOI: 10.1148/rycan.230155 -
Journal of Stomatology, Oral and... May 2024This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of a machine learning approach that utilized radiomic features extracted from Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT)...
This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of a machine learning approach that utilized radiomic features extracted from Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) images and inflammatory biomarkers for distinguishing between Dentigerous Cysts (DCs), Odontogenic Keratocysts (OKCs), and Unicystic Ameloblastomas (UAs). This retrospective study involves 103 patients who underwent jaw lesion surgery in the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Federico II University Of Naples between January 2018 and January 2023. Nonparametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for continuous variables. Linear and non-logistic regression models (LRM and NLRM) were employed, along with machine learning techniques such as decision tree (DT), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM), to predict the outcomes. When individual inflammatory biomarkers were considered alone, their ability to differentiate between OKCs, UAs, and DCs was below 50 % accuracy. However, a linear regression model combining four inflammatory biomarkers achieved an accuracy of 95 % and an AUC of 0.96. The accuracy of single radiomics predictors was lower than that of inflammatory biomarkers, with an AUC of 0.83. The Fine Tree model, utilizing NLR, SII, and one radiomic feature, achieved an accuracy of 94.3 % (AUC = 0.95) on the training and testing sets, and a validation set accuracy of 100 %. The Fine Tree model demonstrated the capability to discriminate between OKCs, UAs, and DCs. However, the LRM utilizing four inflammatory biomarkers proved to be the most effective algorithm for distinguishing between OKCs, UAs, and DCs.
PubMed: 38719192
DOI: 10.1016/j.jormas.2024.101912 -
European Archives of... Dec 2023To explore the feasibility of making a submental perforator flap distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint under the guidance of...
OBJECTIVES
To explore the feasibility of making a submental perforator flap distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint under the guidance of neck-enhanced CT and repairing the postoperative defect of upper airway malignancy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study retrospectively analysed 19 cases of upper airway malignant tumours treated in our department from January 2021 to September 2022, including 17 males and 2 females, aged 43-70 years.
SITE OF LESIONS
15 cases were in the laryngopharynx, 2 cases in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus and 2 cases on the soft palate. All the lesions were malignant and at stages TNM.
SURGICAL METHOD
The extended submental perforator flap (size 22-15 × 6-7 cm) was prefabricated distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint. After tumour resection, the flap was used to repair the postoperative defect. Fifteen cases of laryngopharyngeal malignant tumours were repaired using the extended submental perforator flap with the vascular pedicle located on the opposite side of the tumour body. Two cases of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumours were repaired using the extended submental perforator flap combined with the temporalis muscle flap. The soft palate was completely removed in two patients with soft palate cancer and repaired using the folded extended submental perforator flap.
RESULTS
Before the surgery, the reflux vein was observed by neck-enhanced CT, including 12 cases returning to the internal jugular vein and 7 cases to the external jugular vein. All 19 cases in which flaps were used survived, and 1 case had a postoperative infection. All the patients had nasal feeding removed after surgery. The tracheal cannula was removed from the patients with laryngeal preservation, and the pronunciation was satisfactory. Among them, patients with soft palate cancer repair had mild nasal reflux symptoms with smooth breathing. During the follow-up period of 4-24 months, 18 patients had no tumour recurrence or metastasis, and 1 patient had cervical lymph node metastasis.
CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the use of a submental perforator flap distal to the connecting line between the mastoid and the sternoclavicular joint to repair postoperative defects for upper airway malignancy as an innovative surgical approach that provides more tissue and good arteriovenous blood supply to adjacent sites. This method has high clinical value and provides an effective option for repairing postoperative defects of upper airway malignancy.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Perforator Flap; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Skin Transplantation; Retrospective Studies; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Palatal Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37530858
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-023-08131-5 -
Cancer Medicine Oct 2023Both nonoperative and operative treatments for spinal metastasis are expensive interventions. Patients' expected 3-month survival is believed to be a key factor to...
BACKGROUND
Both nonoperative and operative treatments for spinal metastasis are expensive interventions. Patients' expected 3-month survival is believed to be a key factor to determine the most suitable treatment. However, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study lends support to the hypothesis. We sought to determine the cost-effectiveness of operative and nonoperative interventions, stratified by patients' predicted probability of 3-month survival.
METHODS
A Markov model with four defined health states was used to estimate the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs for operative intervention with postoperative radiotherapy and radiotherapy alone (palliative low-dose external beam radiotherapy) of spine metastases. Transition probabilities for the model, including the risks of mortality and functional deterioration, were obtained from secondary and our institutional data. Willingness to pay thresholds were prespecified at $100,000 and $150,000. The analyses were censored after 5-year simulation from a health system perspective and discounted outcomes at 3% per year. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the study design.
RESULTS
The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were $140,907 per QALY for patients with a 3-month survival probability >50%, $3,178,510 per QALY for patients with a 3-month survival probability <50%, and $168,385 per QALY for patients with independent ambulatory and 3-month survival probability >50%.
CONCLUSIONS
This study emphasizes the need to choose patients carefully and estimate preoperative survival for those with spinal metastases. In addition to reaffirming previous research regarding the influence of ambulatory status on cost-effectiveness, our study goes a step further by highlighting that operative intervention with postoperative radiotherapy could be more cost-effective than radiotherapy alone for patients with a better survival outlook. Accurate survival prediction tools and larger future studies could offer more detailed insights for clinical decisions.
Topics: Humans; Spinal Neoplasms; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; Probability
PubMed: 37749979
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6576 -
Journal of Applied Clinical Medical... Jun 2024To determine whether a dual-isocenter volumetrically modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique results in lower normal pulmonary dosage compared to a traditional single... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Single isocenter versus dual isocenter treatment using flattening filter-free and jaw-tracking volumetrically modulated arc therapy for boot-shaped lung cancer: Evaluation of dosimetric and feasibility.
BACKGROUND
To determine whether a dual-isocenter volumetrically modulated arc therapy (VMAT) technique results in lower normal pulmonary dosage compared to a traditional single isocenter technique for boot-shaped lung cancer.
METHODS
A cohort of 15 patients with advanced peripheral or central lung cancer who had metastases in the mediastinum and supraclavicular lymph nodes was randomly selected for this retrospective study. VMAT plans were generated for each patient using two different beam alignment techniques with the 6-MV flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beam: single-isocenter jaw-tracking VMAT based on the Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator (S-TV), and dual-isocenter VMAT based on both TrueBeam (D-TV) and Halcyon linear accelerator (D-HV). For all 45 treatment plans, planning target volume (PTV) dose coverage, conformity/homogeneity index (CI/HI), mean heart dose (MHD), mean lung dose (MLD) and the total lung tissue receiving 5, 20, 30 Gy (V, V, V) were evaluated. The monitor units (MUs), delivery time, and plan quality assurance (QA) results were recorded.
RESULTS
The quality of the objectives of the three plans was comparable to each other. In comparison with S-TV, D-TV and D-HV improved the CI and HI of the PTV (p < 0.05). The MLD was 13.84 ± 1.44 Gy (mean ± SD) for D-TV, 14.22 ± 1.30 Gy and 14.16 ± 1.42 Gy for S-TV and D-HV, respectively. Lungs-V was 50.78 ± 6.24%, 52.00 ± 7.32% and 53.36 ± 8.48%, Lungs-V was 23.72 ± 2.27%, 26.18 ± 2.86% and 24.96 ± 3.09%, Lungs-V30Gy was 15.69 ± 1.76%, 17.20 ± 1.72% and 16.52 ± 2.07%. Compared to S-TV, D-TV provided statistically significant better protection for the total lung, with the exception of the lungs-V. All plans passed QA according the gamma criteria of 3%/3 mm.
CONCLUSIONS
Taking into account the dosimetric results and published clinical data on radiation-induced pulmonary injury, dual-isocenter jaw-tracking VMAT may be the optimal choice for treating boot-shaped lung cancer.
Topics: Humans; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Lung Neoplasms; Radiotherapy Dosage; Organs at Risk; Retrospective Studies; Feasibility Studies; Particle Accelerators
PubMed: 38286001
DOI: 10.1002/acm2.14292 -
World Journal of Radiology Apr 2024Currently, the differentiation of jaw tumors is mainly based on the lesion's morphology rather than the enhancement characteristics, which are important in the...
BACKGROUND
Currently, the differentiation of jaw tumors is mainly based on the lesion's morphology rather than the enhancement characteristics, which are important in the differentiation of neoplasms across the body. There is a paucity of literature on the enhancement characteristics of jaw tumors. This is mainly because, even though computed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate these lesions, they are often imaged without intravenous contrast. This study hypothesised that the enhancement characteristics of the solid component of jaw tumors can aid in the differentiation of these lesions in addition to their morphology by dual-energy CT, therefore improving the ability to differentiate between various pathologies.
AIM
To evaluate the role of contrast enhancement and dual-energy quantitative parameters in CT in the differentiation of jaw tumors.
METHODS
Fifty-seven patients with jaw tumors underwent contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT. Morphological analysis of the tumor, including the enhancing solid component, was done, followed by quantitative analysis of iodine concentration (IC), water concentration (WC), HU, and normalized IC. The study population was divided into four subgroups based on histopathological analysis-central giant cell granuloma (CGCG), ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and other jaw tumors. A one-way ANOVA test for parametric variables and the Kruskal-Wallis test for non-parametric variables were used. If significant differences were found, a series of independent -tests or Mann-Whitney tests were used.
RESULTS
Ameloblastoma was the most common pathology ( = 20), followed by CGCG ( = 11) and OKC. CGCG showed a higher mean concentration of all quantitative parameters than ameloblastomas ( < 0.05). An IC threshold of 31.35 × 100 μg/cm had the maximum sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (65%). Between ameloblastomas and OKC, the former showed a higher mean concentration of all quantitative parameters ( < 0.001), however when comparing unilocular ameloblastomas with OKCs, the latter showed significantly higher WC. Also, ameloblastoma had a higher IC and lower WC compared to "other jaw tumors" group.
CONCLUSION
Enhancement characteristics of solid components combined with dual-energy parameters offer a more precise way to differentiate between jaw tumors.
PubMed: 38690548
DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v16.i4.82 -
Journal For Immunotherapy of Cancer Jun 2024Cancer immunotherapy has flourished over the last 10-15 years, transforming the practice of oncology and providing long-term clinical benefit to some patients. During... (Review)
Review
Cancer immunotherapy has flourished over the last 10-15 years, transforming the practice of oncology and providing long-term clinical benefit to some patients. During this time, three distinct classes of immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapies specific for two targets, and two distinct classes of bispecific T cell engagers, a vaccine, and an oncolytic virus have joined cytokines as a standard of cancer care. At the same time, scientific progress has delivered vast amounts of new knowledge. For example, advances in technologies such as single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have provided deep insights into the immunobiology of the tumor microenvironment. With this rapid clinical and scientific progress, the field of cancer immunotherapy is currently at a critical inflection point, with potential for exponential growth over the next decade. Recognizing this, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer convened a diverse group of experts in cancer immunotherapy representing academia, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, patient advocacy, and the regulatory community to identify current opportunities and challenges with the goal of prioritizing areas with the highest potential for clinical impact. The consensus group identified seven high-priority areas of current opportunity for the field: mechanisms of antitumor activity and toxicity; mechanisms of drug resistance; biomarkers and biospecimens; unique aspects of novel therapeutics; host and environmental interactions; premalignant immunity, immune interception, and immunoprevention; and clinical trial design, endpoints, and conduct. Additionally, potential roadblocks to progress were discussed, and several topics were identified as cross-cutting tools for optimization, each with potential to impact multiple scientific priority areas. These cross-cutting tools include preclinical models, data curation and sharing, biopsies and biospecimens, diversification of funding sources, definitions and standards, and patient engagement. Finally, three key guiding principles were identified that will both optimize and maximize progress in the field. These include engaging the patient community; cultivating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to accelerate progress. Here, we present the outcomes of these discussions as a strategic vision to galvanize the field for the next decade of exponential progress in cancer immunotherapy.
Topics: Humans; Immunotherapy; Neoplasms; Societies, Medical
PubMed: 38901879
DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009063 -
Medicine Sep 2023Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare malignant odontogenic carcinoma characterized by the presence of ghost cells. It has a nonspecific clinical and radiographic... (Review)
Review
RATIONALE
Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare malignant odontogenic carcinoma characterized by the presence of ghost cells. It has a nonspecific clinical and radiographic presentation and can be locally destructive and invasive, sometimes with distant metastases. However, no effective systemic therapy is currently recommended for such patients.
PATIENT CONCERNS
The patient has been unable to undergo surgery or radiotherapy again. Therefore, he was referred to our department for a more aggressive, multimodal systematic treatment program.
DIAGNOSES
The histopathological examination was morphologically suggestive of ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas.
INTERVENTIONS
We report a case of locally invasive primary inoperable odontogenic shadow cell carcinoma in a 31-year-old Chinese man who achieved treatment with Toripalimab and chemotherapy, followed by Toripalimab maintenance therapy after 6 cycles.
OUTCOMES
He achieved partial remission after treatment. The quality of life significantly improved after treatment. There were no grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events during treatment.
LESSONS
This case presented that Toripalimab and chemotherapy may be a safe and effective systemic therapy for ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Quality of Life; Jaw Neoplasms; Odontogenic Tumors; Mouth Neoplasms; Carcinoma
PubMed: 37746979
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035225 -
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and... Jul 2024This study aims to evaluate the factors most associated with early and late complications following microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) after mandibulectomy.
PURPOSE
This study aims to evaluate the factors most associated with early and late complications following microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) after mandibulectomy.
METHODS
A retrospective review of patients undergoing MVFTT after segmental mandibulectomy from September 2016 to February 2021 was performed across a single academic institution. Surgical variables were collected, including the location of the resultant mandibular defect (anterior vs posterior) and flap type (osseous or non-osseous). The primary outcome variables included postoperative complications (early, <90 days; and late, >90 days) and the patients' functional status (return to oral intake). Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fischer's exact test, and 2-sample t tests were used to analyze differences among variables.
RESULTS
We analyzed a cohort of 114 consecutive patients with mandibular defects, comprising 57 anterior and 57 posterior defects. Bony free flaps with hardware were used to reconstruct 98% of anterior defects compared to 58% of posterior defects ( < .001). All soft tissue only flaps did not utilize any hardware during the reconstruction. Anterior defects demonstrated more late complications requiring additional surgery (30% vs 9%, = .04). A secondary analysis of posterior mandibular reconstructions compared soft tissue only flaps and bony free flaps with hardware and showed equivalent rates of early (12% vs 13%, > .99) and late (9% vs 8%, > .99) complications requiring additional surgery while demonstrating a similar return to full oral competence (55% vs 46%, = .52) and recovery of a 100% oral diet (67% vs 54%, = .53).
CONCLUSION
Osseous free tissue transfer for segmental mandibular defects remains the gold standard in reconstruction. In our patient cohort, anterior mandibular defects are associated with greater late (>90 day) complications requiring additional surgery. Comparable outcomes may be achieved with soft tissue only versus osseous free flap reconstruction of posterior mandibular defects.
Topics: Humans; Free Tissue Flaps; Male; Retrospective Studies; Female; Middle Aged; Mandibular Osteotomy; Postoperative Complications; Aged; Mandibular Reconstruction; Adult; Mandibular Neoplasms; Mandible; Plastic Surgery Procedures
PubMed: 38676442
DOI: 10.1177/00034894241250177 -
Indian Journal of Dental Research :... Oct 2023Ossifying fibromas are rare, non-aggressive benign tumours of the bone, commonly involving the posterior mandible in middle-aged individuals with a female predilection.
INTRODUCTION
Ossifying fibromas are rare, non-aggressive benign tumours of the bone, commonly involving the posterior mandible in middle-aged individuals with a female predilection.
FINDINGS
Clinical manifestations include asymptomatic expansion of the mandible with infrequent maxillary lesions, pain, malocclusion, and compromised quality of life including aesthetic perception. Owing to multiplicity of features, tendency of recurrence, and possibility of malignant transformation, the diagnosis, treatment, and post-operative management of ossifying fibroma are always a challenge.
TAKEAWAY LESSONS
Study aims to report a clinical case of extensive swelling involving the coronoid process and condyle on the right side to crossing the mid-line of the mandible with compromised functions and aesthetics. The article describes the clinical, histopathological, and radiological features of the case. The possible treatment and challenges encountered are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Fibroma, Ossifying; Mandibular Neoplasms; Female; Radiography, Panoramic; Adult
PubMed: 38739833
DOI: 10.4103/ijdr.ijdr_134_21