Personalized ctDNA for Monitoring Disease Status in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Many patients with locoregionally advanced human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) relapse. ctDNA has the potential to identify minimal residual disease, but its clinical utility for virus-negative HNSCC is not well understood. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We retrospectively evaluated a personalized, commercial ctDNA assay (Signatera, Natera) during clinical care of patients treated for predominantly newly diagnosed human papillomavirus-negative HNSCC. Signatera utilizes 16-plex PCR from matched tumor and blood. Objectives were to understand ctDNA detectability and correlate changes posttreatment with disease outcomes. RESULTS: Testing was successful in 100/116 (86%) patients (median age: 65 years, 68% male, 65% smokers); testing failed in 16 (14%) because of insufficient tissue. Oral cavity (55, 47%) tumors were most common; most had stage III to IV disease (82, 71%), whereas 17 (15%) had distant metastases. Pretreatment, 75/100 patients with successful testing (75%) had detectable ctDNA (range: 0.03-4049.69 mean tumor molecules/mL). No clinical features predicted ctDNA detectability or levels (multivariate analysis). At a median follow-up of 5.1 months (range: 0.2-15.1), 55 (55%) had >1 test result (range: 1-7; 194 samples). Of 55 patients, 17 (31%) remained ctDNA positive after starting treatment. Progression-free survival was significantly worse for patients who were ctDNA positive versus ctDNA negative posttreatment (HR, 7.33; 95% confidence interval, 3.12-17.2; P < 0.001); 1-year overall survival was 89.1% versus 100%, respectively (HR, 7.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-119.5; P = 0.155). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor-informed ctDNA testing is feasible in nonviral HNSCC. ctDNA positivity is an indicator of disease progression and associated with inferior survival. Further research is warranted to understand whether ctDNA may be leveraged to guide therapy in HNSCC.

Phase II trial of vaccination with autologous, irradiated melanoma cells engineered by adenoviral mediated gene transfer to secrete granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor in patients with stage III and IV melanoma.

Background: In the era of immune checkpoint blockade, the role of cancer vaccines in immune priming has provided additional potential for therapeutic improvements. Prior studies have demonstrated delayed type hypersensitivity and anti-tumor immunity with vaccines engineered to secrete granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The safety, efficacy and anti-tumor immunity of GM-CSF secreting vaccine in patients with previously treated stage III or IV melanoma needs further investigation. Methods: In this phase II trial, excised lymph node metastases were processed to single cells, transduced with an adenoviral vector encoding GM-CSF, irradiated, and cryopreserved. Individual vaccines were composed of 1x106, 4x106, or 1x107 tumor cells, and were injected intradermally and subcutaneously at weekly and biweekly intervals. The primary endpoints were feasibility of producing vaccine in stage III patients and determining the proportion of patients alive at two years in stage IV patients. Results: GM-CSF vaccine was successfully developed and administered in all 61 patients. Toxicities were restricted to grade 1-2 local skin reactions. The median OS for stage III patients (n = 20) was 71.1 (95% CI, 43.7 to NR) months and 14.9 (95%CI, 12.1 to 39.7) months for stage IV patients. The median PFS in stage III patients was 50.7 (95%CI, 36.3 to NR) months and 4.1 (95% CI, 3.0-6.3) months in stage IV patients. In the overall population, the disease control rate was 39.3% (95%CI, 27.1 to 52.7%). In stage III patients, higher pre-treatment plasma cytokine levels of MMP-1, TRAIL, CXCL-11, CXCL-13 were associated with improved PFS (p<0.05 for all). An increase in post-vaccination levels of IL-15 and TRAIL for stage III patients was associated with improved PFS (p=0.03 for both). Similarly, an increase in post-vaccination IL-16 level for stage IV patients was associated with improved PFS (p=0.02) and clinical benefit. Conclusions: Vaccination with autologous melanoma cells secreting GM-CSF augments antitumor immunity in stage III and IV patients with melanoma, is safe, and demonstrates disease control. Luminex data suggests that changes in inflammatory cytokines and immune cell infiltration promote tumor antigen presentation and subsequent tumor cell destruction. Additional investigation to administer this vaccine in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors is needed.

Perspectives on Referral Pathways for Timely Head and Neck Cancer Care.

Importance: Timely diagnosis and treatment are of paramount importance for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) because delays are associated with reduced survival rates and increased recurrence risk. Prompt referral to HNC specialists is crucial for the timeliness of care, yet the factors that affect the referral and triage pathway remain relatively unexplored. Therefore, to identify barriers and facilitators of timely care, it is important to understand the complex journey that patients undertake from the onset of HNC symptoms to referral for diagnosis and treatment. Objective: To investigate the referral and triage process for patients with HNC and identify barriers to and facilitators of care from the perspectives of patients and health care workers. Design, Participants, and Setting: This was a qualitative study using semistructured interviews of patients with HNC and health care workers who care for them. Participants were recruited from June 2022 to July 2023 from HNC clinics at 2 tertiary care academic medical centers in Boston, Massachusetts. Data were analyzed from July 2022 to December 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Themes identified from the perspectives of both patients and health care workers on factors that hinder or facilitate the HNC referral and triage process. Results: In total, 72 participants were interviewed including 42 patients with HNC (median [range] age, 60.5 [19.0-81.0] years; 27 [64%] females) and 30 health care workers (median [range] age, 38.5 [20.0-68.0] years; 23 [77%] females). Using thematic analysis, 4 major themes were identified: the HNC referral and triage pathway is fragmented; primary and dental care are critical for timely referrals; efficient interclinician coordination expedites care; and consistent patient-practitioner engagement alleviates patient fear. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings describe the complex HNC referral and triage pathway, emphasizing the critical role of initial symptom recognition, primary and dental care, patient information flow, and interclinician and patient-practitioner communication, all of which facilitate prompt HNC referrals.

Patient Experience of Head and Neck Surgery With Free Flap Reconstruction.

Importance: Major head and neck surgery with microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction is complex, with considerable risk of morbidity. Little is known about patients' experiences, including decision-making prior to, and regret following, free flap surgery. Objective: To characterize patient experiences and decision regret of patients undergoing head and neck reconstructive free flap surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants: This mixed-methods cohort study comprising semistructured interviews was conducted June to August 2021 at a single tertiary academic cancer center. Participants underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery with microvascular free tissue transfer (flap) more than 3 months before recruitment (range, 3 months to 4 years). Interview transcripts were qualitatively analyzed for themes. Participants also completed a Decision Regret Scale questionnaire. Exposure: Microvascular free flap surgery for head and neck reconstruction. Main Outcomes and Measures: Thematic analysis of interviews, decision regret score. Results: Seventeen participants were interviewed. Median (IQR) age was 61 (52-70) years. Overall, 7 participants were women (49%), and 10 of 17 were men (59%). The most common free flap was fibula (8/17, 47%). Three major themes with 9 subthemes were identified: theme 1 was the tremendous effect of preoperative counseling on surgical decision-making and satisfaction, with subthemes including (1) importance of clinical care team counseling on decision to have surgery; (2) emotional context colors preoperative understanding and retention of information; (3) expectation-setting affects satisfaction with preoperative counseling; and (4) desire for diversified delivery of preoperative information. Theme 2 was coexisting and often conflicting priorities, including (1) desire to survive above all else, and (2) desire for quality of life. Theme 3 was perception of surgery as momentous and distressing, including (1) surgery as a traumatic event; (2) centrality of mental health, emotional resolve, and gratitude to enduring surgery and recovery; and (3) sense of accomplishment in recovery. On the Decision Regret Scale, most participants had no regret (n = 8, 47%) or mild regret (n = 5, 29%); 4 had moderate-to-severe regret (24%). Conclusions and Relevance: In this mixed-methods cohort study, patient experiences surrounding major head and neck reconstructive free flap surgery were described. Opportunities to improve support for this complex and vulnerable population, and to mitigate decision regret, were identified.

Personal Social Networks and Care-Seeking for Head and Neck Cancer: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of patients' personal social networks (SNs) in accessing head and neck cancer (HNC) care through patients' and health care workers' (HCWs) perspectives. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Tertiary HNC centers at 2 academic medical centers, including 1 safety net hospital. METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed HNC, and HCWs caring for HNC patients, aged ≥18 years were recruited between June 2022 and July 2023. Semistructured interviews were conducted with both patients and HCWs. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was performed with 2 coders (κ = 0.82) to analyze the data. RESULTS: The study included 72 participants: 42 patients (mean age 57 years, 64% female, 81% white), and 30 HCWs (mean age 42 years, 77% female, 83% white). Four themes emerged: (1) Patients' SNs facilitate care through various forms of support, (2) patients may hesitate to seek help from their networks, (3) obligations toward SNs may act as barriers to seeking care, and (4) the SN composition and dedication influence care-seeking. CONCLUSION: Personal SNs play a vital role in prompting early care-seeking among HNC patients. SN-based interventions could enhance care and improve outcomes for HNC patients.

Nivolumab for Patients With High-Risk Oral Leukoplakia: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

Importance: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an aggressive oral precancerous disease characterized by a high risk of transformation to invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and no therapies have been shown to affect its natural history. A recent study of the PVL immune landscape revealed a cytotoxic T-cell-rich microenvironment, providing strong rationale to investigate immune checkpoint therapy. Objective: To determine the safety and clinical activity of anti-programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) therapy to treat high-risk PVL. Design, Setting, and Participants: This nonrandomized, open-label, phase 2 clinical trial was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021 at a single academic medical center; median (range) follow-up was 21.1 (5.4-43.6) months. Participants were a population-based sample of patients with PVL (multifocal, contiguous, or a single lesion ≥4 cm with any degree of dysplasia). Intervention: Patients underwent pretreatment biopsy (1-3 sites) and then received 4 doses of nivolumab (480 mg intravenously) every 28 days, followed by rebiopsy and intraoral photographs at each visit. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was the change in composite score (size and degree of dysplasia) from before to after treatment (major response [MR]: >80% decrease in score; partial response: 40%-80% decrease). Secondary analyses included immune-related adverse events, cancer-free survival (CFS), PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, 9p21.3 deletion, and other exploratory immunologic and genomic associations of response. Results: A total of 33 patients were enrolled (median [range] age, 63 [32-80] years; 18 [55%] were female), including 8 (24%) with previously resected early-stage OSCC. Twelve patients (36%) (95% CI, 20.4%-54.8%) had a response by composite score (3 MRs [9%]), 4 had progressive disease (>10% composite score increase, or cancer). Nine patients (27%) developed OSCC during the trial, with a 2-year CFS of 73% (95% CI, 53%-86%). Two patients (6%) discontinued because of toxic effects; 7 (21%) experienced grade 3 to 4 immune-related adverse events. PD-L1 combined positive scores were not associated with response or CFS. Of 20 whole-exome sequenced patients, all 6 patients who had progression to OSCC after nivolumab treatment exhibited 9p21.3 somatic copy-number loss on pretreatment biopsy, while only 4 of the 14 patients (29%) who did not develop OSCC had 9p21.3 loss. Conclusions and Relevance: This immune checkpoint therapy precancer nonrandomized clinical trial met its prespecified response end point, suggesting potential clinical activity for nivolumab in high-risk PVL. Findings identified immunogenomic associations to inform future trials in this precancerous disease with unmet medical need that has been difficult to study. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03692325.

Preexisting tumor-resident T cells with cytotoxic potential associate with response to neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 in head and neck cancer.

About 50% of patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) experience recurrences after definitive therapy. The presurgical administration of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy results in substantial pathologic tumor responses (pTR) within the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the mechanisms underlying the dynamics of antitumor T cells upon neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade remain unresolved, and approaches to increase pathologic responses are lacking. In a phase 2 trial (NCT02296684), we observed that 45% of patients treated with two doses of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab experienced marked pTRs (≥50%). Single-cell analysis of 17,158 CD8+ T cells from 14 tumor biopsies, including 6 matched pre-post neoadjuvant treatment, revealed that responding tumors had clonally expanded putative tumor-specific exhausted CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) with a tissue-resident memory program, characterized by high cytotoxic potential (CTX+) and ZNF683 expression, within the baseline TME. Pathologic responses after 5 weeks of PD-1 blockade were consistent with activation of preexisting CTX+ZNF683+CD8+ TILs, paralleling loss of viable tumor and associated tumor antigens. Response was associated with high numbers of CD103+PD-1+CD8+ T cells infiltrating pretreatment lesions, whereas revival of nonexhausted persisting clones and clonal replacement were modest. By contrast, nonresponder baseline TME exhibited a relative absence of ZNF683+CTX+ TILs and subsequent accumulation of highly exhausted clones. In HNSCC, revival of preexisting ZNF683+CTX+ TILs is a major mechanism of response in the immediate postneoadjuvant setting.

Virtual planning and 3D-printed guides for mandibular reconstruction: Factors impacting accuracy.

Objectives: Examine accuracy and factors impacting accuracy for mandibular reconstruction with virtual surgical planning, 3D printed osteotomy guides and preoperatively bent mandibular reconstruction plate (VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate). Method: Retrospective review of osseous-free-flap mandibular reconstructions with VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate between January 2015 and July 2020 at a single academic medical center.Patient demographics, disease, and treatment variables were extracted. Accuracy was assessed by 3D-model-overlay with cephalometric and donor-bone segment length measurements. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors impacting cephalometric accuracy. Results: 60 cases met criteria: 41 (68%) cancer, 14 (23%) osteoradionecrosis (ORN), 5 (8%) secondary mandibular reconstruction. Thirteen cases (22%) were Brown class III or IV. Thirty-nine cases (65%) had ≥2 flap bone segments. Average donor-bone length was 82 mm (SD: 28). 3D-model-overlay accuracy demonstrated minimal deviation between planned and actual reconstruction: intercondylar distance = 2.10 mm (SD: 2.2); intergonial distance = 2.23 mm (SD: 1.9); anterior-posterior distance (APD) = 1.76 mm (SD: 1.5); gonial angle (GA) = 3.11 degrees (SD: 2.4). Mean change in donor-bone segment length inferiorly was 2.67 mm (SD: 2.6) and superiorly 3.27 mm (SD: 3.2). Higher number of donor-bone segments was associated with decreased accuracy in GA (p = .023) and longer donor-bone length was associated with decreased accuracy in APD (p = .031). Conclusion: To our knowledge this is the largest series assessing surgical accuracy of VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate for osseous-free-flap mandibular reconstruction. We demonstrate highly accurate results, with increased number of donor-bone segments and donor-bone length associated with decreased accuracy. Our findings further support VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate as a reliable and accurate tool for mandibular reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level 4.

Accuracy and outcomes of virtual surgical planning and 3D-printed guides for osseous free flap reconstruction of mandibular osteoradionecrosis.

OBJECTIVES: Virtual surgical planning, 3D-printed osteotomy guides and preoperatively-bent or custom-milled mandibular reconstruction plate (VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate) have been shown to ease intraoperative decision making and reduce operative time. Few studies have examined outcomes of VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate specifically for mandibular osteoradionecrosis (mORN) cases, which pose unique challenges. We aimed to examine reconstruction accuracy, functional outcomes, and postoperative complications following osseous-free-flap reconstruction with VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate for mORN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single academic medical center retrospective case series of ORN-related osseous-free-flap mandibular reconstructions with VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate between January 2015 and March 2021. Most cases were performed by the same two-surgeon team. Outcomes include reconstruction accuracy (assessed by 3D-overlay computer models with cephalometric and donor-bone segment length measurements), complications and function. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases were identified with a mean follow-up of 85 weeks. Most patients were male (69 %); mean age was 64 years. 3D-model-overlay demonstrated minimal deviation between planned and actual reconstruction among 18 evaluable cases: intercondylar distance = 1.46 mm (SD 2.4); intergonial distance = 1.82 mm (SD 2.0); anterior-posterior distance = 2.14 mm (SD 1.9); gonial angle = 3.33 degrees (SD 2.4). Mean change donor-bone segment length inferiorly 4.39 mm (SD 4.3) and superiorly 3.43 mm (SD 4.0). COMPLICATIONS: returned to operating room (N = 2), minor primary/neck site infection/dehiscence (N = 11). Function improved postoperatively: 20/21 (95 %) cases with preoperative pain, resolved; 13/20 (65 %) with preoperative trismus, improved; 21/24 (87 %) with preoperative malocclusion/jaw malignment, improved. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest series of VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate surgery for mORN to date. Mandibular reconstruction for ORN is aided by VSP/3Dprinted-guide/plate with accurate results, acceptable complications, and improved function.

Association of Pretreatment Circulating Tumor Tissue-Modified Viral HPV DNA With Clinicopathologic Factors in HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Importance: Circulating tumor tissue-modified viral (TTMV) human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is a dynamic, clinically relevant biomarker for HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Reasons for its wide pretreatment interpatient variability are not well understood. Objective: To characterize clinicopathologic factors associated with TTMV HPV DNA. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study included patients evaluated for HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, between December 2019 and January 2022 and who were undergoing curative-intent treatment. Exposures: Clinicopathologic characteristics including demographic variables, tumor and nodal staging, HPV genotype, and imaging findings. Main Outcomes and Measures: Pretreatment circulating TTMV HPV DNA from 5 genotypes (16, 18, 31, 33, and 35) assessed using a commercially available digital droplet polymerase chain reaction-based assay, considered as either detectable/undetectable or a continuous score (fragments/mL). Results: Among 110 included patients, 96 were men (87%) and 104 were White (95%), with a mean (SD) age of 62.2 (9.4) years. Circulating TTMV HPV DNA was detected in 98 patients (89%), with a median (IQR) score of 315 (47-2686) fragments/mL (range, 0-60 061 fragments/mL). Most detectable TTMV HPV DNA was genotype 16 (n = 86 [88%]), while 12 patients (12%) harbored other genotypes. Circulating TTMV HPV DNA detection was most strongly associated with clinical N stage. Although few patients had clinical stage N0 disease, only 4 of these 11 patients (36%) had detectable DNA compared with 94 of 99 patients (95%) with clinical stage N1 to N3 disease (proportion difference, 59%; 95% CI, 30%-87%). Among patients with undetectable TTMV HPV DNA, more than half (7 of 12 [58%]) had clinical stage N0 disease. The TTMV HPV DNA prevalence and score increased with progressively higher clinical nodal stage, diameter of largest lymph node, and higher nodal maximum standardized uptake value on positron emission tomography/computed tomography. In multivariable analysis, clinical nodal stage and nodal maximum standardized uptake value were each strongly associated with TTMV HPV DNA score. Among 27 surgically treated patients, more patients with than without lymphovascular invasion had detectable TTMV HPV DNA (12 of 12 [100%] vs 9 of 15 [60%]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional study, circulating TTMV HPV DNA was statistically significantly associated with nodal disease at HPV-positive OPSCC diagnosis. The few patients with undetectable levels had predominantly clinical stage N0 disease, suggesting assay sensitivity for diagnostic purposes may be lower among patients without cervical lymphadenopathy. Mechanisms underlying this association, and the use of this biomarker for surveillance of patients with undetectable baseline values, warrant further investigation.

Assessment of Preoperative Functional Status Prior to Major Head and Neck Surgery: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate feasibility of a recently developed preoperative assessment tool, the Vulnerable Elders Surgical Pathways and Outcomes Analysis (VESPA), to characterize the baseline functional status of patients undergoing major head and neck surgery and to examine the relationship between preoperative functional status and postoperative outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SETTING: Two tertiary care academic hospitals. METHODS: The VESPA was administered prospectively in the preoperative setting. Data on patient demographics, ablative and reconstructive procedures, and outcomes including total length of stay, discharge disposition, delay in discharge, or complex discharge planning (delay or change in disposition) were collected via retrospective chart review. VESPA scores were calculated and risk categories were used to estimate risk of adverse postoperative outcomes using multivariate logistic regression for categorical outcomes and linear regression for continuous variables. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients met study inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age was 66.4 (11.9) years, and 58.4% of patients were male. Nearly one-fourth described preoperative difficulty in either a basic or instrumental activity of daily living, and 17% were classified as low functional status (ie, high risk) according to the VESPA. Low functional status did not independently predict length of stay but was associated with delayed discharge (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% CI, 1.2-21.3; P = .030) and complex discharge planning (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.34-24.2; P = .018). CONCLUSION: The VESPA can identify major head and neck surgical patients with low preoperative functional status who may be at risk for delayed or complex discharge planning. These patients may benefit from enhanced preoperative counseling and more comprehensive discharge preparation.

Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Nivolumab and Lirilumab in Patients with Recurrent, Resectable Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

PURPOSE: Surgery often represents the best chance for disease control in locoregionally recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We investigated dual immune-checkpoint inhibition [anti-PD-1, nivolumab (N), and anti-KIR, lirilumab (L)] before and after salvage surgery to improve disease-free survival (DFS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this phase II study, patients received N (240 mg) + L (240 mg) 7 to 21 days before surgery, followed by six cycles of adjuvant N + L. Primary endpoint was 1-year DFS; secondary endpoints were safety, pre-op radiologic response, and overall survival (OS). Correlatives included tumor sequencing, PD-L1 scoring, and immunoprofiling. RESULTS: Among 28 patients, the median age was 66, 86% were smokers; primary site: 9 oral cavity, 9 oropharynx, and 10 larynx/hypopharynx; 96% had prior radiation. There were no delays to surgery. Grade 3+ adverse events: 11%. At the time of surgery, 96% had stable disease radiologically, one had progression. Pathologic response to N + L was observed in 43% (12/28): 4/28 (14%) major (tumor viability, TV ≤ 10%) and 8/28 (29%) partial (TV ≤ 50%). PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) at surgery was similar regardless of pathologic response (P = 0.71). Thirteen (46%) recurred (loco-regional = 10, distant = 3). Five of 28 (18%) had positive margins, 4 later recurred. At median follow-up of 22.8 months, 1-year DFS was 55.2% (95% CI, 34.8-71.7) and 1-year OS was 85.7% (95% CI, 66.3-94.4). Two-year DFS and OS were 64% and 80% among pathologic responders. CONCLUSIONS: (Neo)adjuvant N + L was well tolerated, with a 43% pathologic response rate. We observed favorable DFS and excellent 2-year OS among high-risk, previously treated patients exhibiting a pathologic response. Further evaluation of this strategy is warranted.See related commentary by Sacco and Cohen, p. 435.

Hospitalization rates and 30-day all-cause mortality among head and neck cancer patients and survivors with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The impact of COVID-19 on patients with cancer is emerging, but data are urgently needed for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients or survivors who are inherently high-risk for severe illness and mortality with SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This multi-institution, academic cohort study collected comprehensive data on clinical risk factors, COVID-19 symptoms and viral testing patterns, information about hospitalization rates, and predictors of survival among HNC patients with active disease or in remission. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality from the date of confirmed COVID-19. We performed multivariate analysis to understand the prognostic value of clinical and laboratory parameters on outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with COVID-19 and HNC were included. Median age was 70 (range: 38-91) with 38% aged 75+, and 34% resided in long-term care facilities (LTCF). Thirteen (41%) had active cancer, with 6 (19%) on cancer therapy within 4 weeks of COVID-19 diagnosis. New or worsening cough and fatigue were the most commonly reported presenting symptoms. More than 30% required >1 SARS-CoV-2 test before confirming a positive result. Twenty (63%) required hospitalization. At data cutoff, 7 (22%) had died (1 on active cancer treatment), with a 30-day all-cause mortality of 18.9% (95%CI: 11.4-33.6) among all patients, and 71.5% (95%CI: 38.2-92.3) among those requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. ICU admission and residing in a LTCF predicted worse outcomes (p < 0.01), while age, gender, and recent treatment did not. CONCLUSIONS: We observed high 30-day all-cause mortality among HNC patients with COVID-19, but most were not on active cancer therapy.

The Benefits of Adjuvant Trastuzumab for HER-2-Positive Salivary Gland Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Although high-grade salivary gland cancers (SGCs) often express androgen receptor (AR) and/or HER-2/neu, therapeutically targeting these receptors in SGC remains investigational. We investigated the prevalence of receptor expression and the benefit of adjuvant HER-2 directed therapy in the high-risk postoperative setting and explored the clinical utility of sequentially targeting these receptors in the setting of advanced disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We clinically annotated 95 patients with SGC (excluding adenoid cystic carcinoma) treated at our institution from 2002 to 2019 and recorded AR, HER-2/neu status, and tumor genomic profiling results when available. Clinicopathologic information was then integrated with outcomes. RESULTS: Of 95 patients, most had high-risk histologies, with salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) as the most frequent diagnosis (43, 45%). Thirty-five (37%) experienced recurrence (51% SDC). HER-2/neu was positive (1-3+) by immunostaining in 34 of 52 (65%) evaluable cases. There was no difference in survival based on HER-2/neu or AR expression. Nine of 17 (53%) patients with HER-2+ SDC received adjuvant chemoradiation with trastuzumab. Median disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were longer among patients with HER-2/neu 3+ staining tumors who received adjuvant trastuzumab versus those who did not (DFS, 117 vs. 9 months; p = .02; OS, 74 vs. 43 months; p = .02), with no difference among other HER-2/neu subgroups (0-2+). Two of nine (22%) patients treated with adjuvant trastuzumab demonstrated recurrence, both with low HER-2/neu staining intensity (1+). Longer time to recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.94; p = .01) predicted improved outcomes. Both androgen deprivation and HER-2-directed therapies had clinical benefit beyond the first-line metastatic setting, with partial response observed beyond second-line use. CONCLUSION: Although prospective data are lacking, the use of adjuvant trastuzumab in high-risk patients with SGC appears beneficial, particularly among patients with tumors exhibiting HER-2/neu 3+ immunostaining. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Results of this study showed an improved disease-free and overall survival in patients treated with adjuvant trastuzumab for high-risk salivary gland cancers with strong HER-2/neu staining intensity. Following recurrence or metastatic spread, sequential HER-2, and androgen-directed therapies may benefit certain patients with salivary gland cancer.

IMRT-based treatment of unknown primary malignancy of the head and neck: Outcomes and improved toxicity with decreased mucosal dose and larynx sparing.

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy for squamous cell cancer of the head and neck with unknown primary (head and neck CUP) has been associated with significant levels of swallowing toxicity. We examined the effect of changes in mucosal dose on development of laryngeal strictures and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) dependence. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 58 patients with head and neck CUP treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute from August 2004 through July 2013. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between any recurrences for groups treated to 56 versus ≥60 Gy to the mucosal surfaces. However, mucosal dose and chemotherapy type were associated with stricture on multivariable analysis; median PEG dependence was decreased for patients treated to 56 Gy. A larynx-sparing approach was associated with improved outcomes for strictures and PEG use. CONCLUSION: In this single institution study, a 56 Gy IMRT-based mucosal dose demonstrated significant improvements in swallowing toxicity. Additional benefit was seen with larynx-sparing IMRT.

Evaluating the PD-1 Axis and Immune Effector Cell Infiltration in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are approved for the treatment of patients with recurrent and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Ongoing and planned randomized phase 3 trials are testing the benefit of combining PD-1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors with chemoradiation for patients with locoregionally confined SCCHN. Few studies have investigated relationships among potential predictive pathologic biomarkers such as PD-L1, PD-L2, and PD-1 in this population and associations between these markers and clinical characteristics. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We retrospectively reviewed records and pathology from 81 patients with locoregional oropharynx SCCHN treated with curative intent. Samples were analyzed for PD-L1, PD-L2, PD-1, CD8, and CD56 expression using immunohistochemistry. Human papilloma virus (HPV) status was determined by p16-immunohistochemistry and confirmed by in situ hybridization or polymerase chain reaction-based HPV typing. Correlations between HPV status, clinical features, and recurrence status with immune markers in both tumor and tumor-associated stroma were determined. Hazard ratios were estimated via Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Tumor PD-L1 expression was inversely associated with age (P = .01) and the highest levels of expression (>30% of tumor cells) were observed in HPV-associated tumors. There was a correlation between tumor and stromal PD-L1 expression (P = < .0001). PD-1 and CD8 expression within tumor deposits was associated with HPV status (P = 0.003 and P = .008, respectively) and decreased local recurrence (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). In addition to the association between tumor and stromal PD-1 (P < .0001), PD-1 was also correlated with tumor PD-L1 expression (P < .001). CD56+ natural killer cell infiltrates correlated with PD-L1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with untreated oropharyngeal SCCHN, HPV-associated tumors displayed the highest levels of PD-L1 expression and PD-1+ and CD8+ immune cells. Locally recurrent tumors had lower levels of PD-L1, PD-1, and CD-8 positivity. Whereas almost all SCCHN tumors had CD56+ infiltrating natural killer cells, most tumors didn't have PD-L2 expression. These associations may help predict which patients may benefit most from immunotherapeutic approaches.

Comparative Analysis of MicroRNA Expression among Benign and Malignant Tongue Tissue and Plasma of Patients with Tongue Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Identification of a microRNA (miRNA) pattern to be used as a biomarker for HNSCC is challenging given the heterogeneity of the disease and different methodologies used. To better define the field, we performed a prospective analysis of blood, tumor, and paired benign tissues in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected prior to surgery, and paired tumor and benign tissue blocks were collected from tongue cancer resections. Circulating free and exosomal miRNA, and paired tumor and benign tissues miRNA were analyzed. TaqMan-based miRNA arrays were used to quantitate the expression of 747 human miRNAs. The comparative Ct method assessed the miRNA profile results, and Student's t-test determined statistical significance between tumor and benign samples. RESULTS: Sixteen of 359 miRNAs detected were differentially expressed between paired tumor and benign tissue. Nine were upregulated, and seven downregulated in tumor tissue. All nine upregulated and six of seven downregulated tumor miRNAs were expressed in circulating exosomes. In contrast, eight of nine upregulated and four of seven downregulated tumor miRNAs were circulating free in the plasma. CONCLUSION: An aberrantly expressed pattern of miRNA was identified in both tumor and plasma of patients with tongue SCC, suggesting this may be a biomarker for SCC of the oral tongue. Circulating exosomes appear to be a more reliable method for evaluation of circulating tumor-miRNA expression. Further studies with a larger cohort of patients and serial blood samples are needed to validate our findings.

Patient-oriented toxicity endpoints after head and neck reirradiation with intensity modulated radiation therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize specific serious toxicities of reRT with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and identify treatment-related predictors of toxicity for patient counseling and decision-making. MATERIALS/METHODS: 75 consecutive patients with recurrent or 2nd primary SCCHN received reRT from 8/2004-02/2013. All patients had prior definitive or postoperative RT. Objective endpoints of "serious toxicity" were defined as: hospitalization during reRT, tracheotomy after reRT, hemorrhage, soft tissue complication requiring operative intervention, or other CTCAE grade ≥4 toxicity. RESULTS: Patients received definitive (n=41,55%) or postoperative (n=34,45%) reRT (median dose 60Gy, range 59.4-70Gy). Most patients (88%) had concurrent chemotherapy. With a median follow-up of 1.4years, 39 (52%) patients had at least one serious toxicity: hospitalization during reRT (24%), surgically-managed soft tissue complication (19%), and/or urgent tracheotomy (18%). There were no grade 5 acute toxicities but there were 4 fatal hemorrhages (median 8.3months) including 2 attributed to local-regional recurrence (LRR). Most patients (69%) had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube at last follow-up; those with a LRR had higher PEG tube-dependence rates (86% vs. 53%, p=0.001). LRR, site of reRT, and laryngeal RT dose, were marginally associated with toxicity-risk. CONCLUSIONS: Patients considering reRT should be counseled on the high rate of PEG tube-dependence, and events of urgent tracheotomy, hospitalization, hemorrhage, and operative intervention, which typically occur months after reRT completion. Further study of baseline patient function and cumulative radiation dose to the larynx and other organs-at-risk may improve estimates of serious toxicity-risk after reRT.

The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen for the Prevention and Management of Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw: A Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center Multidisciplinary Guideline.

BACKGROUND: Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORN) is an infrequent yet potentially devastating complication of radiation therapy to the head and neck region. Treatment options include antimicrobial therapy, local sequestrectomy, resection, and the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Published data on ORN are difficult to compare because of the lack of a universally accepted classification and staging system, and the literature on the use of HBO to either prevent or successfully manage ORN is controversial and inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to establish a standard approach for using HBO at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted of articles published in the English language between January 1980 and January 2016. Retrieved articles were evaluated by two independent reviewers. Isolated case reports, abstracts, case series, review articles, and cohort studies without a control group were excluded; summary data were extracted from the remaining studies. A panel of experts from Head and Neck Oncology and Oral Medicine from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital reviewed the summary data and established multidisciplinary guidelines on the use of HBO for the prevention and management of ORN. RESULTS: Seven studies were evaluated and reviewed by the multidisciplinary panel. There was no consistent evidence in support of HBO for either the prevention or management of ORN. CONCLUSION: Based on the available evidence and expert opinion, routine use of HBO for the prevention or management of ORN is not recommended and is rarely used at our institution. The Oncologist 2017;22:343-350 IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The Division of Head and Neck Oncology of Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center does not recommend the routine use of HBO for the prevention or management of ORN. Adjunctive HBO may be considered for use on a case-by-case basis in patients considered to be at exceptionally high risk who have failed conservative therapy and subsequent surgical resection.