Optimising Patient Outcomes in Tongue Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

A multidisciplinary approach to the management of tongue cancer is vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes. Nursing and allied health professionals play essential roles within the team. We developed symposia comprising a series of online lectures offering a detailed perspective on the role each discipline and consumer perspective has in the management of patients with tongue cancer. The topics, including epidemiology and prevention, diagnosis, treatment planning, surgery, adjuvant care, and the management of recurrent or metastatic disease, were thoroughly examined. The symposia highlighted the significance of fostering collaboration and continuous learning through a multidisciplinary approach. This initiative should be relevant to healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers striving to enhance patient outcomes in tongue cancer care through innovative collaboration.

Genomic Signature of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas from Non-Smoking Non-Drinking Patients.

Molecular alterations in 176 patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) were evaluated to delineate differences in non-smoking non-drinking (NSND) patients. Somatic mutations and DNA copy number variations (CNVs) in a 68-gene panel and human papilloma virus (HPV) status were interrogated using targeted next-generation sequencing. In the entire cohort, TP53 (60%) and CDKN2A (24%) were most frequently mutated, and the most common CNVs were EGFR amplifications (9%) and deletions of BRCA2 (5%) and CDKN2A (4%). Significant associations were found for TP53 mutation and nodal disease, lymphovascular invasion and extracapsular spread, CDKN2A mutation or deletion with advanced tumour stage, and EGFR amplification with perineural invasion and extracapsular spread. PIK3CA mutation, CDKN2A deletion, and EGFR amplification were associated with worse survival in univariate analyses (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). There were 59 NSND patients who tended to be female and older than patients who smoke and/or drink, and showed enrichment of CDKN2A mutations, EGFR amplifications, and BRCA2 deletions (p < 0.05 for all comparisons), with a younger subset showing higher mutation burden. HPV was detected in three OSCC patients and not associated with smoking and drinking habits. NSND OSCC exhibits distinct genomic profiles and further exploration to elucidate the molecular aetiology in these patients is warranted.

Contralateral neck failure in oral tongue cancer: Outcomes from two centers using predefined treatment criteria.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to determine the incidence of, and factors associated with contralateral neck failure (CNF) in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). METHODS: Consecutive patients with OTSCC between 2007 and 2016 were included. The predefined policy of the contralateral neck included neck dissection (ND) where the primary tumor extended/crossed midline or the contralateral neck was involved; and elective nodal irradiation (ENI) where the primary tumor was ≤1 cm from midline/2 cm from tip. RESULTS: This study included 258 patients. ND was ipsilateral 169 (66%) and bilateral 33 (13%). Fifty-five patients (21%) received ENI to the undissected contralateral neck. CNF occurred in 19 patients (7%) and was similar by treatment received. Utilizing this approach, we observed higher rates of CNF with increasing N classification, perineural invasion, extracapsular extension, and depth of invasion ≥6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Using our institutional policy of treatment to the contralateral neck, a low rate of CNF (≤10%) was observed.

Impact of histological Oral Tongue Cancer margins on locoregional recurrence: A multi-centre retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of the histological margins (HM) upon locoregional failure (LRF) and overall survival (OS) for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We undertook a retrospective review of 258 patients, across two institutions, treated for OTSCC between 2007 and 2016. A Cox-proportional hazards model was used to compare the relative hazard ratio of HM to the accepted standard of 5 mm margins for LRF and OS. RESULTS: The median follow up period was 4.8 years. The 5 year OS and freedom from LRF were 69% and 75% respectively. The Cox-proportional hazards model adjusted for age, DOI and LVI showed increasing risk of mortality and LRF with decreasing HM widths of <5 mm. CONCLUSION: HM >5 mm were associated with a risk reduction of both LRF and mortality in OTSCC. This study supports >5 mm HM being the oncologic goal of surgery.

Relationship between age, comorbidities and complications in head and neck cancer patients undergoing curative surgery.

BACKGROUND: Both age and comorbidity are accepted as significant prognostic factors for adverse perioperative outcomes in major surgery. Elderly patients may be overlooked for radical treatment for fear of poor perioperative outcome. We aim to assess the relationship between age, comorbidities and post-operative outcomes in a tertiary head and neck unit. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken on 651 patients who underwent surgery for head and neck cancer at a tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2014. RESULTS: A total of 253 (38.9%) patients were aged ≥70 years and 398 (61.1%) patients were ≤69 years. Age alone did not predict prolonged post-operative stay, perioperative complications nor perioperative mortality. Congestive cardiac failure and/or complicated diabetes were significantly associated with poor outcomes, as was male sex. CONCLUSION: Patients of any age with cardiac failure or complicated diabetes have a higher rate of post-operative complications in head and neck surgery.

Spontaneous Giant Pseudomeningocele in the Middle Cranial Fossa as a Cause of Pulsatile Proptosis.

The authors report a case of a 70-year-old man who presented with a long history of left pulsatile proptosis, irritation, and a pressure sensation behind the eye. Initial computed tomography brain demonstrated the presence of a suspected ethmoid sinus mucocele. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed to drain the mucocele. On cautious opening of the nasal mucosa, cerebrospinal fluid was encountered requiring subsequent repair with local mucosal flap and fat graft. On further magnetic resonance imaging, the lesion was confirmed to be giant pseudomeningocele arising from the sphenoid sinus, with extensive invasion and erosion of the middle cranial fossa including the left lateral orbital wall. Here, the authors report, to the best of their knowledge, the first case of spontaneous giant pseudomeningocele in the middle cranial fossa causing pulsatile proptosis. In examining this case, the authors will also discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of giant pseudomeningoceles, especially in the situation of a misdiagnosis.

Survival Outcomes of Mucosal Melanoma in the Head and Neck: Case Series and Review of Current Treatment Guidelines.

PURPOSE: Malignant mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MMHN) is an aggressive and rare neoplasm with poor long-term outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of patients treated by a single-institution head and neck multidisciplinary team. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case series, all MMHN cases treated at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from 1990-2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographic characteristics (eg, age), treatment offered, pathology, and outcomes were collected, tabulated, and correlated with outcomes. Survival outcomes were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Comparison was made between oral and sinonasal melanomas. RESULTS: A total of 16 cases were identified. Two were excluded because of inaccessible data. Of the 14 remaining cases, 8 were sinonasal melanomas and 6 were oral cavity melanomas. Sinonasal tumor patients presented with epistaxis or visual impairment. Oral melanoma patients presented with pigmented lesions or ulceration. Follow-up ranged from 4 months to 11 years. In 2 patients, locoregional recurrences developed that were successfully re-excised. Six patients died of distant metastases despite clear surgical margins. Two patients with sinonasal melanomas died of extensive local disease with intracranial invasion. One patient died 4 years after diagnosis without disease. There were no failures in the neck. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 63.3% and 31.7%, respectively, by the Kaplan-Meier method. The difference in survival between oral and sinonasal melanomas was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Despite clear surgical margins, MMHN has a poor prognosis and most deaths are due to distant metastases. Systemic therapies such as those used in cutaneous melanoma treatment might be used in the future for MMHN.

Saliva management options for difficult-to-wean people with tracheostomy following severe acquired brain injury (ABI): A review of the literature.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence on saliva management options in those people who have a tracheostomy in situ following an acquired brain injury and to ascertain whether any of these treatments may facilitate tracheostomy decannulation. METHODS: The search was conducted on Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Central databases since 1990 and the evidence has been critiqued and summarized. Saliva management options were identified and analysed to see whether they had evidence or clinical support for the population. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: There is a paucity of evidence in this area and clinical decision-making requires evidence from other populations. Saliva management issues in this population are most likely to be related to dysphagia. Treatment options include behavioural/compensatory therapies which should be tried in all cases, with adjunct pharmaceutical therapies or surgical options to reduce saliva volume as clinically appropriate. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: This group of people is complex and requires a multi-disciplinary team to guide decision-making. High quality control studies looking at the effectiveness of dysphagia therapy and guidelines regarding botulinum toxin injections are recommended.

Anatomic comparison of nasal versus lateral surgical access to the petrous apex.

To compare anatomic access to the petrous apex via the nasal and lateral approaches. Hundred consecutive fine-cut CT temporal bones at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from July 27, 2007 to October 30, 2010 were reviewed. Easy lateral access allowed use of a 4 mm burr past vital structures. Easy nasal access was defined as sphenoid pneumatization to/beyond the posterior sella and laterally beyond the maxillary/vidian nerves. Three patients with petrous apex pathology were also reviewed. Easy lateral and nasal access occurred in 74 (37%) and 79 (39.5%) sides, respectively. Easy nasal and lateral access were not strongly correlated (r = 0.10, P = 0.15). A well-pneumatized mastoid (62.5%) was strongly correlated with a large sphenoid (63%, P < 0.001). Pneumatization of the mastoid corresponds to sphenoid sinus size. However, surgical access to the petrous apex is more determined by proximity of vital structures. Easy surgical access via the nasal or lateral approaches was not strongly correlated. Petrous apex lesions requiring surgery should be considered for both approaches.

Outcomes of intubation in difficult airways due to head and neck pathology.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of surgical pathology, anesthesiologist experience, and airway technique on surgically relevant outcomes in patients identified by preoperative laryngoscopy to have a difficult airway due to head and neck pathology. We prospectively recorded a series of 152 difficult airway cases due to head and neck pathology out of 2,145 direct laryngoscopies undertaken between November 2005 and June 2008. One of two senior anesthesiologists specializing in head and neck procedures intubated 101 (66.4%) of the 152 patients and did so 3.3 minutes faster (p = 0.51), with better oxygenation (87.3 vs. 81.8%; p = 0.02) and fewer airway plan changes (p = 0.001) than did other, nonspecialist anesthesiologists. Predictors of failure of the first intubation plan included: cancer diagnosis (p = 0.02), previous radiotherapy (p = 0.03), and supraglottic lesions (p = 0.03). Glottic/subglottic lesions required the most intubation attempts (p = 0.02). Awake fiberoptic intubation was the most common method used (44.7%) but resulted in a change in the airway plan in 6 cases (8.8%). Gas induction maintained the best oxygenation (p = 0.01). Awake tracheostomy was infrequent (1.3%) and took the longest (p = 0.006). We concluded that difficult airways due to head and neck pathology require teamwork and a backup plan. An anesthesiologist specializing in head and neck procedures may help to avoid adverse outcomes associated with cancer, especially previously irradiated supraglottic/glottic lesions, leading to a less frequent need for awake tracheostomy.

Prophylactic neck dissection in early oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma 2.1 to 4.0 mm depth.

OBJECTIVE: Regional recurrence is common following surgery for T1/T2 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Tumor depth >4.0 mm is commonly assigned as an indication for prophylactic neck dissection to improve regional control. Prophylactic neck dissection may detect extracapsular extension, a poor prognostic sign where adjuvant chemotherapy is indicated. The hypothesis in this study is that regional recurrence is a significant problem in 2.1- to 4.0-mm-depth tumors, and detection of extracapsular extension may be important in this group. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Australian tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Review of all patients with T1/T2 oral tongue SCC treated surgically between January 1991 and January 2009 (n = 81). RESULTS: Twenty-nine prophylactic and 5 therapeutic neck dissections followed for a median 34 months (range, 4-132 months). Tumor depths were 0 to 2.0 mm (n = 15), 2.1 to 4.0 mm (n = 18), 4.1 to 7.0 mm (n = 26), and >7.0 mm (n = 22). Tumors 2.1 to 4.0 mm depth had similar rates of occult nodes as 4.1 to 7.0 mm depth (25% vs 20%). Regional recurrence occurred in 31% overall, 44% in tumors 2.1 to 4.0 mm, and 27% in tumors 4.1 to 7.0 mm depth. Prophylactic neck dissection reduced regional recurrence (17% vs 43%, P = .02). Patients with pathologically negative necks had lower rates of regional recurrence than those with occult nodes (9% vs 50%, P < .01). Extracapsular extension increased regional recurrence (43% vs 7%, P = .02), including 25% of dissected necks with tumor depth 2.1 to 4.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Regional recurrence is a significant problem in 2.1- to 4.0-mm-depth T1/T2 tongue tumors. Prophylactic neck dissection may improve regional control in patients with adequate primary resection margins and determine need for adjuvant therapies in 2.1- to 4.0-mm-depth tumors.

Functional outcomes of fibula and osteocutaneous forearm free flap reconstruction for segmental mandibular defects.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To demonstrate that the osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap provides equivalent functional outcomes and improved morbidity compared to the fibular free flap in mandibular reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: There were 168 patients requiring free flap reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects between January 2001 and December 2008. Mean follow-up was 31 months for fibula free flap (FFF) (n = 117) and 20 months for osteocutaneous radial forearm free flaps (OCRFFF) (n = 51), reflecting an increasing use of forearms. RESULTS: OCRFFF were more commonly used in older patients (mean 63.7 years vs. 59 years, P = .03). The majority (96.2%) of reconstruction was for malignant pathology. Flap failure was 3.4% for the fibula group and 3.9% in the forearm group. Malunion was infrequent (2.0% OCRFFF, 6.0% FFF, P = .26). Donor site complications were higher in the FFF group (4.3%) versus none in the OCRFF group (P = .13). Despite a high rate of long-term survival in this patient population (75% at 5 years for carcinoma), dental implants were rarely placed (2.3% of patients) and were more common in forearm than fibula free flaps. Functional outcomes demonstrated no significant difference between groups with respect to oral diet (FFF 72.6% vs. OCRFFF 79.1%, P = .49) or retained enterogastric feeding tube (20.9% OCRFFF vs. 27.4% FFF, P = .49). CONCLUSIONS: Osteocutaneous radial forearm flaps provide comparable functional outcomes with less morbidity compared to fibula free flaps for selected segmental mandibulectomy defects. The overall dental implantation rate was low and more commonly performed in osteocutaneous radial forearm flaps compared to fibula flaps.

Outcomes of static and dynamic facial nerve repair in head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Determine outcomes associated with nerve grafting versus static repair following facial nerve resection. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Charts from 105 patients who underwent facial nerve reconstruction between January 1999 and January 2009 were reviewed. The majority had parotid malignancy (78.1%), most commonly squamous cell carcinoma (50.5%). Patients underwent static (n = 72) or dynamic (n = 33) reconstruction with nerve grafting. Facial nerve function was measured using the House-Brackmann (H-B) scale. RESULTS: Patients receiving static reconstruction were on average 10.3 years older (P = .002). Mean overall survival for tumor cases was 61.9 months; parotid squamous cell carcinoma was associated with worse prognosis (P = .10). Median follow-up was 16.1 months (range, 4-96.1 months). Most (97%) patients receiving a nerve graft had some return of function at a median of 6.2 months postoperatively (range, 4-9 months) and the majority (63.6%) had good function (H-B score 6 cm), and prolonged preoperative dysfunction.

Outcomes of salvage surgery with free flap reconstruction for recurrent oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate outcomes of salvage surgery with free flap reconstruction for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and oral cavity with increased use of chemoradiotherapy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective patient review. METHODS: All patients undergoing salvage surgery with free flap reconstruction for oropharynx (n = 36) and oral cavity (n = 36) squamous cell carcinomas between January 2001 and January 2008 were obtained. Mean follow-up was 14 months. Previous chemoradiotherapy was used in 40% and radiotherapy alone in 60%. RESULTS: Complications were more frequent in oropharynx than oral cavity tumors (36% and 14%, respectively; P = .05) requiring more secondary procedures (15 for oropharynx vs. six for oral cavity). Few patients returned to a normal diet (8%), and a majority retained an enterogastric feeding tube (56%). Median survival overall following salvage surgery was 44.8 months for oral cavity and 53.8 months for oropharynx head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Overall estimated 1-, 2-, and 5-year observed survivals were 98%, 77.2%, and 43.7%, respectively. Twelve patients had a disease-free interval of <6 months, 92% of whom died of disease. Of 17 patients with disease at the primary site and involved regional lymph nodes, 94% died of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage surgery with free flap reconstruction for recurrent oral and oropharyngeal tumors after chemoradiotherapy has acceptable morbidity and similar cure rates as salvage following radiotherapy without chemotherapy. Concurrent nodal recurrence and short disease-free interval are associated with reduced cure rates. A significant proportion will require enterogastric feeding and few will tolerate a normal diet.

Postoperative reirradiation for mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

OBJECTIVES: To compare toxic effects and functional outcomes of reirradiation with and without salvage surgery for nonnasopharyngeal mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: Between December 1992 and March 2007, a total of 87 patients underwent reirradiation (64 for cure and 23 for palliation). INTERVENTION: Patients underwent reirradiation with (n = 38) or without salvage surgery (n = 49). After January 2000 there was increased use of concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy (80% vs 5%) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (82% vs 0%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Early and late toxic effects of treatment by Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria, tracheostomy retention, gastrostomy tube dependence, and survival. RESULTS: The median follow-up among patients alive at last contact was 5.0 years. Compared with reirradiation without surgery, postoperative reirradiation was associated with increased early grade 3 to grade 5 toxic effects (50% [19 of 38] vs 29% [14 of 49], P = .04) and with longer median survival (17.3 vs 8.9 months, P < .001). Free-flap reconstruction decreased early toxic effects in the surgical cohort by 16% (from 60% [9 of 15] to 43% [10 of 23], P = .32). Gastrostomy tube dependence (P = .05) and tracheostomy retention (P = .04) have increased since 2000. The median survival for curative patients was 12.5 months. The estimated 2-year survival was 25%, and the estimated 5-year survival was 8%. CONCLUSIONS: Reirradiation represents the only chance for cure in patients with unresectable disease. After surgery, reirradiation is performed in patients at high risk of locoregional recurrence and may increase acute toxic effects. However, free-flap reconstruction may reduce toxic effects. Functional outcomes have declined since 2000 likely because of the addition of concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy. Future research may define the subpopulation of postoperative patients for whom survival benefits most outweigh reirradiation toxic effects.

Endoscopic approach for pituitary surgery improves rhinologic outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized that the endoscopic approach to pituitary surgery improves rhinology-specific quality of life and has satisfactory tumor outcomes compared with the open approach. METHODS: Cases of pituitary surgery from the Department of Neurosurgery database included an inception cohort of all patients who had endoscopic procedures and consecutive patients who had open procedures between January 1998 and February 2008. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 was mailed. RESULTS: Since January 1998, 71 endoscopic and 122 open pituitary surgeries had been performed. The mean followup was longer for open procedures (49.3 months) than for endoscopic procedures (18.8 months). Recurrence was more common after open surgery (28.4%) than after endoscopic surgery (18.2%; p = 0.219). The most common diagnosis was macroadenoma (77.1% of endoscopic procedures and 93.4% of open procedures). The mean hospital stay was shorter for endoscopic procedures (4.1 days) than for open procedures (6.0 days; p <0.001). Of patients who presented with visual deterioration, 53.8% with endoscopic surgery and 46.7% with open surgery had improvement. Among patients with normal preoperative hormonal function, 27.5% of patients in the endoscopy group and 29.4% of patients in the open group required medication for more than 2 months after surgery. Complications occurred in 33.3% of endoscopic procedures and 43.4% of open procedures. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks were more common in the endoscopy group (p = 0.035), and diabetes insipidus lasting more than 30 days was more common in the open group (p = 0.017). The mean Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 score was lower for patients in the endoscopy group (20.4) than for those in the open group (23.2; p = 0.41). Patients in the endoscopy group had a significantly lower rhinology-specific mean score (6.5) than did patients in the open group (9.2; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic approach to pituitary surgery offers tumor outcomes comparable to those of open surgery, with no greater incidence of complications and an improved rhinology-specific quality of life.

Functional outcomes after transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional outcomes following transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SETTING: Academic hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and December 2008, 54 of 62 candidate patients underwent transoral robotic tumor resection. Outcomes include airway management, swallowing (MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory), and enterogastric feeding. RESULTS: Tumors were most commonly oropharynx (61%) or larynx (22%) and T1 (35%) or T2 (44%). Many received radiotherapy (22% preoperatively, 41% postoperatively) and chemotherapy (31%). Endotracheal intubation was retained (22%) for up to 48 hours, tracheostomy less frequently (9%), and all were decannulated by 14 days. Most commenced oral intake prior to discharge (69%) or within two weeks (83%). A worse postoperative Dysphagia Inventory score was associated with retained feeding tube (P=0.020), age>60 (P=0.017), higher T stage (P=0.009), laryngeal site (P=0.017), and complications (P=0.035). At a mean 12 months' follow-up, 17 percent retained a feeding tube (9.5% among primary cases). Retained feeding tube was associated with preoperative tube requirement (P=0.017), higher T stage (P=0.043), oropharyngeal/laryngeal site (P=0.034), and recurrent/second primary tumor (P=0.008). Complications including airway edema (9%), aspiration (6%), bleeding (6%), and salivary fistula (2%) were managed without major sequelae. CONCLUSION: Transoral robotic surgery provides an emerging alternative for selected primary and salvage head and neck tumors with low morbidity and acceptable functional outcomes. Patients with advanced T stage, laryngeal or oropharyngeal site, and preoperative enterogastric feeding may be at increased risk of enterogastric feeding and poor swallowing outcomes.