Results of salvage neck dissection after chemoradiation in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Salvage surgery is mandatory when regional persistence/recurrence after chemoradiation. The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of salvage surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that were primarily treated with chemorradiation and underwent salvage neck dissection (ND) with suspected recurrent/persistent nodal disease. All patients had a response evaluation at 12 weeks through clinical examination and computed tomography-positron emission tomography. Decision for ND was taken in case of suspected persistence or if there was suspicion of recurrence, histologically confirmed. RESULTS: There were 40 patients included. 32/40 (80%) ND were done because of confirmed/suspected persistence and 8/40 (20%) were done because of recurrences. Persistence was confirmed histologically in 14/32 (43.8%) cases and recurrence in 6/8 (75%) cases. Median survival from diagnosis was 39 months (95% CI 28.162-49.838). Significant differences were observed between patients who had viable tumour cells in the sample and those who did not, but the differences were only significant when only deaths due to tumour progression were considered (p = 0.014). 14/32 (43.8%) patients with suspected or confirmed persistence developed a recurrence after the ND and 3/8 (37.5%) patients with suspected or confirmed recurrence developed a new recurrence. New recurrences were more frequent in cases that had viable tumor in the specimen. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with nodal persistence/recurrence have a poor prognosis, even after salvage surgery. However, in a substantial number of patients the disease is controlled after ND, so it should be offer to these patients.

Loss of p16 expression is a risk factor for recurrence in sinonasal inverted papilloma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate p16, p53, EGFR, pEGFR protein expression and HPV infection as possible markers of tumor progression in a series of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) and sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). METHODS: A series of 49 SNIP, 11 SNSCC associated with SNIP (SNIP-SNSCC) and 52 SNSCC not associated with SNIP were analyzed for p16, p53, EGFR, and phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR) expression by immunohistochemistry. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection status was evaluated by DNA-PCR. Results were correlated to clinical and follow-up data. RESULTS: Reduced or loss of p16 expression was observed in 18% SNIP, 64% SNIP-SNSCC and 87% of SNSCC. Reduced or loss p16 staining in SNIP correlated with shorter recurrent SNIP-free follow-up. In contrast, p16 expression was not predictive of recurrent SNSCC in cases with SNIP-SNSCC and SNSCC. P53, EGFR, and pEGFR expression did not differ between the tumor groups, nor were they related to recurrent SNIP-free follow-up or recurrent SNSCC. Oncogenic HPV types 16 and 18 were detected in 5% of SNIP and 18% of SNIP-SNSCC, but not in SNSCC. There was no correlation between HPV infection and >70% p16 immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS: HPV infection appears to play a minor role in SNIP and SNSCC and p16 immunostaining does not appear a valid surrogate marker for HPV. However, reduced or loss p16 expression may have prognostic value as a risk marker for recurrent SNIP.

Role of steroids in conservative treatment of parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal abscess in children.

PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical features and outcomes of pediatric patients with retropharyngeal (RPA) or parapharyngeal abscesses (PPA) managed only with medical treatment and showing the importance of early symptoms and imaging studies in the diagnosis of deep neck space infections (DNIs) in children. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with RPA and PPA between 2007 and 2017 was performed in Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. RESULTS: 30 children were identified, with 11 RPA and 19 PPA. 23 children (76.7%) were under 5 years old, and all were treated with intravenous amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and corticosteroids. Torticollis and fever were present in all patients. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.5 days. There were no complications associated. CONCLUSION: DNIs can be treated in a conservative way, reserving the surgical drainage for cases with a complication associated (airway compromise, lack of response to antibiotic therapy, immunocompromised patients). Treatment with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids is a safe option, reducing the duration of symptoms and the length of hospital stay.

Management options for orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is a common pediatric condition. Despite its tendency to heal without complications, orbital complications (OC) are seen in 6% of patients and can cause vision impairment and put life at risk. Current treatment of this complications involves systemic antibiotics with or without surgical drainage, remaining controversial the use of corticosteroids. The aim of this study is to describe our results in the management of this complication both through medical and surgical treatment, with the inclusion of corticosteroids on it. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital over pediatric patients with this complication. RESULTS: 23 patients were included with a mean age of 7.4 years. Ten of them (43.5%) presented ophthalmoplegia on admission and 2 of those also impaired visual acuity. A computerized tomography was performed in all patients and all of them received intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids achieving that 60% did not require surgical treatment. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.2 days. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of OC of ABRS with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids is safe, remaining surgical treatment available when necessary. When evolution is favorable, a reduced hospital stay must be sought.

Effect of the topical administration of corticosteroids and tuberculin pre-sensitisation on the diagnosis of tuberculosis in goats.

BACKGROUND: Caprine tuberculosis (TB) is a zoonosis caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC). Caprine TB control and eradication programmes have traditionally been based on intradermal tuberculin tests and slaughterhouse surveillance. However, this strategy has limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Different factors may affect the performance of the TB diagnostic tests used in goats and, subsequently, the detection of TB-infected animals. In the present study, the effect of two of the factors that may affect the performance of the techniques used to diagnose TB in goats, the topical administration of corticosteroids and a recent pre-sensitisation with tuberculin, was analysed. METHODS: The animals (n = 151) were distributed into three groups: (1) a group topically treated with corticosteroids 48 h after intradermal tuberculin tests (n = 53); (2) a group pre-sensitised with bovine and avian purified protein derivatives (PPDs) 3 days before the intradermal tuberculin test used for TB diagnosis (n = 48); and (3) a control group (n = 50). All the animals were tested using single and comparative intradermal tuberculin (SIT and CIT, respectively) tests, an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) and a P22 ELISA. RESULTS: The number of SIT test reactors was significantly lower in the group treated with corticosteroids when compared to the pre-sensitised (p < 0.001) and control (p = 0.036) groups. In contrast, pre-sensitisation with bovine and avian PPDs did not cause a significant reduction in the number of SIT and CIT test reactors compared with the control group. In fact, a higher number of reactors was observed after the prior tuberculin injection in the pre-sensitised group (p > 0.05). No significant effect was observed on IGRA and P22 ELISA due to corticosteroids administration. Nevertheless, a previous PPD injection affected the IGRA performance in some groups. CONCLUSIONS: The application of topical corticosteroid 24 h before reading the SIT and CIT tests can reduce the increase in skin fold thickness and subsequently significantly decrease the number of positive reactors. Corticosteroids used can be detected in hair samples. A previous pre-sensitisation with bovine and avian PPDs does not lead to a significant reduction in the number of intradermal tests reactors. These results are valuable in order to improve diagnosis of caprine TB and detect fraudulent activities in the context of eradication programs.

Closing of large pharyngostomes with free flaps and proposal of a new classification.

PURPOSE: Large pharyngocutaneous fistulas or pharyngostomes are difficult complications to solve, which generate high morbidity and mortality, a poor quality of life and an increase in health costs. Its management must be comprehensive according to general, local and regional factors. We review our experience in treating these pharyngostomes with free flaps. METHODS: Retrospective study analyzing the results of the reconstruction of 50 patients using free flaps during the period 1991-2019. We exclude patients who required free-flap reconstruction due to primary tumor or those who resolved in other ways. The different types of reconstruction were classified into three types. RESULTS: The 86% (43) were men, and the mean age was 57 years (25-76). In 48% (24/50) the flaps performed were anterolateral thigh (ALT), in 24% (12/50) forearm, in 22% (11/50) parascapular, in 4% (2/50) jejunum and in 2% (1/50) ulnar. A salivary by-pass was placed in 74% (37/50) of the cases. Four cases (8%) presented flap necrosis and two patients died due to treatment. In 86% (43/50) there was some type of complication and 34% (17/50) required surgical revision. 94% (45/48) were able to reintroduce oral feeding. CONCLUSION: According to our experience, we proposed a regardless size classification: type 1 when only a mucous closure (pharynx) are required (6%), type 2 exclusively skin for cutaneous coverage (10%) and mixed type 3 (mucous and skin) (84%). The treatment of large pharyngostomes with free flaps, despite its complexity, is in our experience the best option for its management.

EGFR mutation and HPV infection in sinonasal inverted papilloma and squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the involvement of EGFR signalling and HPV infection in a cohort of inverted sinonasal papilloma (ISP) and sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) and their value for prognosis and clinical treatment. METHODS: We analysed 55 ISP, 14 SNSCC associated with ISP (SNSCC-isp) and and 60 SNSCC not associated with ISP (SNSCC-novo) for EGFR gene mutation and copy number gain, protein expression of EGFR and phosporylated EGFR (pEGFR), and HPV-infection and KRAS mutation. Findings were correlated to clinico-pathological and follow-up data. RESULTS: We found EGFR exon 20 mutations in 38% (7/18) ISP, in 50% (6/12) SNSCC-isp and in 5% (1/19) SNSCC-novo. EGFR was expressed in 92% of ISP, while pEGFR was observed in 54% (21/39). SNSCC-isp and SNSCC-novo demonstrated comparable expression of EGFR (57% and 33%) and of pEGFR (44% and 38%). We observed an inverse relation between EGFR exon 20 mutation and pEGFR expression. Four of 39 (10%) ISP carried HPV-16. Oncogenic HPV was detected in 3/12 (25%) SNSSC-isp and in 1/8 (13%) SNSCC-novo. KRAS mutations were not detected in any of the samples. HPV infection was inversely correlated with pEGFR expression but not with EGFR mutation. ISP with EGFR activation by mutation or by phosphorylation had longer ISP-free survival, however, neither EGFR exon 20 mutation, pEGFR expression nor HPV infection demonstrated prognostic value in SNSCC. CONCLUSIONS: EGFR exon 20 mutation is frequent in ISP and SNSCC-isp, while activation of EGFR through phosphorylation also plays an important role. Our data indicate that a large proportion of SNSCC patients could benefit from therapy with modern EGFR inhibitors.

Recurrent DNA copy number alterations in intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal-type sinonasal adenocarcinoma (ITAC) is a rare tumour related to occupational wood dust exposure. Few studies have described recurrent genetic changes on a genome-wide scale. The aim of this study was to obtain a high resolution map of recurrent genetic alterations in ITAC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Copy number alterations were evaluated by microarray CGH and MLPA in 37 primary tumours. The results were correlated with pathological characteristics and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Microarray CGH identified the following recurrent aberrations, in descending order: gains at 5p15 (22 cases, 60%), 8q24 (21 cases, 57%), 20q13 (20 cases, 54%), 20q11, and 8q21 (19 cases, 51%), 20p13, and 7p11 (16 cases, 43%), and losses at 5q11-qter, 8p12-pter, and 18q12-23 (15 cases, 40%), and 17p13, and 19p13 (13 cases, 35%). MLPA analysis confirmed this global pattern of gains and losses. Chromosomal loss at 4q32-ter and gains at 1q22, 6p22 and 3q29, as well as deletion of TIMP2 and CRK correlated with unfavourable clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: ITACs have a unique pattern of chromosomal abnormalities. The four different histological subtypes of ITAC appeared genetically similar. Four chromosomal gains and losses and two specific genes showed prognostic value and may be involved in tumour progression.

Comparative results of infratemporal fossa approach with or without facial nerve rerouting in jugular fossa tumors.

Jugular fossa tumors are uncommon diseases. During the surgery and due to the interposition of the facial nerve in the tumor approach, the facial nerve must be elevated from the fallopian canal and placed permanently into an anterior position. Although this maneuver provides a wide exposure, most of the patients suffer a long-term total or partial facial palsy. The purpose of this article is to check whether the infratemporal fossa approach without transposition of the facial nerve is equivalent to the approach with rerouting of the facial nerve regarding postsurgical morbidity. The clinical records of 52 patients who underwent an infratemporal fossa approach were reviewed in which 34 patients were segregated into two comparable groups regarding the presence or absence of transposition of the facial nerve. There were 19 women and 15 males. The majority of the patients (73%) had jugular paragangliomas. The mean follow-up of the full series was 66 months. It was statistically significant that the worst facial nerve function at hospital discharge was in the patients who underwent facial nerve transposition (p = 0.001). Equally the facial nerve function in the no-rerouting group 1 year after the surgery was significantly much better than in the rerouting group (p = 0.003). Regarding to survival, recurrence or complications no significant differences were observed between both groups. Our study suggests that most of cases avoiding facial nerve transposition allow significant better functional results thereof without affecting other parameters such as recurrence, complications or survival.

[Tetany secondary to deficiency rickets]. / Tetania secundaria a raquitismo carencial.

Hypocalcemia is an uncommon illness in children. In developed countries the incidence of rickets has decreased significantly, although last years this pathology is increasing at the expense of immigration. Its etiology is due to different factors such as low sun exposure, inadequate clothing and bad feeding and excessive contributions in phytates, exclusive breastfeeding and genetic factors. We report a case of a teenager 13 year old from Pakistan, who consulted for myoclonus, paresthesias, hand midwife and asymmetry walking. The laboratory emphasizes hypocalcemia deficit of 25 (OH) D and increased parathyroid hormone. Administration of calcium and vitamin D along with changes in his diet normalized clinical and laboratory parameters. Due to increased migration, the lack of sun exposure and inadequate supply this disease which was almost forgotten will appear another time.

Detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Iberian pigs.

AIMS: Iberian pigs are bred in Spain for the production of high-value dry-cured products, whose export volumes are increasing. Animals are typically reared outdoors, although indoor farming is becoming popular. We compared carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Iberian pigs, raised indoors and outdoors, with intensively farmed Standard White pigs. METHODS AND RESULTS: From June 2007 to February 2008, 106 skin swabs were taken from Iberian pigs and 157 samples from SWP at slaughterhouses in Spain. We found that Iberian pigs carried MRSA, although with a significantly lower prevalence (30/106; 28%) than SWP (130/157; 83%). A higher prevalence of indoor Iberian pigs compared with animals reared under outdoor conditions was not significant; however, all but one positive indoor Iberian pig samples were detected from one slaughterhouse. Overall, 16 different spa types were identified, with t011 predominating in all three animal populations. A subset of isolates was characterized by MLST. Most of these belonged to ST398. MRSA isolates from Iberian pigs presented a higher susceptibility to antibiotics than those isolated from SWP. CONCLUSIONS: Despite limited contact with humans, pigs raised outdoors are colonized by an MRSA population that genetically overlaps with that of intensively farmed pigs, although antimicrobial resistance is lower. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: To our knowledge, this is the first detection of MRSA in food animals raised in free-range conditions.

Complementary tools for the control and eradication of caprine and ovine brucellosis in the European Union.

Caprine and ovine brucellosis is one of the most serious and complex animal health problems faced by Veterinary Services in countries where the disease is endemic. Various geographical factors and the nature of the disease itself influence its epidemiology, encouraging widespread distribution and, at the same time, impeding the ability of animal health programmes to prevent, control and eradicate it. Although strategies against brucellosis have traditionally been based on two specific tools (namely, vaccination of the at-risk population and testing and slaughter of animals which are suspected of or test positive for the disease), other complementary tools of a technical or administrative nature should also be considered. Experience in the European Union has shown that these tools are necessary to guarantee sustainable progress and success against this disease. However, these complementary tools have not always received sufficient attention during the strategic planning and subsequent implementation of animal health programmes, with consequent reductions in efficiency. The aim of this article is to review these complementary tools, in order to facilitate their adoption and use by official Veterinary Services, according to the resources available.

Factors influencing the performance of an interferon-γ assay for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in goats.

The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay is an effective tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (Tb) in goats. The objectives of this study were to evaluate factors that might affect assay performance: (1) the phenol concentration of the purified protein derivative (PPD, tuberculin) used; (2) dialysis of PPD; and (3) delaying antigenic stimulation of blood samples for 8, 16 and 24h after collection. The assay was performed in duplicate with two cut-off points. Dialysis of PPD reduced test sensitivity, whereas the concentration of phenol did not significantly affect test outcome. Delaying antigenic stimulation of samples >8h resulted in a reduction in test sensitivity, compromising the capacity of the assay to detect infected animals. Performing the assay in duplicate was unnecessary, which has implications for reducing assay costs. These findings will facilitate the effective application of the IFN-γ assay as an ancillary test in Tb eradication programmes in goats.

[Final size attained in type 1 diabetes children]. / Talla final en diabéticos tipo 1 diagnosticados en la edad pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the final height and height-gain in relation to target height, in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus, and analyse their relationship to different variables. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the growth data of 52 children (27 girls) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus before 14 years old, and followed up until their final height was attained. MAIN VARIABLES: final height, target height, illness duration, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin dose, BMI, and other autoimmune diseases. RESULTS: The height SDS (standard deviation scale) at diagnosis was slightly higher (0.734 in boys and 0.563 in girls). During the development of the disease, a growth reduction was seen, which was significantly higher in boys of prepubertal age (p = 0.016). The mean final height attained was 173.14 +/- 5.28 cm in boys and 161.9 +/- 6.97 cm in girls. Height gain was 1.56 +/- 3.66 in boys (SDS = -0.034) and 2.26 +/- 6.13 in girls (SDS = 0.385). The only variable significantly related to height gain was mean glycated-haemoglobin (growth reduction of 2 cm for every increment of 1% in mean glycated-haemoglobin). CONCLUSIONS: At onset, diabetic children were slightly taller than the general population. A growth reduction was shown as the disease developed, significantly higher in boys of prepubertal age. The final height in boys was slightly lower than the mean, but in girls was similar to the general population. Both sexes attained their target height, although the height gain was less in boys. Poorer metabolic control was associated with reduced height gain.

[Family impact of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children under two years]. / Impacto familiar de la gastroenteritis por rotavirus en menores de dos años.

INTRODUCTION: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in infants has a significant impact on the quality of life of their parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study on the sociological family impact related to rotavirus AGE in children under 2 years. The study was carried out in 25 hospitals and 5 primary care centres in Spain. Sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical data were recorded, as well as the symptomatology of AGE and its severity measured by the Clark scale. Stool samples were tested to determine rotavirus positive (RV+) or negative (RV-). The parents were asked to complete a a family impact questionnaire. RESULTS: Stool specimens were tested in 1087 AGE cases (584 RV+ vs 503 RV-). The 99.5 % of parents whose children were RV+ reported more worries vs. the 97.7 % of RV-, and RV+ had a higher importance score (p < 0.05). A higher percentage of RV+ parents and those with a high importance score reported more time dedicated to dehydration treatment (p < 0.05). The 82.5 % vs. 73.9 % had disruption of their household tasks, with more importance scores (p < 0.05). RV+ had a higher percentage and importance score than RV- ones in all aspects of their child's AGE symptoms, except loss of appetite. CONCLUSION: AGE produces important dysfunctional experiences in daily family life. According to parental perceptions, RV+ produces greater worries and dysfunctions in child behaviour.

Exposure to extrinsic risk factors in prevalence surveys of hospital-acquired infections: a methodological approach.

The difficulties encountered in studying the presence of extrinsic risk factors in the framework of prevalence surveys of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) have led to the use of a variety of methodological approaches. This study examined the effect of retrospective approaches for obtaining data regarding exposure to extrinsic risk factors. The EPINE database for 1990 was used and a simulation model was created. All the evaluated approaches differed in their impact upon the association between risk factors and infections. Prevalence of exposure on the day of the survey, prevalence of exposure at any time before the survey was conducted, and total prevalence were found to be significantly associated with the probability of exposure and duration of exposure. For exposure periods of less than four days, the prevalence of exposure during the week prior to the survey was higher than that encountered on the day of the survey. In studying exposure to risk factors retrospectively, no evidence-based justification could be found to determine how many days prior to the day of actual exposure should be included in the study. However, the site of infection determined the proportion of devices removed due to HAI, and this proportion was not very high in this study. Limiting data to recording the presence of the risk factor on the day of the survey, without investigating past exposures, can provide an adequate estimate of the burden of extrinsic risk factors in one-day, point-prevalence surveys.

[Functional and oncologic results of the surgical salvage in the management of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinomas]. / Resultados oncológicos y funcionales de la cirugía de rescate en las recidivas locales de los carcinomas nasofaríngeos.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the indications and results of the surgical salvage in the treatment of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the primary site. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Twelve patients with biopsy-proven recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer were managed with the subtemporal-preauricular and facial translocation approaches. One patient was staged as having recurrent T stage (rT1) 1 disease; 3 patients, rT2; 2 patients, rT3; and 6 patients rT4. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 3 years, the 3-year actuarial survival rate was 42%. Survival for recurrent T stage was as follows: rT1, 100%; rT2, 67%; rT3, 50%; rT4, 17%. Survival rates for patiens with rT3 and rT4 disease without intracranial disease are 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Facial translocation and subtemporal-preauricular approaches are versatile surgical techniques for radical resection of nasopharyngeal recurrences with an acceptable morbidity. The long term survival results are encouraging for rT1-rT3 tumors and also for rT4 without intracranial extension of the disease.

[Functional outcomes of transoral laser surgery of supraglottic carcinoma]. / Resultados funcionales de la laringectomía supraglótica láser.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the functional outcome of patients with supraglottic carcinomas treated by transoral laser surgery. METHODS: The clinical records of 55 patients who underwent transoral laser surgery were reviewed. Swallowing capacity, surgical complications, requirements for tracheotomies, percentage of decannulations, laryngeal paralysis, stenosis, aspiration associated pneumonia, time to remove the nasogastric tube and postsurgical stay in hospital were the studied variables. RESULTS: 52% of the patients had a normal or within functional limits swallowing performance. 18% suffered aspiration pneumonia. 13% developed a laryngeal stenosis. 7% suffered of laryngeal palsy. 18 tracheostomies were performed, of them 10 could be reverted. The mean time to remove the nasogastric tube was 9 days. The mean hospital stay was 23 days. CONCLUSIONS: The main functional advantages of transoral laser surgery for supraglottic carcinoma, when compared with the conventional approach, are a lower incidence of temporary tracheotomies, a faster removal of the nasogastric feeding tube, and a lower incidence of pharyngocutaneous fistulas (0%).

[Surgical repair of an anastomotic stenosis in pharyngeal reconstructions using antebrachial free flaps]. / Reparación quirúrgica de una estenosis anastomótica en reconstrucciones faríngeas con colgajos libres antebraquiales.

To obtain suitable deglutoria function and less morbidity after hypopharyngeal surgery, antebrachial free flaps is a very useful option. A posible complication is oral feeding impossibility due to neopharyngeal stenosis. Tumor recurrence must be excluded. We described two cases of hypopharyngeal stenosis after antebrachial free flap reconstruction, proposing surgical reanastomosis with fibrous ring resection and salivary by-pass stent.

[Efficacy of postoperative radiation therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: results of a prospective randomised clinical trial]. / Eficacia de la radioterapia postoperatoria en los carcinomas epidermoides de cabeza y cuello: resultados de un ensayo prospectivo aleatorizado.

INTRODUCTION: A prospective randomised clinical trial was designed to assess the usefulness of postoperative radiotherapy (RT) in terms of loco-regional control and survival in patients with surgically treated advanced (stages III to IV) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with negative margins and without extracapsular extension in positive neck nodes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1994 and 1995, 51 patients were included in the study and 42 were considered evaluables (from which 21 received postoperative RT). A minimum follow-up of 3 years was required. RESULTS: The loco-regional recurrence rates were identical in irradiated and non-irradiated patients (15/21 cases--70%--in each group), as was the 5-year disease-specific survival (35% for both groups). The only parameter that was associated with a reduced disease-specific survival was the presence of regional lymph node metastases. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that postoperative RT does not increase loco-regional control or survival in patients with completely resected advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.