Immediate lengthening temporalis myoplasty for facial palsy reconstruction following facial nerve inclusive total parotidectomy.

Immediate lengthening temporalis myoplasty (Labbé procedure) for immediate dynamic facial reanimation after nerve-inclusive parotidectomy in the elderly population is undocumented in the literature. The aim of this work was to determine whether the Labbé approach could achieve immediate, good functional and static results in elderly patients with acquired facial palsy. A retrospective analysis of five patients with parotid malignancies involving the facial nerve who underwent parotidectomy and an immediate Labbé procedure was performed. The House-Brackmann and Sunnybrook scores for facial palsy were used as objective measurements of the functional outcome. All patients underwent total parotidectomy, neck dissection, Labbé procedure, immediate temporary tarsorrhaphy, brow lift, and postoperative radiotherapy. Mean patient age was 83 (range 73-87) years. The average resected tumour size was 3.54 cm. The mean duration of surgery was 324 min and length of hospital stay 4 days. All patients experienced an improvement in House-Brackmann of one grade postoperative (grade V to IV in four, grade VI to V in one); the Sunnybrook score improved by 31 points on average (mean preoperative 3.8 vs postoperative 34.8). An immediate Labbé procedure following ablative parotid malignancy resection is a reliable and safe reconstructive procedure in a carefully selected elderly population, providing acceptable immediate static and dynamic hemifacial mimetic function and eliminating an additional facial palsy correction procedure.

Health-related quality of life trajectories in melanoma patients after electrochemotherapy: real-world insights from the InspECT register.

BACKGROUND: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) effectively controls skin metastases from cutaneous melanoma. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in melanoma patients pre-/post-ECT and its effect on treatment outcome. METHODS: The analysis included prospective data from the International Network for Sharing Practices of ECT register. Following the Standard Operating Procedures, patients received intravenous or intratumoural bleomycin (15,000 IU/m2 ; 1000 IU mL/cm3 ) followed by 100-microsecond, 1000-V/cm electric pulses. Endpoints included response (RECIST v3.0), local progression-free survival (LPFS), toxicity (CTCAE v5.0), and patient-reported HRQoL at baseline, one, two, four and ten months (EuroQol [EQ-5D-3L], including 5-item utility score [EQ-5D] and visual analogue scale for self-reported health state [EQ-VAS]). Comparisons within/between subgroups were made for statistical and minimal important differences (MID). HRQoL scores and clinical covariates were analysed to identify predictors of response in multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Median tumour size was 2 cm. Complete response rate, G3 toxicity and one-year LPFS in 378 patients (76% of the melanoma cohort) were 47%, 5%, and 78%. At baseline, age-paired HRQoL did not differ from the general European population. Following ECT, both EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scores remained within MID boundaries, particularly among complete responders. A subanalysis of the EQ-5D items revealed a statistically significant deterioration in pain/discomfort and mobility (restored within four months), and self-care and usual activities (throughout the follow-up) domains. Concomitant checkpoint inhibition correlated with better EQ-5D and EQ-VAS trajectories. Baseline EQ-5D was the exclusive independent predictor for complete response (RR 14.76, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HRQoL of ECT melanoma patients parallels the general population and is preserved in complete responders. Transient deterioration in pain/discomfort and mobility and persistent decline in self-care and usual activities may warrant targeted support interventions. Combination with checkpoint inhibitors is associated with better QoL outcomes. Baseline HRQoL provides predictive information which can help identify patients most likely to respond.

The pedicled submental flap in facial reconstruction.

Submental flap (SF) is a reconstructive technique that can be utilised for reconstruction of medium to large oral cavity defects, head and neck cancer, and pharyngocutaneous fistula. The submental artery island flap is pedicled on the submental artery and veins. The vascular pedicle has a length of up to 8cm. If it is further dissected to its origin from the facial artery, the pedicle can be lengthened by an additional 1-2cm to reach the lateral canthus and zygomatic arch. The use of SF for the reconstruction of head and neck defects has re-emerged over the past decade due to various reasons. We present a series of four case reports of head and neck cancers including a basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Merkel tumour, where the SF technique was used to successfully reconstruct the resultant facial defect. The advantages and disadvantages of the SF are discussed with a brief literature review.

Electrochemotherapy in the treatment of cutaneous malignancy: Outcomes and subgroup analysis from the cumulative results from the pan-European International Network for Sharing Practice in Electrochemotherapy database for 2482 lesions in 987 patients (2008-2019).

BACKGROUND: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a treatment for both primary and secondary cutaneous tumours. The international Network for sharing practices on ECT group investigates treatment outcomes after ECT using a common database with defined parameters. METHODS: Twenty-eight centres across Europe prospectively uploaded data over an 11-year period. Response rates were investigated in relation to primary diagnosis, tumour size, choice of electrode type, route of bleomycin administration, electrical parameters recorded and previous irradiation in the treated field. RESULTS: Nine hundred eighty-seven patients, with 2482 tumour lesions were included in analysis. The overall response (OR) rate was 85% (complete response [CR]: 70%, partial response rate: 15%, stable disease: 11%, and progressive disease: 2%). For different histologies, OR and CR rates for metastases of malignant melanoma were 82% and 64%, basal cell carcinoma were 96% and 85%, breast cancer metastases were 77% and 62%, squamous cell carcinoma were 80% and 63% as well as Kaposi's sarcoma were 98% and 91%, respectively. Variance was demonstrated across histotypes (p < 0.0001) and in accordance with size of lesion treated (dichotomised at diameter of 3 cm (p < 0.0001). Hexagonal electrodes were generally used for larger tumours, but for tumours up to 3 cm, linear array electrodes provided better tumour control than hexagonal electrodes (80%:74%, p < 0.003). For tumours more than 2 cm, intravenous administration was superior to intratumoural (IT) administration (p < 0.05). Current recorded varied across tumour histologies and size but did not influence response rate. In previously irradiated areas, responses were selectively lower for IT administration. CONCLUSIONS: These cumulative data endorse efficiency of ECT across a broad range of histotypes. Analysis of 2482 lesions details subgroup analysis on treatment response informing future treatment choices.

A very severe case of rhinophyma requiring a three-stage reconstruction with a forehead flap.

Rhinophyma is a skin condition that affects the nose. It is often characterised by a large, red, bulbous nose. It can have a physical, psychological and social impact on the patient. Management options include conservative medical therapy such as retinoids or surgical excision followed by reconstruction as required. The reconstruction options can range from a dermal substitute full-thickness skin graft to local flaps, depending on the wound bed. We present a severe case of rhinophyma that required a complex reconstruction with a three-stage forehead flap because of the mass effect and the wound that resulted from the surgical excision of an extremely large and troublesome rhinophyma.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation of hepatic and abdominal tumors not eligible for surgery or thermal ablation: a western report on safety and efficacy.

PURPOSE: To report our first results on sixteen patients affected by liver and abdominal malignant tumors, unfit for surgery or thermal ablation, treated with US-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE). METHODS: From June 2014 to December 2016, all patients meeting the inclusion criteria (malignant hepatic or abdominal tumors not eligible for resection or thermal ablation) and not meeting the exclusion criteria (heart arrhythmia, pro-hemorrhagic hematological alterations, tumor size > 8 cm, presence of a biliary metallic stent) referred to our institutions were prospectively enrolled to undergo percutaneous US-guided irreversible electroporation (IRE). Sixteen patients (age range 59-68 years, mean 63; 7 females) with 18 tumors (diameter range 1.3-7.5 cm) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Data concerning efficacy (tested by a 1-week CEUS and a 4-week enhanced CT and/or enhanced MRI) and safety were recorded during a 18-month follow up. RESULTS: All patients completed a 35-50-min procedure without complications. One patient with 6 cm Klatskin tumor also underwent a second session for 1 month. A 1-week CEUS and a 4-week e-CT and/or e-MRI arterial phase contrast enhancement analysis showed an overall reduction of arterial flow with confirmation of unenhanced lesions for seven nodules. After 1-18 months of follow up, no major complications were recorded and no tumor-related death occurred. The lesions of two patients disappeared 3 and 6 months after their treatment, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IRE is a promising ablation modality in the treatment of malignant hepatic and abdominal tumors unsuitable for resection or thermal ablation.

Education of trainees, training and fellowships for head and neck oncologic and surgical training in the UK: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines.

Since the previous edition of these guidelines, significant changes have taken place in the training and assessment of surgeons and oncologists who treat patients with head and neck cancer. For those intending to become head and neck surgeons, a fellowship in head and neck surgery is virtually mandatory. This paper summarises the current career structure to specialise in head and neck oncology and surgery in the UK. Recommendation • Trainees applying for head and neck surgical oncology consultant posts should have completed additional training in the subspecialty.

High-dose sequential chemotherapy (HDS) versus PEB chemotherapy as first-line treatment of patients with poor prognosis germ-cell tumors: mature results of an Italian randomized phase II study.

BACKGROUND: In the late 1990s, the use of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and stem-cell rescue held promise for patients with advanced and poor prognosis germ-cell tumors (GCT). We started a randomized phase II trial to assess the efficacy of sequential HDCT compared with cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin (PEB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive four cycles of PEB every 3 weeks or two cycles of PEB followed by a high-dose sequence (HDS) comprising HD-cyclophosphamide (7.0 g/m(2)), 2 courses of cisplatin and HD-etoposide (2.4 g/m(2)) with stem-cell support, and a single course of HD-carboplatin [area under the curve (AUC) 27 mg/ml × min] with autologous stem-cell transplant. Postchemotherapy surgery was planned on responding residual disease in both arms. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). The study was designed to detect a 30% improvement of 5-year PFS (from 40% to 70%), with 80% power and two-sided α at 5%. RESULTS: From December 1996 to March 2007, 85 patients were randomized: 43 in PEB and 42 in HDS arm. Median follow-up was 114.2 months [interquartile range (IQR): 87.7-165.8]. Complete or partial response with normal markers (PRm-) were obtained in 28 (65.1%) and 29 (69.1%) patients, respectively. Five-year PFS was 55.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 42.8-72.8] and 54.8% (95% CI 41.6%-72.1%) in PEB and HDS arm, respectively (log-rank test P = 0.726). Five-year overall survival was 62.8% (95% CI 49.9-79.0) and 59.3% (95% CI 46.1-76.3). One toxic death (PEB arm) was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The study failed to meet the primary end point. Furthermore, survival estimates of conventional-dose chemotherapy higher than expected should be accounted for and will likely limit further improvements in the first-line setting. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT02161692.

Combined use of hyperbaric oxygen and sprayed keratinocyte suspension to tackle a difficult wound.

This is the first reported case in the literature to combine the use of a well established therapy to achieve wound healing (ie hyperbaric oxygen treatment) and a novel sprayed keratinocyte suspension technique to treat a challenging wound successfully. The merits and potential issues associated with these treatments are outlined and the case is detailed.

Laser patterning of platinum electrodes for safe neurostimulation.

OBJECTIVE: Laser surface modification of platinum (Pt) electrodes was investigated for use in neuroprosthetics. Surface modification was applied to increase the surface area of the electrode and improve its ability to transfer charge within safe electrochemical stimulation limits. APPROACH: Electrode arrays were laser micromachined to produce Pt electrodes with smooth surfaces, which were then modified with four laser patterning techniques to produce surface structures which were nanosecond patterned, square profile, triangular profile and roughened on the micron scale through structured laser interference patterning (SLIP). Improvements in charge transfer were shown through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and biphasic stimulation at clinically relevant levels. A new method was investigated and validated which enabled the assessment of in vivo electrochemically safe charge injection limits. MAIN RESULTS: All of the modified surfaces provided electrical advantage over the smooth Pt. The SLIP surface provided the greatest benefit both in vitro and in vivo, and this surface was the only type which had injection limits above the threshold for neural stimulation, at a level shown to produce a response in the feline visual cortex when using an electrode array implanted in the suprachoroidal space of the eye. This surface was found to be stable when stimulated with more than 150 million clinically relevant pulses in physiological saline. SIGNIFICANCE: Critical to the assessment of implant devices is accurate determination of safe usage limits in an in vivo environment. Laser patterning, in particular SLIP, is a superior technique for improving the performance of implant electrodes without altering the interfacial electrode chemistry through coating. Future work will require chronic in vivo assessment of these electrode patterns.

Results of a randomized trial comparing high-dose chemotherapy plus Auto-SCT and R-FC in CLL at diagnosis.

The importance of early therapy intensification in B-cell CLL (B-CLL) patients remains to be defined. Even though several studies have been published, no randomized trials comparing directly autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) and the accepted conventional therapy (that is, rituximab, fludarabine and CY; R-FC) have been reported so far. To assess the benefit of a first-line aggressive therapy, we designed a multicenter, randomized, phase 3 trial comparing R-FC and high-dose chemotherapy supported by ASCT in patients under 65 years of age, with stage B(II) or C B-CLL. Primary end point was CR: 96 patients were enrolled (48 in each arm). On an intent-to-treat basis, the CR rates in the ASCT and R-FC arms were 62.5% and 58%, respectively. After 5 years of follow-up, PFS was 60.4% in the ASCT arm and 65.1% in the R-FC arm, time to progression 65.8 and 70.5%, and overall survival 88% vs 88.1%, respectively. Our trial demonstrates, for the first time in a randomized manner, that frontline ASCT does not translate into a survival advantage when compared with benchmark chemoimmunotherapy in B-CLL patients; the possibility of its clinical benefit in certain subgroups remains uncertain.

Late extrusion of a temporomandibular joint prosthesis masquerading as a sebaceous cyst.

Complications of temporomandibular joint prostheses are not uncommon and have been well documented. We report a very late and rare complication following silastic TMJ replacement, believed to be the first implant extrusion through healthy skin. We are reminded that these implants can still cause problems to patients many years after initial surgery.

Performance of conducting polymer electrodes for stimulating neuroprosthetics.

OBJECTIVE: Recent interest in the use of conducting polymers (CPs) for neural stimulation electrodes has been growing; however, concerns remain regarding the stability of coatings under stimulation conditions. These studies examine the factors of the CP and implant environment that affect coating stability. The CP poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is examined in comparison to platinum (Pt), to demonstrate the potential performance of these coatings in neuroprosthetic applications. APPROACH: PEDOT is coated on Pt microelectrode arrays and assessed in vitro for charge injection limit and long-term stability under stimulation in biologically relevant electrolytes. Physical and electrical stability of coatings following ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization is established and efficacy of PEDOT as a visual prosthesis bioelectrode is assessed in the feline model. MAIN RESULTS: It was demonstrated that PEDOT reduced the potential excursion at a Pt electrode interface by 72% in biologically relevant solutions. The charge injection limit of PEDOT for material stability was found to be on average 30× larger than Pt when tested in physiological saline and 20× larger than Pt when tested in protein supplemented media. Additionally stability of the coating was confirmed electrically and morphologically following ETO processing. It was demonstrated that PEDOT-coated electrodes had lower potential excursions in vivo and electrically evoked potentials (EEPs) could be detected within the visual cortex. SIGNIFICANCE: These studies demonstrate that PEDOT can be produced as a stable electrode coating which can be sterilized and perform effectively and safely in neuroprosthetic applications. Furthermore these findings address the necessity for characterizing in vitro properties of electrodes in biologically relevant milieu which mimic the in vivo environment more closely.

Accuracy in skin lesion diagnosis and the exclusion of malignancy.

The accuracy of clinical diagnosis of skin lesions has important ramifications for treatment selection and importantly prioritisation for treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of diagnosis of skin lesions within our department with an emphasis placed on whether there were any negative consequences of a missed malignant diagnosis. The study was conducted retrospectively. Accuracy of diagnosis was judged on 2 criteria. The first, if the clinical diagnosis matched the histological diagnosis. The second, if the malignancy was diagnosed correctly. 1186 lesions were excised. 57% of patients were female and the mean age was 56 (range 6-94). 25% were invasive malignancies. Clinical diagnosis was correct in 700 (66%) cases. 89% BCCs and 33% of SCCs excised were correctly diagnosed preoperatively. Misdiagnosis of BCCs or SCCs as benign was associated with a stastically significant delay in treatment (BCC 6.2 vs 10.7 weeks, p=0.02) (SCC 3.7 vs 9.5 weeks p=0.004). 100% of correctly diagnosed vs 79% of misdiagnosed SCCs were completely excised. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of MM were 87% and 97.7% respectively. The mean waiting time for patients correctly diagnosed preoperatively was 2.4 weeks vs 3 weeks (p=0.39). For malignant diagnoses sensitivity was 91%, specificity 84%, PPV 65% and NPV 96%. Misdiagnosis of skin lesions results in delays in treatment and may increase the rate of incomplete excision. The high NPV rate suggests that few malignancies are missed but those that are may have serious consequences if discharged untreated.

Conducting polymer electrodes for visual prostheses.

Conducting polymers (CPs) have the potential to provide superior neural interfaces to conventional metal electrodes by introducing more efficient charge transfer across the same geometric area. In this study the conducting polymer poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was coated on platinum (Pt) microelectrode arrays. The in vitro electrical characteristics were assessed during biphasic stimulation regimes applied between electrode pairs. It was demonstrated that PEDOT could reduce the potential excursion at a Pt electrode interface by an order of magnitude. The charge injection limit of PEDOT was found to be 15 x larger than Pt. Additionally, PEDOT coated electrodes were acutely implanted in the suprachoroidal space of a cat retina. It was demonstrated that PEDOT coated electrodes also had lower potential excursions in vivo and electrically evoked potentials (EEPs) could be detected within the vision cortex.