Peculiar nuclear atypia associated with MDM2 gene amplification in carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma harbouring an alteration of HMGA2.

AIMS: Salivary gland neoplasms (SGN) exhibiting the HMGA2::WIF1 fusion are recognized by their resemblance to histology found in canalicular adenoma. Recently, ~20% of cases among 28 HMGA2::WIF1-rearranged-SGN showed malignancy and adverse outcomes (recurrence, distant metastasis, and disease-specific mortality). Among them, MDM2/CDK4 amplifications were identified in one case. This outcome suggests that the MDM2/CDK4 amplifications could be useful to predict an aggressive course of carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CEPA). METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the correlation between HMGA2 fusion and MDM2 amplification in four salivary gland neoplasms, providing detailed clinicopathological features and outcomes. Cases were selected from different institutions. Histological examination, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA sequencing, and whole-exome capture were performed. The cohort included four CEPA cases, all female, aged between 32 and 89 years. Tumours arose from the parotid gland with an average size of 24.5 mm. None exhibited recurrence or distant metastases during the 4-5 months of follow-up. Pathologically, all cases displayed a peculiar atypical nuclei with 'gear-like appearance'. Immunohistochemically, tumours exhibited a biphasic pattern with myoepithelial and ductal differentiation markers. All cases showed HMGA2 overexpression and MDM2 amplification by FISH and RNA sequencing. In a control cohort of MDM2 nonamplified CEPA cases, not exhibiting the peculiar nuclear atypia. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a strong correlation between HMGA2 alteration/MDM2 amplification and a peculiar nuclear atypia, advocating for their evaluation in biphasic tumours to facilitate accurate diagnosis and tailored posttumour removal monitoring. Further studies are warranted to validate these observations and elucidate their prognostic implications.

Resection and reconstruction of the carotid artery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a GETTEC study.

OBJECTIVES: Main: To describe 1-year overall survival (OS) after primary or salvage management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) invading the common or internal carotid artery (CCA/ICA). Secondary: To assess disease control rate, treatment morbidity, and radio-anatomopathologic correlation. METHODS: Retrospective study of 67 patients, treated between 1999 and 2020 for N3bM0 HNSCC invading the CCA/ICA as identified by CT-scan. Tumors that could not have been resected with a complete en-bloc resection sacrificing and reconstructing the CCA/ICA were excluded. Patients were separated into two groups (primary or salvage treatment) and studied according to the type of treatment they received: radiotherapy/radiochemotherapy (RT/RCT), surgery, or systemic therapy (ST). RESULTS: For newly treated patients, the 1-year OS was significantly better after RT/RCT (73%) than after surgery (40%, p < 0.0001). In the salvage setting, the 1-year OS after surgery (40%) was better than after ST (14%, statistically suggestive difference with p = 0.0241). Surgery improved cervical control, but distant metastases occurred in more than 50% of cases regardless of treatment. No neurological complication occurred after carotid reconstruction. Perioperative mortality was 7% (1/15). The carotid invasion was confirmed by pathological examination in all five patients with an arterial deformation on CT-scan, in seven among eight patients with CCA/ICA encasement greater than 270°, and in four out of seven patients with CCA/ICA encasement between 180° and 270°. CONCLUSION: Neck dissection with carotid resection and reconstruction is technically feasible with acceptable neurovascular morbidity. For newly treated patients, survival is better after RT/RCT. For salvage treatment, surgery could be proposed to selected patients.

Airway management during transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancers: a French GETTEC group survey.

PURPOSE: The aim of the survey was to define the indications for preventive tracheostomy in transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for head and neck cancers. METHODS: From October 2019 to January 2020, an online questionnaire was e-mailed to French surgical ENT teams with considerable experience of the TORS procedure (Gettec group). A descriptive analysis of the answers was performed. RESULTS: Eighteen French surgical teams answered the questionnaire. For 77.8% of the surgical teams, a past history of radiotherapy with residual edema was an indication for prophylactic tracheostomy, and for 88.9%, > 75 mg of antiplatelet medication or anticoagulation treatment was an indication. CONCLUSION: Early preventive tracheostomy during TORS can protect airway from uncommon but potentially life-threatening complications, such as transoral hemorrhage or airway edema. We recommend it in high-risk situations, such as a past history of radiotherapy or antiplatelet therapy associated with large resections. Further studies are needed to establish evidence-based recommendations.

Oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas in young patients according to their smoking status: a GETTEC study.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is increasing, especially in young adults, despite decreasing tobacco and alcohol consumption. METHODS: This multicentric retrospective study of 185 young adults with OTSCC (median follow-up 43 months), investigated risk factors, tumour characteristics and oncological outcomes according to the smoking status. RESULTS: Overall, 38% of patients were smokers (S). Non-smokers (NS) were significantly younger than S. Sex ratios were 1.1 for N and 1.8 for S. NS patients were less frequently cannabis or alcohol users than S, but were more likely to have a history of leukoplakia. Second primaries were observed in NS (4.4%) and in S (12.7%). Despite more frequent local relapse in NS (p = 0.018), there was no difference in diagnostic stage and overall survival between groups. CONCLUSION: OTSCC affects differently young S and NS patients suggesting the existence of a specific clinical entity of OTSCC in non-smoking young adults.

CD44, γ-H2AX, and p-ATM Expressions in Short-Term Ex Vivo Culture of Tumour Slices Predict the Treatment Response in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of head and neck cancer (HNSCC) with a disease-free survival at 3 years that does not exceed 30%. Biomarkers able to predict clinical outcomes are clearly needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a short-term culture of tumour fragments irradiated ex vivo could anticipate patient responses to chemo- and/or radiotherapies. Biopsies were collected prior to treatment from a cohort of 28 patients with non-operable tumours of the oral cavity or oropharynx, and then cultured ex vivo. Short-term biopsy slice culture is a robust method that keeps cells viable for 7 days. Different biomarkers involved in the stemness status (CD44) or the DNA damage response (pATM and γ-H2AX) were investigated for their potential to predict the treatment response. A higher expression of all these markers was predictive of a poor response to treatment. This allowed the stratification of responder or non-responder patients to treatment. Moreover, the ratio for the expression of the three markers 24 h after 4 Gy irradiation versus 0 Gy was higher in responder than in non-responder patients. Finally, combining these biomarkers greatly improved their predictive potential, especially when the γ-H2AX ratio was associated with the CD44 ratio or the pATM ratio. These results encourage further evaluation of these biomarkers in a larger cohort of patients.

Zenker diverticulum treatment: retrospective comparison of flexible endoscopic window technique and surgical approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Different treatments exist for Zenker diverticulum. We compared flexible endoscopic myotomy of the cricopharyngeal muscle, using a technique called the "window technique" in order to improve the field of view, to surgical approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were retrospectively included and divided into a gastrointestinal group, with flexible endoscopic myotomy, and an ear-nose-throat treatments group with either rigid endoscopic treatment, either cervicotomy. We evaluated effectiveness in terms of quality of life (on a scale on 0 to 10) safety and technical aspects of each procedure. RESULTS: A total 106 patients who underwent 128 interventions were included. Rigid endoscopic procedures were the shortest (p < 0.001), with no difference for adverse event. Endoscopic approaches, flexible and rigid ones, were associated with shorter time to intake resumption (1 and 3 days, respectively, vs 6 after cervicotomy) and shorter length of hospital stay (3 and 4 days, respectively, vs 7 after cervicotomy) (p = 0.001). Post-operative QoL was better after flexible endoscopy (9/10) and open cervicotomy (9/10) than after rigid endoscopy (7/10) (p = 0.004). Patients declared fewer residual symptoms after open cervicotomy (77% of low symptomatic patients) and flexible endoscopy (80%) than after rigid endoscopy (43%) (p = 0.003). Conversion to open surgery was more frequent during rigid than flexible endoscopies (18% vs 0%, p = 0.0008). CONCLUSION: Flexible endoscopic approach of Zenker diverticulum treatment seems to be safe and effective and may be an alternative to surgical approaches. Myotomy can be eventually helped by the window technique.

Determination of Cetuximab in Plasma by Liquid Chromatography-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Orbitrap With a Stable Labeled 13C,15N-Cetuximab Internal Standard.

BACKGROUND: Cetuximab (CTX) is a chimeric IgG1 Kappa monoclonal antibody used to treat head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer. Previous clinical studies indicated that the pharmacokinetics of CTX influences patient survival. Thus, individualizing CTX treatment by measuring trough levels of the drug in plasma could have a major impact on clinical efficacy. METHODS: To measure these levels, a full-length stable isotope-labeled CTX standard was used in a generic, rapid, and high-throughput sample preparation protocol based on IgG capture followed by trypsin digestion, on-line solid-phase extraction cleanup, and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). RESULTS: The optimized method displayed good analytical performance and was linear over a range from 5 to 150 mcg/mL. The within-run and between-run imprecision of the assay were equal to or less than 10%, for 6 replicates at 3 different concentrations and for runs performed on 5 separate days. The plasma CTX concentrations in 19 patients were also determined. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that quantification of mAb in clinical samples does not strictly require a tandem mass spectrometry system, and LC-HRMS is also relevant in this context. This first study implementing a quantitative LC-HRMS assay with a specific stable isotope-labeled mAb internal standard paves the way for more robust clinical monitoring of anticancer mAbs.

Evaluation of virtual surgical planning systems and customized devices in fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of virtual planning using customized surgical devices (VP3D) in fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction. METHODS: Fourteen patients received VP3D and 16 patients underwent conventional surgery (CS). Virtual planning was compared to postoperative scans using cephalometric and three-dimensional (3D) measurements. Operative times of both VP3D and CS groups were compared. RESULTS: Comparisons of cephalometric measurements revealed no significant difference between virtual planning and postoperative scans. 3D analysis demonstrated a high level of virtual planning accuracy. In the VP3D group, total operative time gain was 88 min (p < 0.001) and total ischemia time gain was 36 min (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Virtual surgical planning using customized devices enables 'tailored' surgery that is accurate and reliable and results in operative and ischemia time gain. CLINICAL TRIAL: NCT03869723.

An effective and well-tolerated strategy in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer: successive lines of active chemotherapeutic agents.

BACKGROUND: The combination platinum, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cetuximab is the standard first-line regimen of recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Due to the toxicity of this treatment, alternative therapies are often offered to patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the overall survival obtained with a first line chemotherapy adapted to patients functional status and the administration of all active drugs within successive lines of chemotherapy. METHODS: This series included a total of 194 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC treated from 2006 to 2011 in a single institution where the administration of successive lines of chemotherapies has been the standard clinical approach. Treatment was administered according to clinical practice guidelines. RESULTS: Most patients received at least two treatment lines. Only 11 patients (6%) were treated with a combination of cisplatin, 5-FU and cetuximab in front line, but most patients received at least one platinum-based regimen (n = 154 patients, 78%); 162 (82%) received taxanes, 36 (18%) received 5-FU, 27 (14%) received capecitabine, 67 (34%) received methotrexate and 134 (68%) received cetuximab. The median overall survival was 9.8 months (95% CI: 8.1-11.4 months) and reached 13.1 months among the subgroup of 131 patients eligible for inclusion in a clinical trial. CONCLUSION: The survival outcomes of patients treated in the first-line setting with chemotherapy regimens adapted to their functional status, followed by several subsequent regimens were comparable with published outcomes of patients treated by platinum, 5-FU and cetuximab.

A pyriform sinus cancer organ preservation strategy comprising induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil, followed by potentiated radiotherapy: a multicenter, retrospective study.

No specific study has evaluated the role of neoadjuvant DCF (docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil) followed by radiotherapy in pyriform sinus cancer, which are often included in studies focusing on laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. We assessed the proportion of patients treated sequentially for a pyriform sinus cancer with a preserved larynx. Overall survival, event-free survival (EFS), survival with 'local control', and treatment tolerance were assessed as well. We retrospectively reviewed 88 patients with advanced pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma treated with DCF between 2005 and 2010. After induction, radiation could be potentiated with cetuximab or cisplatin. Most patients (82%) had been treated with organ preservation intent. The response rate to DCF was 85%, including 42% with complete response. Primary tumor was operated in 13 patients (eight with total laryngectomy). Radiotherapy had been delivered to 78 (89%) patients (30 with cisplatin, 39 with cetuximab). Potentiation had been achieved as planned in 52 and 79% of patients treated with cisplatin and cetuximab, respectively. Twenty-three local and three neck recurrences were found. Median overall survival was 16.8 months and 38.3% at 3 years. EFS at 3 years was 29.1% with a hazard ratio for partial responders versus nonresponders of 0.18 (P<0.001), and 0.13 (P<0.001) for complete responders versus nonresponders. Thirty-five percent of patients were alive with their larynx preserved at 3 years. This study confirms the efficacy of induction followed by chemoradiation for pyriform sinus cancer and that response to DCF is predictive of EFS.

Characterization of a Molecularly Distinct Subset of Oncocytic Pleomorphic Adenomas/Myoepitheliomas Harboring Recurrent ZBTB47-AS1::PLAG1 Gene Fusion.

Recurrent gene fusions are common in salivary gland tumors including benign tumors, such as pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and myoepithelioma (ME). In cases where chromosomal rearrangement is identified in the pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) gene, different gene partners are found. Oncocytic metaplasia, characterized by oncocytes with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm and hyperchromatic nuclei, is a well-known phenomenon in salivary gland neoplasms. However, the pure oncocytic variant of PA/ME showed PLAG1 gene rearrangements involving various gene partners at the molecular level, without any recurrent fusion being found. Our study includes 20 cases of PA/ME, with 11 females and 9 males. The age of patients ranged from 37 to 96 years, with a median age of 62.8 years. Most tumors originate from the parotid gland. The median size of the tumor was 26.5 mm (range: 13 to 60 mm). Among the 20 cases, 14 were a pure oncocytic variant of PA/ME, whereas 6 cases showed focal oncocytic or oncocytic-like aspects. Molecular studies on 20 cases of PA/ME were conducted. A novel recurrent ZBTB47-AS1::PLAG1 fusion was identified in 6 of 12 cases with pure oncocytic metaplasia, whereas the other cases had PLAG1 gene fusion with different gene partners. The transcriptomic analysis of the cases harboring ZBTB47-AS1::PLAG1 fusion demonstrated that these tumors have a distinct molecular profile from conventional PA/ME. This study reveals a unique subset in the oncocytic PA/ME spectrum characterized by pure oncocytic morphology with larger oncocytic cells and recurrent ZBTB47-AS1::PLAG1 fusion. It also highlights the transcriptomic distinctness of salivary gland adenomas with pure oncocytic metaplasia in the spectrum of salivary gland neoplasms. Further studies are needed to better understand the oncocytic variant of PA/ME and to determine the true nature of oncocytic cells in PA/ME.

Neoadjuvant TPF in locally advanced head and neck cancer can be followed by radiotherapy combined with cisplatin or cetuximab: a study of 157 patients.

Neoadjuvant TPF (docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil), followed by radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy with weekly carboplatin, increases overall survival and organ preservation. We assessed whether TPF could be used in routine practice and whether radiotherapy potentiated with cisplatin or cetuximab was feasible and could increase survival. We retrospectively reviewed 157 patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with TPF in four French institutions between May 2005 and March 2009. After induction, operable patients had undergone surgery and were irradiated, and potentiated in some cases with cetuximab or cisplatin. Most patients (79%) had been treated with organ preservation strategies. The two most common sites were the hypopharynx (34%) and the oropharynx (30%). The response rate to TPF was 84%, including 26% with a complete response. Radiotherapy had been provided to 144 (92%) patients (of whom 17 had received radiotherapy alone, 46 had received q3w cisplatin, 30 had received q1w cisplatin, and 37 had received cetuximab). Potentiation had been achieved as planned in 59, 63, and 62% of patients treated with q3w cisplatin, q1w cisplatin, and cetuximab, respectively. After a median follow-up of 39.9 months, the median overall survival was 43 months. No significant difference was observed in progression-free survival or overall survival according to the type of potentiation. This study confirms the efficacy and tolerability of TPF induction, followed by chemoradiation, with outcomes similar to those for patients irradiated without induction. The best potentiation of radiotherapy after induction has not yet been determined.

Transoral Laser Microsurgery versus Robot-Assisted Surgery for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue Base (Oncological and Functional Results)-A Retrospective GETTEC Multicenter Study.

The base of the tongue (BOT) is the second most common site for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the oropharynx. There are currently no clear guidelines for the management of BOT SCC. Our main objective was to compare the oncological outcomes of two minimally invasive approaches, transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and transoral robot-assisted surgery (TORS). This was a retrospective French GETTEC (Groupe d'Études des Tumeurs de la Tête et du Cou) multicenter study of patients with BOT SCC removed surgically either by TLM or TORS between 2005 and 2021. The study group included 16 patients treated by TLM and 38 by TORS, with median follow-up times of 14.4 and 37.2 months, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rates at 2 and 3 years were 67% in the TLM group and 90% at 2 years and 86% at 3 years in the TORS group (p = 0.42, p = 0.20). There was no significant difference in recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the two techniques after 2 and 3 years. The tumors removed by TORS were significantly larger. Operative times were significantly shorter in the TLM group. There were no differences in feeding resumption; none of the patients in the TLM group required a tracheotomy. Postoperative hemorrhagic complication rates were similar in the two groups (12% for TLM and 13% for TORS). Both TORS and TLM showed encouraging oncological, functional, and safety results in BOT SCC even in recurrence or second primary cancer patients, without a technique being found superior in terms of OS or RFS. Tumors removed by TORS were larger without an increase in postoperative bleeding, extending the possibilities of transoral treatment.

Efficacy and safety of capecitabine in heavily pretreated recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

UNLABELLED: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of capecitabine as a single agent in the treatment of recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Patients were treated with oral capecitabine according to good clinical practice. Efficacy and safety outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. The response and adverse events rates and their exact confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Survival distributions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Twenty-nine patients were included in the study. Twenty-five patients (86%) had received at least three previous lines of chemotherapy. The disease control rate was 48% (95% CI: 29-67%). The median progression-free survival was 2.0 months (95% CI: 0.1-3.9 months) and the median overall survival was 7.0 months (95% CI: 4.1-9.9 months). Hand-foot syndrome, fatigue, and mucositis were the most frequent severe side effects. No patient died, and only three patients discontinued treatment because of side effects. Capecitabine seems to be an active and well-tolerated regimen, even in heavily pretreated, frail patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2C 'Outcomes Research'.

Paclitaxel and cetuximab combination efficiency after the failure of a platinum-based chemotherapy in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The addition of cetuximab (CTX) to the combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil increases the overall survival (OS) in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Only a few patients are eligible for this treatment because of its toxicity. The combination of CTX and paclitaxel (TXL) could be included in sequential treatment strategies. Patients were treated with CTX (400/250 mg/m) and TXL (60-80 mg/m) weekly until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Efficacy and safety outcomes were determined retrospectively. A total of 42 patients were included in this analysis. The overall response rate was 38% [95% confidence interval (CI); 23-53%]. The disease control rate with TXL and CTX combination was 74%. Seven (17%) patients progressed before the first evaluation. The median progression-free survival was 3.9 months [95% CI; 3.1-4.7 months] and the median OS was 7.6 months [95% CI; 5.3-9.9 months]. Neurotoxicity and skin rash were the most frequent grade≥2 toxicities, reported in 17 and 12% of patients, respectively. Previous chemotherapy seems to be associated with a lower response rate and progression-free survival but not with the OS. The combination of CTX and TXL was an active and well-tolerated treatment in this series of patients with a poor prognosis and who were mostly symptomatic.

Circulating Tumor Cell Detection during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Predict Early Response in Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancers: A Prospective Pilot Study.

Patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy are reassessed both radiologically and clinically to adapt their treatment after the first cycle. However, some responders show early tumor progression after adjuvant radiotherapy. This cohort study evaluated circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from a population of locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) induction chemotherapy or DCF with a modified dose and fractioned administration. The counts and phenotypes of CTCs were assessed at baseline and at day 21 of treatment, after isolation using the RosetteSepTM technique based on negative enrichment. At baseline, 6 out of 21 patients had CTCs (28.6%). On day 21, 5 out of 11 patients had CTCs (41.6%). There was no significant difference in the overall and progression-free survival between patients with or without CTCs at baseline (p = 0.44 and 0.78) or day 21 (p = 0.88 and 0.5). Out of the 11 patients tested at day 21, 4 had a positive variation of CTCs (33%). Patients with a positive variation of CTCs display a lower overall survival. Our findings suggest that the variation in the number of CTCs would be a better guide to the management of treatment, with possible early changes in treatment strategy.

Osteocutaneous-flap-related osteomyelitis following mandibular reconstruction: a cohort study of an emerging and complex bone infection.

Osteocutaneous flap (OCF) mandible reconstruction is at high risk for surgical site infection. This study aimed to describe diagnosis, management, and outcome of OCF-related osteomyelitis. All patients managed at our institution for an OCF-related osteomyelitis following mandible reconstruction were included in a retrospective cohort study (2012-2019). Microbiology was described according to gold-standard surgical samples, considering all virulent pathogens, and potential contaminants if present on at least two samples. Determinants of treatment failure were assessed by logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. The 48 included patients (median age 60.5 (IQR, 52.4-66.6) years) benefited from OCF mandible reconstruction mostly for carcinoma ( n = 27 / 48 ; 56.3 %) or osteoradionecrosis ( n = 12 / 48 ; 25.0 %). OCF-related osteomyelitis was mostly early ( ≤ 3 months post-surgery; n = 43 / 48 ; 89.6 %), presenting with local inflammation ( n = 28 / 47 ; 59.6 %), nonunion (wound dehiscence) or sinus tract ( n = 28 / 47 ; 59.6 %), and/or bone or device exposure ( n = 21 / 47 ; 44.7 %). Main implicated pathogens were Enterobacteriaceae ( n = 25 / 41 ; 61.0 %), streptococci ( n = 22 / 41 ; 53.7 %), Staphylococcus aureus ( n = 10 / 41 ; 24.4 %), enterococci ( n = 9 / 41 ; 22.0 %), non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli ( n = 8 / 41 ; 19.5 %), and anaerobes ( n = 8 / 41 ; 19.5 %). Thirty-nine patients (81.3 %) benefited from surgery, consisting of debridement with implant retention (DAIR) in 25 / 39 (64.1 %) cases, associated with 93 (IQR, 64-128) days of antimicrobial therapy. After a follow-up of 18 (IQR, 11-31) months, 24 / 48 (50.0 %) treatment failures were observed. Determinants of treatment outcomes were DAIR (OR, 3.333; 95 % CI, 1.020-10.898) and an early infectious disease specialist referral (OR, 0.236 if ≤ 2  weeks; 95 % CI, 0.062-0.933). OCF-related osteomyelitis following mandibular reconstruction represents difficult-to-treat infections. Our results advocate for a multidisciplinary management, including an early infectious-disease-specialist referral to manage the antimicrobial therapy driven by complex microbiological documentation.

A New Animal Model of Laryngeal Transplantation.

Only three laryngeal transplants have been described in the literature to date, and none of the techniques has enabled a completely satisfactory functional result to be obtained. This article presents a new model of laryngeal transplantation, with quality of revascularisation of the transplant being the principal objective and optimisation of the various steps of the procedure, with the integration of a new reinnervation technique as a secondary objective. We present a preclinical animal study. Three pig larynges removed in vivo underwent allotransplantation according to the same protocol. The quality of the revascularisation was examined immediately after the surgery as well as by endoscopy for one animal on the fourth day after the operation. The mean time of cold ischaemia was 3 h 15 min. The anaesthetic tolerance of the pigs was excellent. Revascularisation was achieved and judged to be excellent for the three transplants immediately after the operation and the endoscopy performed for one pig on the fourth day after the operation confirmed this result. The anatomical similarities also enabled the application and integration of an innovative technique of laryngeal reinnervation into the various phases of the operation. We describe a reliable and reproducible animal model for laryngeal transplantation. Its application in humans can be envisaged.

Transoral minimally invasive robotic surgery for carcinoma of the pharynx and the larynx: a new approach.

Partial laryngectomy is an old but well-accepted surgical treatment for selected carcinomas of the larynx. Actually, the transcervical approach remains the most popular even if the transoral laser approach is useful in some cases. Transoral robotic surgery is a new promising surgical procedure in head and neck oncology as an alternative to conventional surgery with decreased morbidity. The aim of this study is a description of the state of the art by a review of the literature. We emphasize limits and future prospects on this topic with a special focus on dependability.

Functional outcomes of soft palate free flap reconstruction following oropharyngeal cancer surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of surgical resection and free flap reconstruction of soft palate cancer on speech, swallowing and quality of life, and to identify the factors influencing functional outcomes and quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients treated with surgical resection of squamous cell carcinoma and free-flap reconstruction of the soft palate were reviewed at least 12 months after surgery. Speech was assessed using the Hirose intelligibility scoring system, nasalance scoring, GRBAS scoring and the Voice Handicap Index 30 (VHI30) questionnaire. Swallowing was assessed by fiberoptic endoscopy and the Deglutition Handicap Index (DHI). Quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires. RESULTS: 29 patients were included. Speech outcomes were satisfactory, demonstrating normal or slightly below normal speech intelligibility in 75.9% of the patients, moderate or no rhinolalia in 72.4% of the patients and mean overall VHI30 scores indicative of slight or no handicap in 86.2% of the patients. Swallowing outcomes were satisfactory, with mean overall DHI scores indicative of slight or no handicap in 82.8% of the patients. Patient quality of life was preserved as demonstrated by mean quality of life and functioning scales scores all superior to 80%. CONCLUSION: The sequelae arising from surgical resection and free-flap reconstruction of soft palate cancer are tolerable, involving slight handicap in terms of speech and swallowing and relatively little impact on quality of life.