Correlation between oral and oropharyngeal resection subsites and impact of reconstruction on speech and swallowing function in head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review.

This review aims to provide a correlation between oral and oropharyngeal subsites and type of reconstruction used in the management of head and neck cancer patients. A literature search of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science was conducted. All study types describing long-term speech and swallow outcomes of adults following head and neck oncological reconstruction, which used a subsite classification, were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Robbins-1 tool. A total of 2270 patients were found in 26 studies. The number of subsites/studies ranged from 2 to 18. Subsites were predominantly divided on an anatomical basis. Other classifications included functionally grouped subsites. Seven articles considered combinations, unilateral and bilateral defects. Base of tongue, FOM, and defects crossing the midline are negatively correlated with post-operative speech and swallow. Lateral distributions were associated with superior outcomes. The University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL) was the most prevalent tool for speech and swallow assessment. Other factors that significantly affect speech and swallow outcomes include adjuvant therapy, size, type of reconstruction (free flap compared to pedicled or local). The role of neoadjuvant therapy remains unknown. A consistent and formalised approach including risk stratification for multiple contributing factors would be useful in clinical pre- and post-operative management.

Prognosis of oral epithelial dysplasia in individuals with and without oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of oral lichen planus (OLP) on the long-term prognosis of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). METHODS: Retrospective single-centre cohort study using the 2007-2019 database of the Head and Neck Cancer and Oral Medicine units of University College London Hospital. The exposure of interest was the presence of OLP, and the prognostic outcomes included the development of new primary episodes of OED, progression to malignancy and mortality. Cox proportional hazard and Poisson regression models were performed. RESULTS: A total of 299 patients, of whom 144 had OED arising on the background of OLP (OLP/OED) and 155 had OED without underlying OLP (non-OLP/OED), were included. A pre-existing diagnosis of OLP was significantly associated with a twofold increased risk of subsequent primary OED events (HR = 2.02, p = 0.04), which also developed faster (1.46 vs. 2.96 years, p = 0.04) and with more involvement of non-cancer-prone sites (p = 0.001) than in the non-OLP/OED group. There was no difference between groups in the progression to malignancy or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Oral lichen planus/OED patients are at higher risk of multiple episodes of primary OED, which can develop faster and at non-cancer-prone sites as compared to non-OLP/OED individuals. Further research is needed to clarify the effects of OLP upon progression to OSCC and mortality.

Salivary Electrostimulation in the Treatment of Radiation Therapy-Induced Xerostomia (LEONIDAS-2): A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked, Sham-Controlled, Phase 3 Trial.

PURPOSE: Radiation therapy-induced xerostomia significantly affects quality of life in head and neck cancer survivors. Neuro-electrostimulation of the salivary glands may safely increase natural salivation and reduce dry mouth symptoms. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This multicenter, double-masked, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial assessed the long-term effects of a commercially available intraoral neuro-electrostimulating device in lessening xerostomia symptoms, increasing salivary flow, and improving quality of life in individuals with radiation therapy-induced xerostomia. Using a computer-generated randomization list, participants were assigned (1:1) to an active intraoral custom-made removable electrostimulating device or a sham device to be used for 12 months. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients reporting a 30% improvement on the xerostomia visual analog scale at 12 months. A number of secondary and exploratory outcomes were also assessed through validated measurements (sialometry and visual analog scale) and quality-of-life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-H&N35, OH-QoL16, and SF-36). RESULTS: As per protocol, 86 participants were recruited. Intention-to-treat analyses showed no statistical evidence of a difference between the study groups with respect to the primary outcome or for any of the secondary clinical or quality-of-life outcomes. Exploratory analyses showed a statistically significant difference in the changes over time of the dry mouth subscale score of the EORTC QLQ-H&N35 in favor of the active intervention. CONCLUSIONS: LEONIDAS-2 did not meet the primary and secondary outcomes.

The efficacy of negative-pressure wound therapy for head and neck wounds: A systematic review and update.

Despite the established benefits of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in various wound healing contexts, its application in head and neck surgical cases remains under-explored. This study aimed to systematically review its effectiveness, safety, and comparative efficacy. Thirty-one studies from a systematic literature search were identified and analyzed for wound healing response, overall success rate, improvements compared to conventional wound care, and variation in pressure settings, treatment lengths, and dressing change frequency. NPWT showed enhanced outcomes across diverse head and neck wounds, particularly complex post-reconstructive wounds and severe infections. Despite the predominantly case report/series evidence and lack of standardized NPWT protocols, its benefits over conventional care were clear. NPWT emerges as a promising approach for head and neck wound management, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing complications. More randomized controlled trials are needed to solidify the evidence and standardize NPWT application protocols.

Point-of-care Analysis for Non-invasive Diagnosis of Oral cancer (PANDORA): A technology-development proof of concept diagnostic accuracy study of dielectrophoresis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Delays in the identification and referral of oral cancer remain frequent. An accurate and non-invasive diagnostic test to be performed in primary care may help identifying oral cancer at an early stage and reduce mortality. Point-of-care Analysis for Non-invasive Diagnosis of Oral cancer (PANDORA) was a proof-of-concept prospective diagnostic accuracy study aimed at advancing the development of a dielectrophoresis-based diagnostic platform for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and epithelial dysplasia (OED) using a novel automated DEPtech 3DEP analyser. METHODS: The aim of PANDORA was to identify the set-up of the DEPtech 3DEP analyser associated with the highest diagnostic accuracy in identifying OSCC and OED from non-invasive brush biopsy samples, as compared to the gold standard test (histopathology). Measures of accuracy included sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value. Brush biopsies were collected from individuals with histologically proven OSCC and OED, histologically proven benign mucosal disease, and healthy mucosa (standard test), and analysed via dielectrophoresis (index test). RESULTS: 40 individuals with OSCC/OED and 79 with benign oral mucosal disease/healthy mucosa were recruited. Sensitivity and specificity of the index test was 86.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.9%-95.6%) and 83.6% (95% CI, 73.0%-91.2%). Analysing OSCC samples separately led to higher diagnostic accuracy, with 92.0% (95% CI, 74.0%-99.0%) sensitivity and 94.5% (95% CI, 86.6%-98.5%) specificity. CONCLUSION: The DEPtech 3DEP analyser has the potential to identify OSCC and OED with notable diagnostic accuracy and warrants further investigation as a potential triage test in the primary care setting for patients who may need to progress along the diagnostic pathway and be offered a surgical biopsy.

Vascularized free fibula flap oral rehabilitation using tissue engineered mucosa: Report of 3 cases.

The aim of this report is to introduce the use of the dermal substitute Integra® in the context of free fibula flap prelamination for mandibular reconstruction. Three cases of mandibular reconstruction with prefabricated and Integra-prelaminated vascularized fibula flaps are reported in this article. The patients reported in this case series presented with the following tumours: an extensive cemento-ossyfying fibroma, a multicystic ameloblastoma and an extensive calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour. Virtual three-dimensional (3D) planning and 3D-printed cutting guides were used for the mandibulectomies, the flap harvest and the positioning of the implants. The dermal substitute Integra was used for prelamination instead of skin grafts. Treatment of all 3 patients was performed in two stages; the first consisted of the fibula prefabrication (dental implant insertion) and prelamination, and the second consisted of tumor resection and reconstruction with the vascularized implant-bearing fibula flap. Integra was shown to be able to generate complete mucosa-like tissue over the fibula flaps and in the peri-implant areas. The patients have been followed up for 1, 3 and 7 years, respectively, with satisfactory prosthetic, functional and aesthetic results. None of the patients developed peri-implant disease. It was observed that prelamination with the dermal substitute Integra leads to development of mucosal lining with clinical features similar to oral mucosa. In this report of three cases, use of Integra as part of the prelamination and prefabrication process, instead of skin grafts, appears able to clinically generate mucosal lining with avoidance of skin grafts.

Contemporary management of advanced midface malignancy in the age of Instagram - a parallel surgical and patient's perspective.

The internet and social media give our patients extraordinary access to information; in these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where so much of life takes place online, patients and professionals alike look to the internet more and more for information and (self-)diagnosis. This article details the treatment journey for a patient with a high-grade chondroblastic osteosarcoma of the right maxilla, paranasal area and zygoma, from misdiagnosis through to resection and full rehabilitation with free flap surgery and implant reconstruction. Uniquely, the article details the patient's treatment, in parallel with her own perception of the treatment, as shared on social media.

Management of the clinically N0 neck in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). An EACMFS position paper.

Metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to the cervical lymph nodes has a significant impact on prognosis. Accurate staging of the neck is important in order to deliver appropriate treatment for locoregional control of the disease and for prognosis. The management of the neck in early, low volume disease (clinically T1/T2 oral cavity tumours) has long been debated. The risk of occult nodal involvement in cT1/T2 OSCC is estimated around 20-30%. We describe the natural evolutionary history of OSCC and its patterns of spread and metastasis to the local lymphatic basins. We discuss most published literature and studies on management of the clinically negative neck (cN0). Particular focus is given to prospective randomized trials comparing the outcomes of upfront elective neck dissection against the observational stance, and we summarize the results of the sentinel node biopsy studies. The paper discusses the significance of the primary tumour histological characteristics and specifically the tumour's depth of invasion (DOI) and its impact on predicting nodal metastasis. The DOI has been incorporated in the TNM staging highlighting its significance in aiding the treatment decision making and this is reflected in world-wide oncological guidelines. The critical analysis of all available literature amalgamates the existing evidence in early OSCC and provides recommendations in the management of the clinically N0 neck.

Nationwide randomised trial evaluating elective neck dissection for early stage oral cancer (SEND study) with meta-analysis and concurrent real-world cohort.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines remain unclear over whether patients with early stage oral cancer without overt neck disease benefit from upfront elective neck dissection (END), particularly those with the smallest tumours. METHODS: We conducted a randomised trial of patients with stage T1/T2 N0 disease, who had their mouth tumour resected either with or without END. Data were also collected from a concurrent cohort of patients who had their preferred surgery. Endpoints included overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). We conducted a meta-analysis of all six randomised trials. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty randomised and 346 observational cohort patients were studied (27 hospitals). Occult neck disease was found in 19.1% (T1) and 34.7% (T2) patients respectively. Five-year intention-to-treat hazard ratios (HR) were: OS HR = 0.71 (p = 0.18), and DFS HR = 0.66 (p = 0.04). Corresponding per-protocol results were: OS HR = 0.59 (p = 0.054), and DFS HR = 0.56 (p = 0.007). END was effective for small tumours. END patients experienced more facial/neck nerve damage; QoL was largely unaffected. The observational cohort supported the randomised findings. The meta-analysis produced HR OS 0.64 and DFS 0.54 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SEND and the cumulative evidence show that within a generalisable setting oral cancer patients who have an upfront END have a lower risk of death/recurrence, even with small tumours. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NIHR UK Clinical Research Network database ID number: UKCRN 2069 (registered on 17/02/2006), ISCRTN number: 65018995, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00571883.

Evaluation of the efficacy of lipotransfer to manage radiation-induced fibrosis and volume defects in head and neck oncology.

BACKGROUND: Multimodality treatment for head and neck cancer leads to substantial functional and esthetic impairment mainly manifested as radiation-induced skin fibrosis (RIF) in combination with volumetric defects and reduction in neck mobility. This study assessed the impact of lipotransfer as part of secondary surgical procedure(s) in patients treated for head and neck malignancies. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed between 2005 and 2016. All patients with a history of head and neck malignancy, multimodal treatment including at least surgery or radiotherapy, and at least 2-year disease-free survival were included. Thirty-eight patients (22 men, 16 women) matched the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Thirty seven (97%) reported esthetic and functional improvements in their RIF and volumetric defect at follow-up of 32 months. Major improvement in esthetic and functional outcome was reported by 24 (63%) patients and surgeons and minor by 13 patients and surgeons (34%) without causing any complications. Lipotransfer was also found to significantly improve patient's psychological health postoperatively as showed by significant improvements in Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS24), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL V4) scores (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Lipotransfer is effective for volume restoration and treating scar and RIF from head and neck defects.

Proliferating trichilemmal tumour: diagnostic challenge on core biopsy.

A 70-year-old woman presented with a 10-month history of an irregular mass in the left lateral nape of her neck which had recently increased in size rapidly. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy was obtained, and the tumour was diagnosed as a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Further imaging studies failed to demonstrate additional malignant characteristics. In view of these findings, a wide local excision of the tumour was performed. Histopathological assessment of the resected tumour revealed a proliferating trichilemmal tumour with well-differentiated features and smooth invasion front. This article serves as an important reminder of the challenges associated with pathological evaluation of core needle biopsies of adnexal tumours. It emphasises the importance of clinical-radiological-pathological correlation preferably in a multidisciplinary team setting prior to agreeing on a definitive management plan.

Frequent HPV-independent p16/INK4A overexpression in head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES: p16INK4A (p16) is the most widely used clinical biomarker for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). HPV is a favourable prognostic marker in HNSCC and is used for patient stratification. While p16 is a relatively accurate marker for HPV within the oropharynx, recent reports suggest it may be unsuitable for use in other HNSCC subsites, where a smaller proportion of tumors are HPV-driven. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We integrated reverse phase protein array (RPPA) data for p16 with HPV status based on detection of viral transcripts by RNA-seq in a set of 210 HNSCCs profiled by The Cancer Genome Atlas project. Samples were queried for alterations in CDKN2A, and other pathway genes to investigate possible drivers of p16 expression. RESULTS: While p16 levels as measured by RPPA were significantly different by HPV status, there were multiple HPV (-) samples with similar expression levels of p16 to HPV (+) samples, particularly at non-oropharyngeal subsites. In many cases, p16 overexpression in HPV (-) tumors could not be explained by mutation or amplification of CDKN2A or by RB1 mutation. Instead, we observed enrichment for inactivating mutations in the histone H3 lysine 36 methyltransferase, NSD1 in HPV (-)/p16-high tumors. CONCLUSIONS: RPPA data suggest high p16 protein expression in many HPV (-) non-oropharyngeal HNSCCs, limiting its potential utility as an HPV biomarker outside of the oropharynx. HPV-independent overexpression of wild-type p16 in non-oropharyngeal HNSCC may be linked to global deregulation of chromatin state by inactivating mutations in NSD1.

Head and neck sarcomas: A single institute series.

BACKGROUND: Sarcomas are tumours of mesenchymal origin, accounting for 1% of all malignancies. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of 107 head and neck sarcoma cases, treated over a period of thirteen years. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients had with craniofacial bone sarcomas (BSs) (male: 33; female: 21) with high grade osteosarcoma being the most predominant type. The soft tissue sarcomas (STS) (53 patients; male: 28, female: 25) were histologically diverse with rhabdomyosarcomas and myxofibrosarcomas being the predominant types. The majority of BSs were managed with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, whereas in STSs treatment included predominantly surgery followed by radiotherapy. Overall survival estimates were 79% at 2years and 64% at 5years (mean follow-up period was 48months). CONCLUSIONS: The mesenchymal origin of sarcomas, the pattern of disease spread and the different extent of cancellous bone infiltration in contrast to epithelial tumours, dictate distinct principles for surgical clearance.

Percutaneous implant retention of a nasal prosthesis.

This report describes an approach to the simultaneous retention of a nasal prosthesis and an intraoral prosthesis for a patient who had undergone a total rhinectomy with resection of the upper lip and premaxilla. At the time of the nasal resection, 2 dental implants were placed adjacent to the resection margins in the first premolar positions. These were used to anchor an intraoral, milled titanium bar and overdenture to replace the missing anterior teeth and provide support for the upper lip, which had been reconstructed with a vascularized radial forearm free-flap. The titanium bar also incorporated a connection for a tissue-penetrating percutaneous nasal extension, which pierced the radial forearm flap near the junction with the hard palate. Magnetic attachments screwed to the nasal extension retained a nasal prosthesis. The predictable and straightforward implementation of this novel concept with digital design and manufacture of the titanium components and guided placement of the nasal extension was made possible with software planning.

Mouth Cancer for Clinicians. Part 11: Cancer Treatment (Radiotherapy).

A MEDLINE search early in 2015 revealed more than 250,000 papers on head and neck cancer; over 100,000 on oral cancer; and over 60,000 on mouth cancer. Not all publications contain robust evidence. We endeavour to encapsulate the most important of the latest information and advances now employed in practice, in a form comprehensible to healthcare workers, patients and their carers. This series offers the primary care dental team in particular, an overview of the aetiopathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis and multidisciplinary care of mouth cancer, the functional and psychosocial implications, and minimization of the impact on the quality of life of patient and family. Clinical Relevance: This article offers the dental team an overview of the use of radiotherapy, and its effects on the mouth and other tissues.

Mouth Cancer for Clinicians. Part 9: The Patient and Care Team.

A MEDLINE search early in 2015 revealed more than 250,000 papers on head and neck cancer; over 100,000 on oral cancer; and over 60,000 on mouth cancer. Not all publications contain robust evidence. We endeavour to encapsulate the most important of the latest information and advances now employed in practice, in a form comprehensible to healthcare workers, patients and their carers. This series offers the primary care dental team in particular, an overview of the aetiopathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis and multidisciplinary care of mouth cancer, the functional and psychosocial implications, and minimization of the impact on the quality of life of patient and family. Clinical Relevance: This article offers the dental team an overview of the multidisciplinary team (MDT; or multi-speciality team) and its roles, and an overview of the implications of therapies that are discussed more fully in future articles in the series.

A New Approach to Implant-Based Midface Reconstruction Following Subtotal Maxillectomy.

This case presentation describes the reconstruction of an extensive maxillary-orbital defect following subtotal resection of the maxilla en bloc with orbital exenteration in a young adult following the diagnosis of chondrosarcoma. A new approach to composite midface reconstruction with dental implants is described, in which computer-guided surgery (CGS) was used to obliquely position dental implants interradicularly in the residual maxilla, such that the implant tips lie in close proximity to the root apices of the remaining teeth. The implants were then used to fixate a milled-titanium bar, fabricated using computer-aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM), and provided with attachments for the stabilization and retention of a maxillary obturator.

Mouth Cancer for Clinicians. Part 8: Referral.

A MEDLINE search early in 2015 revealed more than 250,000 papers on head and neck cancer; over 100,000 on oral cancer; and over 60,000 on mouth cancer. Not all publications contain robust evidence. We endeavour to encapsulate the most important of the latest information and advances now employed in practice, in a form comprehensible to healthcare workers, patients and their carers. This series offers the primary care dental team in particular, an overview of the aetiopathogenesis, prevention, diagnosis and multidisciplinary care of mouth cancer, the functional and psychosocial implications, and minimization of the impact on the quality of life of patient and family. Clinical Relevance: This article offers the dental team an overview of referral procedures; oral diagnosis is not always simple and a second opinion can be valuable to all concerned in cases of doubt.