IgG4-related disease with nasopharyngeal malignancy-like manifestations.

Background: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) was characterized by single or multiple masses in organs, which may mimic various inflammatory and malignant diseases. Here, we summarize 4 patients with aggressive manifestations of IgG4-RD that mimic nasopharynx cancer to provide some new sights for the diagnosis of IgG4-RD. Case summary: Four patients were included in our series. The age ranged from 53 to 64 years old, and the duration of the disease ranged from 4 to 6 months. The chief complaints included headache, rhinorrhea, or diplopia. All patients had more than 10 IgG4+ plasma cells/HPF in immunohistochemistry with plasma lgG4 levels ranging from 218 mg/dL to 765 mg/dL. All of them met the diagnostic criteria of lgG4-RD. Conclusion: The described case is highly similar to the clinical manifestations of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Although pathology is the gold standard, there are still limitations. Serological IgG4 can help confirm the diagnosis. Timely diagnosis of IgG4-RD is of great significance in preventing secondary organ damage in patients with active diseases.

Next-generation sequencing identified that RET variation associates with lymph node metastasis and the immune microenvironment in thyroid papillary carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To date, although most thyroid carcinoma (THCA) achieves an excellent prognosis, some patients experience a rapid progression episode, even with differentiated THCA. Nodal metastasis is an unfavorable predictor. Exploring the underlying mechanism may bring a deep insight into THCA. METHODS: A total of 108 THCA from Chinese patients with next-generation sequencing (NGS) were recruited. It was used to explore the gene alteration spectrum of THCA and identify gene alterations related to nodal metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The Cancer Genome Atlas THCA cohort was further studied to elucidate the relationship between specific gene alterations and tumor microenvironment. A pathway enrichment analysis was used to explore the underlying mechanism. RESULTS: Gene alteration was frequent in THCA. BRAF, RET, POLE, ATM, and BRCA1 were the five most common altered genes. RET variation was positively related to nodal metastasis in PTC. RET variation is associated with immune cell infiltration levels, including CD8 naïve, CD4 T and CD8 T cells, etc. Moreover, Step 3 and Step 4 of the cancer immunity cycle (CIC) were activated, whereas Step 6 was suppressed in PTC with RET variation. A pathway enrichment analysis showed that RET variation was associated with several immune-related pathways. CONCLUSION: RET variation is positively related to nodal metastasis in Chinese PTC, and anti-tumor immune response may play a role in nodal metastasis triggered by RET variation.

The prognostic value of lymphatic metastatic size in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic metastatic size was proved to predict prognosis in different types of carcinomas, except in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) located in hypopharynx, oropharynx and supraglottic region et al. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of lymphatic metastatic size in HNSCC, which may guide clinical decision-making in practice. METHODS: From 2008 to 2022, 171 patients, who were diagnosed as HNSCC in our center, were included. The demographic data, clinicopathological characteristics and lymphatic metastatic size were recorded and analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 171 patients, 107 cases were hypopharyngeal cancer, 38 cases supraglottic cancer and 26 cases oropharyngeal cancer. The median of lymphatic metastatic size was 8 mm (range 0-46). According to lymphatic metastatic size, the patients were assigned to three subgroups: Group I (0 mm), Group II ( ≤ 10 mm) and Group III (> 10 mm). Kaplan-Meier analysis with log rank test revealed that Group I and Group II had similar locoregional control rate, distant metastasis free probability, disease-free survival and overall survival (all p > 0.05), whereas Group III had significant worse prognosis. Adjusted for demographic and other clinicopathological characteristics, lymphatic metastatic size was an independent predictor of disease-free survival and overall survival in HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphatic metastatic size was an independently prognostic factor in HNSCC, which may assist in postoperative adjuvant treatment decisions.

A risk stratification system developed to predict contralateral incidental malignant foci in early papillary thyroid carcinoma preoperatively.

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, contralateral incidental malignant foci (CIMFs) can be found in some early (cT1N0M0) papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) on postoperative pathological examination. To screen out the patients with high risk of CIMF preoperatively would help in determining the extent of thyroid surgery. METHODS: From October 2016 to February 2021, 332 patients diagnosed with early (cT1N0M0) PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy were included and randomly allocated into a training dataset (n = 233) and a test dataset (n = 99). Demographic and clinicopathological features were recorded and analyzed using logistic regression analysis. A coefficient-based nomogram was developed and validated. RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses revealed that the predictive model including BRAF V600E mutation, multifocality and margin of the contralateral nodule achieved the best diagnostic performance. The nomogram showed good discrimination, with AUCs of 0.795 (95 % CI, 0.736-0.853) for the training set and 0.726 (95 % CI, 0.609-0.843) for the test set. The calibration curve of the nomogram presented good agreement. CONCLUSION: The risk stratification system can be used to quantify the probability of CIMF and may assist in helping the patients choose total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy with early (cT1N0M0) PTC.

Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via the anterior chest approach: the experience with 1500 cases.

BACKGROUND: Conventional thyroidectomy leaves an eye-catching scar in the anterior neck region. Endoscopic thyroidectomy may achieve a better esthetic effect and improve quality of life postoperatively. The aim of this study was to undertake a complete review of a large cohort of the patients undergoing gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy (GET) via anterior chest approach (ACA) with a long-term follow-up period, and evaluate the results and limits of this procedure. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2022, 1413 patients undergoing GET via ACA in our department were included. The demographic, clinicopathological characteristics, oncologic and esthetic outcomes were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS: The indication for surgery was papillary thyroid carcinoma in 686 (48.5%) patients and benign thyroid diseases in 727 (51.5%) patients. Among them, 802 (56.8%) patients took hemithyroidectomy, and 611 (43.2%) patients did sub-total/total thyroidectomy. Meanwhile, 598 (42.3%) ones had central neck dissection, while 88 (6.2%) lateral neck dissection. The most common complication was transient hypoparathyroidism with an incidence of 2.9%. During the follow-up period of 2 to 232 months, three patients were confirmed locoregional recurrence. Most of the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy via anterior chest approach is a safe and feasible procedure, which could achieve excellent oncologic and esthetic outcomes.

[Clinical analysis of gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts].

Objective:This study aimed to explore the safety and feasibility of gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts. Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts at the Department of otolaryngology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun yat-sen university from September 2020 to May 2022 were analyzed. The operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, postoperative pain score, postoperative aesthetic score, and recurrence were prospectively evaluated. Results:All patients completed the operation successfully and no case conversed to an open operation. The operation time was 104.00（95.00, 131.25） minutes, and the surgical blood loss was 15.00（10.00, 16.25） mL. The drainage volume was（59.71±9.20） mL. Postoperative pathology was consistent with thyroglossal duct cysts. There was no local reswelling, subcutaneous hematoma, emphysema, skin flap necrosis, infection and other complications. The postoperative hospital stay was 3.00（2.00, 3.00） days. Six patients had mild sensory abnormalities of the lower lip 3 months after surgery, and all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes. No recurrence was found during the 5-26 months follow-up. Conclusion:gasless transoral vestibular robotic resection of thyroglossal duct cysts is safe and feasible, with hidden postoperative scars and good cosmetic outcomes. It can provide a new choice for patients with thyroglossal duct cysts.

Comparison of 980-nm/1470-nm Dual-Wavelength Fiber Laser Versus Ultrasonic Scalpel Device in Open Thyroidectomy.

Background: To investigate the application value of 980-nm/1470-nm dual-wavelength fiber laser in thyroidectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 130 patients undergoing thyroid surgery from March 2017 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the use types of energy devices, the patients were divided into laser group and ultrasonic scalpel group, with 65 patients in each group. The baseline data, operation-related indicators, operation complications, postoperative pathological conditions, and follow-up results of the two groups were compared. Results: The operations were successfully completed in both groups. The median operative time of total thyroidectomy (TT), lobectomy+central lymph node dissection (CLND), TT+CLND in the laser group were longer than that in the harmonic scalpel group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The incidence of parathyroid gland congestion in the laser group (10.3%) was lower than that in the harmonic scalpel group (19.2%), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in operative type, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, operative complications, postoperative hospital stay, and lymph node metastasis rate between the two groups (p > 0.05). No incidence was noted of recurrence, metastasis, or death in both groups. Conclusions: The 980-nm/1470-nm dual-wavelength fiber laser had an efficacy in open thyroidectomy similar to that of the harmonic scalpel, was safe and feasible, and less damage to the parathyroid gland blood supply than a scalpel. It can be used as a new option for thyroid surgery.

Cancer associated fibroblast derived gene signature determines cancer subtypes and prognostic model construction in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are the most common type of head and neck cancer with an unimproved prognosis over the past decades. Although the role of cancer-associated-fibroblast (CAF) has been demonstrated in HNSCC, the correlation between CAF-derived gene expression and patient prognosis remains unknown. METHODS: A total of 528 patients from TCGA database and 270 patients from GSE65858 database were contained in this study. After extracting 66 CAF-related gene expression data from TCGA database, consensus clustering was performed to identify different HNSCC subtypes. Limma package was used to distinguish the differentially expression genes (DEGs) between these subtypes, followed by Lasso regression analysis to construct a prognostic model. The model was validated by performing Kaplan-Meier survival, ROC and risk curve, univariate and multivariate COX regression analysis. GO, KEGG, GSEA, ESTIMATE and ssGSEA analyses was performed to explort the potential mechanism leading to different prognosis. RESULTS: Based on the 66 CAF-related gene expression pattern we stratitied HNSCC patients into two previously unreported subtypes with different clinical outcomes. A prognostic model composed of 15 DEGs was constructed and validated. In addition, bioinformatics analysis showed that the prognostic risk of HNSCC patients was also negatively correlated to immune infiltration, implying the role of tumor immune escape in HNSCC prognosis and treatment option. CONCLUSIONS: The study develops a reliable prognostic prediction tool and provides a theoretical treatment guidance for HNSCC patients.

Role of immune-inflamed phenotype in the prognosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma following primary surgery.

BACKGROUND: The immune profile in primary resected hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) and its prognostic value remain to be defined. METHODS: We enrolled 100 patients with HPSCC underwent primary surgical resection at our department. HPSCC samples were examined using immunohistochemistry for the expressions of CD8, Foxp3, CD163, CD66B, programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and interferon (IFN)-γ. The immune pattern of the tumor microenvironment (TME) was discriminated into inflamed and non-inflamed tumors based on the presence or absence of parenchymal CD8+ T cells. RESULTS: We found that 74% of HPSCC cases in our cohort were characterized by an immune-inflamed TME. Immune-inflamed patterns demonstrated an inferior survival with a significantly increased density of CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Additionally, the inflamed tumor showed increased expression of PD-L1, without IFN-γ upregulation. CONCLUSIONS: The immune-inflamed pattern is the predominant preexisting immune phenotype in HPSCC and demonstrates immunosuppressive immune cell recruitment.

Near complete response to a pembrolizumab-based therapeutic strategy in an abdominal metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma case.

Metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma rarely occurs in hepatic cancer and has a poor prognosis (median survival of 4 months). The efficacy of immunotherapy for these patients remains unknown. Herein, we present a patient with hypopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis to the liver with TERT and TP53 mutations together with a combined positive score of 70. The tumor invaded the abdominal wall, liver, inferior vena cava and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The patient was treated with pembrolizumab combined with cisplatin and 5-FU for four cycles and has been maintained on pembrolizumab monotherapy until now. The patient achieved a near complete response of hepatic and subcutaneous metastases, and the tumor thrombus disappeared completely. The patient developed grade I rashes on the trunk, which were considered immune-related adverse events; thus, the patient presented a significant tumor response and good tolerance to the therapeutic strategy. On the basis of this observation, pembrolizumab-based therapeutic strategies may be an effective alternative for metastatic hypopharyngeal carcinoma and may prolong overall survival and progression-free survival, which should be confirmed by more patients in the future. Immune-related adverse events also need attention.

A 25-gene panel predicting the benefits of immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Tumor mutation burden high (TMB-H) is widely used in the guidance of immune checkpoint blocking (ICB) therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. However, a few patients still had a poor response. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate a better model to guide ICB therapy. We constructed a genomic mutation model conducive to ICB therapy using an available HNSCC dataset. Moreover, treatment procedures for patients with HNSCC from our internal cohort confirmed this model. Here, a genomic mutation signature based on a list of 25 candidate genes that are favorable for immunotherapy was established. Patients with combined mutation had a respectable clinical outcome under ICB treatment. Notably, compared with patients who obtained TMB-H (TMB ≥ 10, but did not have combined mutation), those patients with TMB-L (TMB < 10) and combined mutation acquired remarkably beneficial overall survival. Moreover, the combined mutation signature predicting the survival status of patients was superior to TMB, with a Youden index of 0.55. Furthermore, higher immune cell infiltration levels, more active cancer-immunity cycle activities and immune response pathways were observed in patients with combined mutation. Finally, our internal cohort further confirmed that combined mutated patients can benefit from ICB therapy rather than any other patients.

A Practical CEUS Thyroid Reporting System for Thyroid Nodules.

Background The role of contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) in reducing unnecessary biopsies of thyroid nodules has received little attention. Purpose To construct and externally validate a thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) based on nonenhanced US and CEUS to stratify the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules. Materials and Methods This retrospective study evaluated 756 patients with 801 thyroid nodules who underwent nonenhanced US, CEUS, and fine-needle aspiration and received a final diagnosis from January 2018 to December 2019. Qualitative US features of the thyroid nodules were analyzed with univariable and multivariable logistic regression to construct a CEUS TI-RADS. The CEUS TI-RADS was validated with use of internal cross-validation and external validation. Results A total of 801 thyroid nodules in 590 female (mean age, 44 years ± 13) and 166 male (mean age, 47 years ± 13 [SD]) patients were included. Independent predictive US features included nodule composition at CEUS, echogenicity, nodule shape, nodule margin, echogenic foci, extrathyroidal extension, enhancement direction, peak intensity, and ring enhancement. The CEUS TI-RADS showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.95; P < .001 in comparison with all other systems), a biopsy yield of malignancy of 66% (157 of 239 nodules), and an unnecessary biopsy rate of 34% (82 of 239 nodules). In the external validation, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, biopsy yield of malignancy, and unnecessary biopsy rate of CEUS TI-RADS were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.92), 61% (65 of 106 nodules), and 39% (41 of 106 nodules) for the first external validation set and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.94), 57% (56 of 99 nodules), and 43% (43 of 99 nodules) for the second external validation set. Conclusion A contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) thyroid imaging reporting and data system was created with thyroid nodule malignancy risk stratification according to the simplified regression coefficients of nonenhanced US and qualitative features of CEUS. Clinical trials registration no. ChiCTR2000028712 Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Impact of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea on aggressive clinicopathological features of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may to be strongly associated with cancer mortality. The risk hazards of OSA regarding aggressive features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain unclear. The main objective of this study was to explore the relationship between OSA and aggressive features of PTC. METHODS: We prospectively studied 210 patients (54 men, 156 women; age 43 ± 13 years) with PTC. Indices of sleep respiratory disturbance and oxygen desaturation were determined by polysomnography with the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2), respectively. PTC aggressive features were assessed by postoperative histopathological analysis. Multivariant logistic regression models adjusting for demographic and OSA-related factors were generated to determine OSA risk hazards for aggressive PTC features. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate-to-severe OSA (defined as AHI of >15) was 20% in PTC patients. Those in the moderate-to-severe OSA group had higher BMI and more aggressive PTC features. Moderate-to-severe OSA was associated with increased odds of larger tumor size (OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 1.79-10.37; p = 0.001), capsular invasion (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.42-6.16; p = 0.004), multifocality (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.52-6.39; p = 0.002), central (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.77-12.49; p = 0.003) and lateral (OR, 5.94; 95% CI, 2.27-15.54; p < 0.001) cervical lymph node metastasis, and BRAF mutation (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.31-6.31; p = 0.008). Moderate to severe hypoxemia did not correlated with aggressive PTC behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: OSA is a common respiratory disturbance in PTC. Aggressive PTC features in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA implicate OSA as a cause of cancer progression. Respiratory disturbance events have a greater impact on PTC aggressiveness than hypoxia.

[IgG4-related disease with nasopharyngeal malignancy-like manifestations].

Objective:The purpose of this article was to discuss the clinical features and imaging characteristics of IgG4-related disease（IgG4-RD） in order to identify nasopharyngeal IgG4-RD at an early stage. Methods:The basic information of the patients, including age, sex, symptoms, disease duration and treatment process, was collected through the electronic case system. Laboratory tests including nasal endoscopy, EBV levels, IgG4 levels and C-reactive protein levels were recorded during hospitalization and outpatient follow-up. All radiological imaging and postoperative pathology data are collected, analyzed and summarized. Results:All patients underwent partial excisional biopsy of the lesion. The pathological findings showed inflammatory granulomatous and fibrous tissue hyperplasia with a high infiltration of lymphocytes, plasma cells and neutrophils, and immunohistochemistry examination showed IgG4+ plasma cells were more than 10 per high magnification field. Combining medical history, imaging, serological findings and relevant treatment, all four patients were diagnosed with IgG4-associated disease. And their symptoms improved significantly after hormonal and immunosuppressive treatment. Conclusion: IgG4-RD has a highly similar clinical presentation with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Differentiation from IgG4-RD should be considered for those pathology cannot be clarified by multiple biopsies. Timely diagnosis of IgG4-RD is important to prevent secondary organ damage in patients with active disease.

Surgical treatment of T2-3 posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma with preservation of laryngeal function.

BACKGROUND: Posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma indicates a poor prognosis. Previous treatments predicted negative influence to the pronunciation and swallowing function. The present study focuses on improving survival rate while improving quality of life. AIM: To investigate on the surgical techniques of the preservation of laryngeal function of posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: Eighteen patients with posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma of T2-T3 were studied. All primary lesions were removed and the defects were repaired with the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). RESULTS: The 3-year overall survival rate was 51.9%. All patients could maintain daily caloric intake by feeding orally, and remove the gastric tube 28-61 days after operation. Assessed swallowing function by Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluations of swallowing. When eating solid food, 66.67% patients had food residue; no food entered airway, and all patients had Penetration-Aspiration Scale of level 1. As for liquid, 11.11% patients had level 5, 16.67% level 4, 27.78% level 2 and 44.44% level 1. CONCLUSIONS: By preserving the integrity of larynx and superior laryngeal nerve with repairing the defects of posterior wall of hypopharynx with RFFF, patients with T2 and T3 stage posterior hypopharyngeal carcinoma could live a better quality of life.

Comparative study of gasless endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection via the anterior chest approach versus conventional open surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although there has been increasing interest in aesthetical approaches for treating patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), there have been no studies comparing the safety and effectiveness of gasless endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection (SLND) via the anterior chest approach (ACA) with that of conventional open surgery (OPEN) for papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 91 patients with PTC who underwent either gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy, central compartment neck dissection and SLND via the ACA or conventional open surgery between Nov. 2008 to Dec. 2018 were included. Primary outcomes and demographic data were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were in the ACA group and 60 were in the OPEN group. The ACA group was younger and had a longer operative time but less intraoperative hemorrhage (P < 0.001 for all). There were no differences in other clinicopathological features. During the median follow-up of 48 months (ACA group) and 35 months (OPEN group), no recurrence on US/CT was found. The patients in the ACA group had better cosmetic results assessed postoperatively. CONCLUSION: It appeared that gasless endoscopic selective lateral neck dissection via the anterior chest approach achieved comparable safety and effectiveness as conventional open surgery for PTC and resulted in better cosmetic results.

A Preoperative Nomogram for the Prediction of High-Volume Central Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: High-volume lymph node metastasis (HVLNM, equal to or more than 5 lymph nodes) is one of the adverse features indicating high recurrence risk in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and is recommended as one of the indications of completion thyroidectomy for patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy at first. In this study, we aim to develop a preoperative nomogram for the prediction of HVLNMs in the central compartment in PTC (cT1-2N0M0), where preoperative imaging techniques perform poor. Methods: From October 2016 to April 2021, 423 patients were included, who were diagnosed as PTC (cT1-2N0M0) and underwent total thyroidectomy and prophylactic central compartment neck dissection in our center. Demographic and clinicopathological features were recorded and analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomogram was developed based on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the included patients, 13.4% (57 cases) were found to have HVLNMs in the central compartment. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (35 years), BRAF with V600E mutated, nodule diameter, and calcification independently predicted HVLNMs in the central compartment. The nomogram showed good discrimination with an AUC of 0.821 (95% CI, 0.768-0.875). Conclusion: The preoperative nomogram can be used to quantify the probability of HVLNMs in the central compartment and may reduce the reoperation rate after thyroid lobectomy.

Clinical significance of COL1A1 and COL1A2 expression levels in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Alterations in collagen type I α1 (COL1A1) and collagen type I α 2 (COL1A2) expression levels have been reported to predict prognosis in various types of cancer. However, the effect of these biomarkers on hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) is yet to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to explore the prognostic significance of COL1A1 and COL1A2 expression levels in HPSCC. The expression levels of COL1A1 and COL1A2 in 67 patients with HPSCC were examined using an immunohistochemical assay in a tissue microarray. The associations between COL1A1/COL1A2 expression levels and patient clinicopathological features were analyzed using ANOVA, Pearson's χ2 or Fisher's exact test. The Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank tests were used to analyze the significance of COL1A1/COL1A2 as prognostic markers for patients with HPSCC. As a result, immunohistochemical staining revealed that COL1A1 was positively expressed in all cases, among which 40.3% were strong positive, while COL1A2 was positively expressed in 76.1% of the HPSCC cases with 6.0% of the samples exhibiting strong staining. Further analysis revealed no significant association between the expression levels of COL1A1/COL1A2 and other clinicopathological features. Cox regression analysis revealed that a high COL1A2 expression level predicted a high locoregional recurrence and a less favorable disease-free survival rate (P=0.042 and 0.020, respectively). Overall, the present study indicated that COL1A2 expression levels may have value as a prognostic indicator in HPSCC.

Platysma skin flap: Laryngeal repair material to produce phonatory flap vibrational wave.

The platysma skin flap was used for laryngeal reconstruction after vertical partial laryngectomy to improve the postoperative voice quality of patients with T2 and T3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma. Sixty-nine patients with unilateral T2 and T3 glottic laryngeal carcinoma were included. Forty-six patients received vertical partial laryngectomy, and a platysma skin flap was used for laryngeal reconstruction. The other 23 patients underwent transoral laser microsurgery. Subjective and objective examinations were performed to evaluate laryngeal morphology after the surgery. Acceptable voice quality was achieved for 46 patients who underwent vertical partial laryngectomy. Flap vibrational waves occurred in 19 cases (41.3%). The platysma skin flap is an ideal tissue for the reconstruction of articulation structure in open surgery of T2 and T3 unilateral glottic laryngeal carcinoma.

Computer-aided diagnosis of laryngeal cancer via deep learning based on laryngoscopic images.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) that can automatically detect laryngeal cancer (LCA) in laryngoscopic images. METHODS: A DCNN-based diagnostic system was constructed and trained using 13,721 laryngoscopic images of LCA, precancerous laryngeal lesions (PRELCA), benign laryngeal tumors (BLT) and normal tissues (NORM) from 2 tertiary hospitals in China, including 2293 from 206 LCA subjects, 1807 from 203 PRELCA subjects, 6448 from 774 BLT subjects and 3191 from 633 NORM subjects. An independent test set of 1176 laryngoscopic images from other 3 tertiary hospitals in China, including 132 from 44 LCA subjects, 129 from 43 PRELCA subjects, 504 from 168 BLT subjects and 411 from 137 NORM subjects, was applied to the constructed DCNN to evaluate its performance against experienced endoscopists. RESULTS: The DCCN achieved a sensitivity of 0.731, a specificity of 0.922, an AUC of 0.922, and the overall accuracy of 0.867 for detecting LCA and PRELCA among all lesions and normal tissues. When compared to human experts in an independent test set, the DCCN' s performance on detection of LCA and PRELCA achieved a sensitivity of 0.720, a specificity of 0.948, an AUC of 0.953, and the overall accuracy of 0.897, which was comparable to that of an experienced human expert with 10-20 years of work experience. Moreover, the overall accuracy of DCNN for detection of LCA was 0.773, which was also comparable to that of an experienced human expert with 10-20 years of work experience and exceeded the experts with less than 10 years of work experience. CONCLUSIONS: The DCNN has high sensitivity and specificity for automated detection of LCA and PRELCA from BLT and NORM in laryngoscopic images. This novel and effective approach facilitates earlier diagnosis of early LCA, resulting in improved clinical outcomes and reducing the burden of endoscopists.