The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap: A multidisciplinary review of the evidence.

The osteocutaneous radial forearm (OCRFF) is a versatile free flap option for bony defects of the head and neck, given the thinness and pliability of the forearm cutaneous paddle, pedicle length, reliability, lack of atherosclerosis, and functional concerns common to other osseous donor sites. The OCRFF was once associated with a high risk of radial fracture, in addition to concerns about the quality and durability of bone stock for osseous reconstruction, particularly for the mandible. Following the introduction of prophylactic plating of the radius, the incidence of symptomatic radial fracture has drastically decreased. Furthermore, modifications of the bony osteotomies and other evolutions of this flap harvest have increased the use of the OCRFF throughout the head and neck. Despite these advantages, the OCRFF is not widely utilized by microvascular reconstructive surgeons due to perceived limitations and risks. Herein, we present a multidisciplinary, contemporary review of the harvest technique, outcomes, and perioperative management for the OCRFF.

The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap: A pictorial essay.

The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) is a versatile flap with the ability to reconstruct complex defects. We detail the techniques necessary to harvest an OCRFFF, including an outline on making 90-degree osteotomies to maximize bone harvest. In this pictorial essay, we provide illustrations of the anatomy and surgical techniques necessary for OCRFFF harvest. Detailed discussion is provided on how to protect the perforators to the bone and the approach to making osteotomies in a 90-degree fashion. The approach for prophylactic plating of the radius to prevent radius fractures is outlined. A case presentation on the real-life utilization of this flap is included. The OCRFFF is an excellent head and neck reconstructive option. While there are limitations to its use for patients requiring dental rehabilitation or long/anterior mandibular defects, for the right patient and indication it has shown great success in reconstructive efforts.

Immunoprofiles and Oncologic Outcomes of 15 Patients with Androgen Receptor-Positive Salivary Duct Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Salivary duct carcinomas (SDC) are a rare and aggressive subtype of salivary gland neoplasm. They can present with distinct immunoprofiles, such as androgen receptor (AR) and HER-2/Neu-positivity. To date, no consensus exists on how to best manage this entity. METHODS: All patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic AR+ SDC of the parotid from 2013 to 2019 treated with curative intent were included. Immunologic tumor profiling was conducted using 24 distinct markers. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to estimate locoregional recurrence (LRR), distant control, and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Fifteen patients were included. Nine (60%) patients presented with T4 disease and eight (53%) had positive ipsilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. Ten (67%) patients underwent trimodality therapy, including surgery followed by adjuvant radiation and concurrent systemic therapy. The median follow-up was 5.5 years (interquartile range, 4.8-6.1). The estimated 5-year rates of LRR, distant progression, and OS were 6%, 13%, and 87%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite only including AR+ SDC of the parotid, immunoprofiles, such as expression of HER-2, were highly variable, highlighting the potential to tailor systemic regimens based on individual histologic profiles in the future. Studies with larger patient numbers using tumor-specific molecular profiling and tumor heterogeneity analyses are justified to better understand the biology of these tumors. Molecularly informed treatment approaches, including the potential use of AR- and HER-2/Neu-directed therapies upfront in the definitive setting, may hold future promise to further improve outcomes for these patients.

National Trends in 30-Day Readmission Following Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Importance: As the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continues to rise in the US, an increasing number of patients are being treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Readmission following surgery can potentially delay initiation of adjuvant treatment and affect survival outcomes. Objective: To identify risk factors for 30-day postoperative readmission in patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective, population-based cohort study used data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database from 2010 to 2017. All patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes and included. Exclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years or incomplete information regarding index admission or readmission. The analysis was performed from April to October 2023. Exposure: TORS for OPSCC. Main Outcomes and Measures: Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with 30-day readmission. Covariates included demographics and medical comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, hospital characteristics, and surgical details. Trends in readmission over time, reasons for readmission, and characteristics of the readmission were also examined. Results: A weighted total of 5544 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.7 [0.25] years; 4475 [80.7%] male) underwent TORS for OPSCC. The overall readmission rate was 17.5% (n = 971), and these rates decreased over the study period (50 of 211 patients [23.7%] in 2010 vs 58 of 633 patients [9.1%] in 2017). Risk factors associated with readmission included male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.07-2.20) and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.28-4.58). Factors associated with decreased rate of readmission included undergoing concurrent selective neck dissection (AOR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.22-0.41). Among the 971 readmissions, the most common readmission diagnoses were bleeding (151 [15.6%]), electrolyte and digestive problems (44 [4.5%]), pneumonia (44 [4.5%]), and sepsis (26 [2.7%]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, readmission rates following TORS for oropharynx cancer decreased over time; however, a subset of patients required readmission most commonly related to bleeding, infection, and electrolyte imbalance. Concurrent neck dissection may be protective against readmission. Elucidation of risk factors for readmission after TORS for OPSCC offers opportunities for evidence-based shared decision-making, quality improvement initiatives, and improved patient counseling.

Demographic and Academic Productivity Trends Among American Head & Neck Society Fellows Over a 20-Year Period.

Importance: Historical data reveal that, compared with women, men are more likely to pursue a head and neck surgical oncology fellowship, but little is known about possible gender differences in academic productivity. Objective: To assess demographic trends and academic productivity among American Head & Neck Society (AHNS) fellowship graduates. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used electronically published data from the AHNS on fellowship graduates in the US and Canada from July 1, 1997, to June 30, 2022. Scopus was used to extract h-indices for each graduate. Exposure: Scholarly activity. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes were changes in demographic characteristics and academic productivity among AHNS graduates over time. Data analysis included effect size, η2, and 95% CIs. Results: A total of 691 AHNS fellowship graduates (525 men [76%] and 166 women [24%]) were included. Over the study period, there was an increase in the number of programs offering a fellowship (η2, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.68-0.89) and an increase in the absolute number of women who completed training (η2, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.38-0.78). Among early-career graduates pursuing an academic career, there was a small difference in the median h-index scores between men and women (median difference, 1.0; 95% CI, -1.1 to 3.1); however, among midcareer and late-career graduates, there was a large difference in the median h-index scores (midcareer graduates: median difference, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.2-6.8; late-career graduates: median difference, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.0-10.9). A higher percentage of women pursued academic positions compared with men (106 of 162 [65.4%] vs 293 of 525 [55.8%]; difference, 9.6%; 95% CI, -5.3% to 12.3%). Conclusions and Relevance: This cross-sectional study suggests that women in head and neck surgery begin their careers with high levels of academic productivity. However, over time, a divergence in academic productivity between men and women begins to develop. These data argue for research to identify possible reasons for this observed divergence in academic productivity and, where possible, develop enhanced early faculty development opportunities for women to promote their academic productivity, promotion, and advancement into leadership positions.

Internal jugular vein reconstruction: An algorithm for reconstructive surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: The internal jugular vein (IJV) provides critical drainage from the brain, skull, and deep regions of the face and neck. Compromise to the bilateral IJVs has severe sequelae, but even unilateral IJV sacrifice or thrombosis after treatment can have sequelae. Despite the potential role of IJV reconstruction for head and neck surgeons, information about the indications, technique, and outcomes of the procedure are sparse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We present a woman who had IJV sacrifice for an oral cavity cancer along with a contralateral selective neck dissection and adjuvant chemoradiation who developed occlusion of the contralateral IJV after her treatment, resulting in unacceptable cervical lymphedema and extensive neck varicosities. An end-to-side bypass from the superior IJV to the ipsilateral external jugular vein was performed. RESULTS: There were no complications from the procedure, which resulted in dissipation of her preoperative symptoms. We describe the literature surrounding IJV reconstruction, considerations for its use, the technique itself, and advice for perioperative management. CONCLUSION: IJV reconstruction is a valuable but underutilized technique for the head and neck microvascular surgeon in cases of bilateral threatened IJV outflow.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Related Morbidity with Thyroid Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The increase in incidence of thyroid cancer correlates with strict increases in body mass index (BMI) and obesity in the United States. Thyroid hormone dysregulation has been shown to precipitate circulatory volume, peripheral resistance, cardiac rhythm, and even cardiac muscle health. Theoretically, thyroid surgery could precipitate injury to the cardiopulmonary system. METHODS: The American College of Surgery National Quality Improvement Program database was queried for thyroidectomy cases in the 2007-2020 Participant User files. Continuous and categorical associations between BMI and cardiopulmonary complications were investigated as reported in the database. RESULTS: The query resulted 186,095 cases of thyroidectomy procedures in which the mean age was 51.3 years and sample was 79.3% female. No correlation was evident in univariate and multivariate analyses between BMI and the incidence of postoperative stroke or myocardial infarction. The incidence of complications was extremely low. However, risk of deep venous thrombosis correlated with BMI in the categorical, univariate, and multivariate (OR 1.036, CI 1.014-1.057, p < 0.01) regression analysis. Additionally, increased BMI was associated with increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) (OR 1.050 (1.030, 1.069), p < 0.01), re-intubation (OR 1.012 (1.002, 1.023), p = 0.02), and prolonged intubation (OR 1.031 (1.017, 1.045), p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite the rarity of cardiopulmonary complications during thyroid surgery, patients with very high BMI carry a significant risk of deep venous thrombosis, PE, and prolonged intubation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2823-2830, 2023.

History, Innovation, Pearls, and Pitfalls in Complex Midface Reconstruction.

Midface reconstruction in head and neck cancer or individuals with extensive trauma to the face has evolved significantly over the past few decades with the introduction of free flap reconstruction and virtual surgical planning enabling surgeons to obtain optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes. Traditional methods such as the use of obturators or local flaps still have a role in select situations, but complex defects have been replaced by the advent of microvascular free tissue transfer and virtual planning, which can commonly provide a single-stage reconstruction of the midface with excellent aesthetic and functional results. This article provides an overview of the history and evolution of midface reconstruction, a discussion of how to integrate virtual surgical planning into a surgical practice, an example of a complex midface reconstruction case, and pearls and pitfalls that have been experienced by an experienced reconstructive team.

Immediate resection of positive margins improves local control in oral tongue cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the impact of immediate resection of positive margins on local control of oral tongue cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 273 consecutive oral tongue cancers resected from 2013 to 2018. Additional resection was performed in cases during the initial operation based on surgeon inspection of the specimen and/or frozen margins. Positive margins were defined as invasive carcinoma/high-grade dysplasia < 1 mm from the inked edge. Patients were grouped as follows: negative margin (Group 1); positive margin with immediate additional tissue resection (Group 2); and positive margin without additional tissue resection (Group 3). RESULTS: Overall, the rate of local recurrence was 7.7 % (21/273), and the rate of positive main specimen margin was 17.9 %. Of these patients, 38.8 % (19/49) underwent immediate additional resection of the presumed positive margin. Group 3 had higher local recurrence rates than Group 1 after adjustment for T-stage (aHR 2.8 [95 % CI 1.0-7.7], p = 0.04). Group 2 had similar rates of local recurrence (aHR 0.45 [95 % CI 0.06-3.6], p = 0.45). Three year local recurrence free survival for Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 91 %, 92 % and 73 %, respectively. Compared to the main specimen margin, sensitivity of intraoperative frozen tumor bed margins was 17.4 %, and specificity was 95 %. CONCLUSION: In patients with positive main specimen margins, anticipation and detection in real-time with immediate additional tissue resection reduced local recurrence to rates similar to those with negative main specimen margins. These findings support the use of technology to provide real-time intraoperative margin data and guide additional resection for improved local control.

High surgical volume is associated with improved survival in head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Examine the relationship between hospital volume and overall mortality in a surgical cohort of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: A retrospective review of the NCDB was completed for adults with previously untreated HNSCC diagnosed between 2004 and 2016. Mean annual hospital volume was calculated using the number of head and neck cancer cases treated at a given facility divided by the number of years the facility reported to the NCDB. Facilities were separated into three categories based on their volume percentile, informed by inflection points from a natural cubic spline: Hospital Group 1 (<50%); Hospital Group 2 (50-90%); Hospital Group 3 (90%+). Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between volume percentiles (continuous or categorical) with patient overall survival, adjusting for important patient and facility variables known to impact survival. RESULTS: Risk of death decreased by 2.97% for every 10% increase in facility percentile after adjusting for other risk factors. Patients treated at facilities in Hospital Group 1 had a 23.1% increase in risk of mortality (HR 1.231 [95% CI 1.12-1.35]) relative those at facilities in Hospital Group 3. No significant difference in mortality risk was found between Hospital Group 2 versus Hospital Group 3 (HR 1.031 [95% CI 0.97-1.10]). CONCLUSIONS: Survival of HNSCC patients is significantly improved when treated at facilities >50th percentile in annual hospital volume. This may support the regionalization of care to high volume head and neck centers with comprehensive facilities and supportive services to maximize patient outcomes.

Modifiable risk factors for oral cavity cancer in non-smokers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oral cavity cancer (OCC) is traditionally associated with smoking, but there is an increasing prevalence of the disease among non-smokers. This review investigates possible modifiable risk factors in the development of OCC in non-smokers (OCCNS). METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for publications prior to June 2021. Comparative studies investigating modifiable OCCNS risk factors were identified following PRISMA guidelines. Publication date, population size, and results were indexed. Study quality was assessed using MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies). Factors examined by multiple studies were analyzed using random-effect meta-analysis framework. RESULTS: Literature search resulted in 1,625 unique publications. 52 records met inclusion criterion, investigating alcohol (n = 22), chewing products (n = 18), diet (n = 7), dental health (n = 11), and medical comorbidities (n = 6). CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates the paucity of large studies investigating OCCNS risk factors. Further investigation is warranted to help clinicians risk-stratify patients without traditional risk factors.

Immunotherapy and Biomarker Testing in Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Cancers: ASCO Guideline.

PURPOSE: To provide evidence-based recommendations for practicing physicians and other health care providers on immunotherapy and biomarker testing for head and neck cancers. METHODS: ASCO convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, and patient advocacy experts to conduct a literature search, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 2000 through 2022. Outcomes of interest included survival, overall response, and locoregional control. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations. RESULTS: The literature search identified 28 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. RECOMMENDATIONS: When possible, evidence-based recommendations were developed to address biomarker testing, first-line treatment regimens based on programmed death ligand-1 scores, immunotherapy in platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, immunotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and radiation therapy in combination with immunotherapy for treatment of local recurrence.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines.

Defining the psychiatric and financial burden of mental and substance use disorders in cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To identify the proportion of Emergency Department (ED) visits in cancer patients associated with a mental and substance use disorder (MSUD) and the subsequent healthcare costs. METHODS: Nationally representative data on ED visits from 2009 to 2018 was obtained from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS). We identified cancer-related visits with or without a MSUD using the Clinical Classifications Software diagnoses documented during the ED visit. Survey-adjusted frequencies and proportions of ED visits among adult cancer patients with or without a MSUD was evaluated. Survey-adjusted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine demographic and clinical predictors of the presence of an MSUD and the likelihood of hospital admission for patients with a primary MSUD. RESULTS: Among 54,004,462 ED visits with a cancer diagnosis between 2009 and 2018, 11,803,966 (22%) were associated with a MSUD. Compared to a primary diagnosis of cancer, patients who presented to the ED with a chief complaint of MSUD were more likely to be female (54% vs. 49%), younger (median: 58 vs. 66), more likely to have Medicaid insurance, and more likely to be discharged home. The three most common MSUD diagnoses among cancer patients were alcohol-related disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. The total costs associated with a primary MSUD from 2009 to 2018 was $3,133,432,103, of which alcohol-related disorders claimed the largest majority. Younger age (OR per 10-year increase: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.86) and female sex (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.33-1.35) were associated with higher odds of having an MSUD. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a high burden of psychiatric and substance use illness in the cancer population and provide the rationale for early psychosocial intervention to support these patients.

Advantages of the scapular system in mandibular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Fibula free flaps (FFF) are often considered the first choice for mandibular reconstruction, but scapular system free flaps (SFF) have increased in popularity due to versatility, donor site advantages, and patient factors. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing mandibulectomy with FFF or SFF reconstruction from 2016 to 2021. RESULTS: Hundred and seventy-six patients (FFF n = 145, SFF n = 31) underwent the aforementioned procedures. Mean FFF operative time was 9.47 h versus 9.88 for SFF (p = 0.40). Two-flap reconstructions required 12.65 h versus 10.09 for SFF with soft tissue (p = 0.002). Donor site complications were identified in 65.6% of FFF with skin grafting. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that SFF requires similar operative time and results in reduced donor site morbidity as compared to FFF. Supine, concurrent harvesting of SFF allows for single-flap harvest with significantly shorter operative time. SFF could be considered a primary option for mandible reconstruction for complex defects and in select patients.

The role of computer aided design/computer assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and 3- dimensional printing in head and neck oncologic surgery: A review and future directions.

Microvascular free flap reconstruction has remained the standard of care in reconstruction of large tissue defects following ablative head and neck oncologic surgery, especially for bony structures. Computer aided design/computer assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and 3-dimensionally (3D) printed models and devices offer novel solutions for reconstruction of bony defects. Conventional free hand techniques have been enhanced using 3D printed anatomic models for reference and pre-bending of titanium reconstructive plates, which has dramatically improved intraoperative and microvascular ischemia times. Improvements led to current state of the art uses which include full virtual planning (VP), 3D printed osteotomy guides, and patient specific reconstructive plates, with advanced options incorporating dental rehabilitation and titanium bone replacements into the primary surgical plan through use of these tools. Limitations such as high costs and delays in device manufacturing may be mitigated with in house software and workflows. Future innovations still in development include printing custom prosthetics, 'bioprinting' of tissue engineered scaffolds, integration of therapeutic implants, and other possibilities as this technology continues to rapidly advance. This review summarizes the literature and serves as a summary guide to the historic, current, advanced, and future possibilities of 3D printing within head and neck oncologic surgery and bony reconstruction. This review serves as a summary guide to the historic, current, advanced, and future roles of CAD/CAM and 3D printing within the field of head and neck oncologic surgery and bony reconstruction.

Outcomes with culture-directed antibiotics following microvascular free tissue reconstruction for osteonecrosis of the jaw.

OBJECTIVES: Radiation (ORNJ) and bisphosphonate-related (BRONJ) osteonecrosis of the jaw represent challenging entities to treat, with many patients requiring segmental resection and reconstruction with microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) in the setting of failed conservative therapy. Microvascular reconstruction is associated with higher post-operative complication rates when performed for advanced osteonecrosis versus oncologic defects. We hypothesize that basing antibiotic therapy on cultures obtained from the healthy bone marrow following resection during MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ reduces rates of post-operative wound and surgical complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study spanning January 2016 to October 2018, 44 patients undergoing MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ were identified. Patients were categorized into two cohorts: residual healthy marrow culture (n = 11; RHM), treated with antibiotics guided by cultures from healthy appearing mandible, and all others (n = 33; AO), treated with antibiotics guided by cultures from resected necrotic bone or purulent drainage. Patient, reconstruction, and outcome variables were compared via appropriate statistical tools. RESULTS: 81.8% of the RHM cohort versus 24.2% of the AO cohort received long-term IV antibiotics. Rates of post-operative wound complications, including those necessitating operative management, were significantly lower in the RHM cohort. Rates of flap failure were similar across both groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of long-term IV antibiotics directed by native mandible cultures may decrease complication rates following MFTT for ORNJ or BRONJ by treating residual, smoldering infection. Concurrently, transplantation of well-vascularized free tissue likely improves antibiotic delivery. Findings are crucial for the development of a standardized treatment algorithm following microvascular reconstruction for advanced osteonecrosis.

Phase II Clinical Trial of Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Pembrolizumab in Resectable Local-Regionally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Patients with resected, local-regionally advanced, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a one-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of 65%-69% despite adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy. Neoadjuvant PD-1 immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) has demonstrated clinical activity, but biomarkers of response and effect on survival remain unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients had resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx, hypopharynx, or oropharynx (p16-negative) and clinical stage T3-T4 and/or two or more nodal metastases or clinical extracapsular nodal extension (ENE). Patients received neoadjuvant pembrolizumab 200 mg 1-3 weeks prior to surgery, were stratified by absence (intermediate-risk) or presence (high-risk) of positive margins and/or ENE, and received adjuvant radiotherapy (60-66 Gy) and concurrent pembrolizumab (every 3 weeks × 6 doses). Patients with high-risk HNSCC also received weekly, concurrent cisplatin (40 mg/m2). Primary outcome was one-year DFS. Secondary endpoints were one-year overall survival (OS) and pathologic response (PR). Safety was evaluated with CTCAE v5.0. RESULTS: From February 2016 to October 2020, 92 patients enrolled. The median age was 59 years (range, 27-80), 30% were female, 86% had stage T3-T4, and 69% had ≥N2. At a median follow-up of 28 months, one-year DFS was 97% (95% CI, 71%-90%) in the intermediate-risk group and 66% (95% CI, 55%-84%) in the high-risk group. Patients with a PR had significantly improved one-year DFS relative to patients without response (93% vs. 72%, hazard ratio 0.29; 95% CI, 11%-77%). No new safety signals were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab increased one-year DFS rate in intermediate-risk, but not high-risk, HNSCC relative to historical control. PR to neoadjuvant ICB is a promising surrogate for DFS.

The future of circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker in HPV related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with improved outcomes compared to non-virally mediated disease. Clinical trials are actively investigating de-escalation strategies to maintain excellent survival outcomes while minimizing toxicity. Delivery of effective precision medicine-based therapeutic approaches are strengthened by the identification of biomarkers to predict treatment response. Plasma circulating tumor (ct) DNA is the most studied liquid biomarker in head and neck cancer and has shown great promise in the ability to determine treatment response and monitor for disease recurrence. In this review, we examine the emerging evidence for ctDNA as a biomarker in HPV related OPSCC and discuss opportunities for future investigation and integration into clinical practice.

Bone Union of Osseous Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer in Mandibular Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Osseous microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) is the gold standard for reconstruction for most segmental mandibulectomy defects. The most common osseous MFTT utilized in reconstruction is the fibular, scapular, and osteocutaneous radial forearm (OCRF) free flap. We evaluated postoperative bone union as well as clinical complications following MFTT and the impact of various patient and reconstructive characteristics, including type of osseous MFTT. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care academic hospital. METHODS: This study examined patients who underwent osseous MFTT for mandibular defects from January 2017 to January 2019. RESULTS: An overall 144 osteotomies in 58 patients were evaluated. Of the 144 junctions, 28 (19.4%) showed radiographic nonunion. Patients who underwent preoperative (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30, P = .027) and postoperative (OR = 0.28, P = .003) radiation had a significantly lower bone union score. Time from surgery to postoperative imaging was associated with higher bone union scores (OR = 1.07, P = .024). When bone union scores were compared among types of MFTT, fibular (OR = 5.62, P = .008) and scapular (OR = 4.69, P = .043) MFTT had significantly higher scores than OCRF MFTT. Twelve (20.7%) patients had postoperative complications. There was no statistically significant correlation between clinical complications and various variables, including type of osseous MFTT. CONCLUSION: Pre- and postoperative radiation and time from surgery have an impact on bone union. Regarding the type of MFTT, fibular and scapular MFTT appeared to have higher bone union when compared with OCRF. There was no impact of bone union or type of osseous MFTT on clinical complications.

Predictors of survival following carotid blowout syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Carotid blowout syndrome (CBS) is a rare, life-threatening complication for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The primary objective was to identify factors associated with survival following CBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of HNC patients treated at a single tertiary care hospital with CBS between 2016 and 2020 was performed. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model identified independent predictors of survival. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: 45 patients were identified. The majority were male (80.0%) with a mean age of 64 years at time of blowout. Oropharynx was the most common primary site (48.9%) and 73.3% of patients had stage IV disease. 35 (77.7%) patients had active tumor at time of CBS. 93.3% of patients previously received RT with a mean total dose of 62.5 ± 14.8 Gy. Threatened/type I, impending/type II, and acute/type III CBS occurred in 6.7%, 62.2%, and 31.1% of cases, respectively. Patients underwent either embolization (80.0%) or endovascular stent placement (20.0%). The 30-day and 1-year OS rates were 70.1% and 32.0%, respectively. Primary oropharyngeal tumors (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.31 [1.30-15.15 95% confidence interval]), active tumor at time of CBS (aHR 8.21 [2.10-54.95]), ICA or CCA rupture (aHR 5.81 [1.63-21.50]), and acute/type III CBS (aHR 2.98 [1.08-7.98]) were independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSION: Primary oropharyngeal tumors, active tumor at time of CBS, ICA or CCA rupture, and acute/type III hemorrhage were independent predictors of survival. Multidisciplinary management and prompt, protocol-directed intervention may improve outcomes following CBS.