Circulating tumor HPV DNA as an alternative method to determine HPV status in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing is mandatory for all newly diagnosed oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) due to its importance for prognostication and aiding in treatment decision making. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a widely used and accepted diagnostic tool for OPSCC. Although FNA can accurately determine histological diagnosis, results are often indeterminate or lack insufficient samples for HPV testing. For samples with an indeterminant FNA, we propose an alternate method for determining HPV status using circulating tumor tissue modified HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA). We report three cases that confirmed HPV status using ctHPVDNA following an indeterminate FNA. If validated, this non-invasive assay could prevent the need for repeat FNAs or operative biopsies for the sole purpose of determining HPV status.

Osseointegration and Bone Resorption of Scapula Tip Free Flaps in Mandibular Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Bone resorption of more conventional vascularized bone grafts have been well described showing minimal resorption over time. Few studies have evaluated osseous union and bone resorption in scapula tip free flaps (STFF) in the reconstruction of mandibulectomy defects. We aimed to describe our series on STFF with respect to osseous union and bone resorption over time. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients receiving STFF from January 2014-January 2017 (n = 25). A neuroradiologist analyzed follow-up CT scans to assess (1) STFF complete, partial, or no osseous union with native mandible and (2) STFF volume change over time in a subset with multiple follow-up scans (n = 18). RESULTS: Twenty-three of 25 patients (92%) showed complete or partial STFF osseous union with native mandible either distally or proximally. STFF volume change ranged from +4.8 to -54% (median -0.5%) over median follow-up interval of 23 months. History of chemoradiation therapy, bisphophonate use, sex, age, or smoking history did not correlate with bone resorption. CONCLUSIONS: STFFs shows high rates of osseous union and limited bone resorption that is equivalent to, or less than, vascularized fibular and iliac crest flaps. Clinically, this translates into both optimal healing and functional and cosmetic outcomes, especially in the setting of prior therapies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2597-2602, 2023.

Near-total mandibular reconstruction following osteoradionecrosis with double scapula tip free flap: A case report.

Near-total mandibular reconstruction poses many challenges to reconstructive surgeons. The purpose of this article is to present a challenging case in a patient with osteoradionecrosis of the mandible requiring a near-total mandibular reconstruction using bilateral scapula tip free tissue reconstruction. A 68-year-old African-American male with a history of T2N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil presented with advanced stage osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. Reconstruction was planned using 3D Systems (Denver, CO), mandibular osteotomies were planned inferior to the sigmoid notch on the ascending rami. Neither fibula flap was amenable for harvesting due to poor vasculature of the patient's lower extremities, and bilateral scapula tip free flaps were subsequently planned. The post-operative course was complicated by venous congestion in the right scapula flap which required revision to the venous anastomosis on POD 1. The patient had intraoral breakdown that required debridement in the operating room and application of a cellular matrix. The patient fully recovered from the acute surgery and was discharged home without a tracheostomy. At the last follow up visit, the patient was taking 100% of diet peroral and had no signs of oral incompetence, mental projection was satisfactory, and the ability to verbally communicate was unimpaired. We report a complex case of near-total mandibular reconstruction using simultaneous bilateral scapula tip free flaps. While we do not advocate simultaneous bilateral scapula tip free flaps as the standard of care for large mandibulectomy defects, it may be considered for patients in which traditional osseous free flaps are not available.

Genomic heterogeneity and copy number variant burden are associated with poor recurrence-free survival and 11q loss in human papillomavirus-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (OPSCC) is the most prevalent HPV-associated malignancy in the United States. Favorable treatment outcomes have led to increased interest in treatment de-escalation to reduce treatment morbidity as well as the development of prognostic markers to identify appropriately low-risk patients. Intratumoral genomic heterogeneity and copy number alteration burden have been demonstrated to be predictive of poor outcomes in many other cancers; therefore, we sought to determine whether intratumor heterogeneity and genomic instability are associated with poor outcomes in HPV+ OPSCC. METHODS: Tumor heterogeneity estimates were made based on targeted exome sequencing of 45 patients with HPV+ OPSCC tumors. Analysis of an additional cohort of HPV+ OPSCC tumors lacking matched normal sequencing allowed copy number analysis of 99 patient tumors. RESULTS: High intratumorally genomic heterogeneity and high numbers of copy number alterations were strongly associated with worse recurrence-free survival. Tumors with higher heterogeneity and frequent copy number alterations were associated with loss of distal 11q, which encodes key genes related to double-strand break repair, including ATM and MRE11A. CONCLUSIONS: Both intratumor genomic heterogeneity and high-burden copy number alterations are strongly associated with poor recurrence-free survival in patients with HPV+ OPSCC. The drivers of genomic instability and heterogeneity in these tumors remains to be elucidated. However, 11q loss and defective DNA double-strand break repair have been associated with genomic instability in other solid tumors. Copy number alteration burden and intratumoral heterogeneity represent promising avenues for risk stratification of patients with HPV+OPSCC.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients With pT1-T2N0 Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients with early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with pT1-T2N0 (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] seventh edition) OTSCC treated from 2000 to 2018. Two-year actuarial rates of local regional control, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were calculated for the entire cohort and patients with/without adjuvant radiation. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients met the criteria with a median follow-up of 4 years; 14 had adjuvant radiation, while 82 had surgery alone. Two-year local regional control was 82.7% (75.4% to 90.8%) for the entire cohort, 84.9% (77.8% to 93.2%) for surgery only, and 70.7% (50.2% to 99.6%) for patients with adjuvant radiation. Two-year progression-free survival was 82.7% (75.3% to 90.8%). Of the 20 patients with recurrence, 11 (55%) were successfully salvaged. CONCLUSION: Local regional recurrence remains modest in early-stage OTSCC, but salvage is possible with high survival rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Academic Affiliation and Surgical Volume Predict Survival in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the academic affiliation or surgical volume affects the overall survival (OS) of human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients receiving surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of 39 North Carolina Medical Centers was conducted. Treatment centers were classified as academic hospitals, community cancer centers, or community hospitals and were divided into thirds by volume. The primary outcome was 5-year OS. Hazard ratios (HR) were determined using Cox proportional hazard models, adjusting for demographics, tumor site, stage, insurance status, tobacco use, alcohol use, stage, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Patients were also stratified by stage (early stage and advanced stage). RESULTS: Patients treated at community cancer centers had significantly better 5-year OS (HR 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.48-0.98), and patients treated at academic hospitals trended toward better 5-year OS (HR 0.72, 95% CI = 0.50-1.04) compared to patients treated at community hospitals. The effect for academic affiliation on survival was more pronounced for patients with advanced stage cancer at diagnosis (HR 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37-0.95). There were no significant survival differences among early stage patients by treatment center type. Top-third (HR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42-0.96) centers by surgical volume had significantly better 5-year OS, and middle-third (HR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.51-1.03) centers by volume trended toward better 5-year OS when compared to the bottom-third centers by volume. CONCLUSION: Patients treated at academic hospitals, community cancer centers, and hospitals in the top third by case volume have favorable survival for HPV-negative HNSCC. The effect for academic hospitals is most pronounced among advanced stage patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E479-E488, 2021.

Decline in circulating viral and human tumor markers after resection of head and neck carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: DNA sequencing panels can simultaneously quantify human and viral tumor markers in blood. We explored changes in levels of plasma tumor markers following surgical resection of head and neck carcinoma. METHODS: In preresection and postresection plasmas, targeted DNA sequencing quantified variants in 28 human cancer genes and levels of oncogenic pathogens (human papillomavirus [HPV], Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], Helicobacter pylori) from 21 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS: Preresection, 11 of 21 patients (52%) had detectable tumor markers in plasma, most commonly TP53 mutation or HPV genome. Several days postresection, levels fell to undetectable in 8 of 10 evaluable patients, while two high-stage patients retained circulating tumor markers. CONCLUSIONS: Modern sequencing technology can simultaneously quantify human gene variants and oncogenic viral genomes in plasma. Falling levels of cancer-specific markers upon resection can help identify viral and human markers to track at subsequent timepoints as a means to evaluate efficacy of interventions.

Novel induction therapy transoral surgery treatment paradigm with risk-adapted adjuvant therapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck - Mature clinical and functional outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Induction chemotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCCA) has principally been studied prior to radiation therapy. We evaluated pre-operative induction therapy followed by surgery followed by risk-adapted adjuvant therapy. This report details the mature 5-year survival statistics, clinical and functional outcomes. METHODS: An IRB-approved single institution prospective phase II clinical trial from October 2012 to November 2016 was conducted for patients with transorally-resectable American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th ed. stage III/IV HNSCCA. Patients were treated once weekly for six weeks with a multi-drug induction regimen of carboplatin, paclitaxel and daily lapatinib followed by transoral surgery and neck dissection. Patients were then stratified based on pathologic response to either observation or adjuvant therapy. Survival statistics and functional patient outcomes were analyzed. Specifically, peri-operative outcomes were analyzed and compared to a matched surgical cohort. RESULTS: 38/40 enrolled patients completed trial therapy. Median hospital stay was 3 days with 9/38 patients receiving a PEG (median 46 days). Median NPO status was 1 day, with a median return to a regular diet in 16 days. Mean patient weight was well preserved from pretreatment to 1 year after surgery (85.1 kg (95% CI 79.6-90.7) vs 83.1 kg (95% CI 77.7-88.6 kg) respectively). Of the 38 patients who completed trial therapy; DSS, PFS and OS were 100%, 97% and 97% respectively with median follow up of 4.9 years (3.33-7.25). CONCLUSION: Transoral surgery was feasible following this novel induction regimen with excellent peri-operative, functional and longterm survival outcomes.

PIK3CA Mutation in HPV-Associated OPSCC Patients Receiving Deintensified Chemoradiation.

PIK3CA is the most frequently mutated gene in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Prognostic implications of such mutations remain unknown. We sought to elucidate the clinical significance of PIK3CA mutations in HPV-associated OPSCC patients treated with definitive chemoradiation (CRT). Seventy-seven patients with HPV-associated OPSCC were enrolled on two phase II clinical trials of deintensified CRT (60 Gy intensity-modulated radiotherapy with concurrent weekly cisplatin). Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed. Of the 77 patients, nine had disease recurrence (two regional, four distant, three regional and distant). Thirty-four patients had mutation(s) identified; 16 had PIK3CA mutations. Patients with wild-type-PIK3CA had statistically significantly higher 3-year disease-free survival than PIK3CA-mutant patients (93.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 85.0% to 99.9% vs 68.8%, 95% CI = 26.7% to 89.8%; P = .004). On multivariate analysis, PIK3CA mutation was the only variable statistically significantly associated with disease recurrence (hazard ratio = 5.71, 95% CI = 1.53 to 21.3; P = .01). PIK3CA mutation is associated with worse disease-free survival in a prospective cohort of newly diagnosed HPV-associated OPSCC patients treated with deintensified CRT.

Dual-phase CT angiography for presurgical planning in patients with vessel-depleted neck.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular reconstruction in vessel-depleted necks is challenging due to limited availability of recipient vessels. We examine the utility of dual-phase CT angiography (CTA), which delineates both arteries and veins, for preoperative planning in such difficult cases. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of a single surgeon from July 2013 to July 2017 in a tertiary referral center was performed. Patient characteristics, operative details, and surgical outcomes were examined. RESULTS: Thirteen patients met inclusion criteria. The operative plan was changed to a local flap for one patient as a result of imaging; free tissue transfer was performed for the remaining cases with 100% flap survival rate. Average operative time and ischemia time were 524 ± 110 minutes and 153 ± 47 minutes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-phase CTA can evaluate potential venous and arterial recipient vessel and guide surgical explorations. As such, it may aid in presurgical planning for microvascular free tissue transfer in vessel-depleted necks.

Scapular Tip Free Flap in Composite Head and Neck Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of the scapular tip free flap (STFF) in the reconstruction of head and neck defects. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A review of the electronic medical record was performed of all patients who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery with STFFs from January 1, 2014, through January 1, 2016. Details regarding the disease, defect reconstructed, and surgical outcomes were quantified. RESULTS: Thirty-one consecutive cases were performed at our institution within the period reviewed. The procedures included reconstruction of 5 maxillectomy and 26 mandibulectomy defects. The mean length of mandible reconstructed was 6.8 cm (95% CI, 6.01-7.59; range, 4.0-10.2). Osteotomies were made to contour the scapular bone in 11 cases, including double osteotomies performed in 2 cases. The most common surgical complications were orocutaneous fistula and postoperative hematoma, which occurred in 3 (10%) and 2 (6.5%) of 31 patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: This series describes a large number of STFFs performed in head and neck reconstruction. The average length of bony defect repair can be significantly larger than what was previously described. Performing osteotomies to the STFF allows for application to anterior mandibular defects. The STFF offers a large soft tissue component, a relatively long pedicle, and acceptable donor site morbidity. The STFF is a versatile reconstructive option that should be considered to address composite defects of the head and neck.

Shoulder symptoms and quality of life impact of limited neck dissection after de-intensified chemoradiotherapy: Secondary analysis of two prospective trials.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the quality of life (QOL) impact of post-radiation therapy (RT) superselective/selective neck dissection after de-intensified chemoradiation for human papillomavirus-associated oropharynx cancer. METHODS: A total of 147 patients received 60 Gy and weekly low-dose cisplatin on two phase 2 trials with planned post-RT neck dissection or surveillance positron emission tomography with neck dissection reserved for salvage. UW-QOL Shoulder Score, EORTC H&N-35, and EAT-10 were assessed. RESULTS: In all, 48 of 147 patients had post-RT neck dissection. At 2 years, 37% and 13% of patients receiving post-RT neck dissection had Shoulder Score ≥ 1 (any shoulder symptoms) and ≥ 2 (symptoms affecting work/hobbies), respectively, versus only 16% and 3% of patients not receiving post-RT neck dissection. Post-RT neck dissection was associated with Shoulder Score ≥ 1 (P = 0.005) and Shoulder Score ≥ 2 (P = 0.03) at 2 years, but not H&N-35 or EAT-10 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Post-RT superselective/selective neck dissection was associated with modest but persistent shoulder symptoms. These toxicities should be weighed against the probability of persistent disease when evaluating patients for post-RT neck dissection.

Laryngeal reconstruction for recurrent desmoid tumor using three-dimensional modeling: A unique approach for a rare tumor.

Desmoid tumors are exceedingly rare within the larynx and cause significant morbidity due to their locally aggressive and infiltrative nature. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment with previous reports describing total and near-total laryngectomy for cure. We present a case of recurrent glottic desmoid tumor managed with hemilaryngectomy and reconstructed with temporoparietal free tissue, rib, and buccal grafts. Three-dimensional modeling was utilized to optimize aerodigestive function after laryngeal reconstruction. Laryngoscope, 129:1989-1992, 2019.

Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Free Flap Reconstruction: A Single-Institution Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the independent predictors of poor outcomes in free flap surgery is essential for patient selection. We aim to determine the independent predictors of major complications, flap survival, and extended hospital stays. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We reviewed medical records from all vascularized tissue transfers in the head and neck between 2007 and 2014 at our institution. We recorded demographics, medical comorbidities, disease characteristics, flap characteristics, and intraoperative events. We defined outcomes as major complications in the 30-day postoperative period, flap death or partial flap survival, and a length of stay ≥14 days. We used bivariate and multivariate methods to test for associations. RESULTS: Of 170 free flap operations, 44% had major complications; 11% fully or partially failed; and 27% required an extended hospital stay. Independent predictors of major complications were age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.7; P = .001), revision surgery (OR, 3.5; P = .004), and a prior neck dissection (OR, 3.5; P = .004). Independent predictors of flap failure were revision surgery (OR, 4.1, P = .01) and the use of a plate (OR, 3.7; P = .03). Revision surgery was independently associated with a longer stay (OR, 3.0; P = .01), and the use of a radial forearm flap was associated with a shorter stay (OR, 0.3, P = .047). CONCLUSION: These results underscore that caution is warranted in revision flap surgery, patients with prior neck operations, and patients aged ≥60 years.

Depth of invasion on pathological outcomes in clinical low-stage oral tongue cancer patients.

OBJECTIVES: Depth of invasion was added to the eighth edition American Joint Committee on Cancer guidelines for T staging of HPV-negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Our aim was to determine the impact of depth of invasion on pathological variables and outcomes in low-stage tongue cancer patients. We also examine the impact of tumor thickness and tumor clinical staging for comparison. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All clinical T1/T2 N0 HPV-negative tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients who received elective neck dissections at our institution between 2000 and 2015 were included. Logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine pathological variables, recurrence, and 3-year disease-free survival. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients met criteria; the mean age was 52.0 (SD: 17.7). Depth of invasion was a significant predictor of occult metastasis (OR: 2.0, p = 0.05) and lymphovascular invasion (OR: 4.1, p = 0.02), and tumor thickness was a significant predictor of lymphovascular invasion (OR: 3.3, p = 0.04). None of the variables were predictive of recurrence or disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: Depth of invasion at biopsy may be a potential useful metric to inform on regional management selection in this radiographic node-negative population.

Surgical simulation and applicant perception in otolaryngology residency interviews.

OBJECTIVE: The traditional resident applicant interview involves multiple oral interviews. The implementation of surgical simulations adds an additional dimension of assessment but can be perceived in a stressful way by applicants. The purpose of this project is to describe low-fidelity simulations that were implemented for the 2016 to 2017 residency interviews and obtain applicant perception of these simulations. METHODS: Six simulation modules were created, which reflected tasks used in six subspecialties within otolaryngology (pediatrics, otology, laryngology, facial plastics, rhinology, and head/neck). Applicants were guided in the procedures by both an attending and resident. Afterward, applicants were anonymously surveyed on their perception of the tasks using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree, 2 = Somewhat Disagree, 3 = Neutral, 4 = Somewhat Agree, 5 = Strongly Agree). RESULTS: A total of 41 applicants were interviewed. The following were measured: enjoyable (98.5% strongly agree, 2.5% somewhat agree; mean: 4.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.92, 5.02), educational (88% strongly agree, 12% somewhat agree; mean: 4.88; 95% CI, 4.78, 4.98), recommended for future use (92.7% strongly agree, 7.3% somewhat agree; mean: 4.93; 95% CI, 4.85, 5.01), and stressful (63.5% strongly disagree, 19.5% somewhat disagree, 17% neutral; mean: 1.54; 95% CI, 1.30, 1.78). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a low-fidelity multi-station surgical simulation experience is feasible in an interview day. Majority of applicants viewed the simulations in a positive manner. Surgical simulations may provide a useful holistic evaluation of an applicant in future interviews, especially if done in a setting that minimizes stress and maximizes the educational experience. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b. Laryngoscope, 2503-2507, 2018.

Pitfalls of post-treatment PET after de-intensified chemoradiotherapy for HPV-associated oropharynx cancer: Secondary analysis of a phase 2 trial.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated patterns of nodal response and positive predictive value (PPV) of 3 month post-treatment PET in patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer treated on a multi-institutional de-intensification trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eligibility criteria included: (1) T0-3, N0-2c, M0, (2) HPV+/p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, and (3) ≤10 pack-years smoking or ≤30 pack-years and abstinent ≥5 years. Patients received 60 Gy radiation alone (T0-2, N0-1) or with concurrent weekly cisplatin 30 mg/m2 and surveillance PET three months post-radiation. Nodal responses were categorized as complete (CR), equivocal (ER), or incomplete (IR) using both local and central radiographic review. A "true positive" was ER/IR with clinical/radiographic progression or positive pathology. RESULTS: 79 node-positive pts (84% N2) were analyzed. Distribution of nodal CR, ER, and IR was 44 (56%), 27 (34%), and 8 (10%), respectively. 29 (37%) had ER/IR in pre-treatment node-positive neck levels, whereas 14 (18%) had ER/IR in pre-treatment node-negative levels. Of patients with ER/IR, 5 were observed clinically, 19 received repeat imaging, and 11 received either biopsy (1) or neck dissection (10). The PPV was 9% for ER/IR and 13% for IR, with 3 patients found to have persistent disease on neck dissection. There was no difference in nodal relapse rate in patients with nodal CR vs. nodal ER/IR. CONCLUSION: Post-treatment PET may not accurately predict the presence of persistent disease in patients with favorable-risk oropharynx cancer. These results support close surveillance rather than surgical evaluation in most favorable-risk patients.

Incidence of, and risk factors for, mandibular osteoradionecrosis in patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancers.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of, and risk factors associated with, mandibular osteoradionecrosis (MORN) following radiation therapy (RT) for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient and treatment records of 252 consecutive patients with oral cavity or oropharynx cancers treated with RT by a single radiation oncologist at a high volume academic institution from August 2009 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. A Cox regression model was used to assess factors associated with the development of MORN. RT dosimetry was compared between patients with MORN and a matched cohort of patients without MORN. RESULTS: MORN developed in 14 patients (5.5%), occurring 3-40 (median 8) months post-RT. Factors associated with MORN on univariable analysis included primary diagnosis of oral cavity vs oropharynx cancer (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.0, p=0.04), smoking at the time of RT (HR: 3.1, p=0.04), mandibular invasion of the primary (HR: 3.7, p=0.04), pre-RT tooth extraction (HR: 4.52, p=0.01), and treatment with 3D-conformal RT vs intensity-modulated RT (HR: 5.1, p=0.003). On multivariable analysis, pre-RT tooth extractions and RT technique remained significant. A dosimetric comparison between patients with and without MORN showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The incidence of MORN is low in the modern era at a high volume academic center. Modifiable risk factors including pre-RT tooth extractions, smoking, and RT technique are associated with MORN, and the risk should be minimized with appropriate dental evaluation and treatment, smoking cessation efforts, and the use of intensity-modulated RT.

Impact of post-chemoradiotherapy superselective/selective neck dissection on patient reported quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To describe patient-reported quality of life (QoL) for patients with HPV/p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing post-chemoradiation (CRT) superselective or selective neck dissection (ND) as part of a prospective de-intensification study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients received 60Gy IMRT with concurrent weekly cisplatin (30mg/m(2)), followed by preplanned neck dissection of only originally involved nodal levels. QoL measures were assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 (general), EORTC H&N-35 (head and neck specific), EAT-10 (swallowing), and NDII (Neck Dissection Impairment Index) questionnaires. Early and late post-ND time points were compared to baseline and post-CRT/pre-ND time points. RESULTS: 37 patients underwent post-CRT superselective or selective ND. Median # of levels and nodes dissected were 2 and 12, respectively. EORTC QLQ-C30, H&N-35, and EAT-10 QoL scores worsened after CRT but continued to improve thereafter despite post-CRT ND. NDII score worsened initially after ND at the early post-ND time point (p=0.023) but had recovered by the late post-ND time point (p=0.672). Initial decrease in NDII was greater with ⩾12 nodes dissected (p=0.007) and was correlated with the total number of nodes dissected (Spearman p=0.027). CONCLUSION: Use of post-CRT superselective and selective ND did not prevent recovery of most QoL metrics to near baseline. There was early but not late decrement in neck dissection specific QoL (NDII), more pronounced with more nodes dissected.