Management of the neck in the setting of definitive chemoradiation: is there a consensus? A GETTEC study.

BACKGROUND: The management of the neck remains controversial in the definitive chemoradiation setting of advanced N2-3 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Most published data favor omission of neck dissection (ND) after complete response for N2-3 or selective ND for residual disease METHODS: We studied the patterns of care in the French-Belgian Groupe d'Etude des Tumeurs de la Tête Et du Cou (GETTEC) through a questionnaire-based survey. RESULTS: Eighteen percent of institutions never performed up-front ND, 20% rarely, 40% sometimes, 14% often, and 8% systematically. Induction chemotherapy was indicated in 30% of the cases, and most ND were performed either between induction and radiation or after chemoradiation for residual disease. Response to chemoradiation was assessed by computed tomographic scan and positron emission tomography in 72% of cases. Selective ND was more common than radical ND. CONCLUSIONS: Omission of ND based on computed tomographic scan and positron emission tomography-based complete response to chemoradiation is the most common strategy for advanced nodal disease among centers. However, neck management strategies vary among institutions, and some institutions continue advocating systematic ND before irradiation. The new treatment options and the changing epidemiology, namely docetaxel-based induction chemotherapy and human papilloma virus-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma having better response profiles and prognosis, are adding to the nonconsensual approach. The best therapeutic index in terms of neck management remains to be defined in this evolving context.

Reverse blood flow in cervicofacial veins after venous ligations: Potential implications in microsurgery.

INTRODUCTION: The consequences on the cervicofacial venous circulation of major cervicofacial vein ligations are poorly known. We aimed to highlight by using Doppler Ultrasound flow differences in the cervicofacial venous network in the case of unilateral or bilateral ligation of main venous collector trunks (external jugular vein [EJV] and internal jugular vein [IJV]) METHODS: A Doppler ultrasound was performed on 10 healthy volunteers, 8 patients with previous bilateral ligation of the EJV, 8 with a unilateral ligation of the EJV, and 8 with a unilateral ligation of the EJV and IJV, after modified radical neck dissection. The diameter, the flow direction and the peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the superficial temporal vein, the facial vein (FV) and the IJV were measured. RESULTS: Healthy patients had a similar right and left PSV for all the veins studied, with always antegrade flows. Patients with previous ligations had some significant right/left differences and retrograde flows. CONCLUSION: A redistribution of venous blood flow on the contralateral side of the face and neck seems to take place in the case of unilateral ligation of the EJV and/or IJV. Retrograde flows are sometimes observed in the case of previous ligation of the EJV and/or IJV and might compromise the success of venous microanastomoses.

[Comparison between external radiotherapy and laser microsurgery for the treatment of TisT1N0 glottic carcinoma: Clinical modelling and cost-minimization study from the French national health insurance payer's point of view]. / Place de l'analyse médico-économique dans la décision thérapeutique en cancérologie ORL. L'exemple du cancer limité de la corde vocale (Tis, Tla). Comparaison entre la radiothérapie externe et l'exérèse laryngoscopique laser CO2. Création d'un modèle clinique et étude de minimisation de coûts suivant la perspective de l'Assurance Maladie.

OBJECTIVES: The excellent effectiveness of both treatment modalities (radiotherapy, endoscopic laser surgery) for early glottic carcinoma (Tis, TlaN0) is similar (carcinologic, functional and QoL results). This is part of an evidence-based medicine policy, which is to choose the cheapest of various treatment modalities known as equally effective and equally morbid. Is analytical economic approach useful and efficient to guide decision making? The aim of this study is to perform a costminimization analysis using an objective clinical modeling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For each modality, probabilities of various events were recorded from review of literature. Only local recurrences which constitute the major end-point affecting survival were considered. French national Health insurance's point of view (as the payer's point of view), with a 100% case-mix based payment system was used. Results of cost-minimization between laser endoscopic surgery and external radiation therapy are: Global Cost of laser endoscopic surgery is about 2613.01 euro. Without (90% of cases) and with recurrence it is about 1700.36 euro and 10826.87 euro respectively. Global Cost of external radiation therapy is about 4490.88 euro. Without (90% of cases) and with recurrence it is about 3578.23 euro and 12704.74 euro respectively. CONCLUSION: Cordectomy by CO2 laser seems to be an efficient cost-effective alternative to radiotherapy for early glottic carcinoma management from the French national Health insurance perspective.

[Bilateral hypopharyngocele]. / Hypopharyngocèle bilatérale.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the management of bilateral hypopharyngocele in a trumpet player. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Case report of a professional trumpet player suffering from bilateral hypopharyngocele. RESULTS: A professional trumpet player was referred for an ORL consultation after he noticed that a bad sound was produced while he was playing associated with cervical pain. A CT scan demonstrated an asymmetric bilateral hypopharyngocele with no other abnormality. Because of the mild symptoms and the professional context, a successful conservative approach was used with antireflux medications. He was advised to seek professional instruction in order to improve his technique. On follow-up examination 6 months later, he had had no further problems since adopting the corrected techniques. CONCLUSION: Pharyngoceles are rare and easily misdiagnosed. Because of the mild symptoms and the professional context, a conservative medical approach should be proposed (antireflux medications) combined with specific orthophonic and physical therapy to modify breathing and trumpet playing techniques.

[Endostenting using a Y-stent for hematoma after thoracic aorta surgery]. / Endostenting par prothèse en Y sur hématome après chirurgie de l'aorte thoracique.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic and therapeutic management of extrinsic tracheobronchial compression after thoracic aorta surgery. PATIENT AND METHODS: We report the case of a female patient with Marfan syndrome. RESULTS: A 27-year-old woman with Marfan syndrome presented respiratory distress after type III dissecting aneurysm of the descending aorta from extrinsic compression (hematoma) of the lower third of the trachea and the left bronchial stump. We placed a Y-stent (Y-Tracheobronxane, Novatech SA, France), thus restoring a satisfactory channel. A few days later, the patient developed right congestive heart failure from compression of the left pulmonary artery secondary to the progression of the hematoma. Medical treatment for this cardiological complication and the progressive resorption of the hematoma made it possible to remove the stent after 21 days with no dyspneic recurrence. CONCLUSION: Placing a Y-stent is possible and effective and has few iatrogenic consequences in cases of extrinsic tracheobronchial compression from a hematoma occurring during heavy thoracic vascular surgery. With surgical revision impossible given the risks, stent placement allows progressive resorption of the hematoma, thus ending the compression of the bronchial tree.

Salvage surgery for recurrence of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective study from 2005 to 2013.

OBJECTIVES: Salvage surgery is the gold-standard treatment for locoregional recurrence of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer following radiation therapy. Imperfect oncologic and functional results, however, require patient selection. The main objective of the present study was to determine preoperative factors for survival. Secondary objectives were to study 5-year overall and disease-free survival, general and locoregional complications, and functional results in terms of feeding and tracheotomy closure. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective multicenter study included 52 patients treated by salvage surgery for recurrence of laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after radiation therapy between 2005 and 2013. RESULTS: Factors associated with improved 3-year overall survival on univariate analysis comprised laryngeal primary (P=0.001), laryngeal recurrence (P=0.026), rT1, rT2 or rT3 rather than rT4 tumor (P=0.007), previous chemotherapy (P=0.036), and neck dissection during salvage surgery (P=0.005), the last of these being confirmed on multivariate analysis. Five-year overall survival was 36.0% (range, 27.6-44.4%), for a median 23.04 months (95% CI, 19.44-26.64). Five-year disease-free survival was 23.5% (range, 16.0-31.0%), for a median 8.04 months (95% CI, 2.04-14.04). CONCLUSION: Salvage surgery for laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer is difficult, and survival is not good. Laryngeal primary and recurrence location, moderate tumor volume and extension (

Single-center retrospective series of fourteen patients with mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

OBJECTIVES: Mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is a rare and highly aggressive tumor. We report our experience over 20 years in management of this tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study included 14 patients with primary sinonasal mucosal melanoma. RESULTS: The series comprised 8 male and 6 female patients, with a median age at diagnosis of 67 years. Staging on the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification of sinus cancer was 14% T2, 22% T3, 75% T4a and 7% T4b. All patients underwent primary surgical treatment; 71% received adjuvant external radiotherapy. Median recurrence-free interval was 28.7 months. Two- and 5-year overall survival was 43% and 32%, respectively. Median follow-up was 43 months. CONCLUSIONS: Mucosal melanomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are very specific entities. Limited pathophysiological knowledge still precludes effective medium- and long-term management. Future treatment will probably be based on global adjuvant or neoadjuvant-targeted chemotherapy.

Conformal radiotherapy for paranasal sinus and nasal cavity tumors: three-dimensional treatment planning and preliminary results in 40 patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the possibility to deliver a high and homogeneous irradiation with respect to maximal tolerated dose to the visual pathways for paranasal sinus and nasal cavity tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty patients with advanced stage malignant tumors were treated with postoperative (30) or primary (10 patients) conformal radiotherapy (CRT). Five patients were previously irradiated. Six to 15 individually shaped isocentric noncoplanar field arrangements, using a multileaf collimator were designed. Dose-volume histograms (DVH) for the planning target volumes (PTV) and the optic pathways were analyzed in 31 cases. RESULTS: Median and maximal delivered doses to the PTV were 60 (+/-3) and 66 (+/-4) Gy. Dose distributions for critical organs are detailed. Median follow-up was 19 months (3 to 48). Local, nodal, and metastatic recurrences occurred in 8, 2, and 7 cases, respectively. Major prognostic factor for local recurrences was central nervous system (CNS) involvement. One patient died of meningitis. Two patients developed cataract, and 1 patient ipsilateral blindness due to vascular glaucoma. CONCLUSION: CRT for locally advanced paranasal sinus and nasal cavity tumors enables the delivery of high homogeneous doses to the PTV with respect to critical organs, with a low toxicity and a high local control.

Salvage brachytherapy of posterior pharyngeal wall squamous cell carcinoma in a previously irradiated area.

PURPOSE: Brachytherapy performed in patients with posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma in a previously irradiated area is evaluated in terms of local control, survival, and complications. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between January 1982 and July 1993, 14 patients were treated with interstitial low dose rate brachytherapy alone for posterior pharyngeal wall squamous cell carcinoma in a previously irradiated area (local recurrences in five cases and second tumors in nine cases). Tumor size ranged from 1 to 4 cm. No patient had a macroscopic nodal involvement or metastase at the time of diagnosis. Median dose delivered was 55 Gy (39 to 60 Gy). RESULTS: Thirteen patients were assessed for local control. Twelve of them achieved complete macroscopic response within 2 months after brachytherapy. Local relapse occurred in five patients, from 5 to 29 months after brachytherapy. One patient developed distant metastatis without loco-regional relapse. Disease free survival was 69, 59, and 37% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively; overall survival was 78, 50, and 21% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Three patients were still alive without recurrence (8, 8, and 10 years after treatment). We did not observe any severe acute or delayed toxicity. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, interstitial brachytherapy should be considered as a potentially curative treatment for selected patients with posterior pharyngeal wall squamous cell carcinoma in a previously irradiated area. There are no reports in the literature on this subject.

Peptidomimetic inhibitors of the human cytomegalovirus protease.

The development of peptidomimetic inhibitors of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) protease showing sub-micromolar potency in an enzymatic assay is described. Selective substitution of the amino acid residues of these inhibitors led to the identification of tripeptide inhibitors showing improvements in inhibitor potency of 27-fold relative to inhibitor 39 based upon the natural tetrapeptide sequence. Small side chains at P1 were well tolerated by this enzyme, a fact consistent with previous observations. The S2 binding pocket of HCMV protease was very permissive, tolerating lipophilic and basic residues. The substitutions tried at P3 indicated that a small increase in inhibitor potency could be realized by the substitution of a tert-leucine residue for valine. Substitutions of the N-terminal capping group did not significantly affect inhibitor potency. Pentafluoroethyl ketones, alpha,alpha-difluoro-beta-keto amides, phosphonates and alpha-keto amides were all effective substitutions for the activated carbonyl component and gave inhibitors which were selective for HCMV protease. A slight increase in potency was observed by lengthening the P1' residue of the alpha-keto amide series of inhibitors. This position also tolerated a variety of groups making this a potential site for future modifications which could modulate the physicochemical properties of these molecules.

Selective digestive decontamination by erythromycin-base in a polyvalent intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of selective digestive tract decontamination by erythromycin-base on the incidence of carriage and infection with MR Enterobacteriaceae producing an extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESB). DESIGN: After a 10-week prospective survey to ascertain the baseline incidence in two bays (1 and 3) of the same ICU, bay 1 was compared with bay 3 during a further survey of 6 months. The patients in bay 1 received erythromycin-base. SETTING: Two non-contiguous bays, 1 and 3, of 4 beds, in the same polyvalent ICU of a university hospital. PATIENT: Consecutive patients with unit stay longer than 2 days; 34 patients were included during the control period, 43 in bay 1 (decontamination) and 46 in bay 3 (control) during the trial period. INTERVENTION: Erythromycin-base, 1 g t.i.d. in powder form administered by gastric tube to patients in bay 1 from admission to discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Digestive tract carriage was monitored by cultures of gastric and rectal swab specimens, sampled twice a week. Enterobacteriaceae were isolated on Drigalski agar with incorporated ceftazidime (4 mg/l). In bay 1 there was a decrease in ESB producing Enterobacteriaceae (23% vs 10%, p = 0.0004) from rectal swab, especially in K. pneumoniae (15% vs 2%, p = 10(-5)), during the decontamination period in comparison to the control period. During the trial period the only differences observed between bays 1 and 3 were in the gastric samples: K. pneumoniae were less often isolated in bay 1 than in bay 3 (0% vs 3%, p = 0.03). Intestinal carriage with multiresistant Enterobacteriaceae occurred in 28% patients in bay 1 and 30% patients in bay 3 during the trial period (p = 0.79). Erythromycin-base did not delay the carriage by patients in bay 1 (log rank test p = 0.42). CONCLUSION: Erythromycin-base was not effective in preventing digestive tract carriage due to Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third generation cephalosporin by production of chromosomal cephalosporinase. The decrease in isolates containing K. pneumoniae in bay 1 cannot be definitively attributed to erythromycin-base, since the number of this species in bay 3 was low.

Self-expanding metal stents for the management of bronchial stenosis and bronchomalacia after lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Airway stenosis or malacia after lung transplantation, usually as a result of anastomotic ischemia, remains a major problem. METHODS: The authors report their experience with the Gianturco expandable stent for the management of 23 bronchial stenoses in 18 patients following lung transplantation. Stent placement occurred an average of 5.6 months after transplantation. RESULTS: Stents were well tolerated and produced immediate symptomatic and functional improvement. The mean follow-up after implantation was 21 months (range, 4 to 48 mo). The authors removed five stents by endoscopy and replaced them, and removed one stent entirely. Laser resection was used to control granulomas or partial fibrosis stenosis that occurred in four stents (14.3%) after an average of 4 months. One stent broke but was still in place and effective 32 months later. One patient died of hemorrhage 4 months after stenting. CONCLUSION: Although it can still be improved, this expandable metal stent is suitable for the treatment of posttransplantation proximal bronchial stenosis.

[Contribution of chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer of the cavum (UCNT): apropos of 47 cases]. / Apport de la chimiothérapie dans le traitement du cancer du cavum (UCNT): à propos de 47 patients.

The authors present, from a 47 patients retrospective study, the place of BAC chemotherapy in the treatment of undifferenciated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Twenty three patients treated with exclusive radiation therapy are compared with 24 patients treated with three courses of BAC chemotherapy prior to and after radiation therapy. The procedure using associated chemotherapy permits to increase the 5 years survival rate up to 20% more and to obtain a 100% primary response of the tumor. This encouraging results should be confirmed by a prospective randomized study about a great number of patients.

Carcinoma of the oesophagus. Anastomotic leaks after manual sutures--incidence and treatment.

Progress in the development of suture materials results in a lower rate of fistulas. Modern techniques for the diagnosis of leakage (contrast study, CT-scan) allow for an early diagnosis and adequate therapy: if possible conservative therapy with drainage of the abscess, adapted antibiotic therapy and parenteral and enteral nutrition are the best methods. In the case of necrosis of the transplant, reoperation permits enables extra time for reconstruction. All the technical possibilities of reconstruction must be known. It is necessary to apply prophylactic precautions to avoid leakage of the anastomosis on the oesophagus.

[Glomangioma: an unusual ethmoid-nasal tumor]. / Glomangiome: une tumeur ethmoïdo-nasale inhabituelle.

Glomus tumors are benign vascular tumors usually located in the fingertip dermis. Extracutaneous glomus tumors are extremely rare. A new case of sino-nasal glomangioma is reported and both clinical and histological features and biological behavior of glomus tumors in this exceptional site are described.

[Interest of thyroïdectomy in the management of thyroglossal duct cysts]. / Intérêt de la thyroïdectomie dans la prise en charge des kystes du tractus thyréoglosse dégénérés.

PURPOSE OF STUDY: To discuss the authors' experience with thyroglossal duct (TD) carcinoma and expose the interest of the thyroidectomy in the management of this entity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with the diagnosis of TD operated on from 1985 to 2002 was performed. RESULTS: Four cases of papillary TD carcinoma were identified. Two patients were treated by a Sistrunk procedure associated with total thyroidectomy. One patient needed a thyroidectomy fifteen years after the initial management of the papillary thyroglossal duct carcinoma. The last patient had a medical treatment, with no evidence of complication after eleven years of follow up. CONCLUSION: A microscopic focus of papillary carcinoma, without cyst wall invasion, can be managed by a Sistrunk procedure, with the need for long-term follow up. Treatment of all other thyroglossal duct papillary carcinomas should include thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine treatment.

[Haemophilus parainfluenzae meningitis in an 8-year-old boy]. / Méningite à Haemophilus parainfluenzae chez un enfant de 8 ans.

Invasive infections caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae, a saprophyte of the respiratory tract, are exceptional and should arise suspicion of abnormalities in immunocompetence. So far, about thirty cases of H. parainfluenzae meningitis affecting neonates, infants or adults have been published. A case of such meningitis in an 8-year old boy without any risk factor is reported here.

[A new marker in oncology. Assay of gangliosides bound to sialic acid]. / Un nouveau marqueur en cancérologie. Le dosage des gangliosides liés à l'acide sialique.

Gangliosides are released from cells proliferating in serum and can be assayed by a LASA method. The authors report the assay method for sialic acid bound exclusively to glycosphingolipids (GASA method). They study the reliability and discuss the preliminary factors concerning this upper respiratory tract squamous cell marker.

[Reconstructive subtotal laryngectomy: a personal technique in a series of 100 patients operated on between 1990 and 1997]. / Laryngectomies sub-totales reconstructrices, à propos d'une technique personnelle sur une série de 100 patients opérés entre 1990 et 1997.

Described by Majer and Rieder, modified by Piquet, subtotal laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) allowed to treat intralaryngeal carcinoma with preservation of speech and swallowing. Some modifications were proposed to the procedure to simplify it and to improve functional results. Most important one is the one proposed by Guerrier. In the refined procedure we describe, we didn't do any -pexy to conserved as near as possible from normality morphology and physiology of pharyngolaryngeal unit. Dynamics is preserved by keeping jointly the laryngotracheal tract. In addition, we avoid doing a tracheotomy. We present the functional outcome of 100 patients treated between 1990 and 1997: oral feeding was initiated at the 6th day postoperative, delay to achieve proper swallowing was 11.5 days and median hospitalization duration was 18 days (14 days for non tracheotomized group). The comfort of patients without tracheotomy was greatly increased with a low risk of pneumonia. Such a procedure could be applied every time a laryngeal reconstruction had to be done (partial laryngectomy, laryngeal trauma).

[Microscopic extensions of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: impact for clinical target volume definition]. / Approche anatomopathologique de l'extension microscopique des carcinomes épidermoïdes ORL : implications pour la définition du volume cible anatomoclinique.

PURPOSE: To assess microscopic extensions of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas aiming at a proposal for target volumes of radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surgical specimens were prospectively analysed macroscopically and microscopically. Tumour borders were identified per macroscopic visual examination and inked on stained slides. Then microscopic implants (perineural or lymphatic involvement, or in situ carcinomas) were looked for with an optic microscope in the macroscopic healthy tissue surrounding the tumour. The maximal length from tumour border was correlated with the maximal length of macroscopically healthy tissues assessable. RESULTS: Twenty-one specimens were analysed and 12 were locally advanced tumours. Mean and median maximal microscopic extensions were 2.9 and 1.0mm (0-15mm), respectively. The 90th and 95th percentiles were 5 and 11mm, respectively. The ratio between healthy tissue length and maximal microscopic tumour extension was 10%. No correlation was found with tumour grade or volume. CONCLUSION: The presence of microscopic tumour was unlikely after 5mm from macroscopic tumour (≤5% of patients in this series) but should be assessed along with other histoclinical factors and particularities of tumour behaviour by anatomic site. A rigorous terminology should authorize a relevant appreciation of local risk of recurrence, particularly in adjuvant setting or for clinical target volume definition. Larger and more homogenous confirmatory series are needed.