Outcomes of Salvage Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer Recurrence Following Upfront Radiation Therapy and Prognostic Factors / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate the oncologic outcomes and prognostic factors of salvage treatments in patients with recurrent oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) after radiotherapy (RT)-based treatment. @*Materials and Methods@#A cancer registry was used to retrieve the records of 337 patients treated with definitive RT or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) from 2008 to 2018 at a single institution. The poor-responder group (PRG) was defined as patients with residual or recurrent disease after primary treatment, and the oncologic outcomes for each salvage treatment method were analyzed. In addition, prognostic indicators of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were identified in patients who underwent salvage treatment. @*Results@#After initial (C)RT, the PRG comprised 71 of the 337 patients (21.1%): 18 patients had residual disease, and 53 had recurrence after primary treatment (mean time to recurrence 19.5 months). Of these, 63 patients received salvage treatment (surgery 57.2%, re-(C)RT 23.8%, and chemotherapy 19.0%), and the salvage success rate was 47.6% at the last follow-up. The overall 2-year OS for salvage treatments was 56.4% (60.8% for the salvage surgery group and 46.2% for the salvage re-(C)RT). Salvage surgery patients with negative resection margins had better oncologic outcomes than those with close/positive resection margins. Using multivariate analyses, locoregional recurrence and residual disease after primary surgery were associated with poor outcome after salvage treatment. In Kaplan-Meier analyses, p16 status was significantly associated with OS in the initial treatment setting but not in the salvage setting. @*Conclusion@#In recurrent OPSCC after RT-based treatment, successful salvage was achieved in 56.4% patients who had undergone salvage surgery and radiation treatment. Salvage treatment methods should be selected carefully, given recurrence site as a prognostic factor for RFS.

Analysis of Failure Causes of Open Airway Reconstruction in Children With Combined Subglottic and Posterior Glottic Stenosis / 대한이비인후과학회지

Background and Objectives@#Airway reconstruction surgery in children is still challenging, especially in cases of combined subglottic and posterior glottic stenosis (PGS). The aim of this study was to review the underlying reasons of failure in open airway reconstruction surgeries performed for children with combined subglottic and PGS.Subjects and Method We reviewed medical records of seven children who received more than two open airway reconstruction surgeries to finally achieve and maintain decannulation status for more than one year. Twenty-two reconstructive surgeries were performed and they consisted of 19 laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR), 2 cricotracheal resection with end-toend anastomosis (CTR) and one extended CTR. For each patient, the following potential causes of failure were evaluated; preoperative evaluation (PE), type of reconstruction (TR), single vs. double staging (SDS), type of stent (TS), and perioperative optimization (PO). @*Results@#The median age of patients at the time of surgery was 32 months (range, 4-64 months). Successful decannulation was achieved after the median open surgery of three (range, 2-5 times for each patient). Recognized causes of failure were as follows: 8 insufficient PE, 10 inadequate TR, 3 improper SDS, 8 ill-chosen TS, and 2 inappropriate PO. @*Conclusion@#PE of dynamic airway is important, especially vocal fold mobility and tracheomalacia. Types of reconstruction should be carefully decided after full consideration of potential causes of failure, and adequate laryngotracheal stent is essential.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Versus Elective Neck Dissection: Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes in Clinically Node-Negative Tongue Cancer

Objectives@#. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term oncologic outcomes of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) versus elective neck dissection (END) in clinically node-negative (cN0) tongue cancer. @*Methods@#. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with cN0 tongue cancer from a single institution, including 91 patients in the SLNB group and 120 patients in the END group. @*Results@#. The overall recurrence rate showed no significant difference between the two groups. The regional control rate was also comparable between the two groups (P=0.490). The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was slightly better in the SLNB group than in the END group (P=0.427). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 89.9% in the SLNB group versus 91.9% in the END group (P=0.737). In a propensity-matched subgroup analysis, the type of neck management did not affect RFS or OS. @*Conclusion@#. SLNB showed non-inferior oncologic outcomes compared to END in patients with cN0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus CCRT for locallyadvanced hypopharynx and base of tongue cancer

Clinical trials have not consistently supported the use of induction chemotherapy (IC) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer. Hypopharynx and base of tongue (BOT) cancer has shown relatively poor survival. We investigated the role of IC in improving outcome over current chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with hypopharynx and BOT cancer. Methods: Treatment-naïve patients with stage III/IV (M0) hypopharynx or BOT cancer were randomly assigned to receive CRT alone (CRT arm: cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on D1 3-weekly, two times plus radiotherapy 68.4 Gy/30 fractions on weekdays) versus two 21-day cycles of IC with TPF (docetaxel & cisplatin 75 mg/m2 on D1, and fluorouracil 75 mg/m2 on D1-4) followed by the same CRT regimen (IC arm). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: This study closed early after enrollment of 36 patients (19 in the CRT arm, 17 in the IC arm). After a median follow-up of 47.2 months, there was no significant difference in PFS: the median PFS was 26.8 months for the CRT arm and was not reached for the IC arm (p = 0.13). However, the survival curves were widely separated with a plateau after 3 years, suggesting a potential survival benefit from IC: 3-year PFS rates were 45% and 68%, and 3-year overall survival rates were 56% and 86%, in the CRT and IC arms, respectively. Conclusions: This study failed to demonstrate that induction TPF chemotherapy improves survival in patients with BOT and hypopharynx cancer. However, it suggested a favorable outcome with IC to this population.

Adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary gland with concurrent MAML2 and EWSR1 alterations

Salivary gland tumors are histologically diverse, and each entity has distinctive histopathological and molecular features. We report two cases of salivary gland tumors with unique histological and molecular findings, which have not been documented previously. The tumors were located in the base of the tongue in both patients. Most tumor cells were arranged in cords and nests, giving a trabecularlike appearance. Focally, glandular structures with intraluminal mucin and perivascular pseudorosette-like configurations were identified. Tumor cells had eosinophilic to clear cytoplasm, and showed mild nuclear atypia. They were positive for pancytokeratin and negative for S-100, p63, c-KIT, androgen receptor, and neuroendocrine markers. Multiple foci of capsular or lymphovascular invasion were identified, but the Ki-67 labeling index was low (< 5%). Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed concurrent alterations of MAML2 and EWSR1 gene. Further investigations with a larger number of cases with similar histological and molecular features will accurately classify this tumor.

Clinical Outcomes of a 14-Day In-Hospital Stay Program in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Surgery With Free Flap Reconstruction Under the National Health Insurance System

OBJECTIVES: Length of in-hospital stay (LOS) is often regarded as a surrogate marker of efficiency in medical care. A shorter stay can redistribute medical resources to more patients if patient outcomes would not be worsened. However, the adequate LOS remains largely understudied for a complex head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery and free flap reconstruction. METHODS: Active management of LOS (14-day LOS program) included detailed preoperative surgical planning, intensive wound care, postoperative early ambulation and positive psychological encouragement. It was applied to 43 patients undergoing HNC surgery and free flap reconstruction. Outcomes such as noninferior oncological results, rates of timely adjuvant treatments and complications were compared with those of 125 patients without active management of LOS. In addition, the medical costs of shortened LOS were compared with those of the control group. Cases undergoing HNC surgery as a salvage treatment were excluded from both groups for analyses. RESULTS: Active management of LOS resulted in less in-hospital period compared to the control group (15.0 vs. 21.0 days, P=0.001), and reduced medical costs significantly. Incidence of postoperative complications was comparable between the two groups. Oncological outcomes did not differ significantly according to LOS. In all patients in both groups, initial high T status (T3–4) and occurrence of postoperative complications were independent risk factors for long LOS (>30 days). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing HNC surgery with free flap reconstruction as an initial treatment, a 14-day LOS could be safe in terms of comparable oncological outcomes and postoperative complications. To achieve this goal safely, careful management for T3–4 tumors and prevention of postoperative complications seem to be necessary.

Genetic Alterations and Their Clinical Implications in High-Recurrence Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) frequently involve genetic alterations. The objective of this study was to investigate genetic alterations and further explore the relationships between these genetic alterations and clinicopathological characteristics in a high-recurrence risk (node positive, N1) PTC group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor tissue blocks were obtained from 240 surgically resected patients with histologically confirmed stage III/IV (pT3/4 or N1) PTCs. We screened gene fusions using NanoString’s nCounter technology and mutational analysis was performed by direct DNA sequencing. Data describing the clinicopathological characteristics and clinical courses were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Of the 240 PTC patients, 207 (86.3%) had at least one genetic alteration, including BRAF mutation in 190 patients (79.2%), PIK3CA mutation in 25 patients (10.4%), NTRK1/3 fusion in six patients (2.5%), and RET fusion in 24 patients (10.0%). Concomitant presence of more than two genetic alterations was seen in 36 patients (15%). PTCs harboring BRAF mutation were associated with RET wild-type expression (p=0.001). RET fusion genes have been found to occur with significantly higher frequency in N1b stage patients (p=0.003) or groups of patients aged 45 years or older (p=0.031); however, no significant correlation was found between other genetic alterations. There was no trend toward favorable recurrence-free survival or overall survival among patients lacking genetic alterations. CONCLUSION: In the selected high-recurrence risk PTC group, most patients had more than one genetic alteration. However, these known alterations could not entirely account for clinicopathological features of high-recurrence risk PTC.

The Prognostic Role of the Surgical Approach and Adjuvant Therapy in Operable Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of the surgical approach and adjuvant treatment in operable malignant melanoma of head and neck (MMHN). METHODS: Retrospective reviews of 31 patients who underwent surgery-based treatment with curative intent, either by the endoscopic or external approach, for MMHN were performed to analyze recurrence patterns, salvage modalities, and oncological outcomes (disease-specific survival and disease-free survival). RESULTS: Overall recurrence rate was 61% (19/31). In stage III patients (n=24), 50% (12/24) developed recurrences with a median recurrence-free period of 6.0 months, and 30% (4/12) of them was successfully salvaged by reoperation with adjuvant radiotherapy. On the contrary, all stage IVA patients (n=7) developed recurrences with a median recurrence-free period of 4.4 months. Distant metastasis was the most common pattern of failure and no patients were salvaged. Among variables, age and T classification, not the surgical approach, were significant prognosticators for disease-free survival and disease-specific survival. Adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with a lower rate of local failure, compared to surgery alone (hazard ratio, 0.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.06 to 0.75; P=0.02). However, adjuvant systemic therapy was not effective in reducing the risk of failures for any pattern. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that meticulous surgical resection, either by the endoscopic or external approach, with adjuvant radiotherapy increases the local control rate in MMHN.

Analysis of 130 Cases of Pectoralis Major Flap for the Head and Neck Reconstruction / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pectoralis major flap is the most versatile and reliable flap in the head and neck reconstruction. Owing to the recent development of microsurgical techniques, free flap reconstruction is gaining its popularity as a primary option for the reconstruction of head and neck defects. However, pectoralis major flap is a useful workhorse for the wide variety of situations including heavily irradiated neck, failure of prior reconstruction, and poor recipient vascular status. This study aimed to review our experience of pectoralis major flap surgery and to evaluate its clinical usefulness. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We reviewed medical records of 113 patients (130 cases) who underwent pectoralis major flap surgery from 1995 to 2014. Indications and complications of pectoralis major flap surgery were evaluated. Association between complication rates and clinical factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Reconstruction of primary surgical defect was the most common indication (n=81/130, 62.3%). Complications developed in 17 cases (13.1%). Flap failure was observed in 2 cases (1.5%). The length of flap pedicle was closely related with complication rate (p=0.01). However, other factors including flap size, types of flap, radiation history did not influence complication rate. CONCLUSION: Pectoralis major flap is still a very useful option with a relatively low risk of complication for the head and neck reconstruction even in the era of frequent free flap surgery and heavy irradiation.

Association Between PD-L1 and HPV Status and the Prognostic Value of PD-L1 in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been recognized as an immunosuppressive disease. Various mechanisms have been proposed for immune escape, including dysregulation of immune checkpoints such as the PD-1:PD-L1 pathway. We investigated the expression of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in HPV-negative and HPV-positive OSCC to determine its prevalence and prognostic relevance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry, 133 cases of OSCC were evaluated for expression of PD-L1. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples were stained with monoclonal antibody (clone 5H1) to PD-L1. PD-L1 positivity was defined as membrane staining in ≥20% of tumor cells. Correlations between PD-L1 expression and HPV status and survival parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 133 patients, 68% showed PD-L1 expression, and 67% of patients were positive for p16 expression by immunohistochemistry. No significant difference in PD-L1 expression was observed between HPV(-) and HPV(+) tumors (61% vs. 71%, p=0.274). No significant difference in age, gender, smoking history, location of tumor origin, or stage was observed according to PD-L1 status. With a median follow-up period of 44 months, older age (≥65) (p=0.017) and T3-4 stage (p<0.001) were associated with poor overall survival (OS), whereas PD-L1 expression did not affect OS in univariate and multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: PD-L1 expression was observed in the majority of OSCC patients regardless of HPV status. Further large prospective studies are required to determine the role of PD-L1 expression as a prognostic or predictive biomarker, and clinical studies of immune checkpoint inhibitors in OCSS are warranted regardless of HPV status.

Scapular Tip Free Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: Head and neck reconstruction is still challenging in terms of esthetic and functional outcomes. This study investigated the feasibility of the angular branch-based scapular tip free flap (STFF). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 17 patients undergoing maxillectomy and mandibulectomy and either primary or secondary reconstruction by STFF. This study included surgical, esthetic, and functional outcomes, and detailed data are presented regarding the flap, such as pedicle length, size of the harvested bone, and failure rate. Medical photographs were used to estimate the esthetic outcome, and computed tomography was used to check the flap status postoperatively. RESULTS: The data were collected from April 2013 to April 2014. Eight patients underwent maxillary reconstruction, and nine underwent mandibular reconstruction. Maxillary defects usually included unilateral alveolar structures and the palate; mandibular defects were usually those involving mandibular angle and short segment. Vein grafting was not required in any of the patients. Flap failure occurred in one of the 17 patients (5.9%) with successful reconstruction after revision. Of the eight maxillectomy patients, orbital revisions for diplopia after maxillary reconstruction were performed in two patients (25%), and oroantral fistula repair was performed in one patient (12.5%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the reconstructive advantages of the angular branch-based STFF, long pedicle, low flap failure, 3-dimensional nature of bone and soft tissues (chimeric flap), and small rate of donor site morbidity with free ambulation. This flap is an excellent option for use in complex three-dimensional head and neck reconstruction.

Prognostic Value of Volume-Based Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated With Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of volume-based metabolic parameters measured by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). METHODS: Forty-four NPC patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for initial staging work-up before concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) were retrospectively evaluated. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUV), mean SUV, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumors were measured. The prognostic significance and predictive performance of these parameters were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that American Joint Committee on Cancer stage 7th edition (hazard ratio [HR], 1.525; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.062 to 2.188; P=0.022), and TLG (HR, 7.799; 95% CI, 2.622 to 23.198; P< or =0.001) were independent predictive factors associated with decreased disease-free survival (DFS). Time-dependent ROC curve analysis indicated that TLG was a better predictor of DFS than MTV (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: The TLG of the primary tumor was a significant independent metabolic prognostic factor of DFS in patients with NPC treated with CCRT.

Comparison of Two Sedation Protocols for Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Care after Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery: Midazolam/Morphine versus Remifentanil Sedation / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In head and neck reconstructive surgery, the stability of vital signs is important for patient recovery and flap outcome. We aimed to determine the better sedation protocol by comparing two protocols, namaely, midazolam/morphine (MM)-based and remifentanil (RF)-based sedation protocols, in the immediate postoperative settings of head and neck reconstructive surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of patients who underwent reconstructive surgery after the ablation of head and neck cancer involving MM sedation (n=34) or RF sedation (n=28). Parameters related to vital signs, flap outcomes, occurrence of delirium, length of stay and nursing burden were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The length of stay at the intensive care unit and flap outcomes were similar in the two groups. However, blood pressure as measured by frequency of variation was more stable in the RF group than in the MM group. In addition, the number of medical calls from the attending nurse due to the fluctuation of vital signs was less in the RF group than in the MM group. CONCLUSION: RF-based sedation for the postoperative intensive care unit care after head and neck reconstructive surgery is more effective in cases where vital signs are less stable. This type of sedation may decrease the nursing burden for these patients.

Prognostic Value of Volume-Based 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT Parameters in Patients with Clinically Node-Negative Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognostic value of volume-based metabolic parameters measured with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) as compared with other prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we included a total of 57 patients who had been diagnosed with cN0 tongue cancer by radiologic, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and physical examinations. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), average SUV (SUVavg), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) for primary tumors were measured with 18F-FDG PET. The prognostic significances of these parameters and other clinical variables were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, pathological node (pN) stage, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, SUVmax, SUVavg, MTV, and TLG were significant predictors for survival. On a multivariate analysis, pN stage (hazard ratio = 10.555, p = 0.049), AJCC stage (hazard ratio = 13.220, p = 0.045), and MTV (hazard ratio = 2.698, p = 0.033) were significant prognostic factors in cN0 OTSCC patients. The patients with MTV > or = 7.78 cm3 showed a worse prognosis than those with MTV < 7.78 cm3 (p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The MTV of primary tumor as a volumetric parameter of 18F-FDG PET, in addition to pN stage and AJCC stage, is an independent prognostic factor for survival in cN0 OTSCC.

The Prognostic Role of p16 Expression in Tonsil Cancer Treated by Either Surgery or Radiation

OBJECTIVES: Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is considered as a favorable prognostic factor in oropharyngeal cancer, the prognosis of HPV-associated tonsil cancer has rarely been studied especially when surgery was the main treatment. In this study, the authors investigated the effect of p16 over-expression (HPV infection) on tonsil cancer prognosis according to the type of treatment, HPV presence by PCR, and expression of p53 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by immunohistochemistry (IHC). METHODS: Medical records of 33 tonsil cancer patients were reviewed. Using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tumor specimens, PCR-based genotyping of HPV and IHC of p16, p53 and EGFR were performed. The effects of HPV presence and the expression of IHC markers were analyzed on the recurrence-free survival. Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were evaluated according to p16 expression status. RESULTS: An over-expression of p16 was observed in 27 (81.9%) out of 33 cases. Surgery-based treatment was provided for 21 (63.6%) patients. There was no association between p16 immunoreactivity and HPV presence, nor with p53 and EGFR expression. Regardless of main treatment modalities, five-year DFS did not differ by p16 expression status (P=0.051). However, over-expression of p16 was associated with a lower recurrence in multivariable analyses (P=0.046). CONCLUSION: Regardless of main treatment modalities, an over-expression of p16 (HPV infection) is associated with a lower recurrence in tonsil cancers. However it is not associated with simple HPV presence or p53 and EGFR over-expression.

Definitive Radiation Therapy for Early Glottic Cancer: Experience of Two Fractionation Schedules

OBJECTIVES: The authors would report the results of definitive radiation therapy (RT) for early glottic cancer by two different radiation dose schedules. METHODS: From February of 1995 till June of 2008, 157 patients with T1-2N0 glottic cancer were treated with curative RT at Samsung Medical Center. All patients had squamous cell carcinoma, and there were 89 patients (56.7%) with T1a, 36 (22.9%) with T1b, and 32 (20.4%) with T2. Two different radiation dose schedules were used: 70 Gy in 35 fractions to 64 patients (40.8%, group A); and 67.5 Gy in 30 fractions to 93 patients (59.2%, group B). The median treatment durations were 50 days (range, 44 to 59 days) and 44 days (range, 40 to 67 days) in the groups A and B, respectively. RESULTS: The median follow-up durations were 85 and 45 months for the groups A and B. No severe late complication of RTOG grade 3 or higher was observed, and there was no difference in acute or chronic complication between the groups. Twenty-four patients experienced treatment failure: local recurrence only in 19 patients; regional recurrence only in one; combined local and regional recurrence in four; and systemic metastasis in none. The overall 5-year disease-free survival and disease-specific survival rates were 84.7% and 94.8%. The disease-free survival rate in the group B was better (78.3% vs. 90.8%, P=0.031). This difference was significant only in T1 stage (83.4% vs. 94.6%, P=0.025), but not in T2 (62.7% vs. 60.6%, P=0.965). Univariate analysis showed that the tumor extent, cord mobility, T-stage, and the dose schedule had significant influence on the disease-free survival, and multivariate analysis showed that only the tumor extent and the dose schedule were associated with the disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: Superior disease-free survival could be achieved by 2.25 Gy per fraction without increased toxicity over shorter RT duration, when compared with 2.0 Gy per fraction.

Revised Korean Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer / 대한이비인후과학회지

No abstract available.

Treatment Results of Major Salivary Gland Cancer by Surgery with or without Postoperative Radiation Therapy

OBJECTIVES: This is to report treatment results of major salivary gland cancer by surgery with or without postoperative radiation therapy (PORT). METHODS: Between March 1995 and January 2006, 94 patients with primary major salivary cancer underwent curative surgical resection at Samsung Medical Center. The parotid gland was the most commonly involved (73, 77.7%), followed by the submandibular and the sublingual. Neck dissection was added in 28 patients, and PORT was individually recommended to those with risk factors. Seventy-five (79.8%) patients received PORT. PORT volume included primary tumor bed and pathologically involved regional lymphatics, and no additional effort was made for elective nodal irradiation. The median total doses were 56.0 Gy to primary site and 58.7 Gy to regional lymphatics. RESULTS: After median follow-up of 49 months, 21 patients had relapsed: 20 in PORT; and one in surgery alone group. As the first site of failure, distant metastasis was the most common (17 patients). Local recurrence occurred in three, and regional relapse in one. The lung was the most common site (10 patients), followed by the bone, and the brain. Five-yr disease free survival (DFS), local control, and overall survival (OS) rates were 74.4% and 94.7%, 96.0% and 100%, and 78.2% and 100% in PORT and surgery alone groups, respectively. On multivariate analysis, DFS was significantly affected by pN+ (hazard ratio [HR], 3.624; P=0.0319), while OS was by pN+ (HR, 7.138; P=0.0034) and perineural invasion (HR, 5.073; P=0.0187). CONCLUSION: Based on our experience, the patients with early stage major salivary gland cancer with low risk can be effectively treated by surgery alone, and those who with risk factors can achieve excellent local and regional control by adding PORT. Omitting elective neck irradiation in patients with N0 disease seems a feasible strategy under accurate clinical evaluation. An effort is needed to decrease distant metastasis through further clinical trials.

Treatment Outcomes and Quality of Life in Oropharyngeal Cancer after Surgery-based versus Radiation-based Treatment

OBJECTIVES: Advances in reconstruction and conservative surgery and the importance of quality of life (QOL) encouraged this reevaluation of surgery-based treatments for oropharyngeal cancer. We tried to compare treatment outcome and QOL after surgery-based versus radiation-based treatment in oropharyngeal cancer. METHODS: The 133 eligible patients were divided into surgery-based and radiotherapy (RT)-based treatment groups. Medical records were reviewed, and EORTC QLQ-C30 and HN65 questionnaires were completed for survivors. Three-year overall survivals, disease-free survivals, locoregional control rates, and QOL scores were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Demographic data and overall stages were not significantly different between the two groups, and all survival rates were non-significantly different, either. The scores for most QOL items were equivalent, however, for a few items, scores were significantly better in surgery-based group. CONCLUSION: The surgery-based group achieved equivalent treatment outcomes and slightly better QOL scores than the RT-based group. The results of this study suggest that surgery could still be considered as a first-line therapy for oropharyngeal cancer.

Revised Korean Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer

No abstract available.