Revisiting Feeding Tube Utilization in Oropharynx Cancer: 6-Year Prospective Registry Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Patients treated for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) have historically demonstrated high feeding tube rates for decreased oral intake and malnutrition. We re-examined feeding tube practices in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospective cohort from 2015 to 2021. SETTING: Single-institution NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. METHODS: With IRB approval, patients with new oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer or (unknown primary with neck metastasis) were enrolled. Baseline swallowing was assessed via videofluoroscopy and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer (PSSHN). G-tubes or nasogastric tubes (NGT) were placed for weight loss before, during, or after treatment. Prophylactic NGT were placed during transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Tube duration was censored at last disease-free follow-up. Multivariate regression was performed for G-tube placement (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval [CI]) and removal (Cox hazard ratio, hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI]). RESULTS: Of 924 patients, most had stage I to II (81%), p16+ (89%), node-positive (88%) disease. Median follow-up was 2.6 years (interquartile range 1.5-3.9). Most (91%) received radiation/chemoradiation, and 16% received TORS. G-tube rate was 27% (5% after TORS). G-tube risk was increased with chemoradiation (OR 2.78 [1.87-4.22]) and decreased with TORS (OR 0.31 [0.15-0.57]) and PSSHN-Diet score ≥60 (OR 0.26 [0.15-0.45]). G-tube removal probability over time was lower for T3 to T4 tumors (HR 0.52 [0.38-0.71]) and higher for PSSHN-Diet score ≥60 (HR 1.65 [1.03-2.66]). CONCLUSIONS: In this modern cohort of patients treated for OPC, 27% received G-tubes-50% less than institutional rates 10 years ago. Patients with preserved baseline swallowing and/or those eligible for TORS may have lower G-tube risk and duration.

CompARE: study protocol for a phase III randomised controlled platform trial comparing alternative regimens for escalating treatment of intermediate and high-risk oropharyngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Patients with intermediate and high-risk oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) have poorer response to standard treatment and poorer overall survival compared to low-risk OPC. CompARE is designed to test alternative approaches to intensified treatment for these patients to improve survival. METHODS: CompARE is a pragmatic phase III, open-label, multicenter randomised controlled trial with an adaptive multi-arm, multi-stage design and an integrated QuinteT Recruitment Intervention. Eligible OPC patients include those with human papillomavirus (HPV) negative, T1-T4, N1-N3 or T3-4, N0, or HPV positive N3, T4, or current smokers (or ≥ 10 pack years previous smoking history) with T1-T4, N2b-N3. CompARE was originally designed with four arms (one control [arm 1] and three experimental: arm 2-induction chemotherapy followed by arm 1; arm 3-dose-escalated radiotherapy plus concomitant cisplatin; and arm 4-resection of primary followed by arm 1). The three original experimental arms have been closed to recruitment and a further experimental arm opened (arm 5-induction durvalumab followed by arm 1 and then adjuvant durvalumab). Currently recruiting are arm 1 (control): standard treatment of 3-weekly cisplatin 100 mg/m2 or weekly 40 mg/m2 with intensity-modulated radiotherapy using 70 Gy in 35 fractions ± neck dissection determined by clinical and radiological assessment 3 months post-treatment, and arm 5 (intervention): one cycle of induction durvalumab 1500 mg followed by standard treatment then durvalumab 1500 mg every 4 weeks for a total of 6 months. The definitive and interim primary outcome measures are overall survival time and event-free survival (EFS) time, respectively. Secondary outcome measures include quality of life, toxicity, swallowing outcomes, feeding tube incidence, surgical complication rates, and cost-effectiveness. The design anticipates that after approximately 7 years, 84 required events will have occurred to enable analysis of the definitive primary outcome measure for this comparison. Planned interim futility analyses using EFS will also be performed. DISCUSSION: CompARE is designed to be efficient and cost-effective in response to new data, emerging new treatments or difficulties, with the aim of bringing new treatment options for these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN ISRCTN41478539 . Registered on 29 April 2015.

Development of a holistic communication score (HoCoS) in patients treated for oral or oropharyngeal cancer: Preliminary validation.

BACKGROUND: In head and neck cancer, many tools exist to measure speech impairment, but few evaluate the impact on communication abilities. Some self-administered questionnaires are available to assess general activity limitations including communication. Others are not validated in oncology. These different tools result in scores that does not provide an accurate measure of the communication limitations perceived by the patients. AIM: To develop a holistic score measuring the functional impact of speech disorders on communication in patients treated for oral or oropharyngeal cancer, in two steps: its construction and its validation. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Patients treated for oral/oropharyngeal cancer filled six self-questionnaires: two about communicative dynamics (ECVB and DIP), two assessing speech function (PHI and CHI) and two relating to quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35). A total of 174 items were initially collected. A dimensionality reduction methodology was then applied. Face validity analysis led to eliminate non-relevant items by surveying a panel of nine experts from communication-related disciplines (linguistics, medicine, speech pathology, computer science). Construct validity analysis led to eliminate redundant and insufficiently variable items. Finally, the holistic communication score was elaborated by principal component factor and validated using cross-validation and latent profile analysis. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: A total of 25 patients filled the questionnaires (median age = 67 years, EIQ = 12; 15 men, 10 women; oral cavity = 14, oropharynx = 10, two locations = 1). After face validity analysis, 44 items were retained (κ > 0.80). Four additional items were excluded because of a very high correlation (r > 0.90) with other items presenting a better dispersion. A total of 40 items were finally included in the factor analysis. A post-analysis score prediction was performed (mean = 100; SD = 10). A total of 24 items are finally retained for the construction of the holistic communication score (HoCoS): 19 items from questionnaires assessing communicative dynamics (13 from the ECVB and six from the DIP), four items from a perceived speech impairment questionnaire (PHI) and one from a quality-of-life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-H&N35). The reliability is good (five-fold cross-validation: rs = 0.91) and the complementary latent profile analysis shows a good validity of the HoCoS, clustering subjects by level of communication performance. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: A global score allowing a measure of the impact of the speech disorder on communication was developed. It fills the lack of this type of score in head and neck oncology and allows the better understanding of the functional and psychosocial consequences of the pathology in the patients' follow-up. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Because of their anatomical location, head and neck cancer degrades the speech abilities. Few tools currently allow the assessment of the impact of the speech disorder on communication abilities. In ENT oncology, self-administered questionnaires are available to assess activity limitations and participation restrictions (International Classification of Functioning (ICF)-WHO). Other tools from the field of neurology allow an evaluation of communication dynamics. But these different tools, constructed by items, give global additive or averaged scores. This implies an identical weighting of each item, resulting in global scores that are not very representative of the communication limitations really perceived by the patients. What this paper adds to existing knowledge A new global holistic score allowing a measurement of the impact of speech impairment on communication after treatment of oral or oropharyngeal cancer has been developed. The methodology of its construction allows a better reflection of the symptomatological, pragmatic and psychosocial elements leading to a degradation of communication abilities. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The developed HoCoS score fills the gap in the absence of this type of tool in head and neck oncology. It may allow a better understanding of the factors involved in the functional and psychosocial limitations of these patients, and better customize their follow-up.

Risk of Pathologic Extranodal Extension and Other Adverse Features After Transoral Robotic Surgery in Patients With HPV-Positive Oropharynx Cancer.

Importance: Understanding patient-specific risk of adverse histopathologic findings after primary surgery for human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) may help guide patient consultations. Objective: To determine the likelihood of adverse histopathologic features that may indicate adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy after primary surgery for HPV-positive OPSCC according to 2021 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study was performed at a single academic tertiary care center. Of 258 patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) from March 1, 2012, to March 1, 2021, 136 consecutive, treatment-naive patients with HPV-positive OPSCC without obvious clinical extranodal extension (ENE) who underwent definitive TORS and neck dissection were included in the analysis. Indications for surgical treatment included non-deeply infiltrative oropharynx tumors, minimal soft palate involvement, and low suspicion for pathologic ENE. Exposures: Primary site TORS with neck dissection. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were the adverse histopathologic features of pathologic ENE and positive surgical margins (PSM) that are indications for possible adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Outcomes were compared among varying American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition (AJCC-7) T and N categories and patient clinical characteristics. Results: Of the 136 patients included in the analysis (113 men [83.1%]; median age, 63 [interquartile range, 55-70] years), 109 (80.1%) had at least 1 indication for possible adjuvant radiotherapy. Twenty-seven patients (19.9%) had pathologic ENE and 10 (7.3%) had PSM. Thirty-four patients (25.0%) had pathologic ENE and/or PSM, whereas 3 (2.2%) had both. Age, smoking history, history of alcohol consumption, and clinical T category were not associated with pathologic ENE, PSM, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, or pN2 category or greater. The proportion of pathologic ENE varied by clinical N category: 0 of 16 for cN0, 8 of 48 (16.7%) for cN1, 3 of 23 (13.0%) for cN2a, and 16 of 45 (35.6%) for cN2b. Compared with patients with cN1-cN2a disease, patients with cN2b disease had higher odds of pathologic ENE (odds ratio, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.14-8.10). Clinical and pathologic N category were concordant in 77 patients (56.6%), whereas 42 (30.9%) were upstaged and 17 (12.5%) were downstaged. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, approximately one-quarter of carefully selected patients with HPV-positive OPSCC without obvious clinical ENE undergoing primary surgery had pathologic ENE and/or PSM. Patients with AJCC-7 cT0-cT2 cN0-cN2b disease, especially cN0-cN2a, without signs of clinical ENE may represent appropriate candidates for primary surgery when avoidance of adjuvant chemotherapy and/or reduction of adjuvant radiotherapy dose/extent are the goals.

Disparities and guideline adherence for HPV testing among patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, NCDB, and SEER.

BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus testing for oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma has been recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network since 2012. We examine disparities, reported rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and the impact on these findings of limitations with the variable in database registries. METHODS: The HPV variable was queried for patients with oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma (OPSCC) from 2013 to 2016 in National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). Multivariable regression was used to identify disparities based on sociodemographic variables. Sensitivity analyses were used to investigate limitations of the variable. RESULTS: Despite limitations in the HPV variable in the databases, there was less than 100% adherence to recommended testing, and there were significant disparities in multiple sociodemographic variables. For example, in NCDB 70% of white versus 60.4% of black patients were tested (odds ratio [OR] 0.75, confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.85, p ≤ 0.0001); in SEER 59.8% of white and 47.6% of black patients were tested (OR 0.73, CI 0.67-0.81; p ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Disparities exist among patients undergoing testing for HPV-associated OPSCC and adherence to guideline recommended HPV testing has been suboptimal. In addition, the HPV variable definition, especially as it relates to p16 positivity, and use in these two registries should be improved.

Nutritional Support in Head and Neck Radiotherapy Patients Considering HPV Status.

Malnutrition is a common problem in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), including oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). It is caused by insufficient food intake due to dysphagia, odynophagia, and a lack of appetite caused by the tumor. It is also secondary to the oncological treatment of the basic disease, such as radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT), as a consequence of mucositis with the dry mouth, loss of taste, and dysphagia. The severe dysphagia leads to a definitive total impossibility of eating through the mouth in 20-30% of patients. These patients usually require enteral nutritional support. Feeding tubes are a commonly used nutritional intervention during radiotherapy, most frequently percutaneous gastrostomy tube. Recently, a novel HPV-related type of OPC has been described. Patients with HPV-associated OPC are different from the HPV- ones. Typical HPV- OPC is associated with smoking and alcohol abuse. Patients with HPV+ OPC are younger and healthy (without comorbidities) at diagnosis compared to HPV- ones. Patients with OPC are at high nutritional risk, and therefore, they require nutritional support in order to improve the treatment results and quality of life. Some authors noted the high incidence of critical weight loss (CWL) in patients with HPV-related OPC. Other authors have observed the increased acute toxicities during oncological treatment in HPV+ OPC patients compared to HPV- ones. The aim of this paper is to review and discuss the indications for nutritional support and the kinds of nutrition, including immunonutrition (IN), in HNC, particularly OPC patients, undergoing RT/CRT, considering HPV status.

Comparative effectiveness trial of transoral head and neck surgery followed by adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy versus primary radiochemotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer (TopROC).

BACKGROUND: For loco-regionally advanced, but transorally resectable oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC), the current standard of care includes surgical resection and risk-adapted adjuvant (chemo) radiotherapy, or definite chemoradiation with or without salvage surgery. While transoral surgery for OPSCC has increased over the last decade for example in the United States due to transoral robotic surgery, this treatment approach has a long history in Germany. In contrast to Anglo-Saxon countries, transoral surgical approaches have been used frequently in Germany to treat patients with oro-, hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer. Transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) has had a long tradition since its introduction in the early 70s. To date, the different therapeutic approaches to transorally resectable OPSCC have not been directly compared to each other in a randomized trial concerning disease control and survival. The goal of this study is to compare initial transoral surgery to definitive chemoradiation for resectable OPSCC, especially with regards to local and regional control. METHODS: TopROC is a prospective, two-arm, open label, multicenter, randomized, and controlled comparative effectiveness study. Eligible patients are ≥18 years old with treatment-naïve, histologically proven OPSCC (T1, N2a-c, M0; T2, N1-2c, M0; T3, N0-2c, M0 UICC vers. 7) which are amenable to transoral resection. Two hundred eighty patients will be randomly assigned (1:1) to surgical treatment (arm A) or chemoradiation (arm B). Standard of care treatment will be performed according to daily routine practice. Arm A consists of transoral surgical resection with neck dissection followed by risk-adapted adjuvant therapy. Patients treated in arm B receive standard chemoradiation, residual tumor may be subject to salvage surgery. Follow-up visits for 3 years are planned. Primary endpoint is time to local or locoregional failure (LRF). Secondary endpoints include overall and disease free survival, toxicity, and patient reported outcomes. Approximately 20 centers will be involved in Germany. This trial is supported by the German Cancer Aid and accompanied by a scientific support program. DISCUSSION: This study will shed light on an urgently-needed randomized comparison of the strategy of primary chemoradiation vs. primary surgical approach. As a comparative effectiveness trial, it is designed to provide data based on two established regimens in daily clinical routine. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03691441 Registered 1 October 2018 - Retrospectively registered.

Return to Work in Survivors of Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: An Australian Experience.

PURPOSE: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) commonly affects people of working age, yet there is limited data regarding the return-to-work experience in this cohort. This study aimed to investigate the proportion of survivors currently working after completion of radiation therapy and to explore potential facilitators and barriers to working after treatment. METHODS: A cross-sectional, single-institutional study was undertaken at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, a comprehensive cancer center in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Eligible participants were 18 to 65 years old at diagnosis, were employed at or within the 3 months before diagnosis, and had completed curative treatment for HPV-associated OPC ≥4 months before enrollment. Participants completed a paper-based survey to assess baseline demographics, employment status, and quality of life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Head and Neck). Open-ended questions explored factors affecting return to work. Associations between current employment status and various disease, treatment, and demographic variables and with QOL were examined. Free-text items were analyzed by summarizing content analysis. RESULTS: Of 93 participants approached, 68 responded (73.1%). Mean age was 54.1 years (range, 39-64 years), and 89.7% were male. Most participants (67.6%) had stage II disease and were treated with chemoradiation (85.3%). Mean time after treatment was 2.6 years (range, 0.3-9.1 years). Fifty-eight of 68 participants (85.3%) were working at enrollment; median time to return to work was 6.0 months (interquartile range, 4-10 months); 45 (77.6%) were in the same role and 35 (60.3%) worked the same number of hours. Ten participants were not working, 3 had retired, 5 reported persistent and significant treatment toxicity preventing employment. Survivors currently working reported higher physical, functional, and global QOL scores. Access to leave and support from treating doctors were facilitators for return to work, whereas fatigue was frequently reported as a barrier to returning to work. CONCLUSION: With time, the majority of participants with HPV-associated OPC will return to work after radiation therapy. Attention to symptom management and support from the workplace may enable more successful return to work.

Disparities in adherence to head and neck cancer follow-up guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aim to determine the frequency of adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network follow-up guidelines in a population of head and neck cancer patients who received curative treatment. We will also assess the impact of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and treatment setting on utilization of follow-up care. METHODS: This study included patients with biopsy-proven, nonmetastatic oropharyngeal or laryngeal cancer treated with radiotherapy between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2016, at a safety-net hospital or adjacent private academic hospital. Components of follow-up care analyzed included an appointment with a surgeon or radiation oncologist within 3 months and posttreatment imaging of the primary site within 6 months. Univariable and multivariable analyses were conducted using a logistic regression model to estimate odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty-four patients were included in this study. Of those, 88.8% received posttreatment imaging of the primary site within 6 months; 88.5% attended a follow-up appointment with a radiation oncologist within 3 months; and 71.1% of patients attended a follow-up appointment with a surgeon within 3 months. On multivariable analysis, private academic hospital treatment versus safety-net hospital treatment was associated with increased utilization of both surgical and radiation oncology follow-up. Non-Hispanic black (NHB) patients, Hispanic patients, and those with a low socioeconomic status were also less likely to receive follow-up. CONCLUSION: Safety-net hospital treatment, socioeconomic status, Hispanic ethnicity, and NHB race were associated with decreased follow-up service utilization. Quality improvement initiatives are needed to reduce these disparities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b Laryngoscope, 129:2303-2308, 2019.

Use of erbium laser in the treatment of persistent post-radiotherapy laryngeal edema: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Post-radiotherapy laryngeal edema may affect the patients' quality of life, leading to repeated treatment attempts, which include massage/physical therapy, inhalations, and/or tracheostomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the surgical treatment approach of a 69-year-old patient with severe persistent post-radiotherapy laryngeal edema. After multiple inpatient admissions and failed conservative therapy, we used the erbium laser to treat the arytenoid edema. After repeated procedures, no complications were observed. The patient remained free of symptoms after 30 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The authors provide an easy-to-perform, safe, and quick surgical technique without non-severe or severe complications. Using this technique repeatedly, complications from excessive thermal damage with CO2 laser or unpleasant solutions such as tracheostomy can be avoided.

Survival benefit of post-operative chemotherapy for intermediate-risk advanced stage head and neck cancer differs with patient age.

OBJECTIVES: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines state that surgical patients with advanced-stage head and neck cancer (HNC) and risk factors other than extranodal extension (ENE) or positive margins should consider post-operative chemoradiation (POCRT). The goal of our study was to determine if POCRT is associated with overall survival (OS) compared with post-operative radiation therapy (PORT) and whether this varies with patient age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 5319 adult patients with stage III-IV HNC who received primary surgical treatment with POCRT or PORT in the National Cancer Database (2010-2013). Patients with distant metastases, ENE, and positive margins were excluded. Intermediate risk features included pT3-T4, pN2-N3 disease, and lymphovascular invasion. Our main outcome was overall survival (OS). Statistical analysis included chi-squared tests and Cox proportional hazards regressions. RESULTS: On multivariable analysis for non-oropharyngeal cancer patients <70 years, POCRT was associated with improved OS for T1-4N2-3 disease (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.58-0.93) but was not associated with OS for T3-4N0-1 disease (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.71-1.19). For patients ≥70 years, POCRT was not associated with improved OS for patients with T1-4N2-3 disease (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.79-1.86) or T3-4N0-1 disease (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.71-1.65). For oropharyngeal cancer patients with HPV-positive disease, POCRT was associated with decreased OS (HR, 9.52; 95% CI, 2.38-38.08). CONCLUSION: Chemoradiation may offer a survival benefit for non-oropharyngeal intermediate-risk advanced-stage HNC patients <70 years of age with T1-4N2-3 disease, but may not benefit those ≥70 years of age or those with T3-4N0-1 disease.

Development and evaluation of a holistic surgical head and neck cancer post-treatment follow-up clinic using touchscreen technology-Feasibility study.

The efficacy of traditional follow-up care is being challenged, as cancer survivors' supportive and psychological needs are often neither identified, nor addressed. This study's aim was to develop a holistic surgical follow-up clinic for oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients were participants completed a disease-specific health-related quality of life tool (UWQOLv4) and item prompt list (Patient Concern Inventory) on a touchscreen computer. Information generated was used to focus the consultation on patient's identified needs and concerns. By means of a prospective non-randomised, pre-test post-test design, this follow-up clinic was evaluated using the patient enablement instrument (PEI) and patient content checklist (PCC). Feasibility was explored from the patient perspective (satisfaction survey) and clinician perspective (qualitative interview). Forty-four consecutive patients were recruited. Findings demonstrating five of the eight topics (overall QOL, emotions, head and neck symptoms, side-effects of treatment, chronic non-specific) on PCC were discussed more frequently, but changes were not statistically significant. The PEI highlighted a trend towards perceived improvement in four of the six items. Using touchscreen computers to aid communication during routine follow-up was reported as both feasible and beneficial by patients and clinicians. Providing a patient-focused follow-up consultation can facilitate the identification of unmet needs, permitting timely and appropriate intervention being initiated.

The Patient Concerns Inventory integrated as part of routine head and neck cancer follow-up consultations: frequency, case-mix, and items initiated by the patient.

Introduction The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance Improving Supportive and Palliative Care for Adults with Cancer (2004) and the Cancer Reform Strategy (2007) support the premise that assessment and discussion of patients' needs for physical, social, psychological, and spiritual wellbeing should be undertaken during oncology follow-up. We report the use of the Patient Concerns Inventory in a routine head and neck cancer clinic setting over a seven-year period, summarising the number of available clinics, the number of patients completing the inventory within a clinic, the range of clinical characteristics and the concerns they wanted to discuss. Methods The data were analysed from oncology follow-up clinics between 1 August 2007 and 10 December 2014. Audit approval was given by the Clinical Audit Department, University Hospital Aintree. Results There were 386 patients with 1198 inventories completed at 220 clinics, median 6 (range 4-7) per clinic. The most common concerns raised by patients across all the clinic consultations were dry mouth (34%), fear of recurrence (33%), sore mouth (26%), dental health (25%), chewing (22%) and fatigue/tiredness (21%). Conclusions The incorporation of the Patient Concerns Inventory as part of routine oncology clinics allows for a more patient initiated and focused consultation available to the majority of patients throughout their follow-up. The inventory allows for greater opportunity to provide holistic targeted multiprofessional intervention and support.

Variation in use of postoperative chemoradiation following surgery for T1 and T2 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma; National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Primary surgical treatment of patients with early T-classification (T1-T2) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased. We sought to determine how often these patients receive postoperative chemoradiation (CRT). METHODS: Patients with T1-T2 OPSCC in the National Cancer Database who underwent primary surgery were evaluated for receipt of postoperative CRT. Postoperative CRT use was examined among patients with high risk factors (positive margins and/or extracapsular spread [ECS]), intermediate risk factors (negative margins, no ECS, and either pT3-4 and/or N2-N3), and no apparent risk factors. RESULTS: Of 4833 patients with T1-T2 OPSCC who underwent primary surgery, 43% had high risk pathologic factors, of whom only 63% received postoperative CRT. Another 31% had no apparent risk factors, of whom 16% nonetheless received postoperative CRT. On multivariable analysis, in addition to tumor and demographic factors, patients treated at community hospitals were more likely to receive postoperative CRT (O.R. 1.41 C.I. 1.18-1.87, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Variation in postoperative CRT use indicates a lack of consensus and/or knowledge about its benefits and indications. Usage of postoperative CRT regardless of pathologic risk factors suggests an area where future efforts at implementation of best practices may be targeted.

Hyperbaric Oxygen as Radiation Sensitizer for Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx: A Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Study.

PURPOSE: To explore, in a dose-escalation study, the feasibility of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatments immediately before intensity modulated radiation therapy in conjunction with cisplatinum chemotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eligible patients presented with SCCHN (stage III-IV [M0]), life expectancy >6 months, and Karnofsky performance status ≥70. Enrollees received intensity modulated radiation therapy, 70 Gy in 35 fractions over 7 weeks with weekly cisplatinum. Patients received HBO-100% oxygen, 2.4 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 30 minutes-twice per week initially. Subsequent patients were escalated to 3 and then 5 times per week. Intensity modulated radiation therapy began within 15 minutes after HBO. Patients were followed for 2 years after RT with quality-of-life questionnaires (Performance Status Scale-Head and Neck Cancer and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck Cancer) and for 5+ years for local recurrence, distant metastases, disease-specific survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: Twelve subjects enrolled from 3 centers. Two withdrew during radiation therapy and 1 within 14 weeks after radiation therapy. The remaining 9 had primary oropharyngeal disease and were stage IVA (7) or IVB (2). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed with daily HBO. Two patients (22%) required pressure equalization tubes. The average time between HBO and radiation therapy was 8.5 minutes, with 2 of 231 administrations delivered beyond 15 minutes (0.5%). Per-protocol analysis showed a clinical complete response in 7 and a pathologic complete response without tumor in salvage neck dissections in 2. With minimum follow-up of 61 months, per-protocol 5-year overall survival was 100%, local recurrence 0%, and distant metastases 11%. Patient-reported outcomes for quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck Cancer) were comparable to published results for chemoradiotherapy without HBO. CONCLUSIONS: While acknowledging the study's small size and early attrition of 3 patients, our in-depth review of the acquired data indicates the feasibility of combining HBO with chemoradiation.

Minimally invasive surgery versus radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy for small-volume primary oropharyngeal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: More than 400,000 cases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are diagnosed each year worldwide and the incidence is rising, partly as a result of human papillomavirus. Human papillomavirus-associated OPSCC affects younger patients and often presents at a higher stage; however, it is associated with a better prognosis.Until recently, first-line management of OPSCC involved chemoradiotherapy, as research had demonstrated comparable survival outcomes when compared with open surgery, with significantly decreased morbidity. However, interventions have now evolved with computerised planning and intensity-modulated radiotherapy, and the advent of endoscopic head and neck surgery, which provide the potential for decreased treatment-associated morbidity.The oropharynx plays an essential role in swallowing, speech and protecting the airway as it is situated at the bifurcation of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Treatment modality recommendations are based on survival outcomes. Given the younger patient demographic, establishing the safety of modalities that potentially have better functional outcome is becoming increasingly important. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of endoscopic head and neck surgery (transoral robotic surgery or transoral laser microsurgery) for small-volume, primary (T1-2, N0-2) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in comparison to radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the ENT Trials Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 10); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 8 November 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials in patients with carcinoma in the oropharynx subsite (as defined by the World Health Organization classification C09, C10). Cancers included were primary squamous cell carcinomas arising from the oropharyngeal mucosa. The tumours were classified as T1-T2 with or without nodal disease and with no evidence of distant metastatic spread. The intervention was transoral, minimally invasive surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The comparator was primary radiotherapy with or without induction or concurrent chemotherapy for the tumour. The treatments received and compared were of curative intent and patients had not undergone prior intervention, other than diagnostic biopsy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were overall survival (disease-related mortality was to be studied where possible), locoregional control, disease-free survival and progression-free survival or time to recurrence. All outcomes were to be measured at two, three and five years after diagnosis. Our secondary outcomes included quality of life, harms associated with treatment, patient satisfaction and xerostomia score. MAIN RESULTS: No completed studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Two ongoing trials fulfilled the selection criteria, however neither are complete.'Early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: radiotherapy versus trans-oral robotic surgery (ORATOR)' is a phase II randomised controlled trial comparing primary radiation therapy with primary transoral robotic surgery for small-volume primary (T1-2, N0-2) OPSCC. It is currently in progress with an estimated completion date of June 2021.'European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 1420 (EORTC 1420-HNCG-ROG)' is a phase III, randomised study assessing the "best of" radiotherapy compared to transoral robotic surgery/transoral laser microsurgery in patients with T1-T2, N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and base of tongue. It was due to start accrual mid-2016. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The role of endoscopic head and neck surgery in the management of OPSCC is clearly expanding as evidenced by its more overt incorporation into the current National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Data are mounting regarding its outcomes both in terms of survival and lower morbidity. As confidence increases, it is being used in the management of more advanced OPSCC.Based on this review, there is currently no high-quality evidence from randomised controlled trials regarding clinical outcomes for patients with oropharyngeal cancer receiving endoscopic head and neck surgery compared with primary chemoradiotherapy.

Pain management during radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy in oropharyngeal cancer patients: single-institution experience.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Radiotherapy (RT) is a radical therapeutic option for patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). It induces an acute postradiation reaction that may cause significant pain. The aim of this study was to analyse pain occurrence and intensity, as well as type and effectiveness of analgesic treatment, in OPC patients undergoing RT or radiochemotherapy (RT-CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data were obtained for 42 OPC patients at clinical stages I-IVA, treated with adjuvant RT or RT-CT or definite RT or RT-CcT at the Comprehensive Cancer Center in Bialystok, Poland. Pain intensity and type of analgesic treatment during the therapy were analysed and compared with the intensity of the radiation-induced acute reaction, assessed weekly according to the Dische score. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (92.9%) patients received analgesic treatment. Analgesic therapy was started in 27 (64.3%) patients with administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or paracetamol, in seven (16.7%) with mild opioids and in five (11.9%) with strong opioids. Strong opioids were used during therapy in 21 (50%) patients. Co-analgesics were administered to six patients. Breakthrough pain was observed in 10 (23.8%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: High incidence of pain during RT and RT-CT calls for increased awareness of the importance of pain monitoring and treatment during RT of OPC patients. The analgesic treatment had to be adjusted individually.

The Growing Epidemic of HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Clinical Review for Primary Care Providers.

While the rate of head and neck cancer has decreased in recent decades, the prevalence of oropharynx cancer has dramatically increased due to human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer. Three of 4 newly diagnosed oropharyngeal carcinomas are HPV-positive, and by 2020 it is projected that the prevalence of this disease will overtake that of HPV-related cervical cancer. Recognized in recent years as a malignant entity distinct from HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is associated with younger age at diagnosis, oral sexual behavior as a primary risk factor, nonspecific presentation, and improved treatment response compared with HPV-negative disease. Early recognition and referral for definitive treatment are paramount in decreasing morbidity and mortality, as well as improving the quality of life of these patients. Primary care providers are in an ideal position to improve patient outcomes through early recognition and referral, as well as coordination of comprehensive care of patients with this potentially devastating disease. Awareness of risk factors, a high index of suspicion, counseling patients and parents on the importance of vaccination against HPV, and coordinated care between primary care providers and specialists are vital to achieving improved outcomes for patients with this increasingly prevalent cancer.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the veteran population: Association with traditional carcinogen exposure and poor clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: A significant fraction of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases is associated with traditional carcinogens; in these patients, treatment response and clinical outcomes remain poor. METHODS: We evaluated patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics for 200 veterans with oropharyngeal SCC treated at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC) between 2000 and 2012. RESULTS: Most patients (77%) were white and heavy smokers. Twenty-seven patients required tracheostomy and 63 required gastrostomy placement during treatment. Overall survival (OS) at 5 years was 40%. Survival was impacted by T classification, treatment intensity, completion of treatment, and p16 tumor status. Almost 30% of patients were unable to complete a treatment regimen consistent with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. CONCLUSION: Oropharyngeal SCC in veterans is associated with traditional carcinogens and poor clinical outcomes. Despite heavy smoking exposure, p16 tumor status significantly impacts survival. Careful consideration must be given to improving treatment paradigms for this cohort given their limited tolerance for treatment escalation.