Sinonasal adenocarcinomas: Retrospective analysis from an oncology center.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sinonasal adenocarcinomas are rare and heterogeneous tumors and for this reason remain understudied. Our purpose is to analyze clinical presentation, outcomes and factors affecting survival of patients with sinonasal adenocarcinomas, treated at our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records of patients with sinonasal adenocarcinoma, treated at a tertiary oncology institution (January 2010 to December 2019). RESULTS: Sixty patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma were included, with male preponderance (54.90%) and a mean age of 57.5±14.9 years. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent type of sinonasal cancer, contrary to previous reports from our institution. In most patients, it was detected at an advanced disease stage, significantly decreasing their survival rate when compared to patients diagnosed at initial stages (p<0.029). Intestinal type adenocarcinoma was established in 47 patients, the most frequent being the colonic subtype (24%). Tumors with good/moderate histologic differentiation presented a survival advantage over those that were poorly differentiated (p=0.043). The most common treatment modality was surgery followed by radiotherapy. Endoscopic resection was performed in 53% of the patients and an external approach was used in 40% of the patients. Estimated overall survival rates at 3 and 5-years were 64% and 53%, respectively, and cancer specific survival 72% and 65%, for the same period. Recurrence rate was 32% and occurred mainly locally. Disease Free Survival rate was 71% at 3 years and 65% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being the most common sinonasal malignancy in our sample, in contrast to other series, sinonasal adenocarcinomas are still rare tumors with a substantial local failure rate of around 30%. Advanced stage at diagnosis and histologic differentiation grade negatively affected prognosis of these tumors.

Sinonasal adenocarcinomas: Retrospective analysis from an oncology center

Introduction and objectives: Sinonasal adenocarcinomas are rare and heterogeneous tumors and for this reason remain understudied. Our purpose is to analyze clinical presentation, outcomes and factors affecting survival of patients with sinonasal adenocarcinomas, treated at our institution.Material and methodsRetrospective review of clinical records of patients with sinonasal adenocarcinoma, treated at a tertiary oncology institution (January 2010 to December 2019).ResultsSixty patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma were included, with male preponderance (54.90%) and a mean age of 57.5±14.9 years. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent type of sinonasal cancer, contrary to previous reports from our institution. In most patients, it was detected at an advanced disease stage, significantly decreasing their survival rate when compared to patients diagnosed at initial stages (p<0.029). Intestinal type adenocarcinoma was established in 47 patients, the most frequent being the colonic subtype (24%). Tumors with good/moderate histologic differentiation presented a survival advantage over those that were poorly differentiated (p=0.043). The most common treatment modality was surgery followed by radiotherapy. Endoscopic resection was performed in 53% of the patients and an external approach was used in 40% of the patients. Estimated overall survival rates at 3 and 5-years were 64% and 53%, respectively, and cancer specific survival 72% and 65%, for the same period. Recurrence rate was 32% and occurred mainly locally. Disease Free Survival rate was 71% at 3 years and 65% at 5 years.ConclusionsDespite being the most common sinonasal malignancy in our sample, in contrast to other series, sinonasal adenocarcinomas are still rare tumors with a substantial local failure rate of around 30%. Advanced stage at diagnosis and histologic differentiation grade negatively affected prognosis of these tumors. (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: Los adenocarcinomas sinonasales son tumores raros y heterogéneos y, por esta razón, son poco estudiados. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la presentación clínica, los resultados y los factores que afectan la supervivencia de los pacientes con adenocarcinoma sinonasal tratados en nuestra institución.Material y métodosRevisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los pacientes con adenocarcinoma sinonasal tratados en una institución oncológica terciaria (enero de 2010 a diciembre de 2019).ResultadosSe incluyeron 60 pacientes diagnosticados de adenocarcinoma, con predominio masculino (54,90%) y una edad media de 57,5±14,9años. El adenocarcinoma fue el tipo de tumor sinonasal más frecuente, a diferencia de los informes previos de nuestra institución. En la mayoría de los pacientes se ha diagnosticado en un estadio avanzado de la enfermedad, lo que disminuyó significativamente su tasa de supervivencia en comparación con los pacientes diagnosticados en estadios iniciales (p<0,029). El adenocarcinoma de tipo intestinal se estableció en 47 pacientes, siendo el subtipo colónico el más frecuente (24%). Los tumores con diferenciación histológica buena/moderada presentaron más probabilidad de supervivencia sobre los mal diferenciados (p=0,043). La modalidad de tratamiento más frecuente fue la cirugía, seguida de la radioterapia. La resección endoscópica se realizó en el 53% de los pacientes y el abordaje externo se llevó a cabo en el 40%. Las tasas de supervivencia global estimadas a los 3 y a los 5 años fueron del 64% y del 53%, respectivamente, y la supervivencia específica del cáncer, del 72% y del 65%, para el mismo periodo. La tasa de recurrencia fue del 32% y ha ocurrido principalmente a nivel local. La tasa de supervivencia libre de enfermedad fue del 71% a los 3años y del 65% a los 5 años. (AU)

Optimizing classical risk scores to predict complications in head and neck surgery: a new approach.

PURPOSE: To validate tools to identify patients at risk for perioperative complications to implement prehabilitation programmes in head and neck surgery (H&N). METHODS: Retrospective cohort including 128 patients submitted to H&N, with postoperative Intermediate Care Unit admittance. The accuracy of the risk calculators ASA, P-POSSUM, ACS-NSQIP and ARISCAT to predict postoperative complications and mortality was assessed. A multivariable analysis was subsequently performed to create a new risk prediction model for serious postoperative complications in our institution. RESULTS: Our 30-day morbidity and mortality were 45.3% and 0.8%, respectively. The ACS-NSQIP failed to predict complications and had an acceptable discrimination ability for predicting death. The discrimination ability of ARISCAT for predicting respiratory complications was acceptable. ASA and P-POSSUM were poor predictors for mortality and morbidity. Our new prediction model included ACS-NSQIP and ARISCAT (area under the curve 0.750, 95% confidence intervals: 0.63-0.87). CONCLUSION: Despite the insufficient value of these risk calculators when analysed individually, we designed a risk tool combining them which better predicts the risk of serious complications.

Infectious complications in head and neck surgery: Porto Oncology Centre retrospective analysis / Complicaciones infecciosas en cirugía de cabeza y cuello: análisis retrospectivo del Instituto de Oncología de Porto

Objective: To analyze the impact of infectious complications and microbiology in the postoperative period after major oncologic neck surgeries. Methods: A retrospective study conducted in an oncology center, including all the consecutive patients who developed infectious complications after major neck cancer surgery, from October 2012 to May 2016 (44 months). Among other data, we collected TNM stage, ASA score, body mass index, comorbidities and habits, pre and postoperative hemoglobin levels, albumin serum levels, pre-surgical treatments, length of inpatient stay, isolated microbiological agents and the recorded complications and mortality rate. Results: In the studied period, 761 major neck surgeries were performed. Of these, 96 patients had complications (12.6%). Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) was the most frequent complication (56%) and nosocomial pneumonia was the most common systemic complication (23%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the principal microorganism of the 26 species isolated (15%). 12 deaths were registered. Using multiple linear regression we concluded that flap/cutaneous necrosis and PCF were complications with statistical significance that prolonged inpatient stay. The same complications had significant relative risk for more than 30 days of hospitalization. Conclusion: The postoperative period is critical for the successful treatment of head and neck oncology patients. PCF and flap/cutaneous necrosis were the principal complications which worsened the outcomes during this critical period. The early recognition and treatment of these complications is crucial

Objetivo: Analizar el impacto de las complicaciones infecciosas en el período posoperatorio de las cirugías oncológicas mayores de cabeza y cuello, y estudio de los agentes microbianos implicados. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo realizado en un instituto oncológico, en pacientes que desarrollaron complicaciones infecciosas después de la cirugía oncológica mayor de cuello, entre octubre de 2012 y mayo de 2016 (44 meses). Entre otros se recogieron el estadio TNM, la puntuación ASA, el índice de masa corporal, las comorbilidades, los hábitos tóxicos, los niveles de hemoglobina pre y postoperatoria, los niveles séricos de albúmina, los tratamientos previos a la cirugía, la duración de la hospitalización y los microorganismos aislados, así como las complicaciones sufridas y la tasa de mortalidad. Resultados: En este período se realizaron 761 cirugías cervicales mayores. De estas, 96 pacientes presentaron complicaciones (12,6%). Las que con mayor frecuencia se registraron fueron la fístula faringocutánea (FFC) (56%) y la neumonía nosocomial (23%). Fueron aislados 26 tipos de microorganismos, siendo la Pseudomonas aeruginosa la más frecuente (15%). Se registraron 12 fallecimientos. Tras el estudio estadístico con regresión lineal múltiple, se detecta que la necrosis cutánea o del colgajo y la FFC fueron las complicaciones con un mayor impacto estadístico en la estancia hospitalaria. Asimismo, fueron los factores que más influyeron en las hospitalizaciones de 30 días o más. Conclusión: Una buena evolución durante el período postoperatorio es fundamental para obtener éxito en el tratamiento de los pacientes oncológicos de cabeza y cuello. La FFC y la necrosis de colgajo o cutánea constituyeron las principales complicaciones con un mayor impacto en los resultados obtenidos. La detección precoz de estas complicaciones, así como su tratamiento, son cruciales

International validation of the revised European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck Cancer Module, the EORTC QLQ-HN43: Phase IV.

BACKGROUND: We validated the new European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-HN43). METHODS: We enrolled 812 patients with head and neck cancer from 18 countries. Group 1 completed the questionnaire before therapy, and 3 and 6 months later. In group 2 (survivors), we determined test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, the scale structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and discriminant validity with known-group comparisons. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 in 10 of the 12 multi-item scales. All standardized factor loadings exceeded 0.40. The ICC was >0.70 in all but two scales. Differences in scale scores between known-groups were >10 points in 17 of the 19 scales. Sensitivity to change was found to be sufficient in 18 scales. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence supports the reliability and validity of the EORTC QLQ-HN43 as a measure of quality of life.

Infectious complications in head and neck surgery: Porto Oncology Centre retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of infectious complications and microbiology in the postoperative period after major oncologic neck surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted in an oncology center, including all the consecutive patients who developed infectious complications after major neck cancer surgery, from October 2012 to May 2016 (44 months). Among other data, we collected TNM stage, ASA score, body mass index, comorbidities and habits, pre and postoperative hemoglobin levels, albumin serum levels, pre-surgical treatments, length of inpatient stay, isolated microbiological agents and the recorded complications and mortality rate. RESULTS: In the studied period, 761 major neck surgeries were performed. Of these, 96 patients had complications (12.6%). Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) was the most frequent complication (56%) and nosocomial pneumonia was the most common systemic complication (23%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the principal microorganism of the 26 species isolated (15%). 12 deaths were registered. Using multiple linear regression we concluded that flap/cutaneous necrosis and PCF were complications with statistical significance that prolonged inpatient stay. The same complications had significant relative risk for more than 30 days of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The postoperative period is critical for the successful treatment of head and neck oncology patients. PCF and flap/cutaneous necrosis were the principal complications which worsened the outcomes during this critical period. The early recognition and treatment of these complications is crucial.

Measuring quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: Update of the EORTC QLQ-H&N Module, Phase III.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to pilot test an updated version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Head and Neck Module (EORTC QLQ-H&N60). METHODS: Patients with head and neck cancer were asked to complete a list of 60 head and neck cancer-specific items comprising the updated EORTC head and neck module and the core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30. Debriefing interviews were conducted to identify any irrelevant items and confusing or upsetting wording. RESULTS: Interviews were performed with 330 patients from 17 countries, representing different head and neck cancer sites and treatments. Forty-one of the 60 items were retained according to the predefined EORTC criteria for module development, for another 2 items the wording was refined, and 17 items were removed. CONCLUSION: The preliminary EORTC QLQ-H&N43 can now be used in academic research. Psychometrics will be tested in a larger field study.

[Causes of death in patients with laryngeal cancer in stages I and II]. / Causas de morte nos doentes com neoplasia da laringe nos estádios I e II.

BACKGROUND: Laryngeal carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in the head and neck region and occurs predominantly inmales. The peak of incidence is between 50 and 70 years of life. The glottis is the most affected topography, but in the Mediterranean countries the supraglottic region assumes a particular preponderance. In the early stages of the disease, the survival rate at 5 years is of about 90% (stage I). The most important risk factors for this tumor are alcohol and tobacco consumption and these patients, probably because of their lifestyle, have several associated comorbidities. OBJECTIVES: To frame the survival rates related to the disease, not disease related and also those arising from other malignancies,allowing to criticize some published data. METHODS: From the analysis of medical records of patients diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in stages I and II, treated from 2000 to 2005, the cause of death in these patients was analysed. RESULTS: A total of 216 clinical records were reviewed. It was observed that the overall survival of patients in the study period was 75%and that 66.7% and 54.5% of the deaths were not related to the disease, respectively, for stages I and II. It was also found that the specific survival rate for stage I was 94.6% and for stage II was 90.3%. CONCLUSION: The results show that most patients' deaths were not related to laryngeal cancer. Thus, the authors emphasize the importance of a careful analysis of statistical data on rates of survival / mortality for cancers of the larynx, especially in the early stages.