Impact of preoperative radiotherapy on head and neck free flap reconstruction: a report on 429 cases.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative radiotherapy on the outcomes of head and neck microvascular reconstruction. The secondary objective was to assess the specific effects of irradiation doses (IDs) ≥60 Gy on the outcomes of head and neck microvascular reconstruction. METHODS: All patients who underwent head and neck free-flap reconstruction in our institution between 2000 and 2010 were included in this retrospective study. A total of 429 patients were enrolled including 136 patients previously irradiated on the head and neck. The impact of preoperative radiotherapy on free-flap success, local and general complications, postoperative mortality, time of decannulation, duration of enteral nutrition and length of stay was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, preoperative radiotherapy (irrespective of ID) was a significant risk factor for fistula formation (p = 0.003) and wound infection (p = 0.005). Previous neck irradiation at doses ≥60 Gy was associated with an increased risk of free-flap failure (p = 0.04), overall local complications (p = 0.05), haematoma (p = 0.04) and longer duration of enteral nutrition (p = 0.006) and hospital stay (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiotherapy, particularly for ID ≥ 60 Gy, is one of the main determinants of the outcomes of head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

Clinical and histological prognostic factors in locally advanced oral cavity cancers treated with primary surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to determine the clinical and pathological prognostic factors in locally advanced oral cavity cancers treated by primary surgery. METHODS: All patients treated by primary surgery with free-flap reconstruction for locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in our institution between 2000 and 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Overall, cause-specific and locoregional disease-free survivals were determined by Kaplan-Meier analyses. Clinical and histological prognostic factors were assessed by univariate (Log Rank tests) and multivariate (Cox models) analyses. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients (102 men and 47 women; mean age=61.3±12.1 years) were included in the study. Five-year overall, cause-specific and locoregional disease-free survivals were 55%, 68% and 71%, respectively. Age, comorbidity and tumour size (histological evaluation) were significantly correlated with overall survival (P<0.05). Age, tumour size, bone invasion and surgical margins were significantly correlated with locoregional disease-free survival (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The main prognostic factors identified in this study were clinical (age and comorbidity) and histological (pathological tumour size, bone invasion and surgical margins).

Prognostic impact of tumour multifocality in thyroid papillary microcarcinoma based on a series of 160 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of tumour multifocality in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: All patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection for PTMC in our institution between 1990 and 2007 were included in this retrospective study. Statistical correlations between tumour multifocality and various clinical or pathological prognostic parameters were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 160 patients (133 women and 27 men; mean age: 47.8±13.7 years) were included in this study. Tumour multifocality was demonstrated in 59 (37%) patients. Central neck metastatic lymph node involvement was identified in 46 (28%) patients. No statistical correlation was demonstrated between tumour multifocality and the following factors: age, gender, tumour size, extension beyond the thyroid, metastatic central neck lymph node involvement and risk of recurrence. A tumour diameter greater than 5mm was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (P=0.008). CONCLUSION: Tumour multifocality does not appear to have a prognostic impact in PTMC.

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma: report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE: The present study describes the clinical, radiological and histological features of laryngeal chondrosarcoma, on the basis of two clinical cases, and discusses management. CASE STUDIES: Two male patients, aged 63 and 51 years, presented with low-grade chondrosarcoma revealed respectively by a mass in the lateral neck and by laryngeal dyspnea. CT showed a tumoral process with calcification, developed from the thyroid and cricoid cartilage, respectively. The first patient underwent partial and the second total laryngectomy. DISCUSSION: Chondrosarcoma is diagnosed on the basis of combined clinical, radiological and histological signs. Differential diagnosis with chondroma may be difficult, especially in grade-1 chondrosarcoma. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor. Management is basically surgical. Prognosis is generally good, depending essentially on histologic grade.

Head and neck free-flap reconstruction in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of free-flap head and neck reconstruction in the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients who underwent free-flap head and neck reconstruction in our institution between 2000 and 2010 were included in this retrospective study. In all, 418 patients (301 men and 117 women) were enrolled, including 95 patients aged 70 years or older (mean age=60.2±11.6 years). The impact of age on free-flap failure and local and general complication rates was assessed on univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Advanced age had no impact on free-flap failure and local complications rate but was correlated with a higher risk of general complications (multivariate analysis: P=0.007). A high level of comorbidity also had a significant impact on the general complications rate (multivariate analysis: P=0.001). Patients who underwent circular total pharyngolaryngectomy showed elevated risk of free-flap failure (P=0.005) and local complications (P=0.001) on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Free-flap reconstruction of the head and neck is safe and reliable in the elderly. Nevertheless, meticulous patient selection, mainly based on the level of comorbidity, is necessary.

[Free-flap head and neck reconstruction failures: predictive factors and management]. / Les échecs de la chirurgie reconstructrice cervicofaciale par lambeaux libres : facteurs favorisants et prise en charge.

BACKGROUND: Failure after head and neck reconstruction using free flap are rare but their management remains a challenging problem. The purpose of this study was to analyze the causes and the subsequent treatment of free-flap failure in head and neck reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who had undergone free flap transfer between 2000 and 2007 was performed in our center. Data were collected from computerized medical record to determine patient and tumor characteristics, as well as their treatment. Moreover, a univariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with free flap failure. RESULTS: Three hundred and twelve patients had a free flap transfer after head and neck cancer resection. A total of 22 failures (7%) were encountered. Previous surgery for head and neck cancer (p=0.02), surgery after cancer recurrence (p=0.02) and reconstructions after circular pharyngolaryngectomy (p=0.008) were significantly associated with free-flap failure. A second free-flap was performed in 12 patients and the overall success rate of the repeated free flap was 92 percent (11 of 12 patients). CONCLUSION: After a free flap failure, surgeons should determine subsequent treatments after a reconsideration of the need of a second free flap, an analysis of the cause of the first flap failure and an evaluation of local and general conditions. In selected patients, second free flap has a high success rate.

[Total pharyngolaryngectomy in the 21st century: indications, oncologic and functional outcomes]. / Les pharyngo-laryngectomies totales au 21ème siècle : indications, résultats carcinologiques et fonctionnels.

INTRODUCTION: The development of laryngeal preservation protocols has considerably modified the indications for total (pharyngo-)laryngectomy (TPL). The objectives of our study are to analyze the current indications for TPL and to evaluate the oncologic and functional outcomes after TPL and their predictive factors. METHODS: All patients who underwent TPL for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx, at our institution, between 2000 and 2009, were included in this retrospective study. Predictive factors of oncologic and functional outcomes were assessed in univariate and multivariate analyzes. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were enrolled in our study including 119 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 65.9 years. TPL was realized for salvage in 65 patients. Extra-laryngeal tumor extension (n = 42) was the main indication for TPL in the 65 remaining patients. Overall survival was 49 and 41% at 3 and 5 years respectively. In multivariate analysis, primary tumor site (hypopharynx in comparison to larynx; p = 0.04) has a significant pejorative impact on overall survival. Oral alimentation (no enteral nutrition) was recovered successfully by 94% of the patients. In multivariate analysis, primary tumor site (hypopharynx) has a significant pejorative impact on functional results (deglutition: p < 0.0001; phonation: p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Primary tumor site is one of the main predictive factor of oncologic and functional outcomes after TPL.

[Transoral and cervical approach without mandibulotomy for oropharynx cancer with fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap reconstruction]. / Voie d'abord transorale et cervicale sans mandibulotomie dans les cancers de l'oropharynx avec réparation par lambeau libre fasciocutané antébrachial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of a combined transoral and cervical approach without mandibulotomy for surgery of oropharyngeal cancer with fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients who underwent this type of surgery between 2003 and 2007 were included in this retrospective study. We analyzed postoperative outcomes, surgical margins (histological study) and the oncological and functional results. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were included in this study. There was no free flap failure. Surgical margins were negative for 23 of the 24 patients. At 3 years, overall, cause-specific, and disease-free survival rates were 73, 76 and 68%, respectively. A good functional result (normal or slightly impaired function) was obtained for oral diet, speech, mouth opening and esthetic outcome in 78, 82, 92 and 86% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: This double surgical approach without mandibulotomy in selective cases can replace the transmandibular approach in locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer surgery.

[Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas: review of 230 cases]. / Les microcarcinomes papillaires de la glande tyroïde: à propos de 230 cas.

OBJECTIVES: Papillary microcarcinoma (PMC) is one of the most frequent pathological forms of thyroid cancer Here, we describe the circumstances of diagnosis and the clinical and pathological characteristics of this tumour We also analyze the therapeutic management and compare it with the recent published guidelines. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2006, a total of 230 patients with a PMC of the thyroid gland were included in this retrospective study. We have investigated the correlations between some pathological parameters (plurifocality, lymph node invasion...) and several factors (age, gender, tumour size...). RESULTS: The diagnosis of PMC was suspected in the preoperative period in 15% of the patients, and was confirmed intraoperatively by the pathologist in 42% of the cases. Plurifocal or bilateral PMC were discovered in respectively 30 and 17% of the patients. The rate of lymph node invasion in the central neck (level VI) was 26%. An elevated tumor size was correlated with a higher rate of plurifocal or bilateral PMC and of lymph node metastasis (p < 0.05). The indications for postoperative radioiodine therapy were reduced by approxiately 50% in the second part of our study. There were no case of thyroid PMC-related death. CONCLUSIONS: Even for these small tumours, tumour size remains correlated with the tumour aggressiveness. The place of radioiodine therapy in the management of thyroid PMC was progressively reduced because of the good prognosis of this tumour.

[Ameloblastomas]. / Les améloblastomes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to report on the clinical, radiological and histological characteristics of ameloblastomas concerning bone structures of the face, rare but not exceptional tumours, and to communicate our experience of their treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors reexamined six recent cases of patients presenting with ameloblastoma at the centre Antoine Lacassagne in Nice. The diagnostic context, the treatment and the development of the disease are given in detail, emphasizing the frequency of local relapse of this histologically benign condition. RESULTS: The study of these cases confirmed the benefit of surgical treatment of ameloblastoma. The frequency of local relapse in the cases of close resection, leaving in place micro-foci, justifies enlarged intervention, which is often bone destructive. CONCLUSION: When the continuity of the bone is interrupted, in particular at the level of the mandible, and if the general condition of the patient permits, repair is preferable. In this situation, the procedure of choice is micro-anastomosis of the fibula.

[Head and neck reconstructive surgery with free flaps and quality of life: a prospective study]. / Chirurgie reconstructive cervico-faciale par lambeaux libres et qualité de vie: étude prospective sur 1 an.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate functional results and quality of life after head and neck reconstructive surgery with free flaps. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients who have beneficed of head and neck reconstructive procedures with free flaps during the year 2004 were included in this study. EORTC quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30/H&N35) was used before and 6 months after surgery. A head and neck functional evaluation was realized 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Thirty four patients were examinate 6 months after surgery. Global quality of life remained at its preoperative level (61.3% VS 62.8%). Physical, role and social functioning decreased significantly (p = 0.05), but emotional and cognitive functioning remained stable. Pain decreased considerably after treatment in the head and neck area (p = 0.001). Oral (eating: p = 0.05, speaking: p = 0.008) and sensorial functions (p = 0.001) decreased after treatment. All patients except one have recovered sufficient oral intakes, an intelligible speech and a good cosmetic result. CONCLUSION: Functional and cosmetic results after head and neck reconstructive surgery are the key factors of quality of life. Free flaps are considered actually as an indispensable technique to achieve an optimal reconstruction.

[Oropharyngeal reconstruction with radial forearm free flap: functional results]. / Les reconstructions buccopharyngées par lambeau libre antebrachial: résultats fonctionnels.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate functional results of oral and oropharyngeal reconstructions with radial forearm free flap. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present our experience with radial forearm free flap for reconstructing oral and oropharyngeal defect between 2000 and 2004. A total of 96 patients were included in this study. We analysed functional results (alimentation, elocution, mouth opening and cosmetic appearance) and researched the potentialy predictive factors of these results (age, comorbidity, preoperative irradiation...; Chi 2 test). RESULTS: The rate of free flap success was 97.9%. Good functional results (normal or quasi normal function) were obtained for alimentation, elocution, mouth opening and cosmetic appearance in respectively 92.6%, 64.9%, 81.9% and 84.1% of cases. Age (p = 0.05), preoperative irradiation (p = 0.005) and T stage (p = 0,02) had a negative effect on elocution, free flap failure on mouth opening (p = 0.03), preoperative irradiation (p = 0.05) and free flap failure (p = 0,02) on cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSION: Radial forearm free flap is considered as the flap of choice for oral and oropharyngeal reconstructions and allows excellent functional results.

[Mandibular reconstruction with osseous free flaps: functional results]. / La reconstruction mandibulaire par lambeaux libres osseux: résultats fonctionnels.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate functional results of oromandibular reconstruction with osseous free flaps. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 67 patients who underwent oromandibular reconstruction with fibula (n=60) or scapular (n=7) free flap between 2000 and 2004 were included in this study. We analysed functional results (alimentation, elocution, mouth opening and cosmetic appearance) and researched the potentially predictive factors of these results (age, comorbidity, preoperative irradiation, type of defect...; Chi(2) test). RESULTS: The rate of free flap success was 89.6%. A functional result considered as normal or subnormal was obtained by more than 50% of patients. Oral alimentation (without tube feeding) and intelligible speech were recovered by 92.5% of patients. Through and through defects and free flap failures were determinant predictive factors of worse functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Fibula free flap is considered as the flap of choice for oromandibular reconstruction and allows excellent functional results.

[Fibula free flap for reconstruction of extensive mandibular osteoradionecrosis]. / Lambeau libre de fibula pour la reconstruction des ostéoradionécroses mandibulaires évoluées.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of mandibular osteoradionecrosis is always a therapeutic challenge. The aim of this article is to evaluate the interest of fibula free flap for mandible reconstruction after radical excision of osteoradionecrotic lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six consecutives cases of extensive osteoradionecrosis of the mandible were treated with fibula free flap reconstruction. We report a meticulous analysis of the cosmetic and functional results. RESULTS: All vascularized fibula osteocutaneous flaps transplanted were successful. Median hospital stay was 32 days. At 6 months, functional results (swallowing, mouth opening and speech) were good. All patients had sufficient oral intake and a comprehensible speech with just two patients requiring a soft diet and 1 patient retaining a moderate trismus. DISCUSSION: Extensive mandibular osteoradionecrosis requires a radical surgical treatment. Fibula free flap is the best solution for mandible reconstruction in this situation. This technique allows good functional results. CONCLUSION: Fibula free flap is the method of choice for mandible reconstruction after radical treatment of osteoradionecrosis.

Analysis of the dinucleotide repeat polymorphism in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in head and neck cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in head and neck cancer. The first intron of EGFR gene is polymorphic (9-23 CA repeats) and transcription declines when the number of repeats increases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: EGFR polymorphism (fluorescent genotyping) and expression (ligand-binding assay) were analyzed in tumors and normal tissues from 112 patients (100 men, 12 women; mean age 60 years). RESULTS: The number of CA repeats varied from 15 to 22. Allelic distribution was trimodal (predominance of 16, 20 and 18 CA repeats). EGFR concentrations were significantly higher (P=0.02) in homozygous tumors as compared with heterozygous. Considering homozygous tumors, or classifying genotypes as short/long/intermediary (two alleles <17 versus two alleles > or =17 versus others), no relationship was observed between tumoral EGFR genotype and expression. In the 76 tumors exhibiting at least one 16-CA allele, the length of the remaining allele was inversely correlated to EGFR expression (P=0.047). Tumoral EGFR expression, performance status (WHO criteria) and node involvement were independent predictors of specific survival (P <0.01). Tumoral or normal tissue EGFR genotype did not influence survival. CONCLUSIONS: Intron 1 EGFR polymorphism may be implicated in the regulation of EGFR expression in head and neck tumors.

[The supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy. Carcinological and functional results. 23 cases report of the Centre A. Lacassagne (Nice)]. / La laryngectomie partielle supra cricoïdienne avec crico-hyoidopexie. Résultats fonctionnels et carcinologiques. A propos de 23 cas du Centre A. Lacassagne (Nice).

OBJECTIVE: This study is to estimate the survival results, the morbidity and the functional consequences of the supracricoid laryngectomy with cricohyoïdopexy (SL-CHP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1990 and 2001, 23 patients had a SL-CHP in Centre Antoine Lacassagne of Nice. The average age was of 59 years. Patients were classified as follow: 1 T1, 11 T2, 10 T3 and 1 T4 (invasion of the thyroid cartilage without involving of anterior soft tissues). 17 patients were NO (73.9%). A bilateral radical neck dissection was performed in 10 cases, a radical neck dissection was associated to a functional neck dissection (1 case) and a homolateral functional neck dissection (10 cases). RESULTS: The limits were insufficient for a patient. Six patients were N+ (28.5%) of which 4 N+R+. The average delay was 21 days and 32.7 days to remove respectively the tracheotomy and the nasogastric tube. A functional total laryngectomy was done in two cases. We noted two cases of local recurrence. Survivals according to the method of Kaplan-Meier are 81% in 3 years and 75% in 5 years. CONCLUSION: The SL-CHP represents an alternative to the total laryngectomy for the supraglottic and transglottic carcinomas.

Liver metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: radiological and biological features.

BACKGROUND: Liver metastases from head and neck cancer are rare (4.4%) and associated with a poor prognosis (median survival 4 months). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the radiological and biological features of liver metastases from head and neck (H and N) squamous cell carcinomas in 24 patients among 550 recurrent H and N cancer patients in our data bank. RESULTS: At first presentation of liver nodules, liver enzyme levels (LEL) were found to be abnormal in 46% of patients (n = 11). Ultrasound features included miscellaneous presentations such as hypoechogenic (n = 21), hyperechogenic hemangioma-like lesions (n = 2), owl's eye (n = 2) or cyst-like liver nodules (n = 3). Hepatomegaly was present in 48% of the cases without any sign of portal hypertension and without any ascites. 1 month before death, all patients presented with abnormal LEL. Liver imaging showed an increase of 1.8x in size and of 2x in number of the tumor nodules. Hepatomegaly was present in 54%. Little ascites appeared in 2 cases, with no evidence of portal hypertension or liver insufficiency. Median disease-free interval and overall survival from recurrence were 10.8 and 4 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound is convenient, cheap, without any side effect, and can provide additional information about liver metastases in H and N cancer patients. In patients with a history of H and N carcinoma ultrasound should be used to screen for isolated hepatic nodules even in the presence of normal liver function and if LDH elevation should be the only biological sign of alert.

[2003 update of Standards, Options and Recommandations for radiotherapy for patients with salivary gland malignant tumors (excluding lymphona, sarcoma and melanoma)]. / Standards, Options et Recommandations 2003 pour la radiothérapie des patients atteints de tumeurs malignes des glandes salivaires (lymphomes, sarcomes et mélanomes exclus), mise à jour.

CONTEXT: The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, which started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of French Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French Regional Cancer Centers. and specialists from French public universities,general hospitals and private clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: To update clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with salivary gland malignant tumors previously validated in 1997. These recommendations cover diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with these tumors. METHODS: The methodology is based on a literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts who define the CPGs according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations project. Once the guidelines have been defined, the document is submitted for review by independent reviewers. RESULTS: This article presents the updated clinical practice guidelines concerning irradiation of patient with salivary gland tumors. The main recommendations are: 3 dimensional conformal radiotherapy (with or without intensity modulation) or 2D irradiation can be used; for surgical complete resected patients, postoperative photon radiotherapy should not be used in case of low grade stage I and 11 tumors(standard, level of evidence B2) but should be used for high grade stage II, II and IV tumors and for low grade stage III and IV tumors(standard, level of evidence B2). Neutron therapy should not be used in all of these cases (standard, level of evidence D); for patients presenting an incomplete macroscopic or microscopic surgical residual disease, postoperative irradiation must be delivered(standard). Neutron or photon therapy can be either delivered (options); for non operable patients neutron or photon therapy can be either delivered (options, level of evidence B2); for unresectable tumors or in case of recurrent neoplasms, exclusive neutron therapy or surgical tumor reduction combined with postoperative photon beam irradiation can be proposed (options, level of evidence C).

[Laryngeal schwannoma: a case report]. / Schwannome du larynx. A propos d'un cas.

OBJECTIVES: The larynx is an unusual localization for schwannoma. We present a case report and review pertinent data in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Laryngeal schwannoma was discovered in a 56-year-old woman who complained of persistent dysphonia. We present the histological findings leading to diagnosis and radiological data together with the therapeutic surgical procedure. RESULTS: There was no postoperative complication and functional outcome was excellent at one year follow-up, demonstrating that conservative surgery is required for this type of disease. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide essential data on the spread of this benign submucosal tumor for optimal resection. Conservative surgery provides excellent results.