Estudo randomizado duplo-cego e placebo controlado do substituto salivar com sistema enzimático para xerostomia em pacientes irradiados em região de cabeça e pescoço / Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of salivary substitute with enzymatic system for xerostomia in patients irradiated in the head and neck region

Xerostomia e/ou hipossalivação é uma das mais frequentes complicações orais em pacientes irradiados em região de cabeça e pescoço, com importante impacto na qualidade de vida ao longo do tempo. O objetivo do estudo, foi avaliar a eficácia do Bioxtra Spray® na redução da intensidade de xerostomia e seu impacto na qualidade de vida em pacientes que foram irradiados em região de cabeça e pescoço pela técnica de Radioterapia de Intensidade Modulada (IMRT) ou Radioterapia Conformada Tridimensional (RTC3D), em um período de 8 a 9 meses após o término do tratamento. Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, duplo cego e placebo controlado, com um total de 40 pacientes alocados no Grupo Placebo (n=19) ou Bioxtra Spray® (n=21). Os pacientes utilizaram ambos os produtos três vezes ao dia durante 30 dias. Para as análises, foram realizadas a avaliação da intensidade da xerostomia, avaliação da taxa de fluxo salivar não estimulada e estimulada através da sialometria e a avaliação da qualidade de vida através do Questionário de Qualidade de Vida da Universidade de Washington, validado em português (QQV-UW) em 2 fases: Fase 1 (antes do uso de ambos os produtos); Fase 2 (após 30 dias de uso dos produtos). Em relação à intensidade da xerostomia, não foram observadas melhoras significativas da queixa de boca seca após 30 dias de uso do Bioxtra Spray®( p>0,05). Analisando os exames de sialometria, foi observado que, após 30 dias de uso, o Grupo Bioxtra Spray® apresentou saliva não estimulada e estimulada significativamente maior quando comparado ao Grupo Placebo (p<0,05). Em relação à qualidade de vida, de maneira geral o Grupo Placebo apresentou melhores escores gerais dos domínios do QQV-UW quando comparados ao Grupo Bioxtra Spray® nas duas fases do estudo (p<0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas em relação ao domínio saliva do QQV-UW entre os grupos nas duas fases do estudo. Interessante observar que os pacientes de ambos os Grupos que foram submetidos à técnica IMRT apresentaram índices tanto na taxa de fluxo salivar quanto na qualidade de vida significativamente melhores em ambas as fases do estudo quando comparados à técnica RTC3D. Por fim, concluímos que o Bioxtra Spray®, na metodologia estudada, não apresentou resultados positivos na lubrificação oral e na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Contudo, estudos em longo prazo que avaliam seu efeito enzimático na proteção dos tecidos orais são recomendados

Xerostomia and/or hyposalivation are common oral complication in patients irradiated in the head and neck region with an important impact on quality of life over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Bioxtra Spray® in reducing xerostomia intensity and its impact on the quality of life of patients who were irradiated in the head and neck region by the Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Three Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy (RTC3D) over a period of 6 months to 1 year after the end of treatment. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed, with a total of 40 patients allocated to the Placebo Arm (n= 19) or Bioxtra Spray® (n = 21). Patients used both products three times a day for 30 days and for the analyzes, the evaluation of xerostomia grade, evaluation of the unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate through sialometry and the evaluation of quality of life through the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, validated in Portuguese (UW-QoL) were performed in 2 phases: Phase 1 (before the use of both products); Phase 2 (after 30 days of using both products). Regarding xerostomia grade, no significant improvement in dry mouth complaints was observed after 30 days of use (p> 0.05). Analyzing the sialometry exams, it was observed that after 30 days of use, the Bioxtra Spray® Group showed unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate significantly higher when compared to the Placebo Arm (p <0.05). Regarding quality of life, in general, the Placebo Arm had better overall scores than in the UW-QoL domains when compared to the Bioxtra Spray® Group in the two phases of the study (p <0.05). No significant differences were observed in relation to the UW-QoL saliva domain between the groups in the two phases of the study. It is interesting to note that patients from both Groups who underwent the IMRT technique showed significantly better rates of salivary flow and quality of life in both phases of the study when compared to the RTC3D technique. In conclusion, we observed that Bioxtra Spray® did not present positive results in oral lubrication and in patients' quality of life. However, studies evaluating its enzymatic effect in protecting oral tissues are recommended

Outcome and toxicity of intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost in patients with pharyngo-laryngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: The present work aims at evaluating intensity-modulated radiation therapy with simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT-SIB) in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) of the larynx and hypopharynx. METHODS/PATIENTS: We performed a single institutional retrospective analysis on 116 pharyngo (29%)-laryngeal (71%) SCC patients (93% male) treated with IMRT-SIB to 66-69.96 Gy in 33 fractions between 2008 and 2016. Those who underwent surgery (54%) received adjuvant radiation of 66 Gy at 2 Gy/fraction to the surgical bed. 16 patients (14%) were treated for a local recurrence after prior surgery. High-risk lymph node regions received 59.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction and low risk regions 54.12 Gy at 1.64 Gy/fraction. The median age was 60 years and 95% of patients had an ECOG performance status 0-2. Most had advanced stage disease (III 22%, IV 74%). Chemotherapy was delivered in 74% of cases. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 32 months. Two and three-year overall survival for all patients was 87% and 82%, respectively. There were 28 (24%) locoregional recurrences and 19 (16%) distant failures. Grade 3 mucositis, dermatitis, and xerostomy were observed in 12%, 10%, and 3%, respectively. A longer IMRT-SIB overall treatment time was associated with a higher risk of mortality (HR 1.09, CI 1.01-1.17, P = 0.02). Postoperative IMRT-SIB associated with a significantly lower risk of any recurrence (HR 0.34, CI 0.18-0.64, P = 0.001) and higher local control (HR 0.06, CI 0.01-0.24, P < 0.01). Additionally, it associated with a lower risk of mucositis (P = 0.029) compared with definitive radio (chemo) therapy. CONCLUSIONS: IMRT-SIB is a safe and feasible radiation treatment technique for pharyngo-laryngeal SCC patients with a tolerable acute toxicity profile.

Laser phototherapy as topical prophylaxis against radiation-induced xerostomia.

The common consequences of radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck are oral mucositis, xerostomia, and severe pain. The aim of this study was to verify how laser phototherapy (LPT) used for oral mucositis could influence xerostomia symptoms and hyposalivation of patients undergoing RT. Patients were divided into two groups: 12 individuals receiving three laser irradiations per week (G1) and 10 patients receiving one laser irradiation per week (G2). A diode laser (660 nm, 6 J/cm(2), 0.24 J, 40 mW) was used until completely healing of the lesions or the end of the RT. At the first and last laser sessions, whole resting and stimulated saliva were collected, and questionnaires were administered. According to Wilcoxon and Student statistical test, xerostomia for G1 was lower than for G2 (p < 0.05), and salivary flow rate was no different before and after RT, except for stimulated collection of G2, which was lower (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that LPT can be beneficial as an auxiliary therapy for hypofunction of salivary glands.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia with syncope as a sign of neck cancer recurrence

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia with syncope as a sign of neck cancer is a very rare condition. A review of the literature revealed only 29 cases formerly reported. We present the first Brazilian case of such association. A 68-year-old man presented with paroxysmal excruciating pain over the right side of the neck, sometimes followed by syncope. Given the suspicion of recurrent tumor from a previously treated neck malignancy, a computed tomography scan was performed and a right parapharyngeal tumor was shown. Pain and syncope were successfully controlled with carbamazepine and the patient underwent palliative radiotherapy.

Neuralgia glossofaríngea com síncope como um sinal de câncer do pescoço é uma condição muito rara. Uma revisão da literatura revelou apenas 29 casos relatados anteriormente. Apresentamos o primeiro caso brasileiro de tal associação. Um homem de 68 anos se apresentou com dores paroxísticas insuportáveis no lado direito do pescoço, algumas vezes seguidas de síncope. Dada a suspeita de recidiva tumoral derivada de uma malignidade cervical tratada previamente, realizou-se um exame de tomografia computadorizada que evidenciou um tumor parafaríngeo direito. As dores e as síncopes foram controladas satisfatoriamente com carbamazepina e o paciente foi submetido à radioterapia paliativa.

Phase II trial: concurrent radio-chemotherapy with weekly docetaxel for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.

INTRODUCTION: Standard fractionation radiation therapy (RT) combined with concomitant chemotherapy (CT) based on cisplatin schemes is actually the standard treatment for locally advanced non-resectable squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). The appearance of taxoids has introduced a new kind of treatment with high antitumoral power. The aim of this study is to add more information about the role of this new approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with locally advanced non-resectable SCCHN were recruited at six institutions in Spain, between January 2001 and January 2003. Docetaxel was administered weekly, for 6 weeks, concurrently with RT. RESULTS: The mean total delivered dose of RT was 70'2 Gy (range 64-74 Gy). The median and mean duration of time were 63 days and 61 days (range 49-103 days) respectively. After a median time control of 19 months (range 3.3-42.2 months), the response rate was 83.4%. The median time to local progression was 16.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=4.4-28.4 months). The median survival time was 26.9 months, with one- and two-year overall survival of 66.9% (95% CI=48.1-85.7%) and 57.5% (95% CI=37.3-77.7%) respectively. The median duration time response was 15.1 months (95% CI=3.7-26.5 months). The median time until treatment failure was 9.4 months (95% CI=4.7-14.1). Incidence of grade III-IV mucositis was 88%, neutropenia 72% and skin toxicity 92% (24% grade III-IV). The incidence of severe late toxicity (grade III and IV) due to RT/CT was 31.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Although therapeutics results are equivalent to cisplatin schemes of concurrent CT-RT, mucositis and cutaneous toxicity registered in this trial must be considered as limiting factors to application of this new approach.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia with syncope as a sign of neck cancer recurrence.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia with syncope as a sign of neck cancer is a very rare condition. A review of the literature revealed only 29 cases formerly reported. We present the first Brazilian case of such association. A 68-year-old man presented with paroxysmal excruciating pain over the right side of the neck, sometimes followed by syncope. Given the suspicion of recurrent tumor from a previously treated neck malignancy, a computed tomography scan was performed and a right parapharyngeal tumor was shown. Pain and syncope were successfully controlled with carbamazepine and the patient underwent palliative radiotherapy.

Carcinoma de células escamosas da hipofaringe em mulher jovem com anemia de Fanconi / Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx in a young woman with Fanconi's anemia

A anemia de Fanconi é um raro distúrbio autossômico recessivo caracterizado por malformações congênitas, aplasia da medula óssea e instabilidade genômica, com predisposição ao desenvolvimento de neoplasias malignas, em especial as leucemias e os tumores do trato aerodigestivo alto. Em razão de características inerentes à síndrome em questão, o tratamento de tais neoplasias é particularmente difícil. Relata-se o caso de anemia de Fanconi uma jovem de 24 anos, que desenvolveu carcinoma de células escamosas da hipofaringe, na ausência de fatores de risco como o tabagismo e o alcoolismo, e faz-se uma revisão sumária da literatura a respeito do tema.

Fanconi's anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital malformation, bone marrow failure and genomic instability, with a predisposition to develop malignancies, especially the leukemias and upper aerodigestive tract tumors. Due to inherent characteristics to this syndrome, the treatment of such neoplasms is particularly difficult. In this paper we report the case of a 24-year-old woman with FanconiÆs anemia who developed a squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx; she had none of the traditional risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol abuse. We also briefly review the literature about this topic

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx in a young woman with Fanconi's anemia.

Fanconi's anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital malformation, bone marrow failure and genomic instability, with a predisposition to develop malignancies, especially the leukemias and upper aerodigestive tract tumors. Due to inherent characteristics to this syndrome, the treatment of such neoplasms is particularly difficult. In this paper we report the case of a 24-year-old woman with Fanconi's anemia who developed a squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx; she had none of the traditional risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol abuse. We also briefly review the literature about this topic.

Primary parapharyngeal space tumors in a Mexican cancer center.

OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical and demographic characteristics of the parapharyngeal space tumors and assess surgical approaches used to treat them at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive study of the parapharyngeal space tumors, excluding paragangliomas, treated from June 1991 to October 2002 in a cancer center. The study population included 21 patients, 8 men and 13 women, average age of 41 years (range, 20 to 70 years). Fine needle biopsy was done in 5 (24%) patients. Computed tomography (CT) was performed in all patients, and only a few required magnetic resonance image (MRI). RESULTS: Surgical approaches included transcervical alone or in combination with parotidectomy, transoral, or transmandibular (mandibular swing) approach. Laminectomy and segmentary approaches were also performed in 1 patient each. Sixteen (76%) patients had benign lesions and 5 (24%) had malignant tumors. Neurogenic tumors represented 57% of all tumors. Mean tumor size was of 6.7 cm (range, 3 to 11 cm). Six (29%) patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Complications occurred in 6 (29%) patients, 4 (19%) of which were nervous injuries associated with peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Median disease-free follow-up survival was 33 months (range, 2 to 184 months) despite being an heterogeneous group of histologies. CONCLUSION: Parapharyngeal space is a rare location for head and neck tumors. Cervical approach should be the first choice for large tumors; transoral approach is reserved for tumors less than 3 cm. Conversion to mandibular swing approach when the cervical approach is not offering proper exposure for tumor resection is indicated. Preoperative histologic diagnosis is not required. Nevertheless, CT scan should always be performed in order to exclude paragangliomas, distinguish prestyloid from poststyloid lesions, and to assess the extension of the tumor as well as its relationship with adjacent structures.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on malignant cells: in vitro study.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 635- and 670-nm laser irradiation on H.Ep.2 cells in vitro using MTT. In addition to our previous report on the effects of LLLT on the proliferation of laryngeal carcinoma cells in which it was found that irradiaton H.Ep.2 cells with 670-nm laser results in increased cell proliferation, it was decided to evaluate the effect of increased doses of laser light on these cells. The cells, obtained from SCC of the larynx, were routinely processed from defrost to the experimental condition. The cultures were kept either at 5% or 10% of FBS. Twenty-four hours after transplantation, the cells were irradiated with laser light (5-mW diode lasers; 635 and 670-nm; beam cross section approximately 1 mm) at local light doses between 0.04 and 4.8.10(4) Jm(-2). For 670 nm, significant differences in the proliferation were observed between the two concentrations of FBS (p = 0.002) and between irradiated cultures and controls (p = 0.000). Although the results were not significant, 635-nm irradiated cells also proliferated more than nonirradiated ones. This occurred under both conditions of nutrition. It is concluded, that irradiation with 670-nm laser light applied at doses between 0.04 and 4.810(4) Jm(-2) could significantly increase proliferation of laryngeal cancer cells.

Tumores parafaríngeos en niños: descripción de dos casos clínicos / Parapharyngeal tumors in pediatrics: 2 clinical cases

Se presentan dos casos clínicos de tumores parafaríngeos de niños tratados en el Servicio de ORL del Hospital Regional Valdivia. El primero corresponde a un coristoma que histológicamente constituye tejido neuroglial maduro el cual fue tratado con cirugía exclusiva. El segundo caso es un Rabdomiosarcoma embrionario que fue sometido a una resección con quimioterapia y radioterapia según protocolo y a una cirugía de rescate por una recidiva local. Se revisa la literatura con especial énfasis a la anatomía, técnica quirúgica e histología de los tumores que afectan el espacio parafaríngeo

Diagnostico e tratamento do cancer da faringe / Diagnosis and treatment of pharyngeal cancer

As afeccoes malignas das tres regioes da faringe - nasofaringe, orofaringe e hipofaringe - sao bastante distintas entre si no que diz respeito ao quadro clinico e ao tratamento. Enquanto na nasofaringe os tumores sao menos diferenciados e tratados principalmente pela radioterapia, os tumores da orofaringe e da hipofaringe sao mais diferenciados e, como regra, respondem melhor a terapeutica cirurgica associada a radioterapia pos-operatoria. Na terapeutica dos tumores da faringe, os linfonodos cervicais devem ser tratados pelo esvaziamento cervical e / ou pela radioterapia

Repeated use of the same myocutaneous flap in difficult second operations of the head and neck.

We have found that the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is so reliable a flap that in seven selected patients we completely re-elevated, isolated, and transposed it to a new reconstructive site in the head and neck. This may be accomplished safely, despite full courses of external-beam radiation therapy to the flap. We discuss the principles of this and propose that it can be extended and applied to other island, pedicle, or free flaps. The manner in which the flap can be reused and integrated with microvascular transfer or other regional pedicle flaps in complex secondary operations must be determined by the individual reconstructive surgeon on the basis of the requirements of the reconstruction. This technique will make one more tool available to the surgeon for reconstruction.

Reconstrucción faringoesofágica con colgajo pectoral mayor / Pharyngoesophageal reconstruction with pectoralis major flaps

Se analiza 10 casos de pacientes portadores de tumores localizados en faringolaringe y esófago cervical que fueron operados y reconstruidos con un colgajo miocutáneo pectoral mayor en forma primaria. En todos estos casos no fue posible usar la mucosa faringoesofágica para cerrar en forma primaria debido a la extensión tumoral. La morbilidad fue de un 10%y la mortalidad de un 20%. En 7 casos se obtuvo una buena restitución de la alimentación oral. La técnica se considera para lesiones faringoesofágicas y en pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico

Cáncer glótico revisión de nuestras experiencias en radioterapia: analisis de 97 pacientes tratados con acelerador lineal (1972-1985) / Glotic cancer review of the our experience with linea acceleration (1972-1985)

El cáncer de las cuerdas vocales o glótico es una afección tratada electivamente con radioterapia en sus estadios iniciales, T1 y T2, con motilidad conservada de las cuerdas, pues sus resultados son altamente favorables con sobrevidas del orden del 85 al 95% resultado funcional excelente. Las técnicas de irradiación son óptimas con el uso de supervoltaje con energías en el rango de 4 a 6 Mev. En este trabajo analizamos nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento de 97 pacientes tratados con fotones provenientes de un acelerador lineal de 4 Mev. el primero instalado en nuestro país, entre 1972 y 1985

[Lymphoepithelioma of the pharynx in children]. / Linfoepitelioma de la faringe en niños.

Through a period of thirteen years, eleven patients with pharyngeal lymphoepithelioma were treated at the Hospital Nacional de Niños, San José, Costa Rica. This represents 2.5% of all malignant tumors observed in the same period. Histologically, 10 cases were of the type described by Regaud and only one was of the Schmincke's type. Four patients were treated with cobalt only and the other seven received Co60 plus chemotherapy. Two patients of the first group are alive and without evidences of tumor 96 months later. Four of the seven patients of the second group have been incomplete remission for 5, 9, 24 and 96 months. All the patients who had partial remission and all those who relapsed died because of infiltration to the basis of the skull and/or metastases to long bones. All patients who had complete remission and did not have a relapse through a 24 month period, are alive and without evidences of tumor. Metastases to cervical lymph nodes at the moment of diagnosis did not influence the response to treatment or the prognosis. Three out of 5 patients with infiltration to the basis of the skull at the initial examination died. The other two are alive at 9 and 96 months post-treatment.