The Prognostic Value of Olfactory Dysfunction in Patients with COVID-19: The COVIDORA Study.

BACKGROUND: Among all studies describing COVID-19 clinical features during the first wave of the pandemic, only a few retrospective studies have assessed the correlation between olfac-tory dysfunction (OD) and the evolution of disease severity. The main aim was to assess whether OD is a predictive factor of COVID-19 severity based on the patient's medical management (outpa-tient care, standard hospital admission, and ICU admission). METHODS: A national, prospective, mul-ticenter cohort study was conducted in 20 public hospitals and a public center for COVID-19 screen-ing. During the first wave of the pandemic, from 6 April to 11 May 2020, all patients tested positive for COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR underwent two follow-up ENT consultations within 10 days of symptom onset. The main outcome measures were the evolution of medical management (out-patient care, standard hospital admission, and ICU admission) at diagnosis and along the clinical course of COVID-19 disease. RESULTS: Among 481 patients included, the prevalence of OD was 60.7%, and it affected mostly female patients (74.3%) under 65 years old (92.5%), with fewer comor-bidities than patients with normal olfactory function. Here, 99.3% (290/292) of patients with OD presented with non-severe COVID-19 disease. Patients reporting OD were significantly less hospi-talized than the ones managed as outpatients, in either a standard medical unit or an ICU. Conclu-sions: As regards the clinical course of COVID-19 disease, OD could predict a decreased risk of hospitalization during the first wave of the pandemic.

Twelve years after: The french national network on rare head and neck tumours (REFCOR).

BACKGROUND: Rare cancers constitute less than 10% of head and neck cancers and lack sufficient evidence for standardized care. The French Rare Head and Neck Cancer Expert Network (REFCOR) as established a national database to collect data on these rare cancers. This study aims to describe patient and tumour characteristics in this database. METHODS: Prospective data collection was conducted across multiple centers. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan Meier method and Log Rank test. Odds ratios were used for comparing proportions. RESULTS: A total of 7208 patients were included over a period of 10 years. The most frequent histologies were: Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) adenocarcinoma 13 %, adenoid cystic carcinoma 12 %, squamous cell carcinoma of rare locations 10 %, mucoepidermoid carcinoma 9 %, intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (8 %). Tumours were located in sinonasal area (38 %); salivary glands (32 %); oral cavity / oropharynx / nasopharynx (16 %); larynx / hypopharynx (3 %); ears (1 %); others (3 %). Tumours were predominantly classified as T4 (23 %), N0 (54 %), and M0 (62 %). Primary treatment approach involved tumour resection (78 %) and / or radiotherapy (63 %). Patients with salivary gland cancers exhibited better 5-year overall survival (OS) rates (p < 0.05), and lower recurrence rates compared to patients with sinonasal, laryngeal/ hypopharyngeal cancers. No significant differences were observed in the other comparisons. Acinar cell carcinoma demonstrated the best OS while mucous melanoma had the poorest prognosis. CONCLUSION: Melanoma, carcinoma NOS, and sinonasal undifferenciated carcinoma still have poor prognoses. Efforts are being made, including training and guidelines, to expand network coverage (REFCOR, EURACAN), improve data collection and contribute to personalized therapies.

Carcinomas of the external auditory canal: Management and results: A multicenter REFCOR propensity score matching study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse prognostic factors and survival outcomes of malignant tumors of the external auditory canal, to investigate the role of regional surgery, and adjuvant radiotherapy in early stages and to investigate the role of surgery in operable T4 stage. SETTING: A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients prospectively included in the national database of the French Expertize Network for Rare ENT Cancers (REFCOR) from January 2000 to December 2016. PARTICIPANTS: 103 patients from 19 reference centers were included. A propensity score matching analysis was applied to enable comparisons between treatments. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Event-free survival, overall survival and factors of poor prognosis of the cohort were described. The interest of local and regional surgery and postoperative radiotherapy were evaluated. RESULTS: The factors of poor prognosis on event-free survival were immunosuppression (p = 0.002), Karnofsky status less than 90% (p = 0.02), body mass index less than 19 Kg / m2 (p = 0.0009), peripheric facial palsy (p = 0.0016), and positive margin (p = 0.0006). In early stages, locoregional surgery was associated with an increase in event-free survival (p = 0.003, HR = 0.21) versus local surgery alone, while postoperative radiotherapy was not associated with an increase in event-free survival (p = 0.86, HR = 0.91) or overall (p = 0.86, HR = 0.91). In locally advanced stages, locoregional surgery followed by radiotherapy was associated with an increase in event-free survival (p = 0.03, HR = 0.39) and overall (p = 0.02, HR = 0.34) versus chemoradiotherapy alone. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Regional surgery is recommended for early stages of cancers of the external auditory canal. In operable cases, locoregional surgery followed by radiotherapy is recommended.

Seawater nasal wash to reduce symptom duration and viral load in COVID-19 and upper respiratory tract infections: a randomized controlled multicenter trial.

PURPOSE: The objective was to assess the efficacy of seawater nasal wash on symptom duration, intranasal viral load, household transmission in COVID-19 and URTIs. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, controlled, multicentric, parallel study included 355 mild/moderate COVID-19 and URTI adults with rhinologic symptoms ≤ 48h. Active group performed 4-daily nasal washes with undiluted isotonic seawater versus control group (without nasal wash). Symptoms were self-assessed daily using the WURSS-21 questionnaire for 3 weeks. Viral load was measured by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs collected on Day 0, Day 5, Day 14 and Day 21. Digital droplet PCR was additionally performed for SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Overall COVID-19 subjects recovered earlier the ability to accomplish daily activities in the active group (- 1.6 day, p = 0.0487) with earlier improvement of taste (- 2 days, p = 0.0404). COVID-19 subjects with severe nasal symptoms at D0 showed the earliest resolution of anosmia (- 5.2 days, p = 0.0281), post-nasal drip (- 4.1 days, p = 0.0102), face pain/heaviness (- 4.5 days, p = 0.0078), headache (- 3.1 days, p = 0.0195), sore throat (- 3.3 days, p = 0.0319), dyspnea (- 3.1 days, p = 0.0195), chest congestion (- 2.8 days, p = 0.0386) and loss of appetite (- 4.5 days, p = 0.0186) with nasal wash. In URTIs subjects, an earlier resolution of rhinorrhea (- 3.5 days, p = 0.0370), post-nasal drip (- 3.7 days, p = 0.0378), and overall sickness (- 4.3 days, p = 0.0248) was reported with nasal wash. Evolution towards more severe COVID-19 was lower in active vs control, with earlier viral load reduction in youngest subjects (≥ 1.5log10 copies/10000 cells at Day 5: 88.9% vs 62.5%, p = 0.0456). In the active group, a lower percentage of SARS-CoV-2 positive household contacts (0-10.7%) was reported vs controls (3.2-16.1%) among subjects with Delta variant (p = 0.0413). CONCLUSION: This trial showed the efficacy and safety of seawater nasal wash in COVID-19 and URTIs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registry ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04916639. Registration date: 04.06.2021.

Management of 80 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas. Retrospective multicentre study of the French Network of Rare Head and Neck Cancers (REFCOR).

OBJECTIVES: Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare and aggressive disease requiring multimodal treatment, and multiple new entities once included in the spectrum of SNUC, such as SWI/SNF-deficient carcinomas, are emerging. We aimed to provide new data regarding the role of chemotherapy and surgery and the prognostic factors of disease-free survival. METHODS: This study was based on data from the REFCOR database and included patients with SNUC treated with curative intent from 2007 to 2021 across 22 centres in France. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were included in the analysis. Among the entire cohort, the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 58% and 63%, respectively. Of 100% of the patients treated with irradiation, 29% underwent surgery, 56% neoadjuvant chemotherapy (82% had either a partial or a complete response) and 76% chemoradiotherapy. No treatment modality was associated with a better OS or DFS, including surgery (p = 0.34). There was a trend for a better DFS for the patients treated with chemotherapy (neoadjuvant or concomitant, p = 0.062). Overall survival at 3 years was 58% for SWI/SNF deficient group and 86% for non deficient group (p = 0.14). The locoregional relapse rate without distant metastases was 21% in the exclusive radiotherapy group and 26% in the surgery group. Grade 3 or higher toxicities concerned 9%, 32% and 29% of patients for surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy respectively. CONCLUSION: In the management of localised SNUC among all patients treated with irradiation, surgery yielded no benefit, whereas the addition of chemotherapy tended to improve disease-free survival.

Transverse Venous Sinus Stenosis in Patients With Nasal Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are frequently linked to idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The objectives of our study were: (1) to determine the rate of transverse venous sinus stenosis (TVSS) in patients with spontaneous nasal CSF leak and in patients with IIH without CSF (controls), and (2) to study the correlation between spontaneous nasal CSF leak and brain imaging features. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Six French tertiary hospitals. METHODS: Patients with spontaneous nasal CSF leaks and patients with IIH without nasal CSF leaks (controls) were included. The transverse venous sinus patency was analyzed by magnetic resonance imaging to identify possible stenosis or hypoplasia. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with spontaneous nasal CSF leaks and 32 controls were included. TVSS was significantly more frequent in patients with spontaneous nasal CSF leaks than in controls (p = .029). Univariate analysis indicated that TVSS (odds ratio, OR: 4.2; 95% confidence interval, CI [1.352-14.915]; p = .017) and arachnoid granulations (OR: 3; 95% CI [1.065-8.994]; p = .042) were risk factors for spontaneous nasal CSF leak. In multivariate analysis, TVSS and arachnoid granulations were independent risk factors of nasal CSF leak (OR: 5.577, 95% CI [1.485-25.837], p = .016; and OR: 4.35, 95% CI [1.234-17.756], p = .029, respectively). CONCLUSION: This multicenter case-control study shows that TVSS is an independent risk factor for CSF leak in patients with IIH. Stenosis management by interventional radiology may be proposed postoperatively to increase the success of IIH surgical treatment or preoperatively to reduce the need for surgery.

[Rare cancers of the head and neck on behalf of the REFCOR, part 2]. / Cancers rares de la tête et du cou sous l'égide du REFCOR, partie 2.

Among the 16,000 new cases of malignant tumors of the head and neck diagnosed in France each year, 10% are not conventional squamous cell carcinomas. These so-called rare cancers are distinguished by their presentation and patterns of failure, which is important to recognize in order to offer specific adapted management and maximize the chances of tumor control. These cancers can be rare by their histology as well as their anatomical location when arising from the paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and ear. The management of these heterogeneous rare diseases of complex treatment has considerably been structured over the last 15 years, in particular via the French ENT Cancer Expertise Network (REFCOR) and international networks and registries (EURACAN, etc.). Structuration also favors research with identification of new entities and setting up of specific therapeutic trials. A first article (part 1) discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic specificities of these rare cancers, and develops the recommendations of the REFCOR concerning rare epithelial tumors, i.e., salivary tumors, sinonasal tumors, variants of conventional squamous cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine carcinomas, malignant odontogenic tumors, and ear tumors. This second article (part 2) is focused on non-epithelial tumors (sarcomas, mucosal melanomas, lymphomas, tumors of uncertain or undetermined malignancy) and describes the organization and missions of the REFCOR.

[Rare cancers of the head and neck on behalf of the REFCOR, part 1]. / Cancers rares de la tête et du cou sous l'égide du REFCOR, partie 1.

Among the 16,000 new cases of malignant tumors of the head and neck diagnosed in France each year, 10% are not conventional squamous cell carcinomas. These so-called rare cancers are distinguished by their presentation and patterns of failure, which is important to recognize in order to offer specific adapted management and maximize the chances of tumor control. These cancers can be rare by their histology, which determines their local invasiveness, and their hematogenous/nodal spread. Their diagnosis can be difficult and often requires comprehensive immunohistochemistry and genomic techniques. Expert pathology review is recommended in the cases of undifferentiated tumors, sarcomas and at the slightest diagnostic doubt. These rare cancers can also be rare by their anatomical location when arising from the paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and ear. Their location requires knowledge of their specific extension routes, and may call for a specific surgical technique (skull base endoscopic sinus surgery, extended total parotidectomy, etc.) and adapted radiotherapy to spare healthy organs surrounding the tumor. This article (part 1) discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic specificities of these rare cancers, and develops the recommendations of the French ENT Cancer Expertise Network (REFCOR) concerning rare epithelial tumors, i.e., salivary tumors, sinonasal tumors, variants of conventional squamous cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine carcinomas, malignant odontogenic tumors, and ear tumors. A second article (part 2) is focused on non-epithelial tumors (sarcomas, mucosal melanomas, lymphomas, tumors of uncertain or undetermined malignancy) and describes the organization and missions of the REFCOR.

Guidelines for the management of chronic cough in adults. Endorsed by the French speaking society of respiratory diseases (Société de Pneumologie de Langue Française, SPLF), the Société Française d'Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie et de Chirurgie de la Face et du Cou (SFORL), the Société Française de Phoniatrie et de Laryngologie (SFPL), the Société Nationale Française de Gastro-entérologie (SNFGE).

Patients with chronic cough experience a high alteration of quality of life. Moreover, chronic cough is a complex entity with numerous etiologies and treatments. In order to help clinicians involved in the management of patients with chronic cough, guidelines on chronic cough have been established by a group of French experts. These guidelines address the definitions of chronic cough and the initial management of patients with chronic cough. We present herein second-line tests that might be considered in patients with cough persistence despite initial management. Experts also propose a definition of unexplained or refractory chronic cough (URCC) in order to better identify patients whose cough persists despite optimal management. Finally, these guidelines address the pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions useful in URCC. Thus, amitryptilline, pregabalin, gabapentin or morphine combined with speech and/or physical therapy are a mainstay of treatment strategies in URCC. Other treatment options, such as P2 × 3 antagonists, are being developed.

Cross-sectional study to describe allergic rhinitis flare-ups and associated airways phenotype in house dust mite sensitization.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify and describe flare-ups of house dust mite allergic rhinitis (HDM-AR) which had occurred during the last 12 months in a population of adults and children candidate for Allergen ImmunoTherapy (AIT). Next, to identify associated clinical features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study that included patients aged ≥ 5 years with HDM-AR eligible for AIT and without prior AIT for at least 12 months. Flare-ups were all period with impairment of quality of life (QoL) and requiring a change in their usual treatment. Data were collected using medical records and patient questionnaires. Variables associated with the occurrence of ≥ 2 AR flare-ups were identified. RESULTS: 1,701 patients were included (average age: 23 years, 51.5% males, 30.4% children, 17.7% adolescents and 51.9% adults). Severe and persistent AR affected 70.9% of them and 53.7% showed polysensitization. Asthma was associated with AR in 34.4% and was well-controlled in 58.5%. The occurrence of at least one AR flare-up in the year was reported by 77.7%, with an annual rate in the whole population of 2.6 ± 3.9 and a duration of 14.1 ± 17.1 days. Deeply or moderately AR-related degraded QoL was experienced by 39.5% and 64.6%, respectively. The occurrence of ≥ 2 AR flare-ups was reported by 54.5% and was associated with polysensitization, AR intermittence and severity. CONCLUSION: AR flare-ups are frequent and impair QoL in HDM-allergic patients, suggesting that it could be considered as therapeutic targets.

Multicenter study to assess surgical treatments of 452 sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinomas: A REFCOR study.

PURPOSE: The objective was to assess the local oncological outcomes of endoscopic versus external surgical treatment of sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinomas (ITAC) and the factors of recurrence. METHODS: a retrospective non-randomized case-control multicenter study was carried out, including 452 untreated sinonasal ITACs recruited from 10 tertiary referral centers. The tumors were re-classified according to the UICC 2017 (pT). Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was done with the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed with a Cox model adjusted for age, T stage, and radiotherapy. A binary logistic regression compared surgical complications and performed two supplementary analyses on positive margins. RESULTS: We compared 195 and 257 patients operated by the external and endoscopic approach, respectively. The mean follow-up was 59.2 ± 48.7 months. Post-operative margins were invaded in 30.6 versus 18.9% of patients, respectively (p = 0.007). The overall recurrence rate was 33.8 versus 24.6%, respectively (p = 0.034). There was a significant difference in favor of the endoscopic approach regarding local recurrence-free survival thanks to better surgical margins in univariate and multivariate analysis (Odd Ratio = 2.01 (1.2-3.36) p = 0.0087). The complication rate (Odds Ratio = 3.4 (1.79-6.32) p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the endoscopic group. The histological positivity of signet-ring cells shows a statistically significant difference in recurrence-free survival (p = 0.0028). CONCLUSION: the oncological control of ITAC is better through the endoscopic approach, with negative margins and the absence of signet-ring-cells, two independent factors of recurrence.

Characterization of fungus ball CT-hyperdensities within maxillary and sphenoid sinuses.

OBJECTIVES: CT-scan hyperdensities (HD) are described in more than 60% of all paranasal sinus fungus ball (FB) cases. Two types can be distinguished according to their density: calcium and metal types. We aimed to establish the prevalence and density of the HD observed in sphenoid and maxillary sinus FB and their relation to dental factors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 64 patients operated in a tertiary referral center for unilateral maxillary or sphenoid FB diagnosed by histology or mycology. Pre-operative CT scans were analyzed by three independent observers (two ENT and one radiologist). RESULTS: There were 45 maxillary FB and 19 sphenoid FB. 63 FB showed HD. Metal-type HD were observed in 28 maxillary FB but not in sphenoid sinuses. Among maxillary FB, the prevalence of endodontic treatment was significantly more significant on the FB side than on the healthy side (p = 0.02). The prevalence of endodontic treatment on the pathological side was more significant in the metal-type group than in the group without metal-type HD (p = 0.01). Isolated calcium-type HD were evidenced in 17 maxillary FB and 18 sphenoid FB (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the existence of two different types of HD in FBs of the paranasal sinuses with an association between metal-type HD and endodontic treatments.

Precision Postoperative Radiotherapy in Sinonasal Carcinomas after Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery.

Radiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of sinonasal cancer, mainly in the adjuvant setting after surgical resection. Many technological approaches have been described, including intensity-modulated radiotherapy, concomitant chemoradiotherapy, charged particle therapy or combined approaches. The choice is based on general criteria related to the oncological results and morbidity of each technique and their availability, as well as specific criteria related to the tumor (tumor extensions, pathology and quality of margins). The aims of this review are: (i) to provide an overview of the radiotherapy techniques available for the management of sinonasal malignant tumors and (ii) to describe the constraints and opportunities of radiotherapy owing to the recent developments of endonasal endoscopic surgery. The indication and morbidity of the different techniques will be discussed based on a critical literature review.

Multicenter Pilot Study to Assess a Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Implant for Functional and Aesthetic Septorhinoplasty.

Importance: A validated biomaterial would have several medical advantages in septorhinoplasties requiring a large-volume graft such as avoiding donor site morbidity, making ambulatory surgery possible, and reducing surgical costs. Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of a ceramic to treat saddle and crooked noses. The main endpoint was the biocompatibility of the implant. The secondary endpoint was its functional and aesthetic efficacy. Design, Setting, and Participants: The nasal septum (NASEPT) study is a pilot multicenter noncomparative prospective phase IIa clinical trial. The biomaterial tested was a biphasic calcium phosphate implant composed of 75% hydroxyapatite and 25% beta tri calcium phosphate. This versatile material can be used to replace septal skeleton when it is absent or nonusable. We included 25 patients with a multifractured osseous and cartilaginous framework after several traumas or surgeries. The implant placement technique was identical to an extracorporeal septoplasty through the external approach. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary endpoint was the occurrence of expected adverse and severe adverse events. The secondary endpoints were clinical functional and aesthetic results and histological microscopic modifications. Results: Any extrusion, infection, pain, and epistaxis were observed. All implants were placed in a sagittal, straight, and solid position without extralobular depression. Comparisons between pre- and postoperative symptoms showed that nasal comfort (p < 10-4) and quality of life (p < 10-4) were dramatically improved in all patients. The nasolabial angle (p = 0.047) and the columellar projection (p = 0.024) were improved after surgery. Histological data showed little submucosal inflammation at 6 months with well-differentiated epithelium. The mean follow-up was 23 months: three patients underwent revision surgery for functional or aesthetic details and four implants were removed (16%) owing to a foreign body reaction between 17 and 74 months. Conclusion and Relevance: The NASEPT implant meets functional and aesthetic requirements in complex septorhinoplasties but its long-term biocompatibility needs to be improved. It could potentially avoid donor site morbidity.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands: A French Network of Rare Head and Neck Tumors (REFCOR) prospective study of 292 cases.

BACKGROUND: To describe the characteristics of the largest European study of MEC of salivary glands and to determine the prognostic factors for overall and disease free survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with MEC were prospectively included in the Réseau d'Expertise Français sur les Cancers ORL Rares (REFCOR, French Network of Rare Head and Neck Tumors) database between 2009 and 2015. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients were included. Tumors were classified as low grade in 175 cases (60%), intermediate in 39 (13%) and high grade in 78 (27%). Median follow-up was 26 months. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were respectively 83% and 69%. In multivariate analysis, age (p = 0.004), diabetes (p = 0.02) and advanced stage (p = 0.03) were found to have a significant negative impact on OS. Diabetes (p = 0.001), alcohol consumption (p = 0.003) and advanced stage (p = 0.001) were found to have a significant negative impact on DFS. Compare to low grade, high grade tended to have a negative impact on OS (p = 0.05) and had a significant effect on DFS (0.002) while intermediate grade had no significant influence on survival. The surgical treatment had a positive impact on both OS (p = 0.00005) and DFS (p = 0.0005). Postoperative radiotherapy had no impact in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Advanced clinical stage, high grade tumor, high age, the impossibility of carrying out a complete surgical resection, and diabetes are the main prognostic factors in this prospective series of patients with MEC. Such findings open new research perspectives on the influence of these components on initial patient care.

[Diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of sinonasal carcinomas (excluding melanomas, sarcomas and lymphomas)]. / Diagnostic, pronostic et traitement des carcinomes nasosinusiens (hors mélanomes, sarcomes et lymphomes).

Sinonasal carcinomas account for 3% of ENT cancers. They are subdivided into squamous cell carcinomas (50%), adenocarcinomas [20%, mostly of intestinal type (ITAC)], and more rarely, adenoid cystic carcinomas, olfactory neuroblastomas (=esthesioneuroblastomas), neuroendocrine carcinomas or undifferentiated sinonasal carcinomas (SNUC). The 5-year survival rates are, in descending order, 72% for neuroblastomas, 63% for adenocarcinomas, 50-60% for large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, 53% for squamous cell carcinomas, 25-50% for adenoid cystic, 35% for small-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and 35% for SNUC and newly discovered histologies. Surgery is the main treatment; endoscopic approaches reduce the morbidity with equivalent tumour control. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is almost systematic. Nodal involvement is rare in ethmoidal adenocarcinomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas; it is intermediate and may justify prophylactic radiotherapy for N0 necks in SNUC, neuroblastoma, squamous cell carcinomas and sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas. IMRT or proton therapy is the mainstay of treatment of unresectable disease. Radiotherapy optimization by carbon ion therapy for adenoid cystic carcinomas, or by chemotherapy for all carcinomas with IMRT or proton therapy, is investigated within clinical trials in France. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is reserved for rapidly progressive disease or histologies with a high metastatic potential such as neuroendocrine carcinomas or SNUC. Given their histologic and molecular specificities and different relapse patterns, an expertise of the REFCOR network, with REFCORpath review, is likely to correct diagnoses, rectify treatments, with an impact on survival.

Should a neck dissection be performed on patients with cN0 adenoid cystic carcinoma? A REFCOR propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND: Patterns of nodal involvement in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck have not been sufficiently assessed to guide a decision of prophylactic neck dissection (ND). The objective of this study is to analyse the influence of ND on event-free survival (EFS) for patients with cN0 ACC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicentre prospective study was conducted between 2009 and 2018. Patients presenting cN0 non-metastatic ACC on any site, and who received surgery on the tumour, were included. EFS was the main judgement criterion. A comparative survival analysis between the groups that received a ND versus those that did not was performed, using a propensity score. Analyses were carried out using the R software. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2018, 322 patients with cN0 ACC were included, out of which 58% were female. The average age was 53 years. Tumours were in minor salivary glands in 58% of cases, and 52% had T3/T4 stages. ND was performed on 46% of patients. Out of them, seven had histological lymph node invasion, out of which six had tumour infiltration in the mucosa of oral cavity. After propensity score, the median EFS for N0 patients with ND was 72 months (95% Confidence Interval (CI) [48-81]), compared to 73 months (95% CI [52-85]) for patients without ND (HR = 1.33; 95% CI [0.82-2.16]; p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: ND of cN0 patients does not provide any benefit on EFS, which suggests that its application on such patients is not necessary.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation to compare large volume irrigation and continuous spraying during nasal irrigation.

BACKGROUND: Nasal irrigation is now widely recognized as a treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis and during the postoperative period. However, there are no guidelines for performing irrigation. This study used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation objective physical parameters to optimize and increase the efficiency of nasal irrigation and to compare large-volume, manual, and gravity pressure irrigation vs small-volume continuous spraying. METHODS: A 3-dimensional (3D) sinonasal model was constructed from a healthy adult high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scan. The 3D nasal model was constructed using a tetrahedral and hex-dominant mesh grid with TGRID™ 16 (ANSYS Inc., Villeurbanne, France) software. A structured hex mesh was created inside the domain using the Hexcore meshing method. The final mesh had a total of 9.6 × 106 cells with an average size of 0.29 mm3 , or an average volume of 2.42 × 10-2 mm3 . Navier-Stokes equations were resolved with the standard k - ε model. RESULTS: Large-volume irrigation (15 mL/s) covered all zones (136 to 310 cm2 ) rapidly with strong shear stress and prolonged contact time (310 mPa 3.26 seconds for gravity mode and 280 mPa 3.35 seconds for manual pressure mode). Continuous spraying (3 mL/second) covered all areas (76 to 310 cm2 ) but with far less volume, more slowly, with low shear stress (50 mPa), and with shorter contact time (1.84 seconds). The surface wetted by time in contact was 135.4, 113.9, and 46.6 cm2 for gravity, manual pressure mode, and continuous spraying, respectively. CONCLUSION: CFD simulation visualizes the circulation of water during nasal irrigation and makes it possible to determine objective parameters to decide which mode of irrigation may be used.