The landscape of circulating tumor HPV DNA and TTMV-HPVDNA for surveillance of HPV-oropharyngeal carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV) related cancers of the oropharynx are rapidly increasing in incidence and may soon represent the majority of all head and neck cancers. Improved monitoring and surveillance methods are thus an urgent need in public health. MAIN TEXT: The goal is to highlight the current potential and limitations of liquid biopsy through a meta analytic study on ctHPVDNA and TTMV-HPVDNA. It was performed a Literature search on articles published until December 2023 using three different databases: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Studies that evaluated post-treatment ctHPVDNA and TTMV-HPVDNA in patients with HPV + OPSCC, studies reporting complete data on the diagnostic accuracy in recurrence, or in which the number of true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives was extractable, and methods of detection of viral DNA clearly defined. The meta-analysis was conducted following the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guidelines. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ctHPVDNA and TTMV by ddPCR to define its efficacy in clinical setting for the follow up of HPV-OPSCC. CONCLUSION: The 12 studies included in the meta-analysis provided a total of 1311 patients for the analysis (398 valuated with ctHPVDNA and 913 with TTMV-HPVDNA). Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 86% (95% CI: 78%-91%) and 96% (95% CI: 91%-99%), respectively; negative and positive likelihood ratios were 0.072 (95% CI: 0.057-0.093) and 24.7 (95% CI: 6.5-93.2), respectively; pooled DOR was 371.66 (95% CI: 179.1-918). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.81 (95% CI, 0.67-0.91). Liquid biopsy for the identification of cell free DNA might identify earlier recurrence in HPV + OPSCC patients. At the present time, liquid biopsy protocol needs to be standardized and liquid biopsy cannot yet be used in clinical setting. In the future, a multidimensional integrated approach which links multiple clinical, radiological, and laboratory data will contribute to obtain the best follow-up strategies for the follow-up of HPV-OPSCC.

Diffusion-Weighted MRI for Recurrent/Persistent Head and Neck Squamous-Cell Carcinoma After Radiotherapy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI-MRI) in diagnosing persistent/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) after primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT). DATA SOURCES: Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant publications until April 18, 2023. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy statement. The search was conducted independently by 2 investigators. Methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Studies-2 questionnaire. Extracted data were used to calculate the pooled DWI-MRI sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, and positive and negative likelihood ratio. RESULTS: A total of 618 patients from 10 studies were included for calculation of diagnostic accuracy parameters. At the level of the primary tumor, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.89-1.00) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.54-0.98) in the case of qualitative analysis, and, respectively, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66-0.89) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77-0.96) for quantitative analysis. At the level of the neck, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 0.87 (95% CI: 0.75-0.95) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.74-0.93) when images were analyzed qualitatively, and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.60-0.94) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82-0.97) when analyzed quantitatively. CONCLUSION: DWI-MRI showed high diagnostic accuracy and should be considered if persistent/recurrent HNSCCs is suspected after primary CRT. No significant differences were found between qualitative and quantitative imaging assessment.

Endoscopic ear surgery in the treatment of chronic otitis media with atelectasis.

PURPOSE: Atelectasis otitis media (AtOM) is a chronic condition where the tympanic membrane (TM) becomes retracted towards the middle ear and the ossicular chain. Surgical treatment for this condition could be indicated based on stage of atelectasis, patient's clinical condition and hearing loss. Over the years, AtOM has been treated with various types of tympanoplasty under microscopic view. The aim of this study is to present the results of endoscopic ear surgery in AtOM. METHODS: Forty-five patients who underwent endoscopic trans-canal tympanoplasty were included in the study. Preoperative features, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Preoperatively, none of the study's patients were classified with a Sadè Grade I, whereas grades II, III and IV were 3 (6.6%), 23 (32.1%) and 19 (67.8%) respectively. The 3 patients with Sadè grade II showed a conductive hearing loss higher than 20 dB and a continuous ear fullness, therefore they were surgically treated. The postoperative graft success rate was estimated at 95.5%. During follow-up, 2 patients showed a TM perforation (at 6 and 12 months after surgery) whereas 1 patient experienced a recurrence of atelectasis in the TM (16 months after surgery). The overall success rate at the final follow-up was calculated at 88.8%. The average preoperative air-conduction threshold was 51.1 ± 21.5, which reduced to 34.6 ± 22.1 (p = 0.04) at follow-up. The preoperative air-bone gap decreased from 28 ± 7.2 to 11.8 ± 10 (p = 0.002) after surgery. CONCLUSION: Atelectasis otitis media might be suitable for exclusive endoscopic surgical treatment, as it appears to exhibit a low recurrence rate and promising audiological outcomes.

Transoral robotic parapharyngeal space dissection.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) provides a minimally invasive approach to address tumors in selected and challenging anatomical locations. Among the critical areas where TORS demonstrates its prowess is the oropharynx. Oropharyngeal tumors can invade parapharyngeal space (PPS) which contains vital structures such as the carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and cranial nerves IX-XII. A deeper understanding of the endoscopic anatomy of the parapharyngeal space could reduce the morbidity associated with tumor resection in this dense neurovascular area. This video-article provides a step-by-step cadaveric dissection of the lower PPS though a transoral robotic approach.

Surgical outcomes of profunda artery perforator flap in head and neck reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap in head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: A single arm meta-analysis was performed for flap survival rate (primary outcome), reoperation for major complication, and overall complication rates (secondary outcomes). RESULTS: The search strategy yielded a total of 295 potentially relevant publications, of which 13 were included. A total of 305 patients (males: 80.8%, n = 232/281), with a median age of 56.1 years (n = 305/305; 95% CI 53.9-63), who underwent a total of 307 PAP flap reconstructions for head and neck defects were included. Flap survival rate was 100% (n = 306/307; 95% CI 99.6%-100%), with a reoperation rate for major complications of 3.7% (n = 15/307; 95% CI 1.85%-6.1%) and an overall complication rate of 26.5% (n = 92/307; 95% CI 15.7%-38.9%). Notable postoperative complications included wound dehiscence (n = 15/307, 4.9%), delayed healing (n = 14/307, 4.6%), and wound infection (n = 12/307, 3.9%). Partial flap necrosis and hematoma occurred in 2.6% of cases (n = 8/307), while arterial and venous thrombosis were documented in 0.7% (n = 2/307) and 1.3%, respectively (n = 4/307). CONCLUSION: The application of the PAP flap in head and neck reconstructions showed several favorable aspects, such as an exceptionally low flap failure rate, versatility in achieving variable dimensions, and a relatively low incidence of complications. PAP flap might be considered as a compelling alternative to the traditionally employed soft tissue free flaps in head and neck reconstruction.

Subtotal glossectomy with conservation of the hyo-styloglossus unit (HSU): a new pivotal concept for preserving tongue function in extended glossectomy.

Objective: The local spread of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) follows pathways of dissemination along areas of lesser resistance. In more advanced scenarios, the tumor can extend beyond the hemi-tongue of origin, by passing through the lingual septum and following the fibers of the transverse muscle. This can lead to the invasion of the contralateral extrinsic muscles, the first being the genioglossus and more laterally the hyoglossus. An anatomically guided surgical resection of the tumor can be planned to ensure both oncological safety and an acceptable functional outcome. This approach aims to preserve the hyo-styloglossus unit (HSU) whenever feasible. Methods: Between January 2019 and November 2022, six patients received extended glossectomy Type B (EG Type B), with preservation of the HSU. Preliminary oncological results and functional results in terms of swallowing (FOIS score) and quality of life (MDADI) are presented. Results: Five out of the six patients are alive and disease-free, while one patient died due to other causes. All patients who were candidates for an EG Type B underwent a swallowing assessment prior to surgery and followed daily postoperative swallowing training. At discharge, the patients continued swallowing training in an outpatient clinic. Five out of the six patients reached a full oral diet within 1 year of follow-up. Conclusion: The oncological results confirm the safety of this technique. The importance of preserving the HSU, the minimal functional unit, shows very encouraging results in terms of swallowing rehabilitation.

Oral Reconstruction with Locoregional Flaps after Cancer Ablation: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Introduction: The planning of oral reconstruction after tumor resection is a pivotal point for head and neck surgeons. It is mandatory to consider two aspects: the size of the surgical defect and the complexity of the oral cavity as an anatomical region. We offer a review of the literature that focuses on four types of locoregional flaps that can be profitably used for such reconstruction: infrahyoid (IF), nasolabial (NF), platysma (PF), and submental (SF). Methods: The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. This systematic review was carried out according to the PICOS acronym through a comprehensive electronic search on PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. For each selected article, we extrapolated eight main parameters, of which all mean values were compared through an ANOVA test. The dimensions of the oral defects were referred to as "small" (<7 cm2), "medium" (7-50 cm2), or "large" (>50 cm2). Results: A total of 139 articles were selected with a total of 5898 patients. The mean ages for each type of flap were not statistically significant (p = 0.30, p > 0.05). Seven sublocations of oral defects were reported: The most common was the tongue (2003 [34.0%] patients), followed by the floor of the mouth (1786 [30.4%]), buccal mucosa (981 [16.6%]), cheek (422 [7.2%]), hard palate (302 [5.1%]), alveolar ridge (217 [3.7%]), and retromolar trigone (187 [3.2%]). The defects were mainly medium-sized (4507 [76.4%] patients), and fewer were small-sized (1056 [17.9%]) or large-sized (335 [5.7%]). Complications were noted, the most frequent of which was flap necrosis, seen in 0.57% of cases. The functional and esthetical results were mainly positive. Conclusions: Locoregional flaps represent a good alternative in medium-sized defects as well as a fairly good alternative in small- and large-sized defects when other options are ruled out.

Role of TORS as De-Escalation Strategy in HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer, What We Need to Know.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) presents unique challenges and opportunities for treatment, particularly regarding de-escalation strategies to reduce treatment morbidity without compromising oncological outcomes. This paper examines the role of Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) as a de-escalation strategy in managing HPV-related OPSCC. We conducted a comprehensive literature review from January 2010 to June 2023, focusing on studies exploring TORS outcomes in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. These findings highlight TORS's potential to reduce the need for adjuvant therapy, thereby minimizing treatment-related side effects while maintaining high rates of oncological control. TORS offers advantages such as precise tumor resection and the ability to obtain accurate pathological staging, which can guide the tailoring of adjuvant treatments. Some clinical trials provide evidence supporting the use of TORS in specific patient populations. The MC1273 trial demonstrated promising outcomes with lower doses of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following TORS, showing high locoregional tumor control rates and favorable survival outcomes with minimal side effects. ECOG 3311 evaluated upfront TORS followed by histopathologically directed adjuvant therapy, revealing good oncological and functional outcomes, particularly in intermediate-risk patients. The SIRS trial emphasized the benefits of upfront surgery with neck dissection followed by de-escalated RT in patients with favorable survival and excellent functional outcomes. At the same time, the PATHOS trial examined the impact of risk-adapted adjuvant treatment on functional outcomes and survival. The ongoing ADEPT trial investigates reduced-dose adjuvant RT, and the DART-HPV study aims to compare standard adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with a reduced dose of adjuvant RT in HPV-positive OPSCC patients. These trials collectively underscore the potential of TORS in facilitating treatment de-escalation while maintaining favorable oncological and functional outcomes in selected patients with HPV-related OPSCC. The aim of this scoping review is to discuss the challenges of risk stratification, the importance of HPV status determination, and the implications of smoking on treatment outcomes. It also explores the evolving criteria for adjuvant therapy following TORS, focusing on reducing radiation dosage and volume without compromising treatment efficacy. In conclusion, TORS emerges as a viable upfront treatment option for carefully selected patients with HPV-positive OPSCC, offering a pathway toward treatment de-escalation. However, selecting the optimal candidate for TORS-based de-escalation strategies is crucial to fully leverage the benefits of treatment de-intensification.

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Head and Neck Cancers: A Multidisciplinary Survey.

Artificial intelligence (AI) approaches have been introduced in various disciplines but remain rather unused in head and neck (H&N) cancers. This survey aimed to infer the current applications of and attitudes toward AI in the multidisciplinary care of H&N cancers. From November 2020 to June 2022, a web-based questionnaire examining the relationship between AI usage and professionals' demographics and attitudes was delivered to different professionals involved in H&N cancers through social media and mailing lists. A total of 139 professionals completed the questionnaire. Only 49.7% of the respondents reported having experience with AI. The most frequent AI users were radiologists (66.2%). Significant predictors of AI use were primary specialty (V = 0.455; p < 0.001), academic qualification and age. AI's potential was seen in the improvement of diagnostic accuracy (72%), surgical planning (64.7%), treatment selection (57.6%), risk assessment (50.4%) and the prediction of complications (45.3%). Among participants, 42.7% had significant concerns over AI use, with the most frequent being the 'loss of control' (27.6%) and 'diagnostic errors' (57.0%). This survey reveals limited engagement with AI in multidisciplinary H&N cancer care, highlighting the need for broader implementation and further studies to explore its acceptance and benefits.

A new 3D-printed temporal bone: 'the SAPIENS'-specific anatomical printed-3D-model in education and new surgical simulations.

PURPOSE: Otology and neuro-otology surgeries pose significant challenges due to the intricate and variable anatomy of the temporal bone (TB), requiring extensive training. In the last years 3D-printed temporal bone models for otological dissection are becoming increasingly popular. In this study, we presented a new 3D-printed temporal bone model named 'SAPIENS', tailored for educational and surgical simulation purposes. METHODS: The 'SAPIENS' model was a collaborative effort involving a multidisciplinary team, including radiologists, software engineers, ENT specialists, and 3D-printing experts. The development process spanned from June 2022 to October 2023 at the Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome. Acquisition of human temporal bone images; temporal bone rendering; 3D-printing; post-printing phase; 3D-printed temporal bone model dissection and validation. RESULTS: The 'SAPIENS' 3D-printed temporal bone model demonstrated a high level of anatomical accuracy, resembling the human temporal bone in both middle and inner ear anatomy. The questionnaire-based assessment by five experienced ENT surgeons yielded an average total score of 49.4 ± 1.8 out of 61, indicating a model highly similar to the human TB for both anatomy and dissection. Specific areas of excellence included external contour, sigmoid sinus contour, cortical mastoidectomy simulation, and its utility as a surgical practice simulator. CONCLUSION: We have designed and developed a 3D model of the temporal bone that closely resembles the human temporal bone. This model enables the surgical dissection of the middle ear and mastoid with an excellent degree of similarity to the dissection performed on cadaveric temporal bones.

Theranostics of Thyroid Cancer.

Molecular imaging is pivotal in evaluating and managing patients with different thyroid cancer histotypes. The existing, pathology-based, risk stratification systems can be usefully refined, by incorporating tumor-specific molecular and molecular imaging biomarkers with theranostic value, allowing patient-specific treatment decisions. Molecular imaging with different radioactive iodine isotopes (ie, I131, I123, I124) is a central component of differentiated carcinoma (DTC)'s risk stratification while [18F]F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT is interrogated about disease aggressiveness and presence of distant metastases. Moreover, it is particularly useful to assess and risk-stratify patients with radioiodine-refractory DTC, poorly differentiated, and anaplastic thyroid cancers. [18F]F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (6-[18F]FDOPA) PET/CT is the most specific and accurate molecular imaging procedure for patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), a neuroendocrine tumor derived from thyroid C-cells. In addition, [18F]FDG PET/CT can be used in patients with more aggressive clinical or biochemical (ie, serum markers levels and kinetics) MTC phenotypes. In addition to conventional radioiodine therapy for DTC, new redifferentiation strategies are now available to restore uptake in radioiodine-refractory DTC. Moreover, peptide receptor theranostics showed promising results in patients with advanced and metastatic radioiodine-refractory DTC and MTC, respectively. The current appropriate role and future perspectives of molecular imaging and theranostics in thyroid cancer are discussed in our present review.

Survival and complications after carotid resection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and pooled analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze oncologic outcomes and complications rate after common or internal carotid artery (CCA/ICA) resection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS: This study was conducted in conformity with the PRISMA statement. A systematic review and pooled analysis was performed for overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS) (primary outcomes), and perioperative death rate (secondary outcome). RESULTS: A total of 276 patients (males: 76.7%, n = 191/249) with a median age of 59 years (n = 239/276; 95% CI 55.0-61.7) who underwent CCA/ICA resection for HNSCC were included. The median follow-up time was 11 months (n = 276). Estimated pooled OS rates (95% CI) at 1 and 2 years were 52.7% (46.9-59.2) and 29.8% (24.3-36.5), respectively. The median OS (95% CI) was 14 months (12-17). Estimated pooled DSS rates (95% CI) at 1 and 2 years were 58.6% (52.7-65.2) and 34.6% (28.5-41.9), respectively. The median DSS (95% CI) was 16 months (14-19). The perioperative death rate was 6.9% (n = 19/276). CONCLUSIONS: CCA/ICA resection should be considered as a treatment option for accurately selected patients. Multicentric prospective studies are recommended to develop a predictive score guiding the decision-making process.

Clinical Application of Pediatric Sleep Endoscopy: An International Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate through an international survey the actual clinical application of drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to clarify the use, application, clinical indications, and protocol of pediatric DISE. METHODS: A specific survey about pediatric DISE was initially developed by five international otolaryngologists with expertise in pediatric sleep apnea and drug-induced sleep endoscopy and was later spread to experts in the field of sleep apnea, members of different OSA-related associations. RESULTS: A total of 101 participants who answered all the survey questions were considered in the study. Sixty-four sleep apnea experts, equivalent to 63.4% of interviewed experts, declared they would perform DISE in pediatric OSA patients. A total of 81.9% of responders agreed to consider the DISE as the first diagnostic step in children with persistent OSA after adenotonsillectomy surgery, whereas 55.4% disagreed with performing DISE at the same time of scheduled adenotonsillectomy surgery to identify other possible sites of collapse. In the case of young patients with residual OSA and only pharyngeal collapse during DISE, 51.8% of experts agreed with performing a velopharyngeal surgery. In this case, 27.7% disagreed and 21.4% were neutral. CONCLUSION: Pediatric DISE is internationally considered to be a safe and effective procedure for identifying sites of obstruction and collapse after adenotonsillectomy in children with residual OSA. This is also useful in cases of patients with craniofacial malformations, small tonsils, laryngomalacia or Down syndrome to identify the actual site(s) of collapse. Despite this evidence, our survey highlighted that pediatric DISE is not used in different sleep centers.

Postoperative Morbidity of Different Tonsillectomy Techniques: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare different tonsillectomy techniques in terms of postoperative bleeding incidence and postoperative pain. METHODS: An arm-based network analysis was conducted using a Bayesian hierarchical model. The primary and secondary outcomes were postoperative bleeding incidence and mean postoperative pain score. RESULTS: A total of 6464 patients were included for five different interventions (cold dissection tonsillectomy; extracapsular coblation tonsillectomy; intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy [ICT]; bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy [BDT]; monopolar diathermy tonsillectomy). ICT showed the lowest absolute risk (4.44%) of postoperative bleeding incidence (73.31% chance of ranking first) and the lowest mean postoperative pain score (1.74 ± 0.68) with a 94.0% chance of ranking first, whereas BDT showed both the highest absolute risk of bleeding incidence (10.75%) and the highest mean postoperative pain score (5.67 ± 1.43). CONCLUSIONS: ICT seems to offer better postoperative outcomes, in terms of reduced risk of bleeding and reduced pain. Further prospective studies are advised to confirm these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:1696-1704, 2024.

Transoral robotic surgery in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A comparative study between da Vinci Single-Port and da Vinci Xi systems.

BACKGROUND: The recently developed da Vinci single-port (SP) system offers potential advantages in maneuverability within narrower surgical spaces. This study aims to compare intra- and post-operative outcomes, technical advantages, and limitations of transoral resections using the da Vinci SP and da Vinci Xi systems for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study included patients with OPSCC who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). Data on pre-operative variables, intraoperative data, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes were collected. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients (males: 175; mean age: 59.0 ± 9.3) were included (SP: n = 136; Xi: n = 73). A significantly lower docking time was measured for the SP group (5.7 ± 2.5 min vs. 10.0 ± 4.4 min; p <.001). Similarly, the console time was reduced for the SP group though not reaching statistical significance (76.3 ± 30.7 min vs. 88.1 ± 36.9 min; p =.06). A greater proportion of patients showed wide negative resection margins in the SP group (71 % vs. 56 %; p =.10), although not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in complication rates or postoperative functional outcomes. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the da Vinci SP system in oropharyngeal surgery, with potential advantages in terms of reduced docking and console times. The findings suggest that the SP system offers improved maneuverability and instrument placement compared to the da Vinci Xi system.

Impact of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity with Perineural Invasion.

OBJECTIVE: Current guidelines indicate postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with perineural invasion (PNI), however, its real benefit has never been proven. The aim of our study is to investigate the benefit of PORT in OSCC patients with PNI in terms of survival and disease control. DATA SOURCES: The Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. REVIEW METHODS: Patients with PNI + OSCC treated with primary surgery were extracted from the included studies. The pooled logHR was calculated by comparing patients who underwent PORT to those who underwent only observation for overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS), and locoregional control (LRC). RESULTS: About 690 patients with primary OSCC and PNI were included from nine studies. 374 (54.2%) patients underwent PORT, while 316 (45.8%) underwent observation. Analyses showed non-significant difference between the two groups for OS (HR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.38-2.69), DSS (HR: 2.03; 95% CI: 0.54-7.56), and LRC (HR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.53-1.50). They showed a significant difference in terms of DFS (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.77-0.97). CONCLUSION: The real benefit of PORT in OSCC patients with PNI is still unclear, although it may have a positive impact on DFS. Clinicians should consider individual patient's characteristics, tumor factors, and treatment goals when deciding whether to recommend PORT. Further studies are needed to clarify which entity of PNI really benefits from PORT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:2019-2027, 2024.

Development of machine learning models for the prediction of long-term feeding tube dependence after oral and oropharyngeal cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: To predict the necessity of enteral nutrition at 28 days after surgery in patients undergoing major head and neck oncologic procedures for oral and oropharyngeal cancers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 193 patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were retrospectively collected at two tertiary referral centers to train (n = 135) and validate (n = 58) six supervised machine learning (ML) models for binary prediction employing 29 clinical variables available pre-operatively. RESULTS: The accuracy of the six ML models ranged between 0.74 and 0.88, while the measured area under the curve (AUC) between 0.75 and 0.87. The ML algorithms showed high specificity (range 0.87-0.96) and moderate sensitivity (range: 0.31-0.77) in detecting patients with ≥28 days feeding tube dependence. Negative predictive value was higher (range: 0.81-0.93) compared to positive predictive value (range: 0.40-0.71). Finally, the F1 score ranged between 0.35 and 0.74. CONCLUSIONS: Classification performance of the ML algorithms showed optimistic accuracy in the prediction of enteral nutrition at 28 days after surgery. Prospective studies are mandatory to define the clinical benefit of a ML-based pre-operative prediction of a personalized nutrition protocol.