Compartmental Transoral Robotic Lateral Oropharyngectomy with the da Vinci Single-Port System: Surgical Technique.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has renovated the surgical management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), allowing a minimally invasive surgical approach with optimal oncological outcomes. The recent introduction of the da Vinci Single Port (SP) system resulted in a considerable improvement of TORS technique. METHODS: In this video, we illustrate the transoral robotic lateral oropharyngectomy performed with the da Vinci SP system in a 50-year-old male patient suffering from a p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cT4N1M0. RESULTS: The transoral robotic lateral oropharyngectomy is illustrated step by step. The structures encountered during the resection are described, and the surgical margins are defined based on anatomical landmarks. The most critical regions encountered during resection are pointed out, and the tip and tricks of this surgery are reported. CONCLUSIONS: A step-by-step transoral lateral oropharyngectomy is described to increase its reproducibility. The da Vinci SP system owns various benefits for performing transoral lateral oropharyngectomy due to the increased maneuverability in the narrower oral cavity working spaces.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and transoral robotic surgery for the posterior pharyngeal wall carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the posterior pharyngeal wall (PPW) is associated with poor oncological outcomes based on current literature data. We reported the preliminary outcomes of a potential new treatment protocol based on neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS). METHODS: A retrospective single-center case series was performed including a total of 20 patients diagnosed with a SCC of the PPW between October 2010 and September 2021. All patients successfully completed TORS with neck dissection after NCT. Adjuvant treatment was performed in the presence of adverse pathologic features. Loco-regional control (LRC), overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were defined as the time from surgery to tumor recurrence or death, as appropriate. Survival estimates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Surgical data and post-operative functional outcomes were also reported. RESULTS: Estimated 3-year LRC, OS, and DSS rates (95% Confidence interval) were 59.7% (39.7-89.6), 58.6% (38.7-88.8), and 69.4% (49.9-96.6). The median hospital stay was 21 days (IQR 17.0-23.5). Oral diet and decannulation were achieved after a median of 14 days (IQR 12.0-15.0). Feeding tube and tracheostomy dependence after 6 months was observed in 3 (15%) and 2 (10%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NCT followed by TORS for PPW SCC treatment appears to have good oncological and functional outcomes for both early and locally advanced cancers. Further randomized trials and site-specific guidelines are needed.

Complications of pectoralis major myo-cutaneous flap, anterolateral thigh flap and radial forearm free flap after total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: No consensus exists regarding the most effective reconstruction after total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy (TLwPP). This study aims to compare different reconstructive techniques (pectoralis major myo-cutaneous flap, PMMCF; anterolateral thigh flap, ALTF; radial forearm free flap, RFFF) after TLwPP in terms of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), stenosis and feeding tube dependence (FTD) incidence. METHODS: The Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed for PCF incidence, stenosis incidence, and FTD incidence on the entire cohort. An arm-based network analysis was conducted to compare three different surgical interventions (PMMCF, ALTF, RFFF). RESULTS: A total of 13 studies and 232 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. The lowest PCF absolute risk was measured for the RFFF (11.7%, 95% CI: 2.8%-33.4%), compared to the ALTF (13.4%, 95% CI: 4.5%-32.1%) and the PMMC (49.0%, 95% CI: 19.2%-79.3%). The RFFF showed a stenosis absolute risk of 0.0% (95% CI: 0.0%-1.1%), while a higher stenosis incidence was measured for the ALTF (5.7%, 95% CI: 0.8%-25.2%) and the PMMCF (11.6%, 95% CI: 0.8%-55.1%). The RFFF showed the lowest absolute risk of FTD incidence (6.8%, 95% CI: 0.5%-28.1%) compared to the other reconstructive techniques (PMMCF: 12.4%, 95% CI: 2.4%-42.1%; ALTF: 17.5%, 95% CI: 6.4%-38.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The RFFF seems the best choice for reconstruction of partial pharyngeal defects after TLwPP due to the lower incidence of PCF, stenosis and FTD compared to the ALTF and the PMMCF.

Molecular subtypes of oropharyngeal cancer show distinct immune microenvironment related with immune checkpoint blockade response.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) exhibits diverse immunological properties; however, their implications for immunotherapy are unknown. METHODS: We analysed 37 surgically resected and nine recurrent or metastatic anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-treated OPC tumours. OPCs were classified into immune-rich (IR), mesenchymal (MS) and xenobiotic (XB) subtypes based on RNA-sequencing data. RESULTS: All IR type tumours were human papillomavirus (HPV) positive, most XB types were HPV negative, and MS types showed mixed HPV status. The IR type showed an enriched T cell exhaustion signature with PD-1+ CD8+ T cells and type I macrophages infiltrating the tumour nest on multiplex immunohistochemistry. The MS type showed an exclusion of CD8+ T cells from the tumour nest and high MS and tumour growth factor-ß signatures. The XB type showed scant CD8+ T cell infiltration and focal CD73 expression. The IR type was associated with a favourable response signature during anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and showed a high APOBEC mutation signature, whereas the MS and XB types showed resistance signature upregulation. Among anti-PD-1/PD-L1-treated OPC patients, the IR type showed a favourable clinical response (3/4 patients), whereas the XB type showed early progression (3/3 patients). CONCLUSION: Our analysis classified OPCs into three subtypes with distinct immune microenvironments that are potentially related to the response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.

Correction: Molecular subtypes of oropharyngeal cancer show distinct immune microenvironment related with immune checkpoint blockade response.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Mouse-human co-clinical trials demonstrate superior anti-tumour effects of buparlisib (BKM120) and cetuximab combination in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (R/M SCCHN) is a common cancer with high recurrence and mortality. Current treatments have low response rates (RRs). METHODS: Fifty-three patients with R/M SCCHN received continuous oral buparlisib. In parallel, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were established in mice to evaluate resistance mechanisms and efficacy of buparlisib/cetuximab combination. Baseline and on-treatment tumour genomes and transcriptomes were sequenced. Based on the integrated clinical and PDX data, 11 patients with progression under buparlisib monotherapy were treated with a combination of buparlisib and cetuximab. RESULTS: For buparlisib monotherapy, disease control rate (DCR) was 49%, RR was 3% and median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 63 and 143 days, respectively. For combination therapy, DCR was 91%, RR was 18% and median PFS and OS were 111 and 206 days, respectively. Four PDX models were originated from patients enrolled in the current clinical trial. While buparlisib alone did not inhibit tumour growth, combination therapy achieved tumour inhibition in three of seven PDXs. Genes associated with apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest were expressed at higher levels with combination treatment than with buparlisib or cetuximab alone. CONCLUSIONS: The buparlisib/cetuximab combination has significant promise as a treatment strategy for R/M SCCHN. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01527877.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Robotic and Conventional Approaches in Patients with Pre- and Poststyloid Parapharyngeal Space Tumors.

BACKGROUND: Benefits and drawbacks of robotic surgical approaches for parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors remain undetermined. The purpose of this study is to compare surgical outcomes of PPS tumor patients who underwent robotic surgery with those of patients who received conventional surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathologic data from 136 patients who underwent surgical removal of PPS tumors via conventional or robotic approaches. RESULTS: We identified PPS tumors in pre- and poststyloid regions in 87 (64%) and 49 (36%) patients, respectively. There were 48 (35.3%) pleomorphic adenomas, 36 (26.5%) schwannomas, and 24 (17.6%) paragangliomas. Conventional surgical techniques were performed in 83 patients, and robotic surgical approaches were administered to 53 patients. Transcervical-parotid and transcervical approaches were most commonly performed in conventional surgery, while transoral and retroauricular approaches were the preferred surgical methods in robotic surgery for pre- and poststyloid PPS tumors, respectively. Robotic surgery resulted in less estimated blood loss during poststyloid PPS tumor surgery. Postoperative cranial nerve complications were noted in 36 of 83 cases (43.4%) in the conventional surgery group and in 17 of 53 cases (32.1%) in the robotic surgery group. Intraoperative tumor spillage of pleomorphic adenoma showed no significant differences between the two groups (13.6% in conventional vs. 15.4% in robotic surgery). The mean follow-up time was 4.9 ± 3.4 years, and recurrences were observed in two patients during follow-up without a significant difference between the two groups (4.5% in conventional vs. 3.8% in robotic surgery). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery in PPS tumors is feasible through transoral, retroauricular, or combined approaches and provides treatment outcomes comparable to those of conventional open surgery.

Reinke's edema: a proposal for a classification based on morphological characteristics.

PURPOSE: Reinke's edema is a benign laryngeal condition characterized by swelling of the superficial layer of the lamina propria of the vocal fold. The aim of this work is to propose a new classification of Reinke's edema based on its morphological characteristics. METHODS: Our classification is a synthesis of the classifications available in the literature and is based on morphological characteristics such as the involvement of one or two vocal folds and the presence or absence of polypoid lesions regardless of the observation method. RESULTS: We indicate four types of Reinke's edema: type 1: Reinke's edema of one vocal fold; type 2: Reinke's edema of both vocal folds; type 3: Reinke's edema of one vocal fold with associated polypoid lesion, not necessarily the same fold of the edema; type 4: Reinke's edema of both vocal folds with associated polypoid lesion on one or both folds. CONCLUSION: Our proposed classification for Reinke's edema represents a synthesis of the classifications available in the literature and is characterized by a simple categorization based on morphological characteristics commonly visible through laryngoscopy.

Does p16+ Predict a Favorable Prognosis for Oropharyngeal Cancer? Risk Factors for Treatment Failure for Patients Who Underwent Surgery-Based Therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify prognostic clinicopathologic factors that could predict treatment failure and to analyze clinical data from p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients who underwent surgery. METHODS: Data from p16+ OPSCC patients who underwent surgery at Severance Hospital of Yonsei University were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The average smoking history was 14.6 pack-years (range 0-94 pack-years). Of the 188 patients, 73 (38.8%) underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for surgical treatment of their primary lesions, and the remaining 115 patients (61.2%) underwent conventional surgery. Extracapsular nodal spread was detected in 87 patients (46.3%). At histologic examination, 67 patients (35.6%) showed positive surgical margins, and 121 patients (64.4%) had negative surgical margins. Postoperative adjuvant treatment was performed for 167 patients (88.8%). During the follow-up period, there were 18 recurrences including 2 local recurrences, 10 regional recurrences, and 6 distant metastases. During the study period, 17 deaths occurred. The univariate analysis showed that the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th-edition staging system, lymphovascular invasion, more than four metastatic lymph nodes, and a smoking history of more than 10 pack-years were significantly associated with treatment failure. In the multivariate analysis, only the AJCC 8th-edition staging system was significantly associated with the patient's survival. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment methods including TORS for p16+ OPSCC patients showed excellent oncologic results, and many previously known clinicopathologic factors did not show a significant relationship with patient prognosis. Only the newly revised AJCC 8th-edition staging system showed a significant relationship with patient survival, and this should be considered in the setting of p16+ OPSCC treatment guidelines in the future.

The First Human Trial of Transoral Robotic Surgery Using a Single-Port Robotic System in the Treatment of Laryngo-Pharyngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the DaVinci SP system for performing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: From October 2018 to April 2019, the medical records of 41 patients who underwent TORS using the DaVinci SP system were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: During TORS, three robotic arms could be used to perform a geometric resection of the lesion in a narrow working space. The mean total operation time was 60 min, and the average time required to set up the robotic system was 10 min or less. All patients successfully underwent TORS. All robotic arms were inserted through a single port, which widened the working space around the patient's head and allowed the operative assistant an easy approach to the patient during the operation. The joggle joint of the robotic arms aided easy manipulation within the confined working space. The joggle joints of the endoscopic arm were controlled through the navigation system, which was very helpful in securing superior visualization of the surgical site, especially in the area of the larynx and the hypopharynx. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed that the DaVinci SP system provided technical advantages above the Si and Xi systems for performing TORS. It was especially helpful in ensuring proper visualization of the surgical field and in performing precise surgery during surgery to the tongue base or the hypopharyngeal lesion.

Transoral Robotic Surgery With Transoral Retropharyngeal Lymph Node Dissection in Patients With Tonsillar Cancer: Anatomical Points, Surgical Techniques, and Clinical Usefulness.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of TORS and transoral robotic retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) dissection in tonsillar cancer patients with suspicious RPLN metastasis. METHODS: From April 2008 to March 2014, 71 patients with tonsillar cancer underwent transoral robotic surgery and standard neck dissection at the Yonsei Head and Neck Cancer Center. RESULTS: Three patients underwent transoral robotic ropharyngectomy with transoral robotic RPLN dissection because of suspicious RPLN metastasis. The mean age of the patients was 42 years (range, 31-50 years). There were no cases of wound infection or serious complications related to wound healing. Mild nasal regurgitation was observed during an oral diet immediately after surgery, but all patients spontaneously resolved without surgical treatment. There was no significant bleeding due to great vessel injury during surgery or swallowing difficulty due to cranial nerve IX injury. CONCLUSION: Although the oncologic stability and usefulness of this technique should be confirmed based on large-scale research, RPLN can be easily accessed and resected through our approach with less morbidity compared to the conventional surgical approach. In addition, because RPLN metastasis can be performed pathologically based on obtained specimens, it will be helpful to explore whether to perform adjuvant radiation.

A Clinical Trial of Combination Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Transoral Robotic Surgery in Patients with T3 and T4 Laryngo-Hypopharyngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective clinical trial of combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy, transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and customized adjuvant therapy in patients with locally advanced laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer. METHODS: Between September 2008 and August 2016, 35 patients were enrolled in this clinical trial. RESULTS: Twenty patients had hypopharyngeal cancer and 15 had laryngeal cancer. Twenty-nine patients (82.9%) had T3 disease and six patients (17.1%) had T4 disease, while 12 patients (34.3%) had stage III disease and 23 patients (65.7%) had stage IV disease. The 3-year disease-specific survival rate was 82.4% and the 3-year disease-free survival rate was 69.48%. Decannulation was successful in 31 of 34 patients at an average of 18 days postoperatively. Among all patients, 83% exhibited a favorable subjective swallowing status, while five patients (14.4%) became dependent on feeding tubes. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with TORS and customized adjuvant therapy, based on detailed pathological information, afforded favorable oncological outcomes and preserved organ functionalities in T3-T4 laryngo-hypopharyngeal cancer.

A New Clinical Trial of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Combined With Transoral Robotic Surgery and Customized Adjuvant Therapy for Patients With T3 or T4 Oropharyngeal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: A prospective clinical trial of combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy, transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and customized adjuvant therapy for patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer was conducted. METHODS: Between July 2009 and October 2016, 31 patients were enrolled in this clinical trial. RESULTS: The primary lesions were located in the tonsils of 27 patients and in the base of the tongue of 4 patients. Of the 31 patients, 16 (51.6%) were classified as T3 and 15 patients (48.4%) as T4a. Three patients (9.7%) had stage 3 disease, and 28 (90.3%) had stage 4 disease. The 5-year overall survival rate was 78.7%; the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 85%; and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 80.8%. At the final follow-up visit, 26 patients were alive with no evidence of disease, and 1 was alive with disease. Four patients died during the study: two of tumor-node-metastasis (TNM)-related disease and two of another condition. All the patients tolerated an oral diet at an average of 7.4 days postoperatively. At the subjective swallowing evaluation using the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale score, 83.9% of the patients exhibited favorable outcomes. No patient was permanently dependent on a feeding tube. All the patients breathed and phonated in the absence of a permanent tracheotomy at the final follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment strategy in this study afforded good oncologic and functional outcomes for patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer. Although future large-scale multicenter studies with longer follow-up periods are needed, this study showed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with TORS is useful for treating advanced oropharyngeal cancer.

Application of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Parameters for Differentiating Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Malignant Lymphoma of the Oropharynx.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of histogram analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) parameters for the differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant lymphoma of the oropharynx. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment DCE-MRI was performed in 21 patients with pathologically confirmed oropharyngeal SCC and six patients with malignant lymphoma. DCE-MRI parameter maps including the volume transfer constant (K(trans)), flux rate constant (kep), and extravascular extracellular volume fraction (ve) based on the Tofts model were obtained. Enhancing tumors were manually segmented on each slice of the parameter maps, and the data were collected to obtain a histogram for the entire tumor volume. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the histogram parameters of each DCE-MRI-derived variable of oropharyngeal SCC and lymphoma. RESULTS: Histogram analysis of K(trans) and ve maps revealed that the median and mode of K(trans) were significantly higher in SCC than in lymphoma (p = 0.039 and 0.032, respectively), and the mode, skewness, and kurtosis of ve were significantly different in SCC than in lymphoma (p = 0.046, 0.039, and 0.032, respectively). On ROC analysis, the kurtosis of ve had the best discriminative value for distinguishing between oropharyngeal SCC and lymphoma (AUC, 0.865; cutoff value, 2.60; sensitivity, 83.3%; specificity, 90.5%). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary evidence using histogram analysis of DCE-MRI parameters based on the whole tumor volume suggests that it might be useful for differentiating SCC from malignant lymphoma of the oropharynx.

Impact of p16 expression in oropharyngeal cancer in the postoperative setting: the necessity of re-evaluating traditional risk stratification.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of p16 expression as a surrogate marker of human papillomavirus status in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients underwent surgery followed by postoperative radiotherapy. METHODS: We identified 126 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed, newly diagnosed oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who received surgery followed by radiotherapy and had p16 expression data available. All patients were treated between 2001 and 2011. Patients with high-risk factors (positive surgical margin and/or extracapsular extension) or other risk factors (multiple positive lymph nodes, perineural/lymphovascular invasion) were offered postoperative radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy. RESULTS: One hundred and four (82.5%) patients were p16-positive (p16 (+)) and 22 (17.5%) were p16-negative (p16 (-)). With a median follow-up of 56 months, patients with p16 (+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma exhibited a significantly better 5-year disease-free survival (80.7% vs. 57.6%, P < 0.001) and overall survival (84.9% vs. 59.1%, P < 0.001) than those with p16 (-) tumors. The p16 (+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with high-risk factors (n = 64) showed no difference in disease-free survival (79.7% vs. 68.3%; P = 0.531) and overall survival (82.1% vs. 76.2%; P = 0.964) between postoperative radiotherapy and postoperative radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Expression of p16 is a strong independent prognostic factor of survival in the postoperative setting of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The favorable prognosis of p16 (+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma suggests a need to re-examine traditional risk stratification for determining optimal adjuvant treatment.

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.

Mean corpuscular volume as a prognostic factor for 30-day mortality in major trauma patients: a retrospective cohort study.

We investigated the clinical implications of the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in patients with major trauma. This single-center retrospective review included 2021 trauma patients admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2016 and June 2020. We included 1218 patients aged [Formula: see text] 18 years with an injury severity score [Formula: see text] 16 in the final analysis. The clinical and laboratory variables were compared between macrocytosis (defined as MCV [Formula: see text] 100 fL) and non-macrocytosis groups. Cox regression analysis was performed to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) of variables for 30-day mortality, with adjustment for other potential confounding factors. The initial mean value of MCV was 102.7 fL in the macrocytosis group (n = 199) and 93.7 fL in the non-macrocytosis group (n = 1019). The macrocytosis group showed a significantly higher proportion of initial hypotension, transfusion within 4 and 24 h, and 30-day mortality than the non-macrocytosis group. Age ([Formula: see text] 65 years), hypotension (systolic blood pressure [Formula: see text] 90 mmHg), transfusion (within 4 h), anemia (Hb < 12 g/day in women, < 13 g/day in men), and macrocytosis were significantly associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted HR = 1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.94; p = 0.046) in major trauma patients. Thus, initial macrocytosis independently predicted 30-day mortality in patients with major trauma at a Level I trauma center.

Transoral robotic vertical partial laryngectomy (hemilaryngectomy) extended to the hypopharynx.

Locally advanced laryngeal cancers treatment often involves total laryngectomy, which some patients are unwilling to undergo, even if this choice reduces their survival probability. Therefore, the objective of laryngeal oncologic surgery is not only to remove the tumor, but also to preserve the organ and its functions. To overcome these concerns, several partial laryngectomy techniques have been developed. This article describes the surgical technique and a case study of a 64-year-old male patient with locally advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent vertical partial laryngectomy extending to the subglottis and hypopharynx using transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with a da Vinci Single Port surgical robot. The video and article provide a detailed description of the surgical technique, which resulted in successful tumor removal with excellent oncological and functional outcomes.

A Phase II Open-Label Randomized Clinical Trial of Preoperative Durvalumab or Durvalumab plus Tremelimumab in Resectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Clinical implications of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced but resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain largely unexplored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with resectable HNSCC were randomized to receive a single dose of preoperative durvalumab (D) with or without tremelimumab (T) before resection, followed by postoperative (chemo)radiotherapy based on multidisciplinary discretion and 1-year D treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered spatial distribution analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and high-dimensional profiling of circulating immune cells tracked dynamic intratumoral and systemic immune responses. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients enrolled (D, 24 patients; D+T, 24 patients), 45 underwent surgical resection per protocol (D, 21 patients; D+T, 24 patients). D±T had a favorable safety profile and did not delay surgery. Distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) was significantly better in patients treated with D+T than in those treated with D monotherapy. AI-powered whole-slide image analysis demonstrated that D+T significantly reshaped the tumor microenvironment toward immune-inflamed phenotypes, in contrast with the D monotherapy or cytotoxic chemotherapy. High-dimensional profiling of circulating immune cells revealed a significant expansion of T-cell subsets characterized by proliferation and activation in response to D+T therapy, which was rare following D monotherapy. Importantly, expansion of specific clusters in CD8+ T cells and non-regulatory CD4+ T cells with activation and exhaustion programs was associated with prolonged DRFS in patients treated with D+T. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative D±T is feasible and may benefit patients with resectable HNSCC. Distinct changes in the tumor microenvironment and circulating immune cells were induced by each treatment regimen, warranting further investigation.

Skull base surgery for malignant tumors: The 2nd international collaborative study (1995-2015).

BACKGROUND: The current study presents the effort of a global collaborative group to review the management and outcomes of malignant tumors of the skull base worldwide. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 28 institutions contributed data on 3061 patients. Analysis evaluated clinical variables, survival outcomes, and multivariable factors associated with outcomes. RESULTS: The median age was 56 years (IQR 44-67). The open surgical approach was used in 55% (n = 1680) of cases, endoscopic resection was performed in 36% (n = 1087), and the combined approach in 9.6% (n = 294). With a median follow-up of 7.1 years, the 5-year OS DSS and RFS were 65%, 71.7% and 53%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, older age, comorbidities, histology, dural/intracranial involvement, positive margins, advanced stage, and primary site were independent prognostic factors for OS, DSS, and RFS. Adjuvant RT was a protective prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: The progress across various disciplines may have contributed to improved OS and DSS in this study compared to previous reports.