Unresectable primary and recurrent head and neck tumors: effect of hyperthermia and carboplatin--preliminary experience

PURPOSE: To perform a single-arm study to determine the effectiveness of and potential toxic reactions to local hyperthermia and systemic carboplatin (cis-diammine-1,1-cyclobutane dicarboxylate platinum II) for the treatment of advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and stage IV disease (N2 or N3 neck adenopathy) or recurrent local-regional disease and who were previously and definitively treated were included in the study. Thermochemotherapy was administered every 4 weeks. Recorded end points were tumor response, duration of response, incidence of distant metastases, survival, cause of death, and toxic reactions. RESULTS: One patient had a complete response to therapy, and two had a partial response. Five patients had no response or developed progressive disease during therapy. Six patients died after 4-13 months of progressive disease. Two long-term survivors received radiation therapy; one also underwent surgical resection for residual neck disease. Each thermochemotherapeutic session was well tolerated, with minimal discomfort. Toxic reactions included hypotension, vomiting, hyponatremia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and infection at the site of administration. There were no life-threatening toxic reactions. CONCLUSION: The combined use of hyperthermia and carboplatin shows potential in the management of unresectable head and neck tumors and is safe and well tolerated. Further studies on thermochemotherapy are warranted to assess its potential.     

Diffuse lipogranulomatosis involving soft tissues of the head and neck due to multiple self-injections of mineral oil

We describe imaging findings of a 45-year-old man with a 6-month history of gradually increasing diffuse swelling of the neck. CT showed diffuse thickening and infiltration of the superficial and deep soft tissues bilaterally. On further investigation of his history, the patient stated that he had injected mineral oil into his neck to clean out his body from drugs. Biopsy results showed multinucleated giant cells and inflammatory infiltrates confirming the diagnosis of lipogranulomatosis.     

CT-guided radiofrequency ablation in the palliative treatment of recurrent advanced head and neck malignancies

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of computed tomography (CT)-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation in the palliative treatment of recurrent advanced head and neck cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From November 2002 to January 2005, the authors identified 14 patients (median age, 61 years) with 14 recurrent advanced primary head and neck malignancies who underwent 27 CT-guided RF ablation applications during 20 sessions at their institution. RF ablation was performed in all patients with the intent of palliative therapy. Radiologic tumor response was assessed by using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Patients were assessed clinically by means of University of Washington Head and Neck Quality of Life questionnaires. RESULTS: Technical success in tumor targeting and electrode deployment was 100%. University of Washington quality of life surveys completed by six of 14 patients (43%) showed an index increase by a median of 3.1 percentage points, with four of six patients (67%) demonstrating improvement. Three major complications (in 27 applications, 11%) occurred 7 days to 2 weeks after the procedure. These included stroke, carotid blowout leading to death, and threatened carotid blowout with subsequent stroke. Retrospective analysis of intraprocedural CT scans revealed that the retractable electrodes were within 1 cm of the carotid artery during ablation in these cases. CONCLUSIONS: RF ablation in patients with advanced head and neck malignancies is feasible and effective for palliation. CT-guidance provides accurate probe placement and electrode deployment. The energy level used and proximity of the ablation sphere to the carotid artery may predispose to vascular complications.     

Three-dimensional computed tomography in the head and neck diseases with bony abnormalities

The purpose of this study was to define the role of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) in the head and neck diseases with bony abnormalities. Thirty-two patients were examined with a low dose radiation technique. Three-dimensional CT clearly delineated bony lesions in 27 of 32 patients. Three-dimensional CT could not demonstrate subtle bony erosions infiltrated by tumor, a temporal bone fracture, and a blow-out fracture, although two-dimensional (2D) images obtained before the 3D reconstructions clearly depicted those lesions. These two kinds of CT technique were thought to be complimentary.     

BNCT for advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer

The therapeutic effect of surgery and/or combination of conventional chemoradiotherapy is limited in the patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and locally advanced non-squamous cell carcinoma without malignant melanoma (non-SCC) of the head and neck. Currently, clinical trials of BNCT for head and neck cancers are being conducted in some institutes to verify its the effectiveness. BNCT was performed in 10 patients with recurrent SCC, 7 patients with recurrent non-SCC and 3 patients with newly diagnosed non-SCC in our university between October 2003 and September 2007. Eleven patients showed complete remission and 7 patients showed partial remission of irradiated site. The effective rate [(CR+PR)/total cases] was 90%. No severe acute or chronic normal-tissue reactions were observed in any patients. BNCT is effective and safe in the patients with recurrent SCC and locally advanced non-SCC.     

Effectiveness of BNCT for recurrent head and neck malignancies.

Recurrent head and neck malignancies (HNM) are often radio-/chemo-resistant and show extensive growth, necessitating a wide resection including surrounding tissues. To avoid severe impairment of oro-facial structures and functions, it is necessary to explore new treatments for HNM. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is tumor-cell targeted radiotherapy that has significant superiority over conventional radiotherapies in principle. We report here, first in the world, six patients with a recurrent HNM who have been treated with BNCT. The BNCT in combination with boronophenylalanine (BPA) and borocaptate sodium (BSH) was performed using the epithermal neutrons with Kyoto University Research Reactor (KUR). The results of BNCT were as follows: (1) (10)B concentration of tumor/normal tissue ratios (T/N ratio) of PET studies were SCC:1.8-4.4, sarcoma:3.1-4.0, parotid tumor:3.5. (2) Relative volume (%) of each tumor to the prior were 6-46%. (3) Remarkable reduction (46-100%) of huge tumor such as 40-675 cm(3) (average: 315 cm(3)), improvement of QOL and very mild side effects were recognized in all cases. These results indicate that BNCT represents a new and promising treatment approach even for a huge or far advanced HNM.     

Nuclear medicine imaging for the assessment of primary and recurrent head and neck carcinoma using routinely available tracers

This article reviews the literature on the use of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) and thallium-201, technetium-99m sestamibi and technetium-99m tetrofosmin single-photon emission tomography (SPET) for the diagnosis and staging of primary and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). A search of the MEDLINE and CancerLit databases covering articles entered between 1989 and February 2003 was performed. In the case of FDG PET, only full-ring PET studies that included comparison with conventional morphological imaging were considered. Due to the wide variation in methodology, a straightforward meta-analysis of FDG PET literature was impossible. Instead, indicative summary receiver-operating curves of FDG PET and morphological imaging techniques were generated and a paired comparison of the sensitivities and specificities of FDG PET and morphological imaging performed. Compared with conventional morphological imaging, FDG PET proved as sensitive and specific for the detection of primary SCCHN but more sensitive and specific for the detection of cervical lymph node involvement (CLNI) and recurrence of SCCHN. Additional studies addressing the role of FDG PET in screening for distant metastases and synchronous primary tumours are mandatory. Following negative conventional evaluations, FDG PET identifies occult primary tumours in 20–50% of patients presenting with CLNI. As regards the use of ²⁰¹Tl, ^99mTc-sestamibi and ^99mTc-tetrofosmin, more studies are required to define whether these imaging agents could form part of the current diagnostic armamentarium in SCCHN patients. It is concluded that FDG PET either is superior to or offers added value when compared with conventional morphological imaging techniques for the purpose of diagnosis and staging of primary and recurrent SCCHN.     

In vivo proton MR spectroscopy of primary tumours,nodal and recurrent disease of the extracranial head and neck

Benign and malignant neoplasms as well as metastatic lymph nodes of 39 patients were examined using localized single voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) [repetition time (TR) 1500, echo time (TE) 135) at 1.5 T. New techniques with simultaneous correction of motion artefacts during the acquisition, three-dimensional saturation pulses, respiratory triggering and smaller volume of interest (VOI) size, were applied. Ratios of peak areas under the choline (Cho) and creatine (Cr) resonances were estimated in all cases and compared with those from samples of normal tissue. Ninety one spectra were acquired in 39 patients, 63 of which were suitable for further evaluation. The smallest VOI was 0.40 cm³. The Cho/Cr ratios in all malignant neoplasms (mean: 5.2, range: 1.7–17.8) were significantly elevated relative to those in the normal muscle structures (mean: 0.9, range: 0.2–1.4), while those in the benign neoplasms were elevated (mean: 24.4, range: 1.4–59.7) with respect to those in the malignant ones. The average Cho/Cr ratio in the metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher (mean: 4.8, range: 3.3–5.6) than that for benign lymphoid hyperplasia (mean: 2.2, range: 1.0–3.0). MRS measurements were able to differentiate recurrent disease from post-therapeutic tissue changes in 11 out of 13 patients.     

头颈部放疗后软组织损伤的CT表现

目的 :本文旨在观察和探讨头颈部肿瘤放疗后软组织损伤的CT表现 ,以提高对头颈部放射性损伤的影像学认识。方法 :对头颈部恶性肿瘤放疗后 70例作CT扫描观察 ,计 13 3次扫描 ,扫描 1次 3 8例 ,2次 15例 ,3次以上 17例。观察时间分为放疗后近期 ( 6个月以内 )、中期 ( 6～ 12个月 )和远期 ( 12个月以上 )。放疗剂量为 40～ 72Gy(单程放疗 )、14 0Gy(二程及二程以上放疗 )。全部病例均有放疗前CT图像对照。结果 :CT所见包括皮下脂肪层变薄 2 6例 ,皮肤增厚15例 ,皮肤凹陷 2 6例 ,肌肉萎缩 19例 ,颈深筋膜增厚 15例 ,皮下纤维性增生 18例 ,涎腺萎缩 19例 ,复发性肿瘤 18例。结论 :CT对头颈部软组织放射性损伤的表现和程度的判断是准确的 ,能为临床治疗提供参考依据     

Influence of soft tissues on the proximal bony tibial slope measured with two-dimensional MRI

Purpose

Despite increasing interest in the functional anatomy of the menisci, little information is available regarding the relationship between the tibial slope and the menisci. It was hypothesized that the meniscus would reduce the differences in slope between the medial and lateral compartments and would mitigate the effects of age and gender on the tibial slope.

Methods

MRI sagittal images from 101 patients were used in this study. The angle between a line tangent to the medial and lateral tibial bony slope and the proximal tibial anatomical axis was measured on sagittal MRI images (bony slope). The angle between the tangent line to the highest point of the anterior and posterior horn of the meniscus and the proximal tibial anatomical axis was also determined (soft tissue slope). The measurements were carried out twice by two observers. The influence of gender and age on these parameters was analysed.

Results

Repeated measures analysis of variance showed good inter- and intra-observer reliability for both bony and soft tissue slope (ICC (0.87–0.93) and (0.91–0.97) for inter- and intra-observer reliability, respectively). In both compartments, the soft tissue significantly reduced the tibial slope towards the horizontal plane. In addition, the soft tissue slope was significantly more horizontal in the lateral compartment compared to the medial compartment (p < 0.01). These differences were not influenced by age or gender.

Conclusion

The menisci of the knee generate a more horizontal tibial slope when measured on MRI. The soft tissue slope is more horizontal in the lateral compartment of the knee compared to the medial compartment.

Level of evidence

Diagnostic, Level III.     

Intravenous mitoxantrone use and simultaneous radiotherapy as a palliative treatment in recurrent head and neck tumors]

After preceding radiotherapy, chemotherapy and/or surgery the therapeutic options are limited in case of recurrence. In order to enhance the effect of a reduced radiation dose we have combined intravenous mitoxantrone and simultaneous irradiation. From 1988 to 1991 22 patients with recurrent head and neck carcinomas were treated with this combined regimen. 20 patients had already been irradiated with 50 to 70 Gy. The second treatment course was given with 19.8 to 56.0 Gy and simultaneous application of one to three courses of mitoxantrone. Eleven (50%) patients achieved a clinical complete remission. A partial remission was seen in nine patients.     

Second primary malignancies in head and neck cancer patients

Background and purpose

Patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) carry a high risk of second primary malignancies (SPM). Recently, computed tomography (CT) of the chest was shown to significantly decrease the risk of death due to bronchial carcinoma (BC) in a cohort of smokers whose risk of BC is increased but might be lower than that of patients previously treated for HNSCC. Thus, the present study evaluated the potential benefit of CT and other examinations in the detection of SPM in HNSCC patients.

Patients and methods

Between July 2008 and November 2011, 118 participants underwent a prospective, systematic examination for SPM (13 women, 105 men, median age 62 years). All patients had been previously treated for HNSCC and showed no recurrence or distant metastases at the time of the study start. CT scans, ear–nose–throat endoscopy, and endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach were performed.

Results

Overall, 33 suspicious findings were clarified by additional investigations. In all, 26 SPM were confirmed in 21 of 118 patients (18?%; 10 lung, 7 HNSCC, 3 gastrointestinal, 1 renal). Eighteen of these 21 patients (86?%) underwent therapy with curative intent.

Conclusion

The examinations revealed a high prevalence of curable stage SPM in HNSCC patients. Adapting a surveillance scheme including a chest CT is recommended.     

Endovascular treatment of head and neck arteriovenous malformations

Introduction

Head and neck arteriovenous malformations (H&N AVM) are associated with considerable clinical and psychosocial burden and present a significant treatment challenge. We evaluated the presentation, response to treatment, and outcome of patients with H&N AVMs treated by endovascular means at our institution.

Methods

Patients with H&N AVMs treated by endovascular means from 1984 to 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. These included AVMs involving the scalp, orbit, maxillofacial, and upper neck localizations. Patient’s clinical files, radiological images, catheter angiograms, and surgical reports were reviewed.

Results

Eighty-nine patients with H&N AVMs (46 females, 43 males; 48 small, 41 large) received endovascular therapy. The goals of treatment were curative (n?=?30), palliative (n?=?34), or presurgical (n?=?25). The total number of endovascular treatment sessions was 244 (average of 1.5 per patient). The goal of treatment was met in 92.1 % of cases. Eventual cure was achieved in 42 patients accounting for 58.4 % (52/89) of all patients who underwent treatment for any goal. Twenty-eight of these patients were cured by embolization alone (28/89, 31.4 %) of which 18 were single-hole AVFs. Twenty-four were cured by planned surgical excision after presurgical embolization (24/89, 27 %). Seven patients (7/89, 7.2 %) suffered transient and two (2/89, 2.2 %) permanent endovascular treatment complications.

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment is effective for H&N AVMs and relatively safe. It is particularly effective for symptom palliation and presurgical aid. Embolization is curative mostly in small lesions and single-hole fistulas. In patients with large non-curable H&N AVMs, endovascular therapy is often the only palliative option.     

MR imaging of recurrent head and neck tumours following flap reconstructive surgery

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of recurrent tumours in patients who had undergone resection of primary head and neck tumours with flap reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR examinations obtained from 25 patients who had undergone resection and flap reconstructive surgery for malignancy were analysed retrospectively. Tumour recurrence was confirmed by biopsy in 22 patients, and clinically in 3 patients. The features of the recurrent tumours in the scars were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had a locally recurrent mass, while 4 had a locally recurrent mass in addition to regional lymph node metastases. Twenty-four of the recurrent tumours were localized in the recipient flap beds, near the anastomotic site. In 9 of 25 (36%) patients, the recurrent tumours extended intracranially, either directly, or through the foramina at the skull base. CONCLUSION: Tumour recurrence after flap reconstruction most often occurred at or near the anastomotic site. MRI is useful for detection of recurrence after flap reconstructive surgery in patients with head and neck cancer.