Lymph node status of lateral neck compartment in patients with N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma

Conclusion Loco-regional recurrence-free survival was significantly decreased in the papillary thyroid cancer patients with >?6 metastatic lymph nodes and a lymph node ratio >?0.22. Also, the risk of lung metastasis was significantly increased in cases with bilateral neck node metastases.

Objective This study focused on the metastatic lymph node status of the lateral neck compartment to understand its prognostic significance for loco-regional recurrence and distant metastasis.

Methods Between January 2004 and December 2009, 1040 patients were diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer and underwent treatment.

Results In a multivariate analysis, sex, the number of metastatic lymph nodes, and the lymph node ratio was significantly associated with loco-regional recurrence. The sensitivity/specificity of >?6 metastatic lymph nodes for predicting recurrence was 64.0%/69.7%. The 5-year loco-regional recurrence-free survival of patients with 0–6 metastatic lymph nodes and >?6 metastatic lymph nodes were 93.4% and 79.2%, respectively. The 5-year loco-regional recurrence-free survival of patients with a lymph node ratio ≤?0.22 and a lymph node ratio >?0.22 were 97.1% and 78.8%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, only bilateral neck node metastases were significantly associated with lung metastasis.     

Failure patterns and prognostic factors of patients with primary mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

Objectives: To analyse the failure patterns and prognostic factors influencing survival in patients with primary mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

Materials and methods: Fifty-one patients were analysed retrospectively. Forty-eight, 33, 10, and 13 patients underwent surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, respectively. Failure events, including local recurrence, regional relapse, distant metastases, and death, were examined.

Results: During follow-up (median: 59.0 months), 36 patients experienced failure after treatment, including local (n?=?17), regional (n?=?8), and distant organ (n?=?23) metastases. The median failure times for local, regional, and distant metastases were 13.0, 14.0, and 8.0 months, respectively. The median survival times from local, regional, and distant failure to death were 10.5, 8.0, and 4.0 months, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates of patients with and without distant organ metastases were 14.4% and 72.6%, respectively (p?Conclusions: Distant metastasis was mainly owing to failure. Radiotherapy and the disease stage were prognostic factors for survival.     

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Versus Elective Neck Dissection: Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes in Clinically Node-Negative Tongue Cancer

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the long-term oncologic outcomes of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) versus elective neck dissection (END) in clinically node-negative (cN0) tongue cancer.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients with cN0 tongue cancer from a single institution, including 91 patients in the SLNB group and 120 patients in the END group.ResultsThe overall recurrence rate showed no significant difference between the two groups. The regional control rate was also comparable between the two groups (P=0.490). The 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was slightly better in the SLNB group than in the END group (P=0.427). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 89.9% in the SLNB group versus 91.9% in the END group (P=0.737). In a propensity-matched subgroup analysis, the type of neck management did not affect RFS or OS.ConclusionSLNB showed non-inferior oncologic outcomes compared to END in patients with cN0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma.     

Pathological evaluation of radiotherapy and concomitant intraarterial cisplatin for maxillary sinus cancer

ObjectiveSince 2010, we have mainly performed surgical treatment following radiotherapy and concomitant intraarterial cisplatin (RADPLAT) for locally advanced maxillary sinus cancer (MSC). The present study investigated treatment results and pathological evaluations following RADPLAT for MSC.MethodsPathological response to RADPLAT was evaluated using surgical specimens. Pathological response was graded in accordance with the classification method that Shimosato reported in 1964, as grade V (no tumor cells remain in any of section), grade IV, III, II, I, and 0. Five-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Univariate analyses of correlations between recurrence of MSC and other clinicopathological parameters were evaluated using the chi-square or Fisher's exact tests.Result19 patients were enrolled in this study, 5 patients showed T3 disease and 14 had T4 disease. One patient demonstrated local recurrence and 3 patients experienced distant metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate was 67.1% (T3, 50.0%; T4, 69.6%), and the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 81.9% (T3, 100%; T4, 76.0%). Histological response was categorized as grade V in 9 cases. No significant risk factors for residual cancer were identified.ConclusionOur study suggested that RADPLAT not only has a low risk of side effects, but also could represent an effective procedure for locally advanced MSC by pathological evaluation. Increasing the therapeutic intensity of RADPLAT might provide an effective modality to avoid highly invasive surgery.     

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of invasion of the prevertebral or parapharyngeal spaces and large tumor volume on treatment outcomes in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods

A total of 105 patients with newly diagnosed NPC were enrolled in this study. TNM stage and presence of invasion of the prevertebral or parapharyngeal spaces were recorded. All patients received a total dose of 70–75 Gy.

Results

After controlling for age, sex, and chemotherapy status, invasion of the prevertebral or parapharyngeal spaces and large primary tumor volume produced a significantly increased hazard ratio for distant metastasis and recurrence. We defined patients with two or more such prognostic factors as high-risk patients, in whom the 3-year metastasis-free survival rate, with and without adjuvant chemotherapy, was 100% and 69.6%, respectively (P = 0.02). Their 3-year recurrence-free survival rate, with and without adjuvant chemotherapy, was 93.3% and 70.2% (P = 0.09). This benefit was not observed in low-risk NPC patients.

Conclusion

NPC patients with any two or more of the factors, involvement of the prevertebral space, large primary tumor volume, or advanced parapharyngeal space invasion, had more recurrence and poor survival rates and benefited from concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy.     

Comprehensive analysis of pharyngeal recurrence of laryngeal carcinoma after total laryngectomy

Purpose: This study analyzes the incidence, risk factors, treatment results, and prognosis of local recurrence at the pharynx after total laryngectomy for laryngeal carcinoma.Patients and Methods: The records of 292 patients who underwent total laryngectomy for the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma between January 1978 and December 1990 were reviewed.Results: Of these 292 patients, there were 24 patients who developed local recurrence at the pharynx. The 5-year actuarial cumulative local recurrence rate was 10%. There were 17 cases of pharyngeal recurrence alone, five cases of pharyngeal and nodal recurrence, one case of pharyngeal and tracheostomal recurrence, and one case of pharyngeal and distant metastasis. Ten (42%) patients were salvaged surgically; the 5-year actuarial survival rate after surgical salvage was 53%. The other 14 patients were treated with palliative treatment, and all died of tumor, with the longest period of survival being 28 months.Conclusion: Surgical salvage of pharyngeal recurrence has acceptable results. Close monitoring of patients is important to have an early diagnosis of salvageable recurrence.     

外周血中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比值以及血小板与淋巴细胞比值评估声门型喉癌患者预后的价值

目的 探讨外周血中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比值（NLR）和血小板与淋巴细胞比值（PLR）与声门型喉鳞状细胞癌患者预后的关系。方法 收集115例有明确病理诊断的声门型喉鳞状细胞癌患者的临床病理及随访资料,通过建立受试者工作特征曲线（ROC曲线）,确定术前外周血NLR及PLR预测术后生存的最佳截点,以此将患者分为低NLR和高NLR组以及低PLR和高PLR组,分析NLR及PLR与患者的临床病理特征之间的关系,并通过单因素及多因素分析评估术前外周血NLR及PLR对患者术后生存的影响。结果 115例患者中获得随访107例,失访8例,随访率为93.0%。随访患者中27例死于喉鳞状细胞癌,80例生存。根据ROC曲线计算出PLR、NLR的临界值分别为139.79和2.83。107例声门型喉鳞状细胞癌患者的5年生存率为74.8%,其中低PLR组患者的5年生存率为82.7%;高PLR组患者的5年生存率为56.3%,差异具有统计学意义（P=0.004）。低NLR组患者的5年生存率为81.8%;高NLR组患者的5年生存率为56.7%,差异具有统计学意义（P=0.003）。单因素分析显示,声门型喉鳞状细胞癌患者的预后与患者的T分期、有无淋巴结转移、NLR水平和PLR水平有关（P均<0.05）。多因素分析显示,PLR水平以及NLR水平为影响声门型喉鳞状细胞癌患者预后的独立因素（P均<0.05）。结论 PLR和NLR可能是影响声门型喉鳞状细胞癌患者预后的独立因素。     

鼻腔鼻窦腺样囊性癌的临床分析

目的 探讨鼻腔鼻窦腺样囊性癌(ACC)的临床特点及手术疗效分析。方法 回顾性分析云南省第三人民医院2010年6月—2017年6月收治的31例病理确诊为鼻腔鼻窦ACC患者主要临床表现及生物学特性,针对不同部位、分期患者进行不同方式的手术及术后放疗。结果 31例鼻腔鼻窦ACC患者随访30例,1例失访;3年生存率为87.1%(27/31),5年生存率为71.0%(22/31),3年局部复发率为16.2%(5/31),5年局部复发率为25.8%(8/31)。结论 鼻腔鼻窦ACC生长部位深在,毗邻结构复杂,肿瘤的高侵袭性和沿神经浸润生长的习性,手术彻底切除较难,易复发。传统手术结合鼻内镜颅底技术以及神经追踪技术是减少复发、提高生存率的有效方法。     

Effect of Han-uvulopalatopharyngoplasty on flow-mediated dilatation in patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Abstract

Conclusion. p53 protein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were not ideal prognostic indicators in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Further investigation in searching for other potential biomarkers is needed to enhance the prediction of treatment outcome. Objective. To assess the prognostic significance of p53 protein and PCNA expression in patients with advanced NPC. Patients and methods. This study included 46 patients with advanced NPC who had received treatment and regular follow-up for at least 5 years. We used immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to assess p53 protein expression and PCNA labeling index, and correlate them with pathological subtypes, TNM stage, the presence of locoregional recurrence, and 5-year survival rate. Results. p53 nuclear staining was positive in 32 patients (69.6%). All cases had positive PCNA nuclear staining with labeling index (LI) ranging from 6.5% to 92.9% (mean 53.4%). Only advanced T stage was found to be associated with high PCNA LI. Overexpression of p53 and PCNA LI had no impact on 5-year survival in this study group.     

Resección craneofacial endoscópica. Indicaciones y aspectos técnicos

IntroductionAnterior craniofacial resection (CFR) is a standardised procedure for the treatment of tumours involving the anterior skull base. We present our experience in the endoscopic treatment of these tumours.Material and methodA retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated by endoscopic anterior CFR in our Department from 2004 until 2011.ResultsThirty-two patients were analysed. Mean follow-up was 28 months (range: 6-84 months). The most frequent pathological entity was adenocarcinoma (60%), followed by undifferentiated carcinoma (13%). According to TNM classification, malignant epithelial tumour staging was T3 in 9%, T4a in 53% and T4b in 19% of the malignant epithelial tumours. The complication rate was 6% and the resection was complete in 91% of cases. During follow-up, 9% of patients developed recurrence. The 5-year overall survival rate was 70% and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 85%ConclusionThese results seem to indicate that properly planned endoscopic CFR may be a valid alternative to traditional open approaches for the management of malignancies of the anterior skull base.     

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a non-endemic country—Validation of the new NPC staging system

BackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) staging has recently been updated, with the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC. In the last ten years, Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) has become a standard treatment for NPC. The authors aim to assess the benefits of the new AJCC staging system in predicting prognosis, as well as the improvement in survival outcomes in the IMRT era, in non-edemic population.MethodsRetrospective study selecting patients treated for NPC between January 2009 and December 2019 in a cancer treatment center in Portugal. Initial TNM staging (according to the seventh edition of the AJCC/UICC) was collected and each patient was restaged according to the new TNM staging system. Overall survival (OS) and Distant Metastasis Free Survival (DMFS) stratified by T and N classification and stage (according to the both TNM staging systems) were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate which factors influence OS and DMFS. Data in this series was compared with a previous report from the same institution, before IMRT standard use.Results113 patients were included, averaging 53.74 (±1.4) years old. With the new TNM staging, 5 patients were downstaged and 3 patients were upstaged. Over a median follow-up time of 41 months, the 5-year OS and DMFS were 77% and 79.8%, respectively. Neither the seventh nor the eighth editions of the AJCC/UICC staging system had good overall discrimination between each T classification OS and DMFS curves. Both the seventh and the eighth editions of the AJCC/UICC staging system had statistically significant overall discrimination between each N group and each stage group classification OS curves. Only N classification predicted OS in multivariate analysis. When comparing to a previous report from the same institution, OS has not improved majorly, especially in locoregionally advanced disease.ConclusionsTNM staging still presents limitations in adequately predicting OS and DMFS.     

Oncological outcomes of early stage glottic squamous cell carcinoma treated with transoral laser microsurgery

Materials and methodsThe records of patients treated with TLM with previously untreated early stage glottic squamous cell carcinoma were reviewed.ResultsA total of 201 patients were enrolled: 191 men (95.0%) and 10 women (4.98%). The anterior commissure (AC) was involved in 94 (47.8%) patients. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates of all patients were 94.5% and 90.9%. The local recurrence rates were 30.8% in the AC involvement (AC+) group and 16.0% in the group without AC involvement (AC–). The mortality rates were 18.1% and 3.7% in the AC+ and AC– groups. The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were lower in the AC+ group (89.1%, 82.5%) than that in AC– group (99.0%, 96.5%). Local recurrence rates were 25%, 22.7%, 23.4%, and 22.1% for Tis, T1a, T1b, and T2 lesions. The mortality rates were 0.0%, 4.6%, 12.8%, and 15.3%. Three- and 5-year disease-free survival rates did not differ significantly between the tumor stage subgroups. The mortality for patients with local recurrence was 22.2%, which was higher than that for those without recurrence. The organ preservation rate was 98.5%.PurposeThis study was to assess the rates of oncological outcomes in patients with early stage glottic squamous cell carcinoma treated with transoral laser microsurgery (TLM).ConclusionAC involvement was a predictor of local recurrence, and its presence was associated with a reduced survival rate and increased mortality after TLM. TLM got high survival rate and low recurrence rate. The staging and oncological outcomes did not differ between tumor stage subgroups.     

Correlation between proliferating cell nuclear antigen and p53 protein expression and 5-year survival rate in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE: To assess the prognostic significance of p53 protein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 79 patients who had received treatment and regular follow-up for at least 5 years at a single institute. We used immunohistochemistry staining to assess p53 protein expression and PCNA labeling index (LI). Analyses were conducted on the association between each of the 2 biomarkers and pathological subtypes, TNM stage, the presence of locoregional recurrence, and 5-year survival rate. RESULTS: p53 protein nuclear staining was positive in 49 patients (62%). The mean PCNA LI was 55.6%, ranging from 3.35% to 92.9%. High PCNA LI (>55.6%) might contribute to higher 5-year survival rate, but it did not reach statistical significance (P = .09). Positive p53 protein staining and low PCNA LI were associated with the presence of locoregional recurrence. No statistical significance was found between p53 protein expression and PCNA LI and pathological subtypes and TNM stage. CONCLUSION: p53 protein and PCNA LI were not an ideal prognostic indicator in predicting 5-year survival rate in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Future work will direct toward searching for other potential biomarkers with the hope to reinforce prediction of prognosis.     

Communication experiences of healthcare students whilst managing adults with communication disorders

BackgroundResearch has found that people with communication disabilities are three times more likely to encounter medical mishaps. Almost a third of patients with speech-language therapy (SLT) diagnoses have other medical conditions across more than one of the burden of disease categories. Fifty per cent of these patients present with communication disorders. Student healthcare curriculums focus on patient dynamics and field-specific diversities. It does not often include the skills and knowledge required to effectively communicate and treat those with communication disorders.ObjectivesThis study aims to describe the communication challenges and strategies employed by a group of final year Nursing, Medicine, Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy students when managing adults with communication disorders.MethodA qualitative, phenomenological study design was used. Questionnaires were electronically distributed, and results were analysed thematically.ResultsThe most significant challenges whilst managing adults with communication disorders were patients’ receptive and expressive language difficulties. Further challenges included lack of knowledge surrounding communication disorders, lack of training in the use of appropriate communicative assistive devices, factors within the physical environment and gaps in students’ clinical performance. Strategies used to facilitate communication included caregiver assistance, gestures and written language.ConclusionThis study revealed that there is a need to develop healthcare students’ skills in managing adults with communication disorders. This is because of the challenges faced and inefficiency of the strategies used. Future research should focus on determining solutions for improved communication with adults with communication disorders. The study highlights the need for further education and training to address students’ communication needs with patients.     

Clinicopathologic characteristics of laryngeal chondrosarcoma: An analysis of the National Cancer Database

ObjectivesLaryngeal Chondrosarcoma (LC) is a rare malignancy with limited studies documenting its clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment options. This study reports demographic and clinical determinants of outcomes for this rare tumor.MethodsThe National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for cases of LC reported from 2004–2016. 274 cases that met inclusion criteria were analyzed for demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics. Kaplan-Meier (KM) and Cox proportional hazard analyses were conducted to identify variables that impacted the overall survival of these patients.ResultsLC was found to be more common in males (74.8%). The mean age of patients was 61.8 years and 92.3% of the patients were white. 91.3% of patients were treated with only surgical resection, most commonly: partial laryngectomy (31.6%), total laryngectomy (25.7%), and local resection (22.4%). 98.8% of patients had no evidence of nodal disease and 99.6% of patients did not have distant metastasis at presentation. KM analysis revealed a 5-year overall survival (5YOS) of 89.0%. Age, insurance status, facility type, and surgery type were significant predictors of 5YOS (p<0.05). On Cox Proportional Hazard analysis, private insurance significantly improved survival (HR 0.21; p = 0.048) while increasing age was a poor prognostic indicator (HR 1.10; p = 0.004).ConclusionThe majority of LC patients present with no nodal involvement or distant metastasis at diagnosis, and overall this tumor has a favorable prognosis. Increasing age was found to be a poor prognostic factor while private insurance status was associated with improved survival.     

鼻咽癌同步放化疗前后炎性指标变化及预测价值

目的 探讨局部晚期鼻咽癌同步放化疗前后外周血中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比(NLR)和血小板与淋巴细胞比(PLR)的变化及对鼻咽癌复发的预测作用。 方法 回顾性分析初诊为局部晚期鼻咽癌并行同步放化疗229例患者病历资料,记录同步放化疗前后患者的中性粒细胞、血小板和淋巴细胞值,计算相应的NLR和PLR、ΔNLR和ΔPLR,使用受试者工作特征曲线(ROC),确定NLR和PLR、ΔNLR和ΔPLR的最佳临界值,并根据最佳临界值将ΔNLR和ΔPLR分别分为高低水平两组;使用Cox风险模型分析和Kaplan-Meier分析确定肿瘤复发的独立危险因素以及ΔNLR和ΔPLR对生存的影响。 结果 以肿瘤复发为结果,NLR和PLR、ΔNLR和ΔPLR的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.680、0.678、0.854和0.730, 最佳临界值分别为2.730、135.550、4.982和122.553;单因素分析显示:T分期、N分期、临床分期、诱导/辅助化疗史NLR、PLR、ΔNLR、ΔPLR为鼻咽癌复发的相关因素,进一步行多因素分析提示T分期、N分期、ΔNLR、ΔPLR是鼻咽癌复发的独立危险因素;生存分析显示,ΔHNLR和ΔHPLR组的2年无复发生存率均低于ΔLNLR和ΔLPLR组(ΔHNLR vs. ΔLNLR=0.488 vs. 0.993;ΔHPLR vs. ΔLPLR=0.476 vs. 0.935),ΔHNLR和ΔHPLR组的中位无复发生存时间均为23个月。 结论 局部晚期鼻咽癌患者的NLR和PLR总体水平在同步放化疗后有所增加,治疗前后NLR和PLR差值越大肿瘤预后越差,且ΔNLR和ΔPLR可作为肿瘤复发的预测指标。     

Influential factors on tumor recurrence in head and neck cancer patients

Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking play a key role in the development and progression of head and neck cancer. Additionally, epidemiologic studies have given evidence that other environmental and genetic factors are relevant. We present a prospective study including 465 head and neck cancer patients. All patients were recruited between 1994 and 1998 during the initial tumor diagnosis. Three hundred twelve patients could be followed over 5 years after histologically proven curative surgical treatment. All clinical data were recorded (i.e., age, gender, TNM stage, histological grading, smoking and drinking habits) and genetic variations at loci encoding detoxifying enzymes (glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450); immune modulating cytokines (tumor necrosis factor) and cell cycle regulating proteins (cyclin D1) were determined. Parameters with an impact on recurrence-free survival were analyzed. A strong influence could be attributed to the tumor size at the time of presentation. Additionally, the grading of the tumor showed a strong influence (5 years recurrence free: G1: 87% and G1: 61%). Furthermore, it could be shown that the recurrence-free survival was significantly influenced by cyclin D1 genotypes ( CCND1GG: P =0.01; HR=3.72) and TNF microsatellite haplotypes ( TNFB1D5: P =0.043; HR=2.05). These findings are compatible with the view that genetic predisposition is important in determining recurrence-free survival after surgical treatment of head and neck cancer.     

The management of early hypopharyngeal cancer: primary radiotherapy and salvage surgery

Carcinoma of the hypopharynx tends to present late and to occur in old age. Surgical treatment almost always involves a total laryngectomy as well as a major procedure to reconstruct the pharynx. Early tumours up to and including T₃ tumours with no, or very early (nodes < 2 cm) nodal disease may be treated with radiotherapy with the option of salvage surgery if recurrence supervenes. In 106 previously untreated patients the 5-year recurrence rate was 50% and the 5-year survival rate was 41%. Sixty-nine patients were referred from other departments because of recurrent disease. The 5-year survival for those patients was 21%. The 5-year survival for those who developed a recurrence at the primary site was 23%. Seventy-eight patients had a resection and 42% suffered a major complication. Only 2 of the methods of reconstruction appear to be satisfactory: for disease confined to the neck free revascularized jejunal loop-repair is effective whereas for more extensive disease gastric transposition is recommended. Twenty-three per cent of patients developed neck node metastases and the 5-year survival rate for these patients was 16%. Cox's regression showed that no host or tumour factors predicted survival. At 5 years, 46% of patients were alive with a larynx, 4% were alive without a larynx, 34% were dead of the original cancer and 16 were dead of other causes.     

Asociación entre el standarized uptake value (SUV) máximo y el control local en pacientes con carcinoma de orofaringe tratados con radioterapia

ObjectiveTo analyse the prognostic ability of the maximum standardised uptake value (SUV_max) on local disease control in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy.Material and methodsRetrospective study of 105 patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas treated with radiotherapy, including chemo- and bio-radiotherapy, and who had a PET-CT scan prior to the start of treatment.ResultPatients with a SUV_max value higher than 17.2 at the primary tumour site had a significantly higher risk of local recurrence. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival for patients with SUV_max less than or equal to 17.2 (n = 71) was 86.5% (95% CI: 78.2–94.7%), and for patients with SUV_max greater than 17.2 (n = 34) it was 55.8% (95% CI: 36.0–75.6%) (P=.0001). This difference in local control was maintained regardless of patients’ HPV status. Specific survival was similarly lower for patients with a SUV greater than 17.2. The 5-year specific survival for patients with SUV_max greater than 17.2 was 39.5% (95% CI: 20.6–58.3%), significantly shorter than that of patients with SUV_max equal to or less than 17.2, which was 77.3% (95% CI: 66.9–87.6%) (P=.0001).ConclusionsPatients with oropharyngeal carcinomas treated with radiotherapy with a SUV_max greater than 17.2 at the level of the primary tumour site had a significantly higher risk of local recurrence.     

Surgical treatment for pulmonary metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Purpose: As locoregional control of head and neck cancer has improved, distant metastases have become increasingly common problems.Patients and Methods: To determine the role of surgical treatment, we reviewed 32 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck who underwent thoracotomy for pulmonary metastases.Results: The overall 5-year survival rate was 32%. The 5-year survival rate of the patients with SCC of the oral cavity was significantly poorer than that of the patients with other primary site (15.4% v 45.2%; P = .01). In the patients with single nodule, extent of the tumor was a significant prognostic factor (P = .007). Mediastinal lymph node involvement (P = .004) and pleural invasion (P = .04) also correlated with survival.Conclusion: TNM classification of the primary tumor did not have an impact on survival in this study. Further studies of a large series should be performed to determine the indications and modalities of the surgical treatment for pulmonary metastases of the SCC of head and neck.