The prognostic role of tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A meta‐analysis

It has been suggested that tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are associated with the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the prognostic value of TILs is inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of immune cells within the tumour microenvironment. In this meta‐analysis, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of TILs in OSCC. The PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched up to April 20, 2019, and 33 studies were ultimately included in this meta‐analysis. Our pooled meta‐analysis showed that high infiltration of CD8⁺ TILs, CD45RO⁺ TILs and CD57⁺ TILs favoured better overall survival (OS). However, high infiltration of CD68⁺ macrophages and CD163⁺ macrophages was associated with poor prognosis in OSCC. These findings suggest that CD8⁺ TILs, CD45RO⁺ TILs, CD57⁺ TILs, CD68⁺ macrophages and CD163⁺ macrophages might serve as novel prognostic factors and therapeutic targets in OSCC.     

Five Year Trends in the Utilization of Robotic Bariatric Surgery Procedures,United States 2015–2019

Purpose

Robotic approaches have been steadily replacing laparoscopic approaches in metabolic and bariatric surgeries (MBS); however, their superiority has not been rigorously evaluated. The main goal of the study was to evaluate the 5-year utilization trends of robotic MBS and to compare to laparoscopic outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 2015–2019 MBSAQIP data. Kruskal-Wallis test/Wilcoxon and Fisher’s exact/chi-square were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Generalized linear models were used to compare surgery outcomes.

Results

The use of robotic MBS increased from 6.2% in 2015 to 13.5% in 2019 (N= 775,258). Robotic MBS patients had significantly higher age, BMI, and likelihood of 12 diseases compared to laparoscopic patients. After adjustment, robotic MBS patients showed higher 30-day interventions and 30-day readmissions alongside longer surgery time (26–38 min).

Conclusion

Robotic MBS shows higher intervention and readmission even after controlling for cofounding variables.

Graphical Abstract

     

Photodynamic therapy in the management of a patient with Gorlin syndrome (naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome)

Gorlin syndrome (naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome) is a genetically linked disorder characterized by the development of multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) throughout life. Cumulative surgery, cryotherapy and other conventional interventions can result in significant disfigurement by middle age. Radiotherapy is contra-indicated because the mutated gene underlying the syndrome, ‘PTCH’, increases sensitivity to ionising radiation, so there is significant likelihood of inducing further tumours in and around the irradiated area. Photodynamic therapy offers a non-invasive treatment option for patients with this condition, with the added advantage of causing minimal scarring.