Biological landscape of human papilloma virus-related head and neck cancer according to virus genotype.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly strains 16 and 18, contributes to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), even in non-smokers and non-drinkers. This study investigated gene expression variations in HPV-positive OPSCCs according to the virus genotype. An RNA sequencing analysis of 36 p16-positive OPSCC patients revealed distinct expression patterns between tumors with only E6/E7 transcripts (E6E7) and those with additional E5 transcripts (E5-added).

Predictive Factors for the Efficacy of Head and Neck Photoimmunotherapy and Optimization of Treatment Schedules.

Background/aim: Head and neck photoimmunotherapy (HN-PIT) is a promising treatment for unresectable locally advanced or recurrent head and neck cancers. However, the optimal tumor characteristics and treatment schedules remain unclear. This study aimed to identify factors associated with treatment efficacy and assess the effectiveness of treatment schedules.

Paclitaxel plus cetuximab versus nivolumab for patients with platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective analysis.

Background: Nivolumab is the standard treatment for platinum-refractory recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M-HNSCC). Several studies have reported the efficacy of paclitaxel plus cetuximab (PC) combination therapy in this patient population.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with platinum-refractory R/M-HNSCC treated with nivolumab or PC at our institution between January 2015 and March 2022.

Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Locoregionally Recurrent Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma at Tongue Base After Chemoradiotherapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly developed treatment. We report a successful case of NIR-PIT for post-irradiation locoregionally recurrent oropharyngeal cancer at the tongue base. A 60-year-old man following primary treatment for oropharyngeal cancer at the tongue base by endoscopy (rT1N0M0).

Reconstruction of the Infraorbital Nerve Using Bilayered Artificial Nerve Conduits after Partial Maxillectomy.

Background: Facial sensory nerves play vital roles in daily functions like self-protection, facial expressions, speaking, and eating. Severing the infraorbital nerve (ION) during partial maxillectomy via the Weber-Ferguson incision can lead to sensory disturbances. This study presents immediate ION reconstruction using artificial nerve conduits and its short-term outcomes.

Survival impact of sequential chemotherapy following pembrolizumab for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Pembrolizumab alone or combined with chemotherapy is the standard of care for first-line treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) with positive programmed death-ligand 1 combined positive scores. However, data on second-line chemotherapy following pembrolizumab are scarce.

Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted to determine the efficacies of pembrolizumab and pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy as first-line treatments and the efficacy of second-line chemotherapy for patients with R/M HNSCC who were refractory or intolerant to first-line treatment.

Safety and Efficacy of Gemcitabine Plus Cisplatin Against Recurrent/Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study.

Background/aim: Although gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) prolongs survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M NPC) compared with fluorouracil plus cisplatin, no study has evaluated the efficacy and safety of GC in nonendemic regions, including Japan, yet. Therefore, we assessed the safety and efficacy of GC in Japanese patients with R/M NPC.

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with R/M NPC who received GC treatment at the Aichi Cancer Center Hospital from January 2017 to March 2020.

Extent of thyroidectomy and paratracheal lymph node dissection in total pharyngolaryngectomy for pyriform sinus cancer, and recurrence, survival, and postoperative hypoparathyroidism: A multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Total pharyngolaryngectomy (TPL) is standard treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer. However, extensive thyroidectomy and paratracheal nodal dissection (PTND) can cause hypoparathyroidism. We sought to determine the optimum extent of resection.

Association Between 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake and Mutation Status of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Sinonasal Tract Cancer.

Background/aim: The Warburg effect of cancer has been applied to detect various carcinomas though the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT). 18F-FDG-PET/CT in lung cancer predicted the mutation status of epidermoid growth factor receptor (EGFR). This study aimed to investigate whether 18F-FDG uptake parameters were significantly related to EGFR mutation status in patients with sinonasal tract squamous cell carcinoma (STSCC).

A novel technique in transoral robotic surgery: A case report of rotating and switching technique.

Background: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for tongue base lesions located above the operative field is predominantly an upward procedure, which makes surgery difficult.

Methods: To illustrate our technique for this procedure, we report the case of an 82-year-old male with a p16-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma of the tongue base who underwent TORS. The field of view was turned upside down, and the operation switched the typical left- and right-arm functions.

Predictive factors for dissection-free sentinel node micrometastases in early oral squamous cell carcinoma.

This sentinel node (SN) biopsy trial aimed to assess its effectiveness in identifying predictive factors of micrometastases and to determine whether elective neck dissection is necessary in oral squamous cell carcinoma. This retrospective study included 55 patients from three previous trials, with positive SNs. The relationship between the sizes of the metastatic focus and metastasis in non-sentinel node (NSN) was investigated.

Utilization of ultrasound in photoimmunotherapy for head and neck cancer: a case report.

Background: Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is a new cancer treatment based on a different mechanism from conventional treatments that combines the administration of a photoabsorber and laser illumination. PIT has two characteristics: a high selectivity of target cells and the possibility of effects beyond the illuminated area. It is thus a potentially effective treatment for a wide variety of cancers.

Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer has a better prognosis than other head and neck cancers. However, rates of recurrence and metastasis are similar and the prognosis of recurrent or metastatic HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is poor. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a treatment involving administration of a photosensitizer (IRDye700DX) conjugated to a monoclonal antibody followed by activation with near-infrared light illumination.

Lymph Node Ratio in Head and Neck Cancer with Submental Flap Reconstruction.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the lymph node ratio (LNR) and survival results of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) reconstructed by a submental artery flap (SMAF) to limit tumor size. This study retrospectively recruited 49 patients with HNSCC who underwent both primary resection and neck dissection with SMAF reconstruction. The LNR was the ratio of the number of metastatic lymph nodes to the sum number of examined lymph nodes.

Hypothyroidism After Using Superior Thyroid Artery as A Recipient Artery.

Objective: Superior thyroid artery (SThA) is a common recipient artery in free tissue transfer even after total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy (TPLE) with hemithyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of SThA as a recipient vessel affect thyroid function in patients undergoing TPLE with hemithyroidectomy.

Methods: From 2011 to 2020, 91 patients who underwent free jejunum transfer after TPLE with hemithyroidectomy were divided into two groups.

Role of Human Papilloma Virus and Lifestyle Factors in Overall Survival of Patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) have a significantly better treatment response and overall survival (OS) rates than non-HPV-associated OPSCC. Objectives: We conducted the present study to further characterize the interplay between lifestyle risk factors, which are not only HPV status, but also smoking history and alcohol consumption, and the OS to optimize the treatment of patients with OPSCC. Materials and Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2013, 94 patients newly diagnosed with OPSCC were treated with curative intent at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital (Nagoya, Japan).

Metabolic Tumour Volume as a Predictor of Survival for Sinonasal Tract Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: High uptake of F18-fluorodeoxyglucose parameters for glucose metabolism is related to shorter survival in sinonasal tract cancer with various histological classifications. We investigated whether F18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake parameters are associated with survival outcomes for patients with only squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the sinonasal tract that are treated either with surgery or nonsurgery.

Methods: We retrospectively observed F18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake parameters on positron emission tomography with computed tomography for the primary tumour of SCC in 39 patients.

A novel procedure of secondary voice prosthesis insertion from the inside out: The modified Fukuhara method.

Objective: To present a new procedure for inserting a secondary voice prosthesis from the inside to the outside, which improves on the method previously reported by Fukuhara et al.

Methods: A flexible nasopharyngoscope was used to puncture pharynx (or transplanted jejunum) from the inside to the outside. In this method, it was possible to use the PROVOX® Vega Puncture Set as it is used for the placement of the voice prosthesis.

Lymph node ratio as a predictor for minor salivary gland cancer in head and neck.

Background: We investigate whether pathological continuous variables of lymph nodes were related with survival results of carcinomas of minor salivary gland carcinoma in head and neck.

Methods: Forty-four cases with minor salivary gland carcinoma who underwent both primary resection and neck dissection were retrospectively enrolled. The pathological continuous variables were evaluated by the number of positive lymph nodes, lymph node ratio, and log odds of positive lymph nodes.

Factors predictive of the development of hypothyroidism after intensity-modulated radiation therapy for pharyngeal cancer.

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common adverse event after radiotherapy for head and neck tumors and the incidence need to be re-evaluated because of using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Aims/objectives: Confirm the dose-volume effect of IMRT for pharyngeal cancer on hypothyroidism.

Materials And Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients underwent IMRT for pharyngeal cancer from June 2011 to May 2018.