Objectives/Hypothesis
We present our experience with telemedicine visits in an otolaryngology outpatient setting within our institution's Center for Head and Neck Surgery.
Study Design
Retrospective ...chart review.
Methods
A review of telemedicine outpatient encounters examining patient demographics, visit type, and wait times was conducted. Internet‐based navigation applications were used to calculate travel distance and estimate commute time to our clinic. Patient survey responses were reviewed.
Results
Two hundred fifty telemedicine encounters were reviewed between December 2015 and June 2017. The average age of patients was 50 years (range, 4–87 years). Patients waited an average of 10 minutes for their telemedicine appointments and avoided an average estimated commute time of 78 minutes (64 miles). The majority of visits were postoperative encounters (70%). Clinical follow‐up of recent results or nonpostoperative complaints accounted for the remaining 30% of visits. All patients were offered a post‐telemedicine survey, and 78 (31%) completed the survey. Of the respondents, 95% of patients reported that they were satisfied with their visit. Among patients who were dissatisfied, wait time and technical issues were cited as reasons.
Conclusions
With appropriate patient selection, telemedicine is an effective way to safely conduct outpatient clinic visits while maintaining high patient satisfaction. It can be particularly useful for institutions with large catchment areas to minimize travel times and increase ease of communication.
Level of Evidence
4. Laryngoscope, 128:2072–2075, 2018
Here, we interrogated head and neck cancer (HNSCC) specimens (n = 12) to examine if different metabolic compartments (oxidative vs. glycolytic) co-exist in human tumors. A large panel of ...well-established biomarkers was employed to determine the metabolic state of proliferative cancer cells. Interestingly, cell proliferation in cancer cells, as marked by Ki-67 immunostaining, was strictly correlated with oxidative mitochondrial metabolism (OXPHOS) and the uptake of mitochondrial fuels, as detected via MCT1 expression (p < 0.001). More specifically, three metabolic tumor compartments were delineated: (1) proliferative and mitochondrial-rich cancer cells (Ki-67+/TOMM20+/COX+/MCT1+); (2) non-proliferative and mitochondrial-poor cancer cells (Ki-67−/TOMM20−/COX−/MCT1−); and (3) non-proliferative and mitochondrial-poor stromal cells (Ki-67−/TOMM20−/COX−/MCT1−). In addition, high oxidative stress (MCT4+) was very specific for cancer tissues. Thus, we next evaluated the prognostic value of MCT4 in a second independent patient cohort (n = 40). Most importantly, oxidative stress (MCT4+) in non-proliferating epithelial cancer cells predicted poor clinical outcome (tumor recurrence; p < 0.0001; log-rank test), and was functionally associated with FDG-PET avidity (p < 0.04). Similarly, oxidative stress (MCT4+) in tumor stromal cells was specifically associated with higher tumor stage (p < 0.03), and was a highly specific marker for cancer-associated fibroblasts (p < 0.001). We propose that oxidative stress is a key hallmark of tumor tissues that drives high-energy metabolism in adjacent proliferating mitochondrial-rich cancer cells, via the paracrine transfer of mitochondrial fuels (such as L-lactate and ketone bodies). New antioxidants and MCT4 inhibitors should be developed to metabolically target "three-compartment tumor metabolism" in head and neck cancers. It is remarkable that two "non-proliferating" populations of cells (Ki-67−/MCT4+) within the tumor can actually determine clinical outcome, likely by providing high-energy mitochondrial "fuels" for proliferative cancer cells to burn. Finally, we also show that in normal mucosal tissue, the basal epithelial "stem cell" layer is hyper-proliferative (Ki-67+), mitochondrial-rich (TOMM20+/COX+) and is metabolically programmed to use mitochondrial fuels (MCT1+), such as ketone bodies and L-lactate. Thus, oxidative mitochondrial metabolism (OXPHOS) is a common feature of both (1) normal stem cells and (2) proliferating cancer cells. As such, we should consider metabolically treating cancer patients with mitochondrial inhibitors (such as Metformin), and/or with a combination of MCT1 and MCT4 inhibitors, to target "metabolic symbiosis."
Background
The eighth international symposium for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in head and neck cancer was held in 2018. This consensus conference aimed to deliver current multidisciplinary guidelines. ...This document focuses on the surgical aspects of SNB for oral cancer.
Method
Invited expert faculty selected topics requiring guidelines. Topics were reviewed and evidence evaluated where available. Data were presented at the consensus meeting, with live debate from panels comprising expert, nonexpert, and patient representatives followed by voting to assess the level of support for proposed recommendations. Evidence review, debate, and voting results were all considered in constructing these guidelines.
Results/Conclusion
A range of topics were considered, from patient selection to surgical technique and follow‐up schedule. Consensus was not achieved in all areas, highlighting potential issues that would benefit from prospective studies. Nevertheless these guidelines represent an up‐to‐date pragmatic recommendation based on current evidence and expert opinion.
Objectives/Hypothesis
The transoral robotic approach to parapharyngeal space (PPS) tumors is a new technique with limited data available on its feasibility, safety, and efficacy. We analyzed our ...experience with transoral robotic excisions of PPS tumors to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique.
Study Design
Retrospective chart analysis at tertiary academic medical center. From July 2010 to June 2014, 17 patients who had transoral robotic excision of PPS tumors were included in the study. Our cohort had an average age of 61.6 years and was 52.9% male.
Results
All patients had successful removal of their PPS tumors, and the average size of the tumors was 27.3 cm3 (range 2–80 cm3). Two cases (11.7%) required a cervical incision to assist with tumor removal. The average total operative time was 140.5 minutes. Two PPS PAs had focal areas of capsule rupture and one was fragmented. The average length of stay was 1.8 days (range 1–7 days), and all patients were discharged on an oral diet. Three patients experienced complications. There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence.
Conclusion
This is the largest single‐institution case series of transoral robotic approaches to PPS tumors. We demonstrate that this approach is feasible and safe but also note limitations of the robotic approaches for tumors on the far lateral and superior areas of the PPS, which required transcervical assistance. There were no patients who demonstrated recurrent tumor either radiographically or clinically.
Level of Evidence
4. Laryngoscope, 126:1776–1782, 2016
Background
Recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (rHNSCC) represents a significant global health burden with an unmet medical need. In this study we determined the safety and efficacy of ...RM‐1929 photoimmunotherapy in patients with heavily pretreated rHNSCC.
Methods
RM‐1929 (anti‐EGFR–IR700 dye conjugate) was infused, followed by tumor illumination. We evaluated safety, tumor response, and pharmacokinetics.
Results
Nine patients were enrolled in Part 1 (dose‐finding) and 30 patients in Part 2 (safety and efficacy). No dose‐limiting toxicities were experienced in Part 1; 640 mg/m2 with fixed light dose (50 J/cm2 or 100 J/cm) was recommended for Part 2. Adverse events (AEs) in Part 2 were mostly mild to moderate but 19 (63.3%) patients had AE ≥Grade 3, including 3 (10.0%) with serious AEs leading to death (not treatment related). Efficacy in Part 2: unconfirmed objective response rate (ORR) 43.3% (95% CI 25.46%–62.57%); confirmed ORR 26.7% (95% CI 12.28%–45.89%); median overall survival 9.30 months (95% CI 5.16–16.92 months).
Conclusions
Treatment was well tolerated. Responses and survival following RM‐1929 photoimmunotherapy in heavily pretreated patients with rHNSCC were clinically meaningful and warrant further investigation.
Clinical Trial Information
NCT02422979.
Due to lack of data from high-powered randomized clinical trials, the differences in functional and survival outcomes for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) undergoing ...primary transoral robotic surgery (TORS) vs primary radiation therapy and/or chemoradiation therapy (RT/CRT) are unclear.
To compare 5-year functional (dysphagia, tracheostomy dependence, and gastrostomy tube dependence) and survivorship outcomes in patients with T1-T2 OPSCC receiving primary TORS vs RT/CRT.
This national multicenter cohort study used data from a global health network (TriNetX) to identify differences in functional and survival outcomes among patients with OPSCC who underwent primary TORS or RT/CRT in 2002 to 2022. After propensity matching, 726 patients with OPSCC met inclusion criteria. In the TORS group, 363 (50%) patients had undergone primary surgery, and in the RT/CRT group, 363 (50%) patients had received primary RT/CRT. Data analyses were performed from December 2022 to January 2023 using the TriNetX platform.
Primary surgery with TORS or primary treatment with radiation therapy and/or chemoradiation therapy.
Propensity score matching was used to balance the 2 groups. Functional outcomes were measured at 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and more than 5 years posttreatment and included dysphagia, gastrostomy tube dependence, and tracheostomy dependence according to standard medical codes. Five-year overall survivorship was compared between patients undergoing primary TORS vs RT/CRT.
Propensity score matching allowed a study sample with 2 cohorts comprising statistically similar parameters with 363 (50%) patients in each. Patients in the TORS cohort had a mean (SD) age of 68.5 (9.9) vs 68.8 (9.7) years in RT/CRT cohort; 86% and 88% were White individuals, respectively; 79% of patients were men in both cohorts. Primary TORS was associated with clinically meaningful increased risk of dysphagia at 6 months (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.01-1.84) and 1 year posttreatment (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.22-2.39) compared with primary RT/CRT. Patients receiving surgery were less likely to be gastrostomy tube dependent at 6 months (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21-1.00) and 5 years posttreatment (risk difference, -0.05; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.02). Differences in overall rates of tracheostomy dependence (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.51-1.82) between groups were not clinically meaningful. Patients with OPSCC, unmatched for cancer stage or human papillomavirus status, who received RT/CRT had worse 5-year overall survival than those who underwent primary surgery (70.2% vs 58.4%; hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.40-0.79).
This national multicenter cohort study of patients undergoing primary TORS vs primary RT/CRT for T1-T2 OPSCC found that primary TORS was associated with a clinically meaningful increased risk of short-term dysphagia. Patients treated with primary RT/CRT had an increased risk of short- and long-term gastrostomy tube dependence and worse 5-year overall survival than those who underwent surgery.
Evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of telehealth head and neck cancer (HNC) survivorship care.
Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL.
A systematic search for peer-reviewed feasibility ...studies on telehealth models for HNC survivorship care published between 2005 and 2021 was conducted using the terms "head and neck cancer" and "telehealth" and their synonyms. Inclusion criteria were studies on telehealth survivorship program interventions for HNC patients with quantitative feasibility outcome measures (eg, enrollment, retention, attrition/dropout rate, adherence/task completion rate, patient satisfaction, cost).
Thirty-eight studies out of 1557 identified met inclusion criteria and were included for analysis. Feasibility outcomes evaluated were enrollment and attrition rates, adherence/task completion rates, patient satisfaction, and user feedback surveys in different survivorship domains. Patient enrollment ranged from 20.8% to 85.7%, while attrition ranged from 7% to 47.7%. Overall, adherence was 30.2% higher in the intervention group than in the control group (46.8% vs 16.6%). Studies with cost analysis found telehealth models of care to be statistically significantly less expensive and more cost-efficient than the standard model of care, with a $642.30 saving per patient (n = 3). Telehealth models also substantially reduced work time saving per visit (on average, 7 days per visit).
While telehealth survivorship programs are feasible and cost-effective and are associated with improved patient outcomes, they might not be ideal for every patient. Further investigations are needed to understand the role of telehealth in survivorship care, given the variability in study design, reporting, measures, and methodological quality.
Since the inception of this journal in 1948, the understanding of etiologic factors that contribute to and the treatment of head and neck cancer has evolved dramatically. Advances in surgery, ...radiation therapy, and chemotherapy have improved locoregional control, survival, and quality of life. The outcomes of these treatment modalities have shifted the focus of curative efforts from radical ablation to preservation and restoration of function. This evolution has been documented in the pages of Cancer for the past 6 decades. This review focuses on the evolution of treatment approaches for head and neck cancer and future directions while recognizing the historic contributions recorded within this journal.
Background. Metabolism in the tumor microenvironment can play a critical role in tumorigenesis and tumor aggression. Metabolic coupling may occur between tumor compartments; this phenomenon can be ...prognostically significant and may be conserved across tumor types. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) play an integral role in cellular metabolism via lactate transport and have been implicated in metabolic synergy in tumors. The transporters MCT1 and MCT4 are regulated via expression of their chaperone, CD147. Methods. We conducted a meta-analysis of existing publications on the relationship between MCT1, MCT4, and CD147 expression and overall survival and disease-free survival in cancer, using hazard ratios derived via multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results. Increased MCT4 expressions in the tumor microenvironment, cancer cells, or stromal cells were all associated with decreased overall survival and decreased disease-free survival (p<0.001 for all analyses). Increased CD147 expression in cancer cells was associated with decreased overall survival and disease-free survival (p<0.0001 for both analyses). Few studies were available on MCT1 expression; MCT1 expression was not clearly associated with overall or disease-free survival. Conclusion. MCT4 and CD147 expression correlate with worse prognosis across many cancer types. These results warrant further investigation of these associations.
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