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Abstract Objectives To prospectively compare the results of microvascular flap reconstruction of midface and scalp advanced oncologic defects using superficial temporal versus cervical as recipient vessels. Methods This is a parallel group clinical trial with 1:1 allocation ratio of patients who underwent midface and scalp oncologic reconstruction with free tissue flap from April 2018 to April 2022 in a tertiary oncologic center. Two groups were analyzed: those in whom superficial temporal vessels were used as the recipient vessels (Group A) and those in whom cervical vessels were used as the recipient vessels (Group B). Patient gender and age, cause and localization of the defect, flap choice for reconstruction, recipient vessels, intraoperative outcome, postoperative course, and complications were recorded and analyzed. A Fisher's exact test was used to compare outcomes between the 2 groups. Results On the basis of the different recipient vessels, 32 patients were randomized into 2 groups, and of these 27 patients completed the study: Group A with superficial temporal recipient vessels (n = 12) and Group B with cervical recipient vessels (n = 15). There were 18 male and 09 female patients with an average age of 53.92 ± 17.49 years. The overall flap survival rate was 88.89%. The overall complication rate for vascular anastomosis was 14.81%. The total flap loss rate in patients with superficial temporal recipient vessels was higher than the complication rate in those with cervical recipient vessels but with no statistical significance (16.67% vs. 6.66%, p= 0.569). Minor complications occurred in 05 patients without statistical significance between the groups (p= 0.342). Conclusion In the group with superficial temporal recipient vessels, the postoperative rate of free flap complications was similar than the cervical recipient vessel group. Therefore the use of superficial temporal recipient vessels for midface and scalp oncologic reconstruction could be a reliable option.
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Introduction: Metronomic chemotherapy (MC) is an emerging therapeutic option in clinical oncology and it may prove usefulat least in metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. To develop rational therapeutic strategies,it is important to identify molecular targets that are linked to the pathogenesis of HNSCC.Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of oral MC on changes in quality of life (QOL) in advanced/recurrent HNSCCpatients.Materials and Methods: Patients with advanced, metastatic, and recurrent HNSCC patients who are not amenable to localtreatment with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were included in the study. QOL assessed with the European organizationfor research and treatment of cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and QLQ-H&N 35 questionnaires.Results: In this study, 50 patients were included, 37 patients (74%) become pain-free at the end of 6 months. A decreasedpain grade was observed in another 13 patients (26%). Mean QLQ-C 30 score at the time of presentation was 68.67, 75.35at 2 months, 81.26 at 4 months, and 85.38 at the end of 6 months. Mean QLQ-H&N 35 score at the time of presentation was61.53, 72.16 at 2 months, 76.43 at 4 months, and 81.69 at the end of 6 months. In subgroup analysis, both QLQ-C30 andQLQ-H&N 35 significantly correlated with disease progression.Conclusion: The use of oral metronomic therapy with methotrexate and celecoxib significantly improves the QOL and improvespain control in patients with advanced/recurrent HNSCC
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Introduction: Metronomic chemotherapy (MC) is an emerging therapeutic option in clinical oncology and it may prove usefulat least in metastatic HNSCC patients. To develop rational therapeutic strategies, it is important to identify molecular targetsthat are linked to the pathogenesis of HNSCC.Aim: This study aims to assess the efficacy and toxicity of oral MC with methotrexate and celecoxib in the treatment of advanced/recurrent HNSCC.Methods: Patients who received MC for advanced/recurrent HNSCC were analyzed. The combination of weekly oral methotrexate5 mg twice daily for 2 days/week and oral celecoxib 200 mg twice daily was offered as MC. The efficacy was noted in terms ofclinical benefit rate (CBR), pain control, changes in quality of life (QOL), and median time to progression (TTP).Results: A total of 50 patients were included in this study. At the end of 6 months, 4 patients (8%) had partial response (PR), 28patients (56%) had stable disease (SD), and 18 patients (36%) had progressive disease. The CBR (complete response+PR+SD)was 64% at 6 months. The median TTP was 8 weeks. At the end of 6 months, 60% of patients were pain free. The most common(>20% of patients) treatment-related adverse events were nausea (22%), vomiting (22%), and mucositis (20%). 6 patients (12%)developed anorexia and 3 patients (6%) developed fatigue. Mean QOL scores were improved with this MC.Conclusion: Oral MC with methotrexate and celecoxib for patients with advanced/recurrent HNSCC was effective, well tolerated,provides good pain control, and improves QOL with least toxicity profile.
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Surgical margin principle is one of the central surgical principles for head and neck cancers. Negative surgical margin is the primary purpose of surgery for head and neck cancers. This paper is based on the current clinical application of surgical margins of head and neck cancers, and it is proposed that surgical margins of head and neck cancers may be classified into three types: surface margin, deep margin, and tissue interface margin in consideration of surgical exposure of tumors. The classification of surgical margins can make the clinical application and the research of surgical margins of head and neck cancers more systematic and clear.
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Background: We investigated the physico-biochemical changes in saliva and its relation to quality of life (QOL) in head and neck cancer patients following conventional radiation therapy (RT). Materials and Methods: 53 consecutive head and neck cancer patients underwent conventional RT using telecobalt photons. We analyzed objective sialometry and sialochemical parameters of salivary gland function and a physician reported Oral Assessment Protocol to assess the patients' QOL during (baseline, 3 and 6 weeks) and post RT (3 and 6 months). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (version 15.0; SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Stimulated salivary flow rates had shown a consistent decline during and in post-RT analysis (P < 0.001). A significant correlation was seen between mean salivary flow rates at 6 months post-RT and mean salivary electrolytes and amylase levels during the same period (P < 0.001). Mean global QOL scores had significantly worsened during RT and were still significantly poorer at 6 months than initial pre-RT levels (P < 0.001). Further, significant correlation was established between salivary pH values with global QOL scores at 6 months (P = 0.05). Conclusions: Radiation-induced hyposalivation invariably persists and correlates with poor global QOL scores seen during and following conventional RT. Post RT, there is a trend for biochemical reversal toward pre-irradiation levels suggesting a subsiding inflammation or a probable functional recovery.