Colgajos libres para reconstrucción de cabeza y cuello: experiencia de un centro oncológico chileno

Objetivo: eportar nuestra experiencia en la reconstrucción de pacientes con tumores de cabeza y cuello. Materiales y Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de fichas clínicas de los pacientes sometidos a reconstrucciones con colgajos microquirúrgicos entre los años 2007 y 2020 en la Fundación Arturo López Pérez. Resultados: En este período 186 cirugías fueron realizadas, lo que correspondió a 173 pacientes, la mediana de edad fue de 59 años, 55% eran hombres. 29% correspondieron a rescates quirúrgicos. Al diagnóstico 110 (54%) tenían una enfermedad localmente avanzada (T3-T4). El sitio anatómico más frecuentemente reconstruido fue la cavidad oral, 83(45%). La histología más frecuente fue el carcinoma escamoso. Los colgajos más utilizados fueron el osteocutáneo de peroné, anterolateral de muslo (ALT) y antebraquial. La sobrevida global a 5 años fue 44,3%, con amplia variabilidad entre las distintas histologías. Discusión: En el análisis de nuestros resultados en dos períodos de siete años (2007-2013 y 2014-2020), el porcentaje de falla de colgajo disminuyó (10% versus 2,6%; p = 0,012); al igual que la estadía hospitalaria que disminuyó (de una mediana de 23 días a 18 días; p = 0,041). El uso del colgajo ALT aumentó de 14% a 29%, esto último aprovechando la versatilidad del colgajo de ALT para la fabricación de múltiples paletas cutáneas, que permiten reconstrucciones más complejas. Conclusión: Las reconstrucciones microquirúrgicas en nuestra institución son una opción estandarizada, confiable y comparable con centros internacionales.

Objective: To report our experience, and success rate for head and neck reconstruction in a Chilean oncologic center. Methods: Charts were reviewed retrospectively for all patients treated surgically for head and neck tumors that needed a free flap reconstruction from 2007 to 2020. The demographics and epidemiologic variables were described. Overall survival was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: One hundred and eighty-six operations were performed on 173 patients; the median age was 59 years, and 55% were male. Twenty-nine percent of patients required a surgical rescue. The most frequently used free flaps were the anterolateral thigh, fibula osteocutaneous, and radial forearm. A second free flap was needed in 13 patients. Five-year overall survival for the whole cohort was 44.3% and varied according to histology: 28.2% for squamous cell carcinoma and 68.9% for salivary gland histology. Discussion: In analysis of our results in two seven-year periods (2007-2013 and 2014-2020), the percentage of flaps that failed decreased (10% earlier versus 2.6% later; p =.012); the length of hospital stay declined (median 23 days earlier vs 18 days later; p =.041), and the use of anterolateral thigh flaps increased 14% vs 29%, taking advantage of the versatility of the anterolateral thigh flap for the fabrication of multiple skin palettes, allowing for more complex reconstructions. Conclusion: In our institution, outcomes with free flap reconstruction for head and neck were satisfactory and improved with operator experience.

Marcadores de cáncer stem cells y transición epitelio mesenquimal como factores de agresividad y progresión en pacientes jóvenes con cáncer de tiroides

El cáncer de tiroides (CT) es el primer tumor maligno en glándulas endocrinas, y se estima que al 2030 estará en el top cinco de cáncer a nivel mundial. En Chile, el CT fue incluido, recientemente, como la patología N° 82 con Garantías Explícitas de Salud, lo que implica destinar importantes recursos públicos y privados al tratamiento de pacientes con un cáncer que va en aumento en el mundo. Existen grupos de pacientes jóvenes con tumores pequeños que presentan un comportamiento clínico más agresivo desde el inicio, donde se podría adelantar la toma de decisiones. Específicamente, destaca un grupo de pacientes menores de 55 años con tumores pequeños menores de 2 cm, pero con metástasis regionales, que quedan fuera de la indicación de radioyodoterapia y podrían requerir tratamiento complementario o presentar peor evolución. Las herramientas clínicas y moleculares para guiar el tratamiento adecuado en pacientes con metástasis linfonodales son limitadas y no han sido actualizadas hasta el momento. Existen factores de tumorigenicidad y pronóstico, tales como los marcadores de Transición Epitelio-Mesenquimal (TEM) y Cáncer Stem Cells (CSC) que se han incorporado al estudio de otros tumores y recientemente en cáncer de tiroides. Actualmente estudios que relacionan TEM y CSC con CT apuntan a la descripción molecular y genética, con escasos reportes que correlacionen, clínicamente, estos hallazgos, (particularmente en subgrupos con características particulares de agresividad) y que los propongan como marcadores de tumorigenicidad y pronóstico. La descripción de estos biomarcadores en la población descrita podría facilitar la toma de decisiones en cuanto a seguimiento, terapia quirúrgica y radioyodoterapia.

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the first malignant tumor in endocrine glands, and it is estimated that by 2030 it will be in the top five cancers worldwide. In Chile, TC was recently included as pathology No. 82 with Explicit Health Guarantees, which implies allocating significant public and private resources to the treatment of patients with a cancer that is on the rise. There are groups of young patients with small tumors that present a more aggressive clinical behavior, where decision-making could be advanced. Specifically, a group of patients under 55 years of age with tumors less than 2 cm in size but with regional metastases, that lack indication for radioiodine therapy and could require complementary treatment or present a worse evolution. Clinical and molecular tools to guide appropriate treatment in patients with lymph node metastases are limited and have not been updated. There are tumorigenicity and prognostic factors, such as EpithelialMesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) markers that have been incorporated into the study of other tumors and recently in thyroid cancer. Studies linking EMT and CSC with TC currently point to molecular and genetic description, with few reports clinically correlating these findings (particularly in subgroups with particular characteristics of aggressiveness) and proposing them as tumorigenicity and prognosis markers. The description of these biomarkers in the described population could facilitate decision-making regarding follow-up, surgical therapy, and radioiodine therapy.

Modalidades de radioterapia empregadas para o câncer de cabeça e pescoço / Radiotherapy modalities used for head and neck cancer

O câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP) refere-se ao grupo de tumores que atingem a laringe, cavidade nasal, nasofaringe, orofaringe, cavidade oral e glândulas salivares. A radioterapia no paciente com CCP representa uma terapia para manutenção do órgão, através da destruição das células neoplásicas malignas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar estratégias radioterápicas aplicadas ao paciente com CCP e seus respectivos efeitos colaterais em cavidade oral, além de investigar as principais modalidades utilizadas nos sistemas de saúde do Brasil. Tratou-se de uma revisão narrativa da literatura com busca ativa das bases eletrônicas PUBMED, LILACS e SCIELO. Após todas as etapas de refinamento, um total de 58 artigos foram incluídos na presente revisão. A radioterapia possui papel de destaque no tratamento do CCP. No entanto, por não ser um método terapêutico com alta especificidade, resulta em efeitos adversos ao tratamento como mucosite oral, trismo e disfunção salivar, que findam por reduzir a qualidade de vida do paciente. Dentre as principais técnicas radioterapêuticas utilizadas no Brasil, a IMRT e VMAT caracterizam-se como as formas mais avançadas da terapia em 3D, proporcionando doses equivalentes para cada área da lesão tumoral, poupando áreas teciduais circunvizinhas que não necessitam de irradiação. Além da toxicidade reduzida, uma maior sobrevida pode ser observada em pacientes tratados com essas técnicas. Um dos maiores desafios atuais na radioterapia contra o CCP é a proteção de tecidos saudáveis. Nesse sentido, a IMRT e VMAT apresentam superioridade em relação às demais técnicas.

Head and neck cancer (CCP) refers to the group of tumors that affect the larynx, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, oral cavity and salivary glands. Radiotherapy in patients with CCP represents a therapy for organ maintenance, through the destruction of malignant neoplastic cells. The aim of this study was to identify radiotherapy strategies applied to patients with CCP and their respective side effects in the oral cavity, and to investigate the main modalities used in health systems in Brazil. It was a narrative review of the literature with active search of electronic databases PUBMED, LILACS and SCIELO. After all stages of refinement, a total of 58 articles were included in this review. Radiotherapy has a prominent role in the treatment of CCP. However, because it is not a therapeutic method with high specificity, it results in adverse effects to treatment such as oral mucositis, trismus and salivary dysfunction, which end up reducing the quality of life of the patient. Among the main radiotherapeutic techniques used in Brazil, IMRT and VMAT are characterized as the most advanced forms of 3D therapy, providing equivalent doses for each area of the tumor sparing surrounding tissue areas that do not require irradiation. In addition to reduced toxicity, greater survival can be observed in patients treated with these techniques. One of the biggest current challenges in radiation therapy against CCP is the protection of healthy tissues. In this sense, the IMRT and VMAT present superiority in relation to the other techniques.

Network meta-analysis of pembrolizumab as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy for first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma / Metanálise em rede comparativa de pembrolizumabe como monoterapia e em combinação com quimioterapia para tratamento de primeira linha de carcinoma de células escamosas da cabeça e pescoço recorrente ou metastático

Pembrolizumab monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy is approved as first-line treatment in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) based on improved overall survival (OS) versus EXTREME regimen in the KEYNOTE-048 trial. The clinical outcomes of pembrolizumab were compared with other recommended first-line treatments in R/M HNSCC in this study through a Bayesian network meta-analysis. A systematic literature review was conducted in July 2022, from which six trials that matched the KEYNOTE-048 patient eligibility criteria were included in the network. The OS and progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes were compared in the approved pembrolizumab indication (i.e., total population for pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy and combined positive score [CPS] ≥ 1 population for pembrolizumab monotherapy). A significant OS improvement was observed for pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy and pembrolizumab monotherapy versus EXTREME regimen (hazard ratio, 95% credible interval: 0.72, 0.60-0.86; 0.73, 0.60-0.88), platinum+5- FU (0.58, 0.43-0.76; 0.58, 0.44-0.78), and platinum+paclitaxel (0.53, 0.35-0.79; 0.53, 0.35-0.81), respectively. A non-significant numeric trend in OS improvement was observed versus the TPEx regimen. PFS was comparable with most first-line treatments and was improved versus platinum+5-FU (0.48, 0.36-0.64; 0.59, 0.45-0.79). Additional analyses in higher CPS subgroups also showed consistent results. Overall, our study results showed an improvement in OS outcomes versus alternative first-line treatments, consistent with the findings of the KEYNOTE-048 trial. These data support using pembrolizumab as a suitable firstline treatment option in R/M HNSCC.

Pembrolizumabe em monoterapia ou em combinação com quimioterapia é aprovado como tratamento de primeira linha em carcinoma de células escamosas recorrente/metastático de cabeça e pescoço (CECCP R/M) com base na melhora da sobrevida global (OS), em comparação com o esquema EXTREME no estudo KEYNOTE-048. Esse estudo comparou os resultados clínicos de pembrolizumabe com outros tratamentos recomendados de primeira linha em CECCP R/M por meio de uma metanálise de rede bayesiana. Uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi conduzida em julho de 2022, a partir da qual seis ensaios clínicos que atendiam aos critérios de elegibilidade de pacientes do KEYNOTE-048 foram incluídos na rede. Os desfechos de OS e sobrevida livre de progressão (PFS) foram comparados na indicação de pembrolizumabe (população total para pembrolizumabe em combinação com quimioterapia e população com escore positivo combinado [CPS] ≥ 1 em monoterapia com pembrolizumabe). Foi observada melhora significativa na OS para pembrolizumabe em combinação com quimioterapia e monoterapia com pembrolizumabe versus o esquema EXTREME (razão de risco, intervalo de confiança de 95%: 0,72, 0,60-0,86; 0,73, 0,60-0,88), platina+5-FU (0,58, 0,43-0,76; 0,58, 0,44-0,78) e platina+paclitaxel (0,53, 0,35-0,79; 0,53, 0,35-0,81), respectivamente. Uma tendência numérica não significativa de melhoria na OS foi observada em relação ao esquema TPEx. A PFS foi comparável com a maioria dos tratamentos de primeira linha e melhor em relação à platina+5-FU (0,48, 0,36-0,64; 0,59, 0,45-0,79). Análises adicionais em subgrupos com CPS mais elevado também mostraram resultados consistentes. No geral, os resultados de nosso estudo mostraram melhora nos desfechos de OS em comparação aos tratamentos de primeira linha alternativos, consistentes com os achados do estudo KEYNOTE-048. Esses dados apoiam o uso de pembrolizumabe como opção de tratamento em primeira linha em pacientes com CECCP R/M.

Evaluación de la experiencia de telemedicina en consulta de Cirugía de cabeza y cuello en un centro de referencia en Manizales / Evaluation of telemedicine experience in head and neck surgery consultation in a referral center in Manizales

Introducción. La infección por COVID-19 afectó drásticamente la atención en salud a nivel mundial, generando retos para la atención primaria. En orden de mitigar y manejar el contagio, la telemedicina se convirtió en una modalidad emergente y efectiva en varias especialidades médicas, incluida la cirugía de cabeza y cuello. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal con análisis retrospectivo de pacientes atendidos en la consulta virtual durante 18 meses. Se estimaron frecuencias absolutas y relativas, y bivariado con regresión logística binaria. Se incluyeron las variables de diagnóstico primario, poder resolutivo de la consulta, necesidad de cita presencial, plataforma y dificultades de la misma. Resultados. Se incluyeron 2485 pacientes provenientes de 11 departamentos. La patología tiroidea fue la más frecuente (62,9 %), seguida de la aerodigestiva (10,9 %). La consulta fue eficiente en el 99 % de los casos, con una capacidad resolutiva del 96,4 %. El 1,4 % tuvo dificultades en la plataforma y el 8,3 % de los pacientes requirió cita presencial. Cuando hubo dificultad para la revisión de exámenes o una inadecuada inspección funcional, fue 30 veces más probable no poder resolver eficientemente la consulta. Conclusión. La telemedicina provee una alternativa eficiente de atención en cirugía de cabeza y cuello, especialmente en los controles de patología tiroidea, evitando desplazamientos innecesarios. En el tracto aerodigestivo, donde el examen físico es primordial, su utilidad está limitada a la posibilidad de realizar un examen endoscópico posterior que permita una adecuada estadificación y facilite la valoración presencial.

Introduction. The COVID-19 infection drastically affected health care worldwide, creating challenges for primary care. In order to mitigate and manage infection, telemedicine has become an emerging and effective modality in several medical specialties, including head and neck surgery. Methods. Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients seen in virtual consultation over 18 months. Absolute and relative frequencies were estimated, univariate analysis was done with chi-square, and bivariate analysis with binary logistic regression. Variables such as primary diagnosis, the resolution power of the consultation, the need for an in-person appointment, the platform, and its difficulties were included. Results. 2485 patients from 11 departments were included. Thyroid pathology was the most frequent (62.9%), followed by aerodigestive tract pathology (10.8%). The consultation was efficient in 99% of cases, with a resolution capacity of 96.4%. 1.4% had difficulties on the platform and 8.3% of patients required an in-person. When there was difficulty in reviewing exams or an inadequate functional inspection, it was 30 times more likely to not be able to efficiently be resolved. Conclusion. Telemedicine provides an efficient alternative for care in head and neck surgery, especially in thyroid pathology controls, avoiding unnecessary travel. In the aerodigestive tract, where the physical examination is essential, its usefulness is limited to the possibility of performing a subsequent endoscopic examination that allows adequate staging and facilitates in-person assessment.

Análisis de los tiempos críticos en diagnóstico y tratamiento de Cáncer de Cabeza y Cuello en Complejo Asistencial Sótero del Río / Analysis of critical times in diagnosis and treatment of Head and Neck Cancer at Hospital Sótero del Río

Introducción: El cáncer de cabeza y cuello (CaCyC) representa una alta carga de enfermedad. El retraso del inicio de tratamiento es un factor predictor independiente de mortalidad. Objetivo: Describir los tiempos entre hitos claves diagnósticos y terapéuticos de pacientes con CaCyC atendidos en Hospital Sótero del Río (CASR) y comparar la experiencia local con guías internacionales. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo de pacientes presentados en Comité Oncológico de cabeza y cuello (COCYC) del CASR desde septiembre 2020 hasta julio 2022. Se analizan los tiempos críticos del proceso diagnóstico y terapéutico. Resultados: 78 pacientes se seleccionan, 75,5% con carcinoma escamoso. La mediana de tiempos entre derivación desde atención primaria (APS) y evaluación CASR es 2 días, entre evaluación y biopsia es 9 días, y entre diagnóstico histológico e inicio de tratamiento en cualquier modalidad de 27 días. Se comparan los tiempos críticos según los plazos definidos por el Cancer Council Australia. Las tasas de cumplimiento entre derivación APS y evaluación CASR es 67%. Según el tratamiento recibido, la tasa de cumplimiento desde el ingreso al inicio de tratamiento es 70% para cirugía exclusiva, 0% para inicio de radioterapia, y 20% para radioquimioterapia. Para cirugía y radioterapia adyuvante, la tasa es 67% entre evaluación y cirugía, y 6% entre cirugía y radioterapia. Conclusión: Se describen los tiempos entre hitos claves diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Los tiempos de derivación desde APS e inicio de terapias quirúrgicas son comparables a la literatura internacional, pero los tiempos en inicio de radioterapia son mejorables.

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (H&NCa) represents a high burden of disease. Delay in starting treatment is an independent predictor of mortality. Objective: To describe the times between the key diagnostic and therapeutic milestones of patients with H&NCa treated at the Hospital Sótero del Río (CASR) and compare the local experience with international guidelines. Material and Method: descriptive-retrospective study of patients presented to the Head and Neck Oncology Committee (H&NOCO) of the CASR from September 2020 to July 2022. The critical times of the diagnostic and therapeutic process are analyzed. Results: 78 patients are selected, 75.5% with squamous cell carcinoma. The median time between referral from primary care (PC) and CASR evaluation is 2 days, between evaluation and biopsy is 9 days, and between histological diagnosis and initiation of treatment in any modality is 27 days. Critical times are compared according to the deadlines defined by Cancer Council Australia. Compliance rates between PC referral and CASR admission is 67%. Depending on the treatment received, the compliance rate from admission to the start of treatment is 70% for exclusive surgery, 0% for the start of radiotherapy, and 20% for radiochemotherapy. For surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, the rate is 67% between evaluation and surgery, and 6% between surgery and radiotherapy. Conclusion: Waiting times between key diagnostic and therapeutic process are described. The times of referral from PC and start of surgical therapies are comparable to the international literature. However, times regarding the start radiotherapy can be improved.

Radioterapia del grupo ganglionar retrofaríngeo y retroestiloídeo: ¿Cuándo y a quién? Una revisión de la literatura / Radiotherapy for retropharyngeal and retrostyloid lymph node groups: When and who? A review of the literature

La radioterapia de cabeza y cuello posee un rol central en el tratamiento de las neoplasias otorrinolaringológicas, ya sea como tratamiento adyuvante a la cirugía o como terapia definitiva. Dentro de este campo de estudio, un tópico aún poco explorado y motivo de debate, es la indicación de irradiación de los ganglios linfáticos retrofaríngeos, correspondientes a los niveles VIIa y VIIb de cuello. Hemos llevado a cabo una revisión sistemática con el objetivo de dilucidar criterios de irradiación electiva de estos grupos nodales y de emitir recomendaciones en cuanto a su inclusión en la práctica de la radio-oncología.

Radiation therapy has a central role in the management of head and neck malignancies, either as adjuvant treatment after surgery or as definitive therapy. Within this field of study, a still poorly explored and matter-of-debate topic is the indication for irradiation of retropahyngeal lymph nodes, corresponding to neck levels VIIa and VIIb. We have conducted a systematic review with the objective of elucidating elective irradiation criteria for these nodal groups and to issue recommendations about its inclusion in the practice of radiation oncology.

Tumor de cuerpo carotídeo en adolescente. Reporte de un caso / Carotid body tumor in an adolescent. A case report

Introducción. Los paragangliomas del cuerpo carotídeo son neoplasias infrecuentes y representan el 0,6 % de los tumores de cabeza y cuello. La edad de presentación promedio es la quinta década de vida. El objetivo de este artículo fue describir un caso de paraganglioma del cuerpo carotídeo en una adolescente. Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente adolescente con paraganglioma de cuerpo carotídeo derecho, de 5x3x3 cm, Shamblin III. Se analizaron la historia clínica, los exámenes diagnósticos, la técnica quirúrgica utilizada y su evolución correspondiente. La información fue obtenida a partir de la ficha clínica, previa autorización por consentimiento de los padres de la paciente. Resultados. Se hizo resección quirúrgica completa y reparo vascular con injerto de vena safena invertida, con evolución favorable y permeabilidad completa del puente vascular, sin secuelas. Conclusión. Este caso podía corresponder a un tumor de etiología familiar, dada su edad temprana de presentación. Se hizo necesario complementar su estudio con imágenes y objetivar el compromiso vascular asociado para la planificación quirúrgica. En estos pacientes, la complejidad de su localización y el compromiso vascular del tumor requiere de un equipo multidisciplinario, con cirujanos de cabeza y cuello y cirujanos vasculares para un resultado exitoso.

Introduction. Carotid body paragangliomas are rare, representing 0.6% of head and neck tumors, with average age of presentation in the fifth decade of life. The objective of this article is to describe a clinical case of carotid body paraganglioma in an adolescent. Clinical case. Review and analysis of the clinical case, reviewing its clinical history, study tests, surgical technique used and its corresponding evolution. Information obtained from the clinical record prior authorization by consent of the patient's parents. Results. Adolescent patient with paraganglioma of the right carotid body, 5x3x3 cm, Shamblin III. With complete surgical resection and inverted saphenous vein graft, favorable evolution, with complete permeability of the vascular bridge, without sequelae. Conclusion. This case could correspond to a tumor of familiar etiology, given its early age of presentation. It is necessary to complement the study with images and to objectively determine the associated vascular involvement for surgical planning. In these patients, the complexity of their location and vascular involvement of the tumor requires a multidisciplinary team with head and neck and vascular surgeons for a successful outcome.

Tratamiento quirúrgico del carcinoma de Merkel facial avanzado. Presentación de un caso / Surgical treatment of advanced facial Merkel cell carcinoma. A case report

Introducción. El carcinoma de Merkel es un tumor maligno poco frecuente, que afecta principalmente a la población caucásica y cuya etiología guarda relación con el poliomavirus de las células de Merkel. Conlleva mal pronóstico, especialmente en estadios finales. Caso clínico. Se expone el caso de una paciente que presentaba un tumor primario facial de grandes dimensiones, con avanzado grado de extensión, afectación linfática cervical y metástasis parotídea derecha. Fue tratada mediante exéresis de la lesión primaria y cobertura con injerto de piel parcial, linfadenectomía cervical y parotidectomía ipsilateral. Resultados. Se logró mejoría importante en la calidad de vida de la paciente y sobrevida de al menos seis meses. Conclusión. Aunque no está claro el manejo óptimo del carcinoma de Merkel avanzado debido a su mal pronóstico, la cirugía favorece una mejoría en la calidad de vida del paciente y puede tener un papel clave en el manejo del carcinoma de Merkel en los estadios avanzados.

Introduction. Merkel carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor that mainly affects the Caucasian population and whose etiology is related to the Merkel cell polyomavirus. It has a poor prognosis, especially in the final stages. Clinical case. The case of a patient who presented a large primary facial tumor, with an advanced degree of extension, cervical lymphatic involvement and right parotid metastasis is described. She was treated surgically by excision of the primary lesion and coverage with partial skin graft, cervical lymphadenectomy, and ipsilateral parotidectomy. Results. A significant improvement was achieved in the patient's quality of life and survival of at least six months.Conclusion. Although the optimal management of advanced Merkel carcinoma is unclear due to its poor prognosis, surgery improves the patient's quality of life and it can play a key role in the management of Merkel carcinoma in advanced stages.

Bioinformatics analysis on molecular subtypes and clinical characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on genes associated with lactate metabolism / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To select the differential prognostic lactic acid metabolism-related genes(LRGs)of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)to construct the LRGs prognostic model of HNSCC,and to clarify the potential mechanism.Methods:The HNSCC gene expression and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)Databases,the LRGs were identified through GeneCards Database,and R software was used to screen out the LRGs of HNSCC;univariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognosis-related genes;two different subtypes were identified based on the prognostis-related LRGs;Kaplan-Meier(K-M)curve analysis was used to compare the prognosis of the patients between two groups;CIBERSORT algorithm was used to perform the immuno-correlation analysis between two groups;multivariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression analysis were used to construct the prognostic model;receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)and K-M survival curve were used to assess the relationship between LRGs and survival and prognosis of the HNSCC patients.The prognostic model was validated by GSE27020,GSE41613,and GSE65858 datasets.The experiment were grouped based on risk score,and immune-related analysis and tumor score analysis were performed.Results:The TCGA Database differential analysis results showed that 1 196 LRGs were identified from HNSCC samples;univariate Cox regression analysis selected 27 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)associated with the prognosis of the HNSCC patients.Two different LRGs subtypes(Group 1 and Group 2)were identified according to the prognosis-related genes.The K-M survival curves results showed that the overall survival(OS)of the patients in Group 2 was significantly higher than that in Group 1,and the immune cell expression amount of the patients in Group 2 was also higher than that in group 1.The multivariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis results screened out 9 LRGs,including hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase 1(HPRT1),amyloid precursor protein(APP),glycogen phosphorylase L(PYGL),urokinase-type plasminogen activator(PLAU),cannabinoid receptor 2(CNR2),stanniocalcin 2(STC2),nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 1(NLRP1),integrin-linked kinase(ILK),and forkhead box B1(FOXB1);the prognostic model was constructed.The K-M and ROC curve results indicated that the expression levels of above 9 genes were associated with the survival and prognosis of the HNSCC patients,providing good 1-year,2-year,and 3-year survival prediction effect,and the area under ROC curve(AUC)values were all greater than 0.650.Furthermore,the predictive ability of the prognosis model was validated in GSE27020,GSE41613,and GSE65858 datasets.The patients classified based on the risk scores had distinguishable immune statuses.Conclusion:The differentially expressed LRGs of HNSCC screened by bioinformatics methods are related to the survival and prognosis of the HNSCC patients;the prognostic model constructed by 9 LRGs can predict the survival status and treatment response of the HNSCC patients.

Application value of diffusion weighted imaging and T2*mapping of parotid gland function in patients with head and neck tumors at different radiotherapy periods / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the application value of MR diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)and T2*mapping of parotid gland function in patients with head and neck tumors at different radiotherapy periods.Methods A total of 82 patients with head and neck tumors treated were selected.The data of parotid gland volume,salivary volume and parotid gland function were collected.MR DWI and T2*mapping were used to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value and T2*value of parotid gland tissue,and the correlation between parotid gland function and imaging values were analyzed.Results There were all significant differences in parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index among different radiotherapy periods,and parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index during and after radiotherapy were significantly lower than those before radiotherapy.There were signifi-cant differences in T2*values among different radiotherapy periods,and T2*value during and after radiotherapy was significantly lower than that before radiotherapy.There were significant differences in ADC values among different radiotherapy periods,and the ADC value during and after radiotherapy was significantly higher than that before radiotherapy.ADC value was negatively correlated with parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index(r=-0.436,-0.730,-0.718,respectively,P＜0.001),while the T2*value was positively correlated with parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index(r=0.430,0.720,0.707,respec-tively,P＜0.001).Conclusion Parotid gland volume,secretion index and salivary volume show abnormal levels at different radio-therapy periods.MR DWI is negatively correlated with parotid gland function,while T2*mapping is positively correlated with parotid gland function.

Application of multi-disciplinary treatment and internet visualization platform in clinical education of head and neck malignant tumor / 实用口腔医学杂志

Head and neck malignant tumor is one of the most heterogeneous diseases.The multi-disciplinary team(MDT)is an essen-tial component for personal precise diagnosis,treatment and integrated care management of oncologic diseases including head and neck malignant tumor.MDT clinical practice is also an important teaching mode for head and neck malignant tumors,but it is limited by time and space in actual teaching.An internet visualization platform was constructed based on the Internet,hospital HIS/PACS/LIS/EMR system,medical visualization screen,oral endoscope,remote consultation platform and other accessible audio and video terminals,and has been applied in MDT clinical teaching of head and neck malignant tumors,allowing medical students to participate in MDT through a networked visualization platform.Medical students will achieve deep learning for the most heterogeneous malignant tumor.MDT sup-ported by the internet visualization platform provides a new pathway for clinical medical education.

Research progress of cetuximab in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma / 沈阳医学院学报

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)is the most common type of head and neck cancer,with poor prognosis and poor quality of life.In recent years,with the rapid development of targeted therapy,cetuximab has been widely used in clinical practice as the molecular targeted drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA)for the treatment of HNSCC.For locally advanced and recurrent/distant metastatic HNSCC,cetuximab combined with radiotherapy,chemotherapy,concurrent chemoradiotherapy,or combined radiotherapy after induction chemotherapy have shown great advantages.The treatment of HNSCC has now entered the era of immunity.Several clinical trials data have shown that cetuximab combined with immunotherapy or new targeted drugs have significant effects on HNSCC.In the future,scholars need to further explore immunotherapy to provide better choices for patients with HNSCC.This article reviews the mechanism of action of cetuximab and its research progress in the treatment of HNSCC.

Advances in Head-and-Neck Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy)

@#Interventional radiotherapy, also known as brachytherapy, is the use of sealed radioactive sources that directly deliver radiation to the tumor or tumor bed. Its unique dose distribution profile allows for high conformality, making it a very useful modality in the treatment of cancers in the head and neck, where different organs and substructures that serve various but related functions are situated close to each other. In recent years, we have seen several important technological breakthroughs in the field, especially regarding its application in head and neck cancers. These include advances in treatment delivery, dosimetry planning , image guidance , and catheter positioning techniques . These innovations, which often require interdisciplinary interventions, have resulted in enhanced treatment accuracy, and therefore, major clinical advantages in terms of increased local control and decreased toxicity, as well as economic benefits. In order to highlight the differences from old brachytherapy techniques, a more appropriate terminology should perhaps be adopted, to signify these advancements that resulted in new opportunities, approaches and better outcomes – interventional radiotherapy (IRT). Such a change in terminology will not only allow recognition of these advances, but also a meaningful distinction from obsolete techniques and suboptimal outcomes that are associated with traditional brachytherapy. This is very important in increasing awareness among professionals outside the field of radiation oncology. We briefly review these recent advances, the current indications, and future directions for IRT in head-and-neck cancers.

A Cocktail of Natural Compounds Holds Promise for New Immunotherapeutic Potential in Head and Neck Cancer / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To obtain detailed understanding on the gene regulation of natural compounds in altering prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSC).@*METHODS@#Gene expression data of HNSC samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HNSC patients were collected from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differential gene expression analysis of GEO datasets were achieved by the GEO2R tool. Common differentially expressed gerres (DEGs) were screened by comparing DEGs of HNSC with those of PBMCs. The combination was further analyzed for regulating pathways and biological processes that were affected.@*RESULTS@#Totally 110 DEGs were retrieved and identified to be involved in biological processes related to tumor regulation. Then 102 natural compounds were screened for a combination such that the expression of all 110 commonly DEGs was altered. A combination of salidroside, ginsenoside Rd, oridonin, britanin, and scutellarein was chosen. A multifaceted, multi-dimensional tumor regression was showed by altering autophagy, apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and inflammatory cytokines production.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study has helped develop a unique combination of natural compounds that will markedly reduce the propensity of development of drug resistance in tumors and immune evasion by tumors. The result is crucial to developing a combinatorial natural therapeutic cocktail with accentuated immunotherapeutic potential.

Dosimetric effect of customized 3D-printed headrest in radiotherapy for head and neck tumor / 中国医学物理学杂志

Objective To evaluate the dosimetric effect of three-dimensional(3D)printed headrests made of different materials in radiotherapy for head and neck tumor,and to evaluate whether the existence of customized 3D-printed headrest can be neglected during planning phase by comparing differences in target area doses,homogeneity index(HI),conformity index(CI),monitor units(MU),and organ-at-risk(OAR)dose.Methods Ten patients with head and neck tumors,including 5 cases with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and 5 with other head and neck tumors,were enrolled.The headrest contours were outlined using Monaco treatment planning system,and with the same calculation parameters,treatment plans were generated for scenarios without a headrest,with a standard headrest,and with 3D-printed headrests made of 10%filled polylactic acid and thermoplastic polyurethane.The target area doses,OAR dose,MU,and other results were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis.Results No significant differences were observed among the 4 groups(ignoring headrest,standard headrest,3D-printed headrests with 10%filled polylactic acid and thermoplastic polyurethane)in parameters such as D95,D5,Dmean,HI,CI,MU,and OAR dose(the maximum dose to the spinal cord)(P>0.05).Considering the presence of the headrest,significant differences were found in CI for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other head and neck tumors(P<0.05).Conclusion During the planning phase,the existence of customized 3D-printed headrest can be ignored,but it should be noted that the presence of a headrest may reduce the MU in radiotherapy plans.When considering the headrest,the average CI of patients with other head and neck tumors is significantly higher than that with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Clinical research progress of boron neutron capture therapy for head and neck cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Boron neutron capture therapy is a method based on 10B (n,α) 7Li reaction to achieve malignancy treatment. Upon entry into the human body, the 10B compound carrier can selectively enriched in tumor cells and reacts with external irradiation neutrons. Because 7Li (4 μm) and α particles (7 μm) will be deposited in a cell magnitude (10 μm), the purpose of directional local killing of tumor cells and causing less harm to normal tissue can be achieved successfully. So far, boron neutron capture therapy has been clinically studied in a variety of malignant diseases, including glioblastoma multiforme, meningeoma, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, etc. In this article, the clinical research progress of boron neutron capture treatment in head and neck carcinomas was mainly introduced.

Recent advances in the management of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Currently, concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the conventional treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, but the 5-year survival rate of patients is still not high. In recent years, the development of radiotherapy technology has offered more options for patients. In addition, with the improvement of people's living standards, more and more patients begin to pursue the quality of life. There is an urgent need to explore better comprehensive treatment options to improve patient outcomes. In this article, research progress in comprehensive treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was reviewed.

Progress in the pathogenesis and prevention of radiation induced oral mucositis / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Radiotherapy is the main treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is one of the common complications of patients with head and neck cancer during radiotherapy. It is a mucus injury reaction related to dysphagia and oral pain, which will affect the quality of life and prognosis of patients when it becomes severe. Therefore, prevention and treatment of RIOM are of significance for patients. In this article, the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatment and prevention methods of RIOM were summarized, aiming to provide guidance for the treatment of oral mucositis caused by radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer.