An Acceptance Based Lifestyle Intervention in Black Breast Cancer Survivors with Obesity.

To assess the feasibility and early efficacy of a combined lifestyle and acceptance-based therapy (ABT) intervention on weight loss at 16 weeks among Black breast cancer (BC) survivors with obesity. Thirty black breast cancer survivors with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 at least 6 months post-treatment were enrolled. Outcomes included feasibility process measures, physical well-being assessed using the subscale of QOL-Breast Cancer (QOL-BC), physical activity assessed by Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), and weight. Fisher's Exact/Chi-Squared tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to explore differences between responders and non-responders, as well as within-group changes during the intervention. Within the first 4 weeks, responders (participants who lost any weight) lost a median of 2.6 lbs. compared to non-responders (no weight loss) who gained a median of 2.6 lbs. At 16 weeks, participants reported greater physical well-being (p < 0.0001), increased time in recreational activities (p = 0.03), and a median weight loss of 5.6 pounds in responders vs. 0.7 pounds in non-responders (p ≤ 0.001). Non-responders were more likely to have developed a new health condition compared to responders (44% vs. 0%; p = 0.014). In this study, weight loss at 4 weeks and new-onset health conditions were significant factors associated with non-response to the combined intervention. Black BC with obesity are at high risk for recurrent cancer and secondary health conditions. ABT may be a suitable adjunct therapeutic option to lifestyle interventions implemented soon after a cancer diagnosis to improve physical well-being, increase physical activity, and promote weight loss.

Reconstructive and prosthodontic outcomes after multiple palatomaxillary reconstructions.

OBJECTIVE: A subset of patients who undergo major palatomaxillary reconstruction do not initially achieve their intended oncologic and/or reconstructive goals and require additional surgery. We aim to detail the unique management considerations in this patient population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction by the senior author (m.l.u.) between 1998 and 2016. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients required multiple reconstructions. The median time to second reconstruction was 17 months. The most common reason for a second reconstruction was for recurrent disease (10 of 21), followed by functional/aesthetic reasons (7 of 21) and osteoradionecrosis (4 of 21). Four patients went on to have a third reconstruction, and two underwent a fourth. A total of 27 reconstructions were performed, consisting of 20 soft tissue free flaps, four vascularized bone free flaps, and three locoregional flaps. CONCLUSION: This patient cohort represents unique oncologic and reconstructive challenges. With long-term follow-up, multiple reconstructions may be required to optimize oncologic and functional/aesthetic outcomes. This is the first series of its kind that details the reasons for, as well as the outcomes of, patients who required multiple reconstructive procedures following initial palatomaxillary reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2B Laryngoscope, 130:2349-2353, 2020.

Comprehensive approach to functional palatomaxillary reconstruction using regional and free tissue transfer: Report of reconstructive and prosthodontic outcomes of 140 patients.

BACKGROUND: Palatomaxillary defects were historically restored with a prosthetic obturator; however, advances in local and free tissue transfer has provided a viable alternative for appropriately selected patients with palatomaxillary defects. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction by the lead author between 1998 and 2016 was conducted. Patients who were restored with a palatal obturator were excluded. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients were reconstructed with a total of 159 local, regional, and free flaps with a 96.7% success rate. Seventy-four patients (52.8%) underwent prosthodontic rehabilitation, with 183 implants placed and an 86% success rate. CONCLUSION: Palatomaxillary reconstruction applying a systematic approach, using a multitude of techniques, is a safe and effective way to restore patients without compromising the ability to maintain surveillance. Prosthodontic rehabilitation can be achieved in a high percentage of patients using dental implants, leading to optimal aesthetic and functional results.

A rare primary leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Leiomyosarcoma of the head and neck region is very rare. Primary parotid leiomyosarcoma has only been reported nine times in the medical literature. METHODS: A 68-year-old female presented with a left facial mass. Physical examination revealed a firm immobile mass at the level of the left parotid tail. No facial nerve dysfunction or palpable adenopathy was noted at the time of presentation. This patient underwent a superficial parotidectomy with a facial nerve dissection and left selective neck dissection. RESULTS: Pathologic findings revealed a sarcoma of intermediate to high-grade, composed of spindle cells with herringbone pattern, eosinophilic fibrillary cytoplasm, and focal granularity. Immunohistochemistry was positive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin and negative for desmin, S100 and CD34. The findings are consistent with a leiomyosarcoma. Following complete surgical resection, adjuvant radiation therapy was administered. CONCLUSION: Primary sarcomas of the parotid gland, specifically parotid leiomyosarcomas, are extremely rare. Based on this patient's tumor size, grade and resectability, this case met the criteria for a primary leiomyosarcoma. We present only the tenth case of a primary parotid leiomyosarcoma to be reported in the English literature.