Patterns of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy in the head and neck. The prognosis remains poor and late recurrences often occur after 5 years and later. To date, there are no reliable prognostic markers for ACC. In several solid tumors, tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are associated with improved survival. This study aims to investigate the role of distribution patterns of tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIL) in ACC. A cohort of 50 patients from three different cancer centers was available for analysis. Sections were stained for CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD20 and evaluated with regard to their distribution of TIL. Patterns were determined as infiltrated-excluded, infiltrated-inflamed and presence of tertiary lymphoid structures. About half of the cases showed an infiltrated-excluded TIL pattern and only a minority of six cases had TLS present within the tumor. Within the inflamed phenotype CD3+ cells were by far the most abundant lymphocyte subtype, and within this compartment, CD8+ T cells were predominant. There was no influence on overall or disease-free survival by any of the TIL patterns. This indicates that ACC is a tumor with very low immunogenicity and even abundance of lymphocytes does not seem to improve prognosis for this disease. Therefore, the observed lack of response towards immunotherapy is not surprising and other methods to induce recognition of ACC by the immune system must be found.

Epithetic nasal reconstruction after total rhinectomy: Oncologic outcomes, immediate and long-term adverse effects, and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Total rhinectomy for tumors of the nasal cavity substantially alters patients' appearance and requires local reconstruction. While full nasal epitheses are well-established for this purpose, potential long-term adverse effects and impact on patients' quality of life are not fully understood. METHODS: Sixteen patients who underwent total rhinectomy with ensuing nasal reconstruction with a full nasal epithesis were included in the study. Oncologic outcomes were assessed, and adverse effects and quality of life analyses were performed based on a patient-reported outcomes tool. RESULTS: In patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the nasal cavity, total rhinectomy led to excellent local tumor control. Immediate and long-term adverse effects of total rhinectomy and placement of a nasal epithesis were predominantly limited to the immediate nasal region. While patients were satisfied with their nasal appearance, they reported a worse assessment of their facial appearance and a measurable long-term effect on their psychological well-being. CONCLUSION: Total rhinectomy and reconstruction with a full nasal epithesis is a safe and oncologically sound treatment approach. However, its effects on patients' overall appearance and psychological well-being need to be considered during treatment planning and follow-up.