Oncological outcomes post transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a single-centre retrospective Australian study.

We present a cohort review of TORS resection for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its associated oncological outcomes spanning a 10-year period. A retrospective case series review was performed of patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for HPV-associated OPSCC through the St. Vincent's Head and Neck Cancer service from 2011 to 2022. The primary outcomes were to investigate complete resection of the primary tumour, rates of recurrence, and survival analysis. Secondary outcomes included complications, rates of adjuvant therapy, sites of recurrence and rates of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). 184 patients underwent TORS-based therapy with neck dissection, and guideline-directed adjuvant therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC. Our median follow-up was 46 months. The positive margin rate on final histopathology analysis was 10.9%. Adjuvant therapy was indicated in 85 patients (46%). The local recurrence rate was 10.9% with the majority (80%) of patients recurring in the first 3 years since treatment. The disease-specific survival at 3 years was 98.6% and at 5 years was 94.4%. The 3-year and 5-year OS for the cohort was 96.7% and 92.5%, respectively. The presence of extranodal extension and positive margins were associated with increased risk of recurrence, whereas adjuvant therapy was found to be a protective factor for both overall recurrence and survival. Major complications occurred in 12 patients (6.5%), resulting in one death. This study has demonstrated that primary surgical therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC is a safe and effective treatment modality with low local recurrence and complication rates, and overall survival benefits.

Incidence and distribution of contralateral lymph node metastasis associated with human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the rate of contralateral nodal metastasis in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma and identify the patient cohorts that would benefit from bilateral neck treatment. METHODS: A retrospective cohort review was performed on 110 HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery and bilateral neck dissections from 2012 to 2022. The primary outcome was to investigate the pathological incidence and location of contralateral neck node metastasis. RESULTS: The contralateral nodal disease rate was 12.7 per cent (n = 14), of which 2 patients (2 per cent) were occult findings, with comparable results between tongue base and tonsil sub-groups. The most commonly involved contralateral nodal station was level II (11 of 110 patients, 10 per cent). The presence of extra-nodal extension and multiple ipsilateral positive nodes was associated with increased risk of contralateral nodal disease. CONCLUSION: The incidence of contralateral nodal and occult disease in the studied cohort is low. The characteristics of patients who may benefit from bilateral neck treatment were demonstrated.

Altered presentation of oropharyngeal cancer, a 6-year review.

BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continues to increase in incidence. Patients are younger, non-smokers and most commonly present with a neck mass often with no other symptoms. This altered presentation compared with non-HPV OPSCC may not be recognized by medical practitioners, leading to delayed diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with histopathological confirmation of OPSCC and known HPV and/or P16 status who presented to our institution between 2012-2017 inclusive were included in the study. Demographic data, tumour characteristics and presenting symptoms were retrospectivxely obtained from both electronic- and paper-based records. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographic data and the two sample t-test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare groups based on HPV status. Time to diagnosis was also reported. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were male (85.4%) and HPV + (85.3%). The tonsillar complex (53.8%) and tongue base (42.4%) were the most common primary sites. HPV+ patients were less likely to smoke (17.8%) and they commonly presented with a neck mass (39.5% alone or with other symptoms 61.2%). Time to diagnosis in the HPV+ group was longer (15 weeks). CONCLUSION: Our review has highlighted the altered presentation of OPSCC due to the increased incidence of HPV infection. We showed a delayed time to diagnosis in HPV+ OPSCC compared with non-HPV disease. This confirms the importance of focusing our efforts on educating medical practitioners and creating further awareness to facilitate early detection and treatment.

Sinonasal perivascular epithelioid cell tumor: benign or malignant neoplasm?

BACKGROUND: Neoplasms showing perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation (PEComas) are uncommon tumors of the sinonasal tract. They are often misdiagnosed as angiomyolipoma or a simple benign tumor or polyp. We present a further case of a sinonasal PEComa and review the literature in an attempt to ascertain their malignant potential. METHODS: Published evidence on invasiveness and characteristics were defined on systematic review. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1966 and 1980, respectively, to week 3 of December 2010. Publications reporting PEComa or angiomyolipoma were sought. Only those describing a sinonasal origin were included. Demographics, anatomic site, local invasion, recurrence rates, and mortality were recorded. A case report of a locally invasive intranasal PEComa is described. RESULTS: In addition to the case we present, 12 case reports were located (n = 13). The mean age of patients was 59.6 (SD, 14.98 years) years. The location was within the right sinonasal tract in 54% of cases, the left sinonasal tract in 38% of cases, and not reported in 8% of cases. Treatment focused on local surgical excision and this was achieved endoscopically in 100% of cases. Recurrence rate was 8%. Mean follow-up was 17.4 (SD, 20.68 months) months. Invasion was noted in 23% of cases. There was a single death recorded. CONCLUSION: PEComas of the paranasal sinuses and skull base appear to have a biological behavior different from simple benign angiomyolipomas reported elsewhere in the body. PEComa may be more intermediate or malignant in clinical behavior.