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Background: A significant proportion of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are malnourished at diagnosis. In this study, we investigated how pretreatment body mass index (BMI) and fat‐free mass index (FFMI) correlate with early death, and whether these measurements are useful markers of prognosis for risk stratification of head and neck cancer patients. Methods: Patients (n = 404) with newly diagnosed, curable HNSCC and WHO performance status 0–2 were prospectively included and met with a study representative before treatment initiation, as well as up to four follow‐up visits. All patients provided an estimate of body weight at 6 months prior to diagnosis. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed for all patients before treatment initiation. Results: Most patients had oropharyngeal (46%), oral cavity (28%), or laryngeal cancer (12%). Forty‐five (11%) patients met the standardized criteria for malnutrition according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) at diagnosis. FFMI at diagnosis was lower in patients who died within 6 and 12 months after the start of treatment than in patients who survived these time points (p = 0.035 and p = 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: In this study, pretreatment FFMI was an independent prognostic factor for death within 6 and 12 months after the start of treatment in patients with HNSCC. Pretreatment BMI was not an independent risk factor for death within 6 and 12 months after treatment termination. Thus, FFMI may be useful for risk stratification of patients with head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Cetuximab is a targeted therapy with demonstrated efficacy in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, no laboratory assay is available to predict its efficacy in an individual patient. Methods Short-term cultures of tumor slices were performed on 9 tumor samples obtained after surgical resection in patients. Cancer cell proliferation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the impact of cetuximab on cell proliferation was examined. Results Tumor architecture and the heterogeneous composition of HNSCC were preserved for at least 48 hours during short-term culture of tumor slices. HNSCC cells demonstrated a heterogeneous individual response to cetuximab. Conclusion Short-term culture of tumor slices is a strategy to estimate the clinical activity of cetuximab in individual patients with HNSCC. Further studies are required to correlate the results obtained with the clinical response of individual patients to cetuximab. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E911-E915, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Neck and shoulder complaints can be a direct result of a neck dissection. Methods Maximal active lateral flexion of the neck, forward flexion and abduction of the shoulder, and self-perceived function were determined in 145 patients treated for oral cancer. Results No short-term influence of radiotherapy was found on measured range of motion and self-perceived neck and shoulder function ( p > .05). One year after a bilateral neck dissection, patients showed deteriorated lateral flexion of the neck, whereas patients treated with a unilateral modified radical neck dissection still reported pain during neck movements. Maximal forward flexion of the shoulder recovered to the level of healthy controls, but maximal abduction was still reduced in all patients. Conclusions Neck dissection, tumor site, and extensive reconstruction are related to deterioration of shoulder function shortly after intervention. Maximal active shoulder abduction was affected most. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. People confronted with oral cancer run a high risk of deteriorated masticatory performance. Reduced masticatory function may affect quality of life and food choice. An altered food choice may result in lower intakes for key nutrients and weight loss. Methods. Dental state, bite force, and masticatory performance were determined in a group of 45 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and/or floor of mouth. Measurements were performed before surgery and at various moments after surgery and/or radiotherapy. Results. Surgical intervention had a large negative impact on oral function. Radiotherapy further worsened oral function. Also, the recovery of oral function 1 year after surgery was less prominent for the surgery-radiotherapy group than for the surgery group. Conclusion. Objective determination of oral function 1 year after surgery showed that patients treated for malignancies in the tongue and/or floor of mouth had significantly deteriorated masticatory performance, bite force, and dental state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]