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BackgroundTo determine genomic alterations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumors obtained through routine clinical practice, selected cancer-related genes were evaluated and compared with alterations seen in frozen tumors obtained through research studies.Patients and methodsDNA samples obtained from 252 FFPE HNSCC were analyzed using next-generation sequencing-based (NGS) clinical assay to determine sequence and copy number variations in 236 cancer-related genes plus 47 introns from 19 genes frequently rearranged in cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status was determined by presence of the HPV DNA sequence in all samples and corroborated with high-risk HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) and p16 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in a subset of tumors. Sequencing data from 399 frozen tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas and University of Chicago public datasets were analyzed for comparison.ResultsAmong 252 FFPE HNSCC, 84 (33%) were HPV positive and 168 (67%) were HPV negative by sequencing. A subset of 40 tumors with HPV ISH and p16 IHC results showed complete concordance with NGS-derived HPV status. The most common genes with genomic alterations were PIK3CA and PTEN in HPV-positive tumors and TP53 and CDKN2A/B in HPV-negative tumors. In the pathway analysis, the PI3K pathway in HPV-positive tumors and DNA repair-p53 and cell cycle pathways in HPV-negative tumors were frequently altered. The HPV-positive oropharynx and HPV-positive nasal cavity/paranasal sinus carcinoma shared similar mutational profiles.ConclusionThe genomic profile of FFPE HNSCC tumors obtained through routine clinical practice is comparable with frozen tumors studied in research setting, demonstrating the feasibility of comprehensive genomic profiling in a clinical setting. However, the clinical significance of these genomic alterations requires further investigation through application of these genomic profiles as integral biomarkers in clinical trials.

Objectives: Free tissue reconstruction of the head and neck must be initially overcorrected due to expected postoperative free flap volume loss, which can be accelerated by adjuvant radiation therapy. In this study, we aim to identify patient and treatment-specific factors that may significantly contribute to this phenomenon and translate these characteristics into a predictive model for expected percent free flap volume loss in a given patient., Methods: Patients with a history of oral cavity and/or oropharyngeal cancer who underwent nonosseous free flap reconstruction were reviewed between January 2009 and November 2018 at a tertiary care center. Demographics/characteristics, total radiation dose, radiation fractionation (RF), and pre/postradiation free flap volume as evaluated by computed tomography imaging were collected. Free flap volume was measured by a fellowship-trained neuroradiologist in all cases. Only patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy with available pre/postradiation imaging were included. Multivariable linear regression modeling for prediction of free flap volume loss was performed with optimization via stepwise elimination., Results: Thirty patients were included for analysis. Mean flap volume loss was 42.7% ± 17.4%. The model predicted flap volume loss in a significant fashion ( P = .004, R 2 = 0.49) with a mean magnitude of error of 9.8% ± 7.5%. Age (β = 0.01, P = .003) and RF (β = -0.01, P = .009) were individual predictors of flap volume loss., Conclusions: Our model predicts percent free flap volume loss in a significant fashion. Age and RF are individual predictors of free flap volume loss, the latter being a novel finding that is also modifiable through hyperfractionation radiotherapy schedules.

Background: Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy provides access via the oral vestibule and gas insufflation to provide reliable remote access surgery to perform a total thyroidectomy. The da Vinci SP (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) is a next generation flexible single port system that offers unique advantages over previous robotic rigid systems. Here we sought to evaluate the feasibility of performing transoral thyroidectomy with this next generation flexible robotic system., Methods: Cadaveric dissection with gas insufflation to test the feasibility of performing transoral thyroidectomy with the da Vinci SP., Results: A 2 cm incision was made in the oral vestibule and the working space created with a 1cm central port and two lateral 5 mm ports. Then an extra small wound protector (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA) was placed through the central incision after closure of the 5 mm ports. The robotic system was then deployed through the wound protector while insufflation was maintained at ~6 mmHg. Three instrument arms were deployed. A fenestrated bipolar was used to grasp the thyroid gland while Maryland bipolars and monopolar scissors were used to mobilize each hemi lobe of the thyroid. The recurrent laryngeal nerves were seen and preserved bilaterally. After completion of the surgery and removal of the wound protector the vestibular incision was measured to be 3 cm. Further dissection to identify the mental nerves identified each nerve to be >1 cm from the lateral extent of the central incision., Conclusions: In summary, it is feasible to perform a total thyroidectomy with gas insufflation utilizing this next generation flexible robotic system. Further evaluation will be needed to validate the clinical applicability of this technique., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: Dr’s Chan, Koh, Richmon and Anuwong received travel support from Intuitive Surgical Inc. for the project. Dr. Kim, Orloff and Holsinger have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2019 Gland Surgery. All rights reserved.)

Background: Base of tongue (BOT) is a difficult subsite to examine clinically and radiographically. Yet, anatomic delineation of the primary tumor site, its extension to adjacent sites or across midline, and endophytic vs. exophytic extent are important characteristics for staging and treatment planning. We hypothesized that ultrasound could be used to visualize and describe BOT tumors., Methods: Transcervical ultrasound was performed using a standardized protocol in cases and controls. Cases had suspected or confirmed BOT malignancy. Controls were healthy individuals without known malignancy., Results: 100% of BOT tumors were visualized. On ultrasound BOT tumors were hypoechoic (90.9%) with irregular margins (95.5%). Ultrasound could be used to characterize adjacent site involvement, midline extent, and endophytic extent, and visualize the lingual artery. No tumors were suspected for controls., Conclusions: Ultrasonography can be used to transcervically visualize BOT tumors and provides clinically relevant characteristics that may not otherwise be appreciable.