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We sought to investigate the clinical utility of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) in Taiwanese patients with cancer of unknown primary site (CUP) and cervical nodal metastases. We also aimed to study the impact of F-18 FDG PET/CT on clinical treatment priority in this patient group. Between September 2006 and May 2014, patients with CUP and cervical nodal metastases who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging study were retrospectively identified. The clinicopathological risk factors and PET parameters were analyzed in relation to 2-year overall survival (OS) rates using univariate and multivariate analyses. Two-year OS curves were plotted with the Kaplan–Meier method. Of the eligible patients (n = 54), 12 (22.2%) had distant metastases (DM) at presentation. A total of 13 (24.1%) and 15 (27.8%) primary tumors were identified by FDG PET/CT imaging and an additional triple biopsy, respectively. The results of multivariate analysis identified smoking [p = 0.033, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.197−40.342], a maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of cervical nodes ≥ 14.2 (p = 0.035, 95% CI = 1.134−28.029), and DM at presentation (p = 0.031, 95% CI = 1.257−114.854) as independent predictors of 2-year OS. Specifically, patients who carried ≥ 2 risk factors showed poorer outcomes (70.3% vs. 11.8%, p

Carcinosarcoma, a biphasic malignant mixed tumor, is an extremely rare neoplasm with >1% incidence. This aggressive malignancy is characterized by the presence of two components admixed with each other, i.e., the epithelial component and the mesenchymal component arising from a monoclonal/multiclonal origin or de novo. Most patients usually present between 60 and 65 years of age with no sex predilection. The authors present a case of carcinosarcoma arising as a mass in the neck region of a 14-year-old male. The case is been presented for its rarity of occurrence in the younger age group.

Background The evolution of radiotherapy over recent decades has reintroduced the hypofractionation for many tumor sites with similar outcomes to those of conventional fractionated radiotherapy. The use of hypofractionation in locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) has been already used, however, its use has been restricted to only a few countries. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy (HYP-RT) with concomitant cisplatin (CDDP). Methods This single-arm trial was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of HYP-RT with concomitant CDDP in LAHNC. Stage III and IV patients withnonmetastatic disease were enrolled. Patients were submitted to intensity modulatedradiation therapy, which comprised 55 Gy/20 fractions to the gross tumor and44–48 Gy/20 fractions to the areas of subclinical disease. Concomitant CDDPconsisted of 4 weekly cycles of 35 mg/m2. The primary endpoints were the treatment completion rate and acute toxicity. Results Twenty patients were enrolled from January 2015 to September 2016, and 12 (60%) were classified as unresectable. All patients completed the total dose of radiotherapy, and 19 patients (95%) received at least 3 of 4 cycles of chemotherapy. The median overall treatment time was 29 days (27–34). Grade 4 toxicity was reported twice (1 fatigue and 1 lymphopenia). The rates of grade 3 dermatitis and mucositis were 30% and 40%, respectively, with spontaneous resolution. Nasogastric tubes were offered to 15 patients (75%) during treatment; 4 patients (20%) needed feeding tubes after 2 months, and only 1 patient needed a feeding tube after 12 months. Conclusion HYP-RT with concomitant CDDP was considered feasible for LAHNC, and the rate of acute toxicity was comparable to that of standard concomitant chemoradiation. A feeding tube was necessary for most patients during treatment. Further investigation of this strategy is warranted. Trial registration ClinicalTrials, NCT03194061. Registered 21 Jun 2017 – Retrospectively registered.

Background Some of head and neck cancer patients are in compromised general condition after ablation surgery and chemoradiation therapy, which makes secondary free tissue transfer quite challenging. Elderly cancer patients also have some risk for microvascular surgery with lengthened general anesthesia. In those cases, the pedicled flap vascularized by supraclavicular artery could be considered as an alternative to free flap. Despite several authors have demonstrated the clinical reliability of supraclavicular artery island flap (SCAIF), to date, SCAIF has not been widely used among reconstructive surgeon. In this article, we clarified vascular flow pattern and introduce simple surgical technique of SCAIF with a literature review. Case presentation Three patients who had underwent previous neck surgery and adjuvant therapy received maxillofacial reconstruction using SCAIF. It required only a few landmarks, flap harvesting was carried out, and the elapsed time gradually decreased to 15 min with experiences. There were no remarkable morbidities in both donor and recipient sites. Conclusion SCAIF exhibited minimal anatomic variations and short learning curve of surgical techniques, which might be valuable reconstruction modality for beginning surgeon. And it can be beneficial option for the patients with vessel-depleted neck, medically compromised status for lengthened general anesthesia and failed free tissue transfer.

Aim To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of a short-course accelerated radiotherapy and its feasibility for symptomatic palliation of advanced head and neck cancer or head and neck metastases from any primary site. Patients and methods A phase I trial in four dose-escalation steps was planned: total dose ranged between 14 and 20 Gy in a total of four fractions administered twice a day. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was determined as grade 3 or more toxicity occurring during treatment. The MTD obtained was used to plan a phase II trial. Results A total of 48 patients were treated. In the phase I trial, the 20 Gy dose level was determined to be the MTD. In the phase II trial, the palliative response rate was 82.7%, with a median duration of palliation of 3 months. Conclusion Short-course accelerated radiotherapy was well tolerated and effective for palliation. These findings may help design future prospective randomized studies.

Purpose: To investigate the robustness of PET radiomic features (RF) against tumour delineation uncertainty in two clinically relevant situations. Methods: Twenty-five head-and-neck (HN) and 25 pancreatic cancer patients previously treated with18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)-based planning optimization were considered. Seven FDG-based contours were delineated for tumour (T) and positive lymph nodes (N, for HN patients only) following manual (2 observers), semi-automatic (based on SUV maximum gradient: PET_Edge) and automatic (40%, 50%, 60%, 70% SUV_max thresholds) methods. Seventy-three RF (14 of first order and 59 of higher order) were extracted using the CGITA software (v.1.4). The impact of delineation on volume agreement and RF was assessed by DICE and Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICC). Results: A large disagreement between manual and SUV_max method was found for thresholds ≥50%. Inter-observer variability showed median DICE values between 0.81 (HN-T) and 0.73 (pancreas). Volumes defined by PET_Edge were better consistent with the manual ones compared to SUV40%. Regarding RF, 19%/19%/47% of the features showed ICC < 0.80 between observers for HN-N/HN-T/pancreas, mostly in the Voxel-alignment matrix and in the intensity-size zone matrix families. RFs with ICC < 0.80 against manual delineation (taking the worst value) increased to 44%/36%/61% for PET_Edge and to 69%/53%/75% for SUV40%. Conclusions: About 80%/50% of 72 RF were consistent between observers for HN/pancreas patients. PET_edge was sufficiently robust against manual delineation while SUV40% showed a worse performance. This result suggests the possibility to replace manual with semi-automatic delineation of HN and pancreas tumours in studies including PET radiomic analyses.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility, safety and efficacy in day surgery of electrochemotherapy (ECT) using bleomycin in non-melanoma head and neck skin cancer. METHODS: We performed a prospective study on fifteen patients treated at the General Surgery Department at University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome between April 2011 and February 2013. RESULTS: We observed 100% complete response evaluated with WHO criteria at 6 weeks after treatment. No partial response was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: ECT is a simple, highly effective and safe treatment for head and neck non melanoma skin cancer. In our experience ECT can be performed safely in Day Surgery also in patients ASA III. Side effects associated with ECT are minimal and the treatment is well tolerated also by older patients, with minimal impairment of organ function and healthy tissues and with good esthetic results. We would encourage this treatment especially for older patients with multiple comorbidities, in which conventional surgical approach is not easily practicable.

Summary Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer, and major efforts is being made to identify molecular markers capable to differentiate oral potentially malignant lesions (OPMLs) with indolent course from lesions with aggressive behavior. We undertook a study to evaluate if gain of the human telomerase RNA component (hTERC) gene in OPMLs could indicate lesions at high risk of developing OSCC. The study was performed on 30 OPMLs with long-term follow-up using a dual-color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for hTERC status. Progression to malignancy was observed in 9 of 10 cases harboring hTERC gain and in 1 of 20 cases retaining a normal copy number of hTERC (P

Therapeutic outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor in most advanced cases. To improve therapeutic efficiency, novel therapeutic targets and prognostic factors must be discovered. Our studies have identified several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as promising candidates. Significant epigenetic silencing of GPCR expression occurs in HNSCC compared with normal tissue, and is significantly correlated with clinical behavior. Together with the finding that GPCR activity can suppress tumor cell growth, this indicates that GPCR expression has potential utility as a prognostic factor. In this review, we discuss the roles that galanin receptor type 1 (GALR1) and type 2 (GALR2), tachykinin receptor type 1 (TACR1), and somatostatin receptor type 1 (SST1) play in HNSCC. GALR1 inhibits proliferation of HNSCC cells though ERK1/2-mediated effects on cell cycle control proteins such as p27, p57, and cyclin D1, whereas GALR2 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HNSCC cells. Hypermethylation of GALR1, GALR2, TACR1, and SST1 is associated with significantly reduced disease-free survival and a higher recurrence rate. Although their overall activities varies, each of these GPCRs has value as both a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target. These data indicate that further study of GPCRs is a promising strategy that will enrich pharmacogenomics and prognostic research in HNSCC.

Background: Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is increasing in incidence, especially among young patients and preferably females. Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) has been suggested as a cause of SCC in the head and neck, and the proportion of oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV has steadily increased. Methods: Samples from 109 patients with primary TSCC were analysed for the presence of HPV16 by in situ hybridisation and for expression of its surrogate marker p16 and the HPV receptor syndecan-1 by immunhistochemistry. Results: No evidence of HPV16 DNA was observed in the tumours, although one-third showed p16 staining. There was no difference in the expression of the primary HPV receptor, syndecan-1, between TSCC and a group of tonsil SCC. Conclusion: Whereas p16 is expressed in some TSCCs, HPV16 is undetectable, therefore, p16 cannot be used as a surrogate marker for high-risk HPV-infection in this tumour. Despite presence of the HPV-receptor syndecan-1 in TSCC, HPV prefers the tonsillar environment. Lack of p16 associates with worse prognosis primarily in patients aged ⩽40 years with tongue SCC. The improved prognosis seen in p16-positive TSCC can be due to induction of a senescent phenotype or an inherent radiosensitivity due to the ability of p16 to inhibit homologous recombination repair.

Background: Although the impact of oral hygiene on head and neck cancer risk has been investigated, few studies have been conducted among the Asian population. Methods: We conducted a multicenter case-control study to investigate this potential association. We performed unconditional multiple logistic regression models adjusted by potential confounders. Results: We observed an inverse association of frequency of dental visits with head and neck cancer risk, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 3.70 (95% CI 2.51-5.45) for never dental visits compared with ≥1 time/year (Ptrend

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, SCCHN, is a heterogeneous group of tumours not only concerning the site of origin but also regarding aetiology. The 5-year survival for the whole group of SCCHN tumours has not significantly improved over the last 20-25 years. Apart from tumour spread to lymph nodes, N status, gains and losses of specific chromosomes are the only factors shown to be independent prognostic markers for these tumours. Worldwide, an increasing number of people ≤ 40 years are seen being affected by tongue SCC, the most common tumour within the SCCHN group. Even without any clinical signs of metastasis, up to 30% of all tongue SCC have histologically detectable spread to lymph nodes. In this mini review, field cancerization, tumour microenvironment, the so called EMT (epithelial mesenchymal transition) process and the role of viruses in development of SCCHN are discussed as well as potential new therapeutic targets. For the group of tongue SCC, with the increasing incidence seen in young patients and particularly women, new data with impact on prognosis and treatment are urgently needed. But as long as data from the analyses of several sub sites are presented as valid for the whole group of tumours, this vital point is missed.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a rare disease that can affect different sites and is characterized by variable incidence and 5-year survival rates across Europe. Multiple factors need to be considered when choosing the most appropriate treatment for HNC patients, such as age, comorbidities, social issues, and especially whether to prefer surgery or radiation-based protocols. Given the complexity of this scenario, the creation of a highly specialized multidisciplinary team is recommended to guarantee the best oncological outcome and prevent or adequately treat any adverse effect. Data from literature suggest that the multidisciplinary team-based approach is beneficial for HNC patients and lead to improved survival rates. This result is likely due to improved diagnostic and staging accuracy, a more efficacious therapeutic approach and enhanced communication across disciplines. Despite the benefit of MTD, it must be noted that this approach requires considerable time, effort and financial resources and is usually more frequent in highly organized and high-volume centers. Literature data on clinical research suggest that patients treated in high-accrual centers report better treatment outcomes compared to patients treated in low-volume centers, where a lower radiotherapy-compliance and worst overall survival have been reported. There is general agreement that treatment of rare cancers such as HNC should be concentrated in high volume, specialized and multidisciplinary centers. In order to achieve this goal, the creation of international collaboration network is fundamental. The European Reference Networks for example aim to create an international virtual advisory board, whose objectives are the exchange of expertise, training, clinical collaboration and the reduction of disparities and enhancement of rationalize migration across Europe. The purpose of our work is to review all aspects and challenges in and outside this network setting planned for the management of HNC patients.

BACKGROUND Mohs surgery (MS) is regarded as one of the most efficient surgical procedures for the treatment of skin tumors. OBJECTIVES Delineating tumor margins accurately is important in limiting broad excisions during conventional surgery and in reducing the number of stages during Mohs procedure. METHODS This study aimed to evaluate the role of 2 simple procedures, curettage and videodermoscopy (VDS), in determining margins during MS for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the head and neck. RESULTS The use of both procedures offered a good intraoperative margin definition and consequently small surgical defects in 197 patients affected by BCC. Recurrences in basal cell cancers, which included both primary and recurrent lesions, occurred less frequently than in the institution's previous experience, appearing in only 8 of 197 cases (approx. 4%). CONCLUSION In the authors' experience, both VDS and curettage were found advantageous in delineating tumor margins while treating BCC with MS.

Submitted by DANIELA BRITO BASTOS (dani_bastos@hotmail.com) on 2017-08-31T18:25:42Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertação Bastos et al. 2017.pdf: 1658117 bytes, checksum: 1fb848d6d8e4a91f754f91a28a909784 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-08-31T19:15:33Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 bastos_db_me_araca_par.pdf: 938176 bytes, checksum: 899e07d85851bd97e4adb80c93d318f1 (MD5) bastos_db_me_araca_int.pdf: 1658117 bytes, checksum: 1fb848d6d8e4a91f754f91a28a909784 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-31T19:15:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 bastos_db_me_araca_par.pdf: 938176 bytes, checksum: 899e07d85851bd97e4adb80c93d318f1 (MD5) bastos_db_me_araca_int.pdf: 1658117 bytes, checksum: 1fb848d6d8e4a91f754f91a28a909784 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-04 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Objetivos: As catecolaminas podem regular diversos efeitos biológicos resultantes do estresse crônico. Estudos demonstram que as catecolaminas podem influenciar a progressão do câncer. No entanto, pouco se sabe sobre o perfil de secreção das catecolaminas em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP) e sua associação com as variáveis clinicopatológicas e psicológicas. O presente estudo investigou os níveis plasmáticos pré-tratamento das catecolaminas norepinefrina (NE) e epinefrina (E) em pacientes com câncer de boca e orofaringe e em pacientes com leucoplasia bucal, bem como sua associação com as variáveis clinicopatológicas, biocomportamentais e os sintomas de ansiedade. Pacientes e métodos: Um total de 71 pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) de boca, 22 pacientes com CEC de orofaringe e 32 portadores de leucoplasia bucal foram submetidos à coleta de amostras de sangue. Os níveis plasmáticos das catecolaminas NE e E foram mensurados por meio de Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência com detecção eletroquímica (CLAE-ED) e os níveis psicológicos de ansiedade foram mensurados pelo Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (IAB). As diferenças nos níveis hormonais entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelo teste ANOVA e análises univariadas e regressões múltiplas foram realizadas para avaliar as associações dos níveis hormonais com as variáveis clinicopatológicas, biocomportamentais e psicológicas. Resultados: As concentrações plasmáticas de NE e E foram significativamente maiores nos pacientes com câncer de boca e orofaringe em relação aos pacientes com leucoplasia bucal (p0,05). Entretanto, os sintomas de ansiedade “tremor das mãos” (β=157,5; p=0,0377) e “coração acelerado” (β=15,88; p=0,0441), foram significativamente associados com níveis elevados de E no grupo de CCP e no grupo de CEC de orofaringe, respectivamente. A privação de sono e a má qualidade do sono na noite anterior à coleta de sangue foram variáveis preditivas para níveis elevados de NE em pacientes com leucoplasia bucal. O consumo excessivo de cigarro (β=1,54; p=0,0051) e níveis elevados de ansiedade (β=7,16; p=0,0003) foram preditores independentes para maiores níveis plasmáticos de E nos pacientes com leucoplasia bucal. Conclusão: Os pacientes com câncer de boca e orofaringe apresentam uma modulação na secreção plasmática de NE e E. Além disso, os níveis de catecolaminas nos pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço e nos pacientes com leucoplasia podem ser influenciados por fatores biocomportamentais e psicológicos. Background: Catecholamines may regulate several biological effects resulting from chronic stress. Studies have shown that stress-related catecholamines may affect cancer progression. However, little is known about catecholamines secretion profile in head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients and its association with clinicopathological and psychological variables. The present study investigated the pre-treatment plasma levels of catecholamines norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) in patients with oral and oropharyngeal SCC and patients with oral leukoplakia, as well as their associations with clinicopathological and biobehavior variables and anxiety symptoms. Patients and methods: A total of 71 patients with oral SCC, 22 patients with oropharyngeal SCC and 32 patients with oral leukoplakia were submitted to blood samples. Plasma levels of NE and E were measured by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) and psychological anxiety levels were measured by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Differences in hormone levels among the groups were analyzed by ANOVA test. Univariate and multiple regression analyzes were performed to evaluate the associations of hormonal levels with clinicopathological, biobehavior and psychological variables. Results: Plasma NE and E concentrations were significantly higher in patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer than oral leukoplakia patients (p0.05). However, anxiety symptoms measures with BAI such as “hands trembling” (β=157.5, p=0.0377) and “heart pouding/rancing” (β=15.88, p=0.0441) were significantly associated with higher plasma E levels in HNSCC and oropharyngeal SCC groups, respectively. Sleep deprivation and worse sleep quality in the previous night of blood collection were predictive variables for elevated NE levels in oral leukoplakia. In this patient group, severe tobacco consumption (β=1.54, p=0.0051) and higher anxiety levels (β=7.16, p=0.0003) were independent predictors for higher plasma E levels. Conclusion: Oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients display a modulation of plasma NE and E secretion. Furthermore, systemic catecholamines levels in patients with head and neck cancer and potentially malignant disorders may be influenced by biobehavior and psychological factors. FAPESP: 2015/12485-4

Purpose: This study aimed to assess patient-reported levels of physical activity (PA) and its associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) adjusted for important demographic, lifestyle-related, and clinical factors, among head and neck (HNC) survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 116 HNC survivors. PA was assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and HRQoL with the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-HN35. Associations were studied using univariable and multivariable regression analyses. Results: Median PASE score was 100.3 (interquartile range 65.1;170.8) of which 54% were household, 34% leisure-time, and 12% occupational activities. Younger HNC survivors had higher levels of PA. Higher PA was significantly associated with higher global QoL (p

Background Paragangliomas are highly vascular and predominantly benign neoplasms that traditionally have been treated by surgery, embolization, and/or external beam radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term local tumor control and the safety of radiosurgery for head and neck paragangliomas. Methods Data were obtained from prospectively maintained databases of patients affected by brain tumors treated with radiosurgery at our institution. The inclusion criteria were histologically proven or radiologic-suspected diagnosis of paragangliomas; a follow-up period of at least 12 months, an magnetic resonance imaging–based tumor growth control analysis and a signed written consent. Twenty patients (21 paragangliomas) met the eligibility criteria and were included in the present study. All patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated before and after treatment. Results The mean follow-up at the time of the present analysis was 46 months. Seven patients had a follow-up longer than 60 months. Seven lesions underwent a single-session radiosurgery with a mean dose of 12.2 Gy (range 11–13 Gy). Fourteen lesions underwent multisession radiosurgery with a mean dose of 25.7 Gy (range 20–30 Gy) delivered in 3–5 fractions. The mean tumor volume for single-session radiosurgery was 4 cc (range 1.4–9.2). The mean volume for multisession radiosurgery was 18.9 cc (range 1.3–50.9). None of the lesions showed progression on radiology during the follow-up period. Neurologic conditions generally are maintained or improved. Conclusions Both single and multisession radiosurgery were confirmed as a safe and effective treatment modality for paragangliomas. Multisession radiosurgery appears effective to treat large lesions.

Introduction: Use of non-cigarette tobacco products such as cigars and pipe has been increasing, even though these products entail exposure to similar carcinogens to those in cigarettes. More research is needed to explore the risk of these products to guide cancer prevention efforts. Methods: To measure the association between cigars and/or pipe smoking, and cancer incidence in men, we performed meta-analyses of data from five prospective cohorts. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between different aspects of cigars and pipe smoking and risk of each smoking-related cancer (head and neck, esophagus, lung, stomach, liver, pancreas, kidney, and bladder) for each study. Adjusted HRs were combined using random-effects models. Results: Cigars and/or pipe smokers were at increased risk for head and neck [HR, 1.51; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.22–1.87], lung (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.68–2.47), and liver cancers (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08–2.26). Ever-smokers of cigars and/or pipe had an increased risk of developing a smoking-related cancer when compared with never smokers of any tobacco product (overall HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03–1.12). The risk for smoking-related cancers was also increased in mixed smokers who smoked cigars or pipe as well as cigarettes, even when they were smoking predominantly pipe or cigars. Discussion: This pooled analysis highlights the increased risk for smoking-related cancers, particularly for lung and head and neck cancers in exclusive and predominant smokers (former and current) of cigars and pipe. Tobacco prevention efforts should include these products in addition to cigarettes. Cancer Prev Res; 10(12); 704–9. ©2017 AACR.

The possible role of dietary fiber in the etiology of head neck cancers (HNCs) is unclear. We used individual-level pooled data from ten case-control studies (5959 cases and 12,248 controls) participating in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium, to examine the association between fiber intake and cancer of the oral cavity/pharynx and larynx. Odds Ratios (ORs) and their 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional multiple logistic regression applied to quintile categories of non-alcohol energy-adjusted fiber intake and adjusted for tobacco and alcohol use and other known or putative confounders. Fiber intake was inversely associated with oral and pharyngeal cancer combined (OR for 5th vs. 1st quintile category = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.40–0.59; p for trend

Background/aim A review of the literature is proposed as a contribution to current knowledge on technical, physical, and clinical issues about PET-guided planning and re-planning radiotherapy (RT) in head and neck cancer. Materials and methods PubMed and Scopus electronic databases were searched for articles including clinical trials. Search terms were "gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation", "head and neck cancer", "radiotherapy", "adaptive radiotherapy" in combination with "PET". Results A 18F-FDG-PET and CT-scan comparison in GTV definition for RT planning of head and neck cancer was shown in twenty-seven clinical trials with a total of 712 patients. Only two clinical trials focused on PET-guided adaptive radiotherapy (ART) with a total of 31 patients. Conclusion 18F-FDG-PET is able to achieve an accurate and precise definition of GTV boundaries during RT planning, especially in combination with CT-scan. ART strategies are proposed to evaluate tumor volume changes, plan boost irradiation on metabolically active residual neoplasm and protect organs at risk (OaRs).

Pleomorphic salivary adenomas are the most common benign neoplasms affecting the salivary glands. Very occasionally however, metastatic lesions are identified in patients with a history of PSA, which, on detailed pathological evaluation, are found to exhibit all the histological hallmarks of the preceding benign lesions. Diagnosis of benign metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland is extremely rare and still under debate. We present the first case-report in literature of multiple metachronous nasal cavity, scalp and encephalic metastases of a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland in a young girl. Pleomorphic salivary adenomas are the most common benign neoplasms affecting the salivary glands. Very occasionally however, metastatic lesions are identified in patients with a history of PSA, which, on detailed pathological evaluation, are found to exhibit all the histological hallmarks of the preceding benign lesions. Diagnosis of benign metastasizing pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary gland is extremely rare and still under debate. We present the first case-report in literature of multiple metachronous nasal cavity, scalp and encephalic metastases of a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland in a young girl.

Purpose Large cohort studies are needed taking into account cancer-related, personal, biological, psychobehavioral, and lifestyle-related factors, to guide future research to improve treatment and supportive care. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a comprehensive baseline assessment of a cohort study evaluating the course of quality of life (QoL). Methods Newly diagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC) patients were asked to participate. Assessments consisted of questionnaires (635 items), a home visit (including a psychiatric interview, physical tests, and blood and saliva collection), and tissue collection. Representativeness of the study sample was evaluated by comparing demographics, clinical factors, depression, anxiety, and QoL between responders and non-responders. Feasibility was evaluated covering the number of questions, time investment, intimacy, and physical burden. Results During the inclusion period (4 months), 15 out of 26 (60 %) patients agreed to participate. Less women participated, 13 % in responders group versus 63 % in non-responders group (p = 0.008). No other differences were found between responders and non-responders. Responders completed more than 95 % of the questionnaires’ items and rated the number of questions, time investment and intimacy as feasible, and the physical and psychological burden as low. It took on average 3 h to complete the questionnaires and 1.5 h for the home visit. Conclusions This study reveals that a comprehensive assessment including various questionnaires, physical measurements, and biological assessments is feasible according to patients with newly diagnosed HNC. A large prospective cohort study has started aiming to include 739 HNC patients and their informal caregivers in the Netherlands.