Brittany Barber

Double Free-Flap Reconstruction Indications, Challenges, and Prospective Functional Outcomes

OBJECTIVE To investigate the increasing use of double free flaps in the reconstruction of large head and neck defects. DESIGN A 5-year retrospective medical record review in a large tertiary care head and neck oncology program. Prospectively collected functional data were also analyzed. SETTING Academic research. PATIENTS A consecutive series of 35 patients (24 men and 11 women; mean age, 57.7 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The use of double free flaps in the reconstruction of large head and neck defects and prospective functional outcomes. RESULTS The most common indication for surgery (n = 25 [71.4%]) was squamous cell carcinoma. The most common double free-flap combination (n = 22 [62.9%]) included an osteocutaneous fibular free flap with a fasciocutaneous radial forearm free flap. Objective evaluation by naive listeners demonstrated a mean single-word intelligibility score of 66.2% and a mean sentence intelligibility score of 84.8% in this group of patients. Modified barium swallow study results revealed no evidence of laryngeal penetration for swallowing liquid consistencies in 21 patients (60.0%), pudding consistencies in 30 patients (85.7%), and cookie consistencies in 32 patients (91.4%). CONCLUSIONS With proper patient selection and planning and the use of 2 surgical teams, the length of surgery and complication rates are not significantly increased in double free-flap reconstruction. Furthermore, by using 2 free flaps, the best osseous and soft-tissue elements may be independently selected, yielding appropriate tissue characteristics for ideal defect reconstruction.

Depression and Survival in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review

IMPORTANCE The incidence of depression in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) is estimated to be as high as 40%. Previous studies have demonstrated an effect of depression on rehabilitation and survival in the posttreatment period. OBJECTIVE To systematically review the relationship between depression and survival in patients with HNC undergoing curative treatment. EVIDENCE REVIEW A search of electronic databases as well as gray literature was undertaken from January 1, 1974, to August 20, 2014, including MEDLINE (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), CINAHL, EBSCO, PsycINFO (via Ovid), Elsevier Scopus, and Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science Core Collection, using controlled vocabulary and medical subject headings representing HNC, depression, and survival. Articles in these databases were reviewed for inclusion by 2 independent reviewers according to predetermined eligibility criteria and were adjudicated by a third reviewer. The articles were then quantitatively scored using the GRACE (Good Research for Comparative Effectiveness) tool, a validated instrument for assessing the quality of observational studies. Qualitative assessment of each article was then undertaken. FINDINGS A total of 654 references were retrieved across all databases. A review of the abstracts and full texts identified 3 articles, each describing a distinct, single study, including a total of 431 patients, that were eligible for analysis. Scores for the articles as assessed with the GRACE tool ranged from 9 to 11. In each of the 3 studies used in the analysis, the comparison groups were depressed and nondepressed patients as established by a standardized psychiatric assessment tool. Two of the 3 studies demonstrated a statistically significant difference in survival for patients with HNC and depression; however, a sensitivity analysis was not possible due to the incompatible statistical analyses performed in each study. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE An association between depression and survival in patients with HNC is apparent; however, the strength and etiology of this association is not yet clear. Further directed and multi-institutional study is required to investigate this association and determine appropriate screening and management strategies.

Molecular predictors of locoregional and distant metastases in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundThe incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing due to fundamental changes in oncogenesis related to effects of the human papilomavirus (HPV). Virally-mediated tumours behave and respond to treatment differently than their classic, carcinogenically-mediated counterparts despite similar stage and grade of disease. This difference in behaviour has lead to investigation of etiologies of OPSCC at the molecular level.Molecular biomarkers offer potential insight into the behaviour of OPSCC. Identifying a subset of patients that are more likely to have recurrence and distant metastasis is valuable for prognostication and treatment planning. There is limited information regarding the profiles of these biomarkers in locoregional and distant metastases in OPSCC.ObjectiveThis study was designed to identify biomarker profiles predictive of locoregional and distant metastases and recurrence in OPSCC.MethodsCross-sectional study of a prospectively-collected oropharyngeal tumour database was undertaken. All patients with OPSCC presenting to the University of Alberta Hospital from 2002- 2009 were included in the study. Data collection from the Alberta Cancer Registry, including demographics, nodal status, distant metastases, treatment, recurrence, and survival, was undertaken. Tissue micro-arrays (TMAs) were constructed for each tumour specimen using triplicate cores (0.6mm) of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) pre-treatment tumour tissue. TMAs were processed using immunohistochemistry for p16, EGFR, Ki67, p53, and Bcl-XL. Positivity for each biomarker was determined using quantified AQUAnalysis ® scores on histoplots. Multivariate statistics were utilized to assess the relationship between each biomarker and locoregional and distant metastases, as well as recurrence-free survival (RFS).ResultsHigh expression of p16 (p=0.000) and Bcl-XL (p=0.039) independently demonstrated a significant association with nodal disease at presentation. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated improved RFS in patients with high p16 and decreased RFS in patients with high p53 expression. Cox regression analysis supported p16 as an independent prognosticator for improved RFS. p53 demonstrated an association with recurrence, but when compared to p16 status, nodal status, and staging, was not an independent predictor of recurrence.ConclusionsBiomarker profiling using p16, Bcl-xL, and p53 may be useful in prognostication and treatment planning in patients with OPSCC.

Algorithm based patient care protocol to optimize patient care and inpatient stay in head and neck free flap patients.

ObjectiveTo determine if rigid adherence (where medically appropriate) to an algorithm/checklist-based patient care pathway can reduce the duration of hospitalization and complication rates in patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction with free tissue transfer.MethodsStudy design was a retrospective case-control study of patients undergoing major head and neck cancer resections and reconstruction at a tertiary referral centre. The intervention was rigid adherence to a pre-existing care pathway including flow algorithms and multidisciplinary checklists incorporated into patient charting and care orders. 157 patients were enrolled prospectively and were compared to 99 patients in a historical cohort. Patient charts were reviewed and information related to the patient, procedure, and post-operative course was extracted. The two groups were compared for number of major and minor complications (using the Clavien-Dindo system) and length of stay in hospital.ResultsComparing pre- and post-intervention groups, no significant difference was identified in duration of hospital stay (21.5 days vs. 20.5 days, p = 0.750), the rate of major complications was significantly higher in the pre-intervention cohort (25.3 % vs. 14.0 %, p = 0.031), the rate of minor complications was not significantly higher (34.3 % vs 30.8 %, p = 0.610).ConclusionRigid adherence to our patient care pathway, and improved charting techniques including flow algorithms and multidisciplinary checklists has improved patient care by showing a significant reduction in the rate of major complications.

Neck metastases in oropharyngeal cancer: Necessity and extent of bilateral treatment†

Bilateral neck treatment in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is controversial. This study determined the rate of bilateral neck metastases in OPSCC and formulated a neck treatment algorithrm for OPSCC.

Comparison of single photon emission CT (SPECT) with SPECT/CT imaging in preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas: A cost‐effectiveness analysis

Controversy exists regarding the superiority of single photon emission CT (SPECT)/CT over SPECT for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), as well as the cost‐effectiveness.

Using PROMs to guide patients and practitioners through the head and neck cancer journey

The measurement of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following head and neck cancer (HNC) has the capacity to substantially enhance the care of patients and their care-givers following the diagnosis and treatment of HNC. Literature concerning PROMs has increased exponentially in the past 2 decades, producing a vast array of data upon which the multidisciplinary team can reflect. For this review, “Handle On QOL” has been used as a source of references to illustrate the points raised. PROMs are contextualized by considering the clinically-distinct key stages that cancer patients endure: diagnosis, treatment, acute toxicity, early recovery, late effects, recurrence, and palliation. The PROMs are considered in six main categories: 1) those addressing cornucopia of issues not specific to cancer; 2) those addressing issues common to all cancers; 3) questionnaires with items specific to HNC; 4) questionnaires that focus on a particular aspect of head and neck function; 5) those measuring psychological concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or self-esteem; and 6) item prompt lists. Potential benefits of PROMs in clinical practice are discussed, as are barriers to use. The way forward in integrating PROMs into routine HNC care is discussed with an emphasis on information technology.

Bone-impacted fibular free flap: Long-term dental implant success and complications compared to traditional fibular free tissue transfer

The purpose of this study was to compare complications and dental implant success between the bone‐impacted fibula free flap (BIFFF) and the traditional fibular free flap used in mandibular and midface reconstruction.

Efficacy of a high-observation protocol in major head and neck cancer surgery: A prospective study

The purpose of this study was to optimize an existing clinical care pathway (CCP) for head and neck cancer with a high‐observation protocol (HOP) and to determine the effect on length of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and length of stay in hospital (LOS).

Free thyroid transfer: Short-term results of a novel procedure to prevent post-radiation hypothyroidism

The incidence of radiation‐induced hypothyroidism (RIH) in patients with head and neck cancer is >50%. The purpose of this study was to assess the long‐term efficacy of free thyroid transfer (FTT) for prevention of RIH in patients with head and neck cancer.