Tilmanocept as a novel tracer for lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma and oral cancer.

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been pivotal for pathological assessment of nodal status in cutaneous melanoma (CM) and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) thus crucial for staging. An ideal agent for lymphatic mapping should have a standardized preparation, appropriate accumulation in first-echelon nodes and no side effects. Tilmanocept, a CD206-receptor targeted novel radiotracer fulfils these properties.

Outcomes after definitive treatment for head and neck angiosarcoma.

Introduction: Head and neck angiosarcoma (HN-AS) is a rare and aggressive, representing <1% of all head and neck malignancies. It is characterized by a high rate of local recurrence and poor 5-year survival (10-54%). Australian data in this rare disease is lacking.

Does Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Accurately Stage the Clinically Negative Neck in Early Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Purpose: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is being increasingly used worldwide as a minimally invasive option to stage the clinically node-negative neck (N0) in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCC). We performed this trial to assess the reliability and validity of the technique.

Methods: We did this prospective interventional nonrandomized study in patients with early (cT1-T2 OCSCC) and with negative neck.

Tumor depth of invasion versus tumor thickness in guiding regional nodal treatment in early oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives: Tumor thickness (TT) and tumor depth of invasion (DOI) correlate with the risk of regional lymph node metastases in early oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). We aimed to determine optimal cutoff points to guide elective nodal treatment in early OTSCC.

Study Design: This retrospective study included 145 patients treated between 1995 and 2012 for histologically proven OTSCC (<4 cm).

Education and support needs in patients with head and neck cancer: A multi-institutional survey.

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) encompasses a diverse group of tumors, and thus providing appropriate and tailored information to patients before, during, and after treatment is a challenge. The objective of the current study was to characterize the experience and unmet needs of patients with HNC with regard to information and support provision.

Methods: A 28-question, cross-sectional survey was completed by patients treated for HNC at 1 of 4 institutions in New South Wales, Australia (Chris O'Brien Lifehouse and Liverpool, Westmead, and Wollongong hospitals).

The Role of [F]FDG-PET/CT in Predicting Malignant Transformation of Plexiform Neurofibromas in Neurofibromatosis-1.

. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) are difficult to diagnose and treat and contribute to significant morbidity and mortality for patients with Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF-1). FDG-PET/CT is being increasingly used as an imaging modality to discriminate between benign and malignant plexiform neurofibromas.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for early oral cancers: Westmead Hospital experience.

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become an alternative option to elective neck dissection (END) for early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) outside of Australia. We sought to assess the technical feasibility of SLNB and validate its accuracy against that of END in an Australian setting.

Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study consisting of 30 consecutive patients with cT N OCSCC referred to the Head and Neck Cancer Service, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, between 2011 and 2014.

A rare case of ameloblastic carcinoma.

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare type of ameloblastoma that has received little mention in the literature. While a number of cases have been published over many years, no institution has been able to produce a substantial case series. Ameloblastic carcinoma originates in the embryonic tooth components.