Design and development of ferrocene-containing chitosan-cografted-branched polyethylenimine redox conjugates for monitoring free flap failure after reconstructive surgery.

We reported a proof-of-concept study of developing an electrochemical biosensor for prolonged continuous monitoring free flap failure caused by vascular occlusion after reconstructive surgery. Ferrocene (Fc)-containing Chitosan-cografted-Branched Polyethylenimine redox conjugates (CHIT-Fc-co-BPEI-Fc) were used as pH-tuneable matrix to attach the target enzymes (glucose oxidase ≡ GOD and lactate oxidase ≡ LOD, respectively) to build up the corresponding GOD-sensor and LOD-sensor. The sensitivity of GOD-/LOD-sensor was found to be 2.

Factors associated with returning to work in head and neck cancer survivors in Singapore: A preliminary exploratory mixed-methods approach study.

Background: Little is known about return-to-work (RTW) among Asian head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. We investigated the prevalence and factors associated with RTW among HNC patients with in Singapore.

Methods: In this cross-sectional mixed-methods study, 80 HNC patients, who had been working prior to diagnosis, completed questionnaires and 15 participated in qualitative interviews to explore perceived barriers and facilitators of RTW.

Pairing a prognostic target with potential therapeutic strategy for head and neck cancer.

Objectives: We have previously identified and validated a panel of molecular prognostic markers (ATP13A3, SSR3, and ANO1) for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the consequence of ATP13A3 dysregulation on signaling pathways, to aid in formulating a therapeutic strategy targeting ATP13A3-overexpressing HNSCC.

Materials And Methods: Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed on HNSCC microarray expression data (Internal local dataset [n = 92], TCGA [n = 232], EMBL [n = 81]) to identify pathways associated with high expression of ATP13A3.

A Head-to-Head Comparison of the Medial Sural Artery Perforator versus Radial Forearm Flap for Tongue Reconstruction.

Background:  For tongue reconstruction, the radial forearm flap (RFF) is commonly used. In the last decade, the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has been successfully used with reportedly superior donor-site outcomes. Our study is the first to compare the RFF and MSAP for reconstruction of partial glossectomy defects (<50% of tongue).

Multiomic analysis and immunoprofiling reveal distinct subtypes of human angiosarcoma.

Angiosarcomas are rare, clinically aggressive tumors with limited treatment options and a dismal prognosis. We analyzed angiosarcomas from 68 patients, integrating information from multiomic sequencing, NanoString immuno-oncology profiling, and multiplex immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Through whole-genome sequencing (n = 18), 50% of the cutaneous head and neck angiosarcomas exhibited higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and UV mutational signatures; others were mutationally quiet and non-UV driven.

Implementing the Biodesign Process for Medical Device Innovation in Head and Neck Surgery.

The Stanford Biodesign process is a needs-driven approach to innovation which begins in the clinical setting and environment and is championed by practicing clinicians and surgeons. Here, our team applied the Stanford Biodesign process through clinical immersion to identify potential unmet clinical needs in the field of head and neck surgery, brainstormed and prototyped solutions to solve the top unmet need, and developed a commercialized medical device. The team underwent the 3 phases of the Biodesign process: identify, invent, and implement.

Validity and reliability of the MD Anderson dysphagia inventory in English and Chinese in head and neck cancer patients.

Aims: Patient-reported outcome measures are important in assessing the impact of dysphagia on quality of life. Our aim was to adapt and examine the cultural validity and reliability of a swallowing-related quality of life measure, the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), in English and Chinese, with head and neck cancer patients.

Methods: We adapted the MDADI to Chinese through formal forward-backward translation.

Adherence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients to tumor board recommendations.

Background: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings or tumor boards (TBs) are fundamental components of cancer treatment. Although their primary function is improved outcomes, this aspect is often underreported. The main objective of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) discussed at TBs, and to compare the effect of adherence and nonadherence to recommended treatment plans on outcomes.

Impact of Radiotherapy on Neck Dissection Nodal Count in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

Objectives/hypothesis: Our study aimed to review the impact of preoperative radiotherapy (RT) and other factors on the lymph node count of neck dissection (ND) specimens from patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). A retrospective study was conducted on all patients with head and neck cancers who had undergone NDs in Singapore General Hospital between 1992 and 2013.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Electronic tumor board presentations as the basis for the development of a head and neck cancer database.

Background: Multidisciplinary team meetings or tumor boards (TBs) form a pivotal component of oncology practice. The crux of a TB revolves around making treatment decisions based on succinct head and neck cancer (HNC) patient data presentations, which can be challenging and complex. Apart from meticulous TB presentations, discussions and treatment plan documentation is equally important.

Comparing the Utility and Surgical Outcomes of Harmonic Focus Ultrasonic Scalpel with Ligasure Small Jaw Bipolar Device in Thyroidectomies: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Ultrasonic or bipolar radiofrequency energy devices are routinely used for dissection and hemostasis during thyroidectomy. We report a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing the utility and outcomes of Harmonic Focus, an ultrasonic coagulating shear device (UCSD), versus Ligasure Small Jaw, an electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer (EBVS) in thyroidectomy (NCT01765686).

Methods: Between December 2012 to January 2016, eligible patients were randomized to undergo hemithyroidectomy using either a UCSD or an EBVS.

The effect of parathyroidectomy on patients' symptoms in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Background: The efficacy of parathyroidectomy for primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism is well-established but evidence in tertiary hyperparathyroidism is lacking. We examined parathyroidectomy's effect in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods: Patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy were followed up for 12 months.

Correction: Early assessment of tumor response to photodynamic therapy using combined diffuse optical and diffuse correlation spectroscopy to predict treatment outcome.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15720.

Comparison of Outcomes of Fasciocutaneous Free Flaps and Jejunal Free Flaps in Pharyngolaryngoesophageal Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The literature reports a wide variety of reconstructive methods for pharyngolaryngoesophageal (PLO) defects, the most widely used being anterolateral thigh (ALT), radial forearm (RFF), and jejunal free flaps (JFF). However, there is a lack of uniform agreement among head and neck surgeons as to which technique offers the best results. With an increasing number of salvage PLO extirpations, determining the role of radiotherapy in influencing postoperative complication rates is becoming ever more important.

Elderly Patients with Advanced Head and Neck Carcinoma: Does Aggressive Treatment Result in Better Outcomes?

Objective: There are no well-defined treatment recommendations for elderly patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate whether aggressive treatment among the elderly translated into better survival outcomes.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Salivary fistula: Blue dye testing as part of an algorithm for early diagnosis.

Objective: Orocutaneous and pharyngocutaneous fistula (OPCF) is a debilitating complication of head and neck surgery for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), resulting in delayed adjuvant treatment and prolonged hospitalization. As yet, there is no established test that can help in prompt and accurate diagnosis of OPCF. This study aims to determine the accuracy of bedside blue dye testing and its role as part of an algorithm for early diagnosis.

A three gene immunohistochemical panel serves as an adjunct to clinical staging of patients with head and neck cancer.

Background: Current management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) depends on tumor staging. Despite refinements in clinical staging algorithms, outcomes remain unchanged for the last two decades. In this study, we set out to identify a small, clinically applicable molecular panel to aid prognostication of patients with HNSCC.

Early assessment of tumor response to photodynamic therapy using combined diffuse optical and diffuse correlation spectroscopy to predict treatment outcome.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer involves the use of a photosensitizer that can be light-activated to eradicate tumors via direct cytotoxicity, damage to tumor vasculature and stimulating the body's immune system. Treatment outcome may vary between individuals even under the same regime; therefore a non-invasive tumor response monitoring system will be useful for personalization of the treatment protocol. We present the combined use of diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) to provide early assessment of tumor response.

Distant metastasis as the sole initial manifestation of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Thyroid carcinoma usually presents as a neck lump. Distant metastasis as the sole initial manifestation of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) is rare and little is known about these patients. The aim of this study is to characterize patients who present with distant metastasis as the sole initial manifestation of WDTC.

Nasopharyngectomy with operating microscope: A case series.

Background: Nasopharyngectomy for excision of nasopharyngeal tumors is challenging, as access to the nasopharynx is difficult. Recently our institution embarked on two new approaches - robotic nasopharyngectomy and open nasopharyngectomy with operating microscope (NOM) via maxillary swing approach. This article proposes that the novel approach of NOM via maxillary swing aids visualization for resection of locally invasive nasopharyngeal tumors.

Novel technique of creating a seal for the vacuum-assisted closure system application in complex head and neck wounds.

Background: Achieving a good seal for the application of the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system in complex head and neck wounds is difficult.

Methods: A case series of 4 patients who developed postoperative orocutaneous or pharyngocutaneous fistulas were studied. A sterile green glove was used as a sealant together with the VAC system.

Diagnostic pitfall: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the tongue presenting as an isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy, case report and literature review.

Introduction: We describe a patient with an unusual presentation of an isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy as a result of perineural invasion (PI) from adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). We will also discuss the diagnostic pitfalls as well as present a short literature review of adenoid cystic carcinomas and suggest improvement to the current diagnostic algorithm for isolated hypoglossal nerve palsies.

Presentation Of Case: A 63year old Malay female presented with progressive dysphagia and slurred speech for one year.

Large intrathoracic goiter: When sternotomy is unavoidable.

Intrathoracic goiter is not uncommon but one that requires a sternotomy in addition to a cervical incision, to aid its removal, is. We describe the case of a 51-year-old woman whose intrathoracic goiter was successfully removed via a sternotomy.

Metastasectomy for metachronous pulmonary and hepatic metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Report of 6 cases and review of the literature.

Background: Metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is commonly treated with palliative chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to review the feasibility of metastasectomy for metachronous pulmonary and hepatic metastases from NPC.

Methods: We present 6 patients who developed metachronous metastases from NPC (4 patients with pulmonary metastases and 2 patients with hepatic metastases) and underwent curative resection.