Essential data variables for a minimum dataset for head and neck cancer trials and clinical research: HNCIG consensus recommendations and database.

The Head and Neck Cancer International Group (HNCIG) has undertaken an international modified Delphi process to reach consensus on the essential data variables to be included in a minimum database for HNC research. Endorsed by 19 research organisations representing 34 countries, these recommendations provide the framework to facilitate and harmonise data collection and sharing for HNC research. These variables have also been incorporated into a ready to use downloadable HNCIG minimum database, available from the HNCIG website.

Patient-specific 3D-printed helmet for post-craniectomy defect - a case report.

Background: Patients who undergo decompressive craniectomy (DC) are often fitted with a helmet that protects the craniectomy site from injury during rehabilitation. However, conventional "one-size-fits-all" helmets may not be feasible for certain craniectomy defects. We describe the production and use of a custom 3D-printed helmet for a DC patient where a conventional helmet was not feasible due to the craniectomy defect configuration.

Novel approach to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission during trans-oral robotic surgery.

This study describes a novel approach in the reduction of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS). Eight patients underwent TORS between 01 February 2020 and 07 September 2020. A sterile plastic sheet draped over sterile supports with water-tight seal around each cannula was used to create a sterile working space within which the robotic arms could freely move during operation.

CD38 triggers inflammasome-mediated pyroptotic cell death in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Pyroptosis is a form of inflammatory cell death. Although it is recognized that NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome is involved in pyroptosis activation, the mechanism by which head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) inhibits pyroptotic cell death remains undefined. This study aims to delineate the role of calcium regulator CD38 in NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis in HNSCC.

NADPH oxidase 5α promotes the formation of CD271 tumor-initiating cells in oral cancer.

Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) has a distinctive cell sub-population known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs). CD271 is a functional TIC receptor in head and neck cancers. The molecular mechanisms governing CD271 up-regulation remains unclear.

Recommendations for surgical management of recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma during COVID-19 pandemic.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is endemic in southern parts of China including Hong Kong. Primary treatment entails radiotherapy ± chemotherapy depending on disease stage at presentation. Surgery is offered as a means of salvage for persistent and recurrent disease.

Robot-assisted real-time sentinel lymph node mapping in oral cavity cancer: preliminary experience.

This study aims to assess the feasibility of using indocyanine green and robotic near infra-red fluorescent imaging (Firefly) for sentinel lymph node biopsy in cN0 oral cavity cancer. Ten patients with early squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (n = 8) and buccal mucosa (n = 2) were included. Peritumoral injection of 10 mg indocyanine green and real-time mapping of sentinel lymph nodes in the neck was performed using Firefly via a retro-auricular trans-hairline incision.

Recommendations for head and neck surgical oncology practice in a setting of acute severe resource constraint during the COVID-19 pandemic: an international consensus.

The speed and scale of the global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented pressures on health services worldwide, requiring new methods of service delivery during the health crisis. In the setting of severe resource constraint and high risk of infection to patients and clinicians, there is an urgent need to identify consensus statements on head and neck surgical oncology practice. We completed a modified Delphi consensus process of three rounds with 40 international experts in head and neck cancer surgical, radiation, and medical oncology, representing 35 international professional societies and national clinical trial groups.

Tracheostomy during COVID-19 pandemic-Novel approach.

Background: This study describes a novel approach in reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission during tracheostomy.

Methods: Five patients underwent tracheostomy between April 1, 2020 and April 17, 2020. A clear and sterile plastic drape was used as an additional physical barrier against droplets and aerosols.

Conservation of personal protective equipment for head and neck cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aims to stratify face shield needs when performing head and neck cancer surgery.

Methods: Fifteen patients underwent surgery between March 1, 2020 and April 9, 2020.

Transoral robotic total laryngopharyngectomy and free jejunal flap reconstruction for hypopharyngeal cancer.

Background: To report on the feasibility of total laryngopharyngectomy and free jejunal flap transfer for patient with hypopharyngeal cancer via the transoral robotic surgery (TORS) approach.

Material And Methods: A patient with hypopharyngeal cancer involving the post-cricoid region is used for demonstration of the TORS total laryngopharyngectomy and free jejunal flap reconstruction.

Results: The procedure starts with a cruciate incision for terminal tracheostomy.

Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for salvage nasopharyngectomy via the maxillary swing approach.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors for salvage nasopharyngectomy.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on maxillary swing nasopharyngectomy performed between 1998 and 2010. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified prognostic factors affecting actuarial local tumor control and overall survival.

Safety of intra-operative vasopressor in free jejunal flap reconstruction.

Background: Microvascular surgeons always hold strong belief against the use of vasopressors during free flap surgery. Our aim is to study the safety of intra-operative vasopressors on free jejunal flap reconstruction.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients undergoing free jejunal flap reconstruction, aiming at investigating the intra-operative use of vasopressors and the potential complications associated.

Surgical salvage for recurrent retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the surgical management of recurrent retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods: We conducted a prospective analysis of preoperative imaging, surgical approach, and oncological results.

Results: Between 1990 and 2011, 82 patients were included.

Efficacy of fine-needle aspiration in diagnosing cervical nodal metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy.

Objectives/hypothesis: Our purpose was to study the effect of previous radiotherapy (RT) on the efficacy of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in diagnosing cervical nodal metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Study Design: Case-control study.

Methods: The diagnostic efficacy of FNA in a group of patients with residual or recurrent cervical lymphadenopathy after previous RT for NPC was compared with a cohort of patients with primary NPC before RT during the same period.

Extramammary Paget's Disease: 20 Years of Experience in Chinese Population.

Background. To examine the results of treatment of Extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) in ethnic Chinese. Method.

Quality of life of patients after salvage nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: The objective of this study was to examine the quality of life (QOL) of patients who underwent salvage nasopharyngectomy for residual or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to justify the value of the procedure.

Methods: A self-reported, health-related QOL questionnaire was used to assess the QOL of patients after salvage nasopharyngectomy. The effects of potential complications after surgery also were evaluated.

Extracapsular lymph node spread in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Objectives/hypothesis: To study the efficacy of combined neck dissection and brachytherapy for nodal metastasis with extracapsular spread (ECS) in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Study Design: Prospective.

Methods: Between 1990 and 2010, we recruited patients who had regional recurrent NPC after radiotherapy.

Oncological outcome after free jejunal flap reconstruction for carcinoma of the hypopharynx.

It has been a common practice among the oncologist to reduce the dosage of adjuvant radiotherapy for patients after free jejunal flap reconstruction. The current aims to study potential risk of radiation to the visceral flap and the subsequent oncological outcome. Between 1996 and 2010, consecutive patients with carcinoma of the hypopharynx requiring laryngectomy, circumferential pharyngectomy and post-operative irradiation were recruited.

Nasopharyngectomy for locally advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: exploring the limits.

Background: The purpose of this study was to present the outcome of nasopharyngectomy for locally advanced recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods: Between 2000 and 2010, patients with locally advanced recurrent NPC were recruited. Surgical outcomes were analyzed retrospectively.

Manubrial resection and anterior mediastinal tracheostomy: friend or Foe?

Objectives/hypothesis: To review our experience with manubrial resection and anterior mediastinal tracheostomy and formulate operative guidelines to improve the surgical outcome.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Methods: Between January 1980 and June 2010, we performed 38 manubrial resections.

Prediction of surgical outcome using plasma Epstein-Barr virus dna and (18)F-FDG PET-CT scan in recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: This study was carried out to determine the role of plasma Epstein-Barr virus (pEBV)-DNA and positron-emission tomography (PET)-CT scan in predicting the outcome of nasopharyngectomy and cervical lymphadenectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods: Between 2007 and 2009, we recruited patients who had local or regional recurrent NPC after radiotherapy. The relationship between preoperative pEBV-DNA level, maximal standard uptake value (SUVmax), and surgical outcome was analyzed.