Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107860
Xiao-Hu Wang , Lei-Ming Cao , Zhao-Qi Zhu , Yao Xiao , Han-Yue Luo , Guang-Rui Wang , Kan Zhou , Yi-Fu Yu , Jun Jia , Bing Liu , Lin-Lin Bu
{"title":"Cervical lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma: From metastatic patterns and risk factors to the development and validation of a predictive model","authors":"Xiao-Hu Wang , Lei-Ming Cao , Zhao-Qi Zhu , Yao Xiao , Han-Yue Luo , Guang-Rui Wang , Kan Zhou , Yi-Fu Yu , Jun Jia , Bing Liu , Lin-Lin Bu","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107860","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107860","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is the most critical prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). To facilitate individualized risk assessment, this study aimed to develop and internally validate a novel prediction model. We retrospectively analyzed 3723 patients with OSCC from a single center (2012–2023), with 2792 eligible patients randomly allocated to a training (n = 1954) and a validation set (n = 838). A rigorous variable selection process was employed, where predictors significant in univariable analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model that utilized a stepwise forward and backward elimination procedure to identify the final set of predictors. Six factors were ultimately incorporated into the nomogram: clinical T stage, clinical N stage, histological grade, perineural invasion, time from onset to treatment, and alcohol consumption. The model demonstrated good discrimination in both training (AUC = 0.780) and validation (AUC = 0.744), excellent calibration, and clinical utility. In conclusion, this internally validated nomogram accurately predicts CLNM risk and can aid in tailoring neck management, pending external validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 107860"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146019157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107881
Ling Zhang
{"title":"Comment on “Risk factors and a risk assessment model for venous thromboembolism in head and neck cancer surgery”","authors":"Ling Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107881","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107881","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 107881"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146125732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107864
Katelyn Steele , Catherine Barnett , Rahul Ladwa , Meg L Donovan , Clara Lawler , Arutha Kulasinghe
{"title":"Tumour microenvironment diversity of HNSCC and the molecular landscape of recurrent disease","authors":"Katelyn Steele , Catherine Barnett , Rahul Ladwa , Meg L Donovan , Clara Lawler , Arutha Kulasinghe","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107864","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107864","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a biologically diverse group of malignancies within the upper aerodigestive tract and oral cavity and remains a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidence highlights that the tumour microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in disease progression and therapeutic response. Distinct immune and stromal profiles have been observed between HPV positive (HPV+) and HPV negative (HPV-) HNSCC, underpinning their differing natural history and responses to immunotherapy. Despite advances, only 15–20% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC (RMHNSCC) respond to immunotherapy, with no difference in response being seen between HPV+ and HPV- disease. This may reflect the complexity and heterogeneity of the TME. This review explores how emerging spatial omics technologies, combining molecular, and spatial context, are reshaping our understanding of the HNSCC microenvironment, with emphasis on recurrent and/or metastatic disease. By delineating the spatial organisation of immune, stromal, and metabolic features, these approaches provide new insights into mechanisms of treatment resistance, prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Understanding spatial TME dynamics across HPV-related subtypes may ultimately guide more precise and effective treatment strategies for HNSCC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 107864"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107865
Nan Wang , Haotian Gao , Shuai-xia Yu , Jiangang Fan , Bin Li , Xiaolong Zhao
{"title":"The first report of contralateral parapharyngeal space metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma: report of a case","authors":"Nan Wang , Haotian Gao , Shuai-xia Yu , Jiangang Fan , Bin Li , Xiaolong Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107865","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107865","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 107865"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-31DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107876
Bartosz P. Wojtera , Avinash Beharry , Victoria Salati , Karma Lambercy , Nina Wahler , Edouard Romano , Wojciech Golusinski , Christian Simon
{"title":"Long-term swallowing outcomes following transoral robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer – Five years and beyond","authors":"Bartosz P. Wojtera , Avinash Beharry , Victoria Salati , Karma Lambercy , Nina Wahler , Edouard Romano , Wojciech Golusinski , Christian Simon","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107876","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107876","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Objective: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS), either used alone or combined with radiotherapy, is a common treatment for operable T-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Due to high survival rates, maintaining quality of life—especially swallowing function—is an important long-term consideration. This study aimed to assess swallowing outcomes five years and beyond following TORS in patients with primary OPSCC.</div><div>Methods: “Functional outcome swallowing scale” (FOSS) was used to retrospectively assess long-term dysphagia in 47 OPSCC patients, with a median follow-up of 6.8 years. All patients had a minimum follow-up of five years.</div><div>Results: The FOSS scores remained stable at five years compared to 1–4 years post-TORS (all p > 0.99). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in FOSS from 1 to 10 years post-TORS compared to preoperative score. Adjuvant therapy was a univariate predictor of worse swallowing outcomes (OR: 17.46, 95% CrI: 2.94–121.51); however, this effect was limited to the short-term postoperative period (≤ 2 years after TORS). In contrast, subsequent major surgery after TORS and treatment of more advanced tumors (pT2–pT3 vs. pTis–pT1) were associated with persistently worse swallowing outcomes, including long-term follow-up (OR: 23.81, 95% CrI: 4.48–142.59; OR: 15.03, 95% CrI: 3.06–81.45, respectively).</div><div>Conclusions: TORS offers excellent and stable long-term swallowing outcomes when used as a single-modality treatment for OPSCC. While outcomes remain satisfactory with additional therapies, swallowing results are influenced by tumor stage, adjuvant treatment, and further major surgery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 107876"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146100556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107852
Francesco Chu , Pietro Benzi , Marta Tagliabue , Chiara Mossinelli , Stefano Filippo Zorzi , Sara Gandini , Marco Romelli , Marta Filauro , Andrea Iandelli , Filippo Marchi , Giorgio Peretti , Mohssen Ansarin
{"title":"Rare laryngeal tumors: A retrospective bicentric study on 74 patients and systematic review","authors":"Francesco Chu , Pietro Benzi , Marta Tagliabue , Chiara Mossinelli , Stefano Filippo Zorzi , Sara Gandini , Marco Romelli , Marta Filauro , Andrea Iandelli , Filippo Marchi , Giorgio Peretti , Mohssen Ansarin","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107852","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.107852","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Head and neck cancers are the seventh most common malignancy worldwide, with laryngeal cancer (LC) the most prevalent subtype. Although squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents 85–90% of LC, rare non-SCC tumors—including laryngeal sarcomas (LS), neuroendocrine carcinomas (LNC), malignant salivary gland tumors (LMSGT), and mucosal melanomas (LMM)—are uncommon but clinically challenging. We combined a bicentric retrospective cohort with a systematic literature review to provide an integrated assessment of these entities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patients with non-SCC malignant laryngeal tumors treated with curative intent at two Italian tertiary centers were retrospectively analyzed. Tumors were classified as LS, LNC, LMSGT, or LMM. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). A systematic review contextualized institutional outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>74 patients were included: 34 LS, 25 LNC, 13 LMSGT, and 2 LMM. Surgery was the primary treatment in 98.6 % of cases. LS and LMSGT demonstrated favorable survival, whereas LNC showed poor outcomes (median OS, 2.89 years) and the highest recurrence rate (72 %). Radical tumor excision achieved effective loco-regional control across histologies. LMM prognosis was dismal, with recurrence in both cases. The literature review revealed marked heterogeneity and wide survival ranges, reflecting rarity and biological diversity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Rare non-SCC laryngeal tumors comprise heterogeneous and often aggressive diseases with variable prognoses. Despite the absence of standardized management, radical surgery provides effective loco-regional control. Integrating bicentric clinical experience with published evidence highlights the need for multicenter collaboration to optimize treatment strategies and improve outcomes in this rare oncologic setting worldwide today.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"174 ","pages":"Article 107852"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146125703","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107840
Mahad Chaudhry , Annes Elfar , Kaylyn Rowsey , Andrew Neel , Adam Khan , Ty Lutze , David Wenger , Matt Vassar
{"title":"Safety reporting in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma clinical Trials: A comparative analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov data and published research","authors":"Mahad Chaudhry , Annes Elfar , Kaylyn Rowsey , Andrew Neel , Adam Khan , Ty Lutze , David Wenger , Matt Vassar","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating malignancy that requires a multimodal approach in treatment, which is associated with a considerable burden of adverse events (AE). Since the 2007 FDA Amendments Act (FDAAA 801) mandates comprehensive AE reporting on ClinicalTrials.gov, the consistency of these data with corresponding peer‑reviewed publications remains unclear. This study examines the consistency of AE reporting between ClinicalTrials.gov and peer-reviewed publications for HNSCC randomized clinical trials (RCTs) conducted post-FDAAA implementation.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed AE reporting on Phase II-IV HNSCC RCTs registered on clinicaltrials.gov between September 27, 2009, and January 15, 2025. Data was extracted on participant counts and total events for serious adverse events (SAEs), other adverse events (OAEs), all-cause mortality (ACM), and treatment discontinuation. Discrepancies were defined as any mismatch in counts or reporting. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests assessed differences in reporting frequencies and publication delays between trial and publication data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 60 trials met inclusion criteria. All 60/60 (100 %) trials reported participants affected by SAEs versus 43/60 (71.7 %) publications (p < 0.05), of which 33/43 (76.7 %) showed discrepant counts. Likewise, 60/60 (100 %) trials versus 22/60 (36.7 %) publications reported participants affected by OAEs (p < 0.05), with 18/22 (81.8 %) mismatches. Among 24/24 (100 %) trials completed post‑2017, ACM was reported on ClinicalTrials.gov versus 15/24 (62.5 %) publications, and 22/24 (91.7 %) of those pairs differed. Participant discontinuations due to AEs appeared in 17/60 (28.3 %) registries versus 39/60 (65.0 %) publications (p < 0.05); of the 15/17 (88.2 %) with both sources reporting, 9/15 (60.0 %) had discordant counts.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Substantial inconsistencies in AE, mortality, and discontinuation reporting persist between ClinicalTrials.gov and peer‑reviewed publications of HNSCC RCTs. To uphold transparency and patient safety, enhanced technical safeguards on registry platforms and stricter journal policies, such as mandatory discrepancy checklists, are urgently needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107840"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-26DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107826
Jérôme R. Lechien , Vinidh Paleri , Robin Baudouin , Aina Brunet , Carlos M. Chiesa-Estomba , Erika Crosetti , Andrea De Vito , Giovanni Cammaroto , Armando De Virgilio , Nicolas Fakhry , Wojciech Golusinski , Heikki Irjala , Stefan Lang , C.Rene Leemans , Sylvain Moriniere , Alberto M. Saibene , Claudio Sampieri , Somiah Siddiq , Vincent Vander Poorten , David Viros Porcuna , Stéphane Hans
{"title":"European surgical guidelines: transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancers","authors":"Jérôme R. Lechien , Vinidh Paleri , Robin Baudouin , Aina Brunet , Carlos M. Chiesa-Estomba , Erika Crosetti , Andrea De Vito , Giovanni Cammaroto , Armando De Virgilio , Nicolas Fakhry , Wojciech Golusinski , Heikki Irjala , Stefan Lang , C.Rene Leemans , Sylvain Moriniere , Alberto M. Saibene , Claudio Sampieri , Somiah Siddiq , Vincent Vander Poorten , David Viros Porcuna , Stéphane Hans","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107826","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107826","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Substantial heterogeneity in practice exists across centers regarding the indications and perioperative care for patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for head and neck cancer. This consensus paper aims to propose a European surgical practice guideline in this setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-two experts from European and International scientific societies participated in a modified Delphi process for rating and validating statements about indications, contraindications, surgical outcomes, and pre- and postoperative care associated with TORS for head and neck cancer care. Consensus was deemed to have been achieved when two-thirds of experts agreed or strongly agreed with the statement; those with fewer than one-third agreement were improved and resubmitted for voting until final validation or rejection.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the initial 41 statements, 38 reached consensus after three voting rounds. Statements propose recommendations for the preoperative assessment (n = 7), indications and contraindications for TORS in oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal primaries (n = 10), surgical outcomes to be reported (n = 7), postoperative care (n = 8), and clinical research (n = 6). TORS is appropriate for small, accessible oropharyngeal and supraglottic tumors with favorable exposure. The contraindications set out in detail for oropharyngeal, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal lesions will assist in decision-making, especially when presented with a controversial clinical scenario. Standardized reporting of surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes, including swallowing, voice quality, and survival rates, is essential for evidence-based practice. TORS represents a promising avenue for therapeutic de-escalation in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The European TORS surgical consensus provides clinical recommendations for the indications, contraindications, surgical and perioperative care for TORS management of head and neck malignancies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107826"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral oncologyPub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-02DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107846
Angeliki Margoni , Kostas A. Papavassiliou , Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
{"title":"Harnessing TP53 mutational status to enhance prognostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma","authors":"Angeliki Margoni , Kostas A. Papavassiliou , Athanasios G. Papavassiliou","doi":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107846","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oraloncology.2025.107846","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19716,"journal":{"name":"Oral oncology","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107846"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145885900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}