Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck最新文献

{"title":"Trajectories of Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA and Clinical Outcomes in Recurrent or Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated With PD-L1 Inhibitors: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Multicenter, Phase II Study.","authors":"Zhen Pan, Yiyan Pei, Jianming Diao, Kun Gao, Junyou Ge, Yan Qing, Youneng Wei, Xingchen Peng","doi":"10.1002/hed.70473","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.70473","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Reliable biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (R/M NPC) treated with immunotherapy remain limited. This study evaluated the association between longitudinal EBV DNA trajectories and clinical outcomes in patients with R/M NPC receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This post hoc analysis used data from a multicenter, single-arm, Phase II trial evaluating the programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor KL-A167 in patients with previously treated R/M NPC. Plasma EBV DNA was measured at baseline and at each scheduled efficacy assessment, which was conducted every six weeks until disease progression. EBV DNA trajectories were distinguished through a logistic trajectory model. Multivariable Cox models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for survival outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified three distinct trajectories: persistently undetectable (n = 17, 13.8%), fluctuating (n = 40, 32.5%), and persistently detectable (n = 66, 53.7%). Compared with the persistently undetectable group, HRs of death were 4.96 (95% CI, 1.60-15.40) and 12.59 (95% CI, 4.01-39.51) for the fluctuating and persistently detectable groups, respectively. HRs of disease progression were 1.96 (95% CI, 0.97-3.96) and 3.22 (95% CI, 1.56-6.67), respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study suggests that plasma EBV DNA trajectories could be a promising biomarker for monitoring treatment response and longitudinal risk stratification.</p>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149167034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CyberKnife Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Reirradiation of Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Outcomes and Prognostic Factors.","authors":"Shay Sharon, Muhammad M Qureshi, Sean Keohan, Samuel Luk, Siyoung Jang, Minh Tam Truong","doi":"10.1002/hed.70494","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.70494","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is used for reirradiation in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RM-HNSCC), but prognostic factors remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed 36 RM-HNSCC patients treated with CyberKnife-SBRT (2009-2022).</p><p><strong>Endpoints: </strong>local control (LC) and overall survival (OS), estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Median follow-up was 8.5 months, median OS was 9.6 months, with 1- and 2-year OS rates of 43.5% and 34.2%. One- and 2-year LC rates were 55.1% and 34.5%, with median time-to-recurrence of 14.1 months. On multivariable analysis, smoking > 30 pack-years predicted worse LC (HR 5.68; 95% CI, 1.42-22.70; p = 0.014), while former/never smoking predicted improved OS (HR 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08-0.82; p = 0.022). Gross tumor volume > 37.0 cm³ predicted worse LC (log-rank p = 0.044) and OS (p = 0.003) on univariate analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Smoking history independently predicted LC and OS; larger tumor volume was associated with worse outcomes and may inform patient selection for SBRT reirradiation.</p>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149171207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rethinking Risk in Glossectomy: Obesity and Overweight Status Linked to Fewer Complications and Shorter Hospital Stays","authors":"Benjamin Kurnick,&nbsp;Jake L. Diamond,&nbsp;Laurent Ganry,&nbsp;David L. Hirsch,&nbsp;Andrew Salama","doi":"10.1002/hed.70316","DOIUrl":"10.1002/hed.70316","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The obesity paradox suggests higher body mass index (BMI) may improve surgical outcomes despite being a traditional risk factor. This phenomenon has not been evaluated in glossectomy.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective cohort study of 6816 patients undergoing partial or total glossectomy (ACS-NSQIP, 2006–2022) was performed. Patients were stratified by BMI. Outcomes included operative time, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and complications. Univariate and multivariable analyzes were conducted.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Obese patients (30.8%) had the shortest LOS (1 day) and lowest complication rate (11.7%) (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Underweight patients (4.0%) had the longest operative time (393 min), LOS (8 days), and highest complication rate (35.9%) (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for procedural complexity and covariates, overweight/obese BMI remained independently associated with shorter LOS and lower odds of complications, whereas underweight BMI independently predicted worse outcomes.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Findings support an obesity paradox in glossectomy, driven primarily by the vulnerability of underweight patients rather than a protective effect of adiposity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":"48 11","pages":"2995-3003"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147935561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes in Time to Diagnosis of HPV\u0000 + Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma","authors":"Julia Howard,&nbsp;Shaheryar Asad,&nbsp;Danielle M. Gillard,&nbsp;Katherine C. Wai,&nbsp;Mary Jue Xu,&nbsp;Ilya Likhterov,&nbsp;Jonathan R. George,&nbsp;Ivan El-Sayed,&nbsp;William R. Ryan,&nbsp;Patrick K. Ha,&nbsp;Chase Heaton","doi":"10.1002/hed.70318","DOIUrl":"10.1002/hed.70318","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Timely referral to subspecialty care remains critical for expedited work up and treatment of HPV⁺ oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPSCC). It is not known if there have been changes in time to diagnosis as the incidence of this disease rises.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Retrospective cohort study of 312 patients treated for HPV⁺ OPSCC at a tertiary referral clinic between 2013 and 2022.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>There was a significant difference in time to diagnosis based on year of presentation (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). More patients presented with early-stage disease (AJCC 7 Stage I or II) over time (<i>p</i> = 0.002). Presenting symptom (<i>p</i> = 0.021) and patient location ≥ 50 miles from our tertiary referral clinic (<i>p</i> = 0.039) also affected time to diagnosis.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Time to diagnosis of HPV⁺ OPSCC changed based on year of presentation, and a higher proportion of patients presented with early-stage disease in more recent years. This may reflect an increased public awareness of HPV⁺ OPSCC and its symptoms.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":"48 11","pages":"3016-3022"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147943886","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age Does Not Influence Cancer Mortality After Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Glottic Cancer: A Competing-Risks Analysis of 676 Patients","authors":"Francesco Chu,&nbsp;Marta Tagliabue,&nbsp;Stefano Filippo Zorzi,&nbsp;Francesco Bandi,&nbsp;Simone Moglio,&nbsp;Francesca Ruju,&nbsp;Mohssen Ansarin","doi":"10.1002/hed.70321","DOIUrl":"10.1002/hed.70321","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The influence of chronological age on survival after transoral laser microsurgery (TOLMS) for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remains unclear, largely because most studies rely on arbitrary age cutoffs and do not account for competing non-cancer mortality.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We retrospectively analyzed 676 patients with pT1–3 LSCC treated with primary TOLMS (2000–2025). Age was modeled per 10-year increase. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were evaluated using Cox, cause-specific Cox, and Fine–Gray competing-risk models. Cumulative incidence of death of disease (DOD) and death from other causes (DOC) were estimated with the Aalen–Johansen method.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>During a median follow-up of 68 months, 95 patients died from non-cancer causes and 43 from LSCC. Age strongly predicted OS (HR = 1.90 per decade) but showed only a weak association with DSS and was not significant in Fine–Gray analysis (sHR = 1.26). The pT category and margin status were the dominant predictors of DOD.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Age does not meaningfully influence cancer-specific mortality after TOLMS. Apparent age-related differences in survival largely reflect competing non-cancer deaths, supporting treatment decisions based on tumor biology rather than chronological age.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":"48 11","pages":"3064-3071"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147977326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk of Cervical Metastasis in Primary Parotid Gland Malignancies: A Yo-IFOS Multicenter Retrospective Longitudinal Study","authors":"Carlos M. Chiesa-Estomba,&nbsp;David Kalfert,&nbsp;Jose Palacios-Garcia,&nbsp;Alessandro Tel,&nbsp;Luigi Angelo Vaira,&nbsp;Antonino Maniaci,&nbsp;Angelica Silva-Figueroa,&nbsp;Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo,&nbsp;Giovanni Salzano,&nbsp;Giuseppe Consorti,&nbsp;Necati Enver,&nbsp;Didier Dequanter,&nbsp;Antoine Melkane,&nbsp;H. Bengu Cobanoglu,&nbsp;Petrocelli Marzia,&nbsp;Maider Andueza-Guembe,&nbsp;Mario Lentini,&nbsp;Karina Toledo-Villegas,&nbsp;Giancarlo Tirelli,&nbsp;Sara Tramontano,&nbsp;Giulio Cirignaco,&nbsp;Jerome R. Lechien,&nbsp;Sefa İncaz,&nbsp;Giacomo De Riu","doi":"10.1002/hed.70320","DOIUrl":"10.1002/hed.70320","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cervical lymph node metastasis is a major adverse prognostic factor in primary parotid gland malignancies. However, the incidence, level-specific distribution, and independent predictors of nodal metastasis remain incompletely defined in large contemporary multicenter cohorts.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A retrospective longitudinal multicenter study was conducted across 17 tertiary referral centers. Adult patients with histopathologically confirmed primary parotid gland carcinoma who underwent parotidectomy with concurrent neck dissection were included. The primary outcome was pathologically confirmed cervical lymph node metastasis. Secondary outcomes included level-specific nodal distribution, identification of independent risk factors, overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 380 patients were included. Pathological cervical lymph node metastasis was identified in 94 patients (24.7%). Metastases most frequently involved Level II (IIa 17.1%; IIb 11.1%). Salivary duct carcinoma demonstrated the highest rate of nodal metastasis (58.7%). On multivariate analysis, high histological grade and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were independent predictors of nodal metastasis (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Five-year OS for the entire cohort was 64.4%. Patients with nodal metastasis had significantly worse survival compared with node-negative patients (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cervical lymph node metastasis occurs in approximately one-quarter of surgically staged primary parotid gland malignancies and predominantly involves Levels II–III. High-grade histology and LVI independently predict nodal involvement. These findings support a risk-adapted approach to elective neck management based on histological and pathological risk stratification.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":"48 11","pages":"3072-3082"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147977311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"NUT Midline Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review and Pooled Survival Analysis","authors":"Michelle Yoon,&nbsp;Ricardo Ramirez,&nbsp;Harrison Smith,&nbsp;Luke Stanisce,&nbsp;Soo Yeon Sohn,&nbsp;Margaret Brandwein-Weber,&nbsp;Mark Urken","doi":"10.1002/hed.70328","DOIUrl":"10.1002/hed.70328","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is an aggressive malignancy driven by NUTM1 fusions in poorly differentiated tumor cells. This pooled analysis evaluates the impact of primary tumor location on overall survival (OS) in head and neck (HN) NMC.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A systematic review of case reports was performed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess OS differences by subsite, age, and genetic profile.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Of 261 screened articles, 81 met inclusion criteria. Overall, 138 cases were included in demographic analyzes and 65 in survival analyzes. Tracheo-laryngopharyngeal tumors trended toward worse OS (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.01–5.95, <i>p</i> = 0.047). Orbito-sinonasal tumors trended toward improved OS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.46–1.24, <i>p</i> = 0.25). BRD4-NUTM1 fusions were associated with worse OS (HR 8.3, 95% CI 4.26–16.23, <i>p</i> = 0.0003).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>HN NMC carries a poor prognosis, and BRD4-NUTM1 fusions have worse outcomes. Primary subsite is a potential prognostic variable that may inform future studies.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":"48 11","pages":"3120-3127"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148007643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Neoadjuvant Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil Therapy on Synchronous Early-Stage Oropharyngeal/Hypopharyngeal Cancer in Patients With Esophageal Cancer","authors":"Tatsuya Ito,&nbsp;Go Omura,&nbsp;Chihiro Fushimi,&nbsp;Toshihiko Sakai,&nbsp;Azusa Sakai,&nbsp;Kohtaro Eguchi,&nbsp;Takaaki Hayashi,&nbsp;Takane Watanabe,&nbsp;Akihisa Tanaka,&nbsp;Mitsuhiko Katoh,&nbsp;Hiroshi Imazeki,&nbsp;Shun Yamamoto,&nbsp;Yoshitaka Honma,&nbsp;Hideaki Takahashi,&nbsp;Ken Kato,&nbsp;Seiichi Yoshimoto","doi":"10.1002/hed.70326","DOIUrl":"10.1002/hed.70326","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To evaluate the therapeutic effect of neoadjuvant docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (NeoDCF), the standard treatment for stage IB–III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), against synchronous superficial pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We retrospectively reviewed ESCC patients with synchronous early-stage PSCC who received NeoDCF. The primary endpoint was disease-specific survival (DSS) for PSCC. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), local tumor response, and time to progression (TTP) of PSCC.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among 786 patients with ESCC, 58 (7.4%) had synchronous early-stage PSCC. Local tumor response was complete disappearance in 33 (57%) patients, partial reduction in 24 (41%), and no change in 1 (2%). The 3-year DSS, OS, and TTP were 100%, 61%, and 78%, respectively. No significant difference was found between the Tis and T1/T2 groups (<i>p</i> = 0.67).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>NeoDCF demonstrated excellent efficacy against early-stage PSCC, supporting prioritization of ESCC treatment with timely local intervention for recurrent PSCC.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":"48 11","pages":"3097-3102"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147984468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Young Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis","authors":"Maxilaine de Lima Vaz Ferreira,&nbsp;Ana Carolina Ribeiro de Oliveira,&nbsp;Fabrizio dos Santos Cardoso,&nbsp;Adriele de Freitas Neiva Lessa","doi":"10.1002/hed.70327","DOIUrl":"10.1002/hed.70327","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is a global public health issue. Traditionally diagnosed in individuals over 60 years old, there has been a rising incidence among young patients (&lt; 45 years). This retrospective and descriptive study analyzes the epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical profiles of young patients diagnosed with HNSCC between 2015 and 2022 at the Cancer Hospital of Muriaé, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A comparative analysis between young and older patients revealed significant differences in inflammatory profiles and disease progression. Young patients showed higher counts of leukocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils compared to older patients, suggesting an exacerbated inflammatory response. The 60-month survival rate was 41.5% among young patients and 38.1% among older ones, with no statistically significant difference. A strong association between poor oral hygiene and HNSCC was observed, with 61.43% of young patients presenting poor hygiene—a factor that may contribute to increased local inflammation and tumor progression. These findings underscore the need for preventive strategies and early diagnosis.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":"48 11","pages":"3128-3134"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148018975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"“It's the Exact Same Treatment … Except Only 5 Min Away”: A RE-AIM Evaluation of a Speech-Language Pathology Shared-Care Model for Rural Patients With Head and Neck Cancer","authors":"Corey Patterson,&nbsp;Elizabeth C. Ward,&nbsp;Rebecca L. Packer,&nbsp;Jasmine Foley,&nbsp;Laurelie R. Wishart,&nbsp;Clare L. Burns,&nbsp;Sally Pether,&nbsp;Wendy Comben","doi":"10.1002/hed.70311","DOIUrl":"10.1002/hed.70311","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Challenges accessing post-treatment speech-language pathology (SLP) services can add to treatment burden for rural patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate a shared-care SLP service designed to support local SLP access for patients with HNC, using the RE-AIM framework.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>RE-AIM evaluation involved 5 staff and 23 patients. Data sources included service statistics, costs, quality of life measures, satisfaction surveys, and interviews.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Shared-care demonstrated strong reach and effectiveness: 91% of patients received most or all care locally. Average patient-attributable cost savings were AUD$801.94/person. Patients were highly satisfied, reporting equivalent care between local and tertiary services. Clinicians valued professional development and service integration. Communication systems and infrastructure assisted implementation. Policy alignment supported maintenance.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The shared-care model enhanced rural SLP service access while maintaining quality care and lowering patient burden. Effective communication and clinical support were key enablers, demonstrating shared-care as a sustainable approach for rural post-HNC treatment SLP services.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":55072,"journal":{"name":"Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck","volume":"48 11","pages":"2977-2994"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/hed.70311","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147935442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}