Advancements in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Research of Cancer".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 2246

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hospital Universitario Donostia, San Sebastian, Spain
Interests: reconstruvtive surgery; molecular pathology; salivary gland; artificial intelligence; laryngeal cancer
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the field of head and neck cancer surgery has witnessed remarkable advancements in many fields, driven by innovative techniques, technological developments, and a deeper understanding of tumor biology. This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest research regarding surgical and non-surgical techniques, rehabilitation, as well as multidisciplinary approaches that are shaping the future of head and neck cancer surgery.

In this Special Issue, we will cover a wide range of topics related to head and neck cancer surgery, including, but not limited to, minimally invasive surgical techniques, robotic-assisted surgery, reconstructive surgery and microvascular techniques, surgical management of advanced and recurrent tumors, surgical innovations and technological advancements, multidisciplinary approaches to treatment planning and execution, surgical outcomes and quality-of-life assessments, patient-centered care and shared decision-making, and training and education in head and neck surgical oncology. The main objective of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to share their research findings in the field of head and neck cancer surgery.

Prof. Dr. Carlos M. Chiesa-Estomba
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • minimal invasive
  • transoral
  • robotic
  • reconstructive
  • 3D printing
  • targeting therapies
  • imaging

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 3107 KiB  
Article
Maxillectomy Guided by 3D Printing Versus Conventional Surgery for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
by Sung Yool Park, Sung Ha Jung, Anna Seo, Hakjong Noh, Hwansun Lee, Hyo Jun Kim, Younghac Kim, Man Ki Chung, Han-Sin Jeong, Chung-Hwan Baek, Young-Ik Son and Nayeon Choi
Cancers 2025, 17(1), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17010140 - 4 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Background: This study evaluates the impact of three-dimensional (3D) printing-guided maxillectomy compared with conventional maxillectomy on surgical precision and oncological outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 42 patients undergoing maxillectomy (16 in [...] Read more.
Background: This study evaluates the impact of three-dimensional (3D) printing-guided maxillectomy compared with conventional maxillectomy on surgical precision and oncological outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 42 patients undergoing maxillectomy (16 in a 3D printing-guided group and 26 in a conventional group). Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and outcomes were compared. Survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: The 3D printing group showed higher rates of negative resection margins (81.3% vs. 76.9%) compared with the conventional group and a trend toward improved 5-year local recurrence-free survival (87.5% vs. 58.7%, respectively) and overall survival (84.4% vs. 70.1%, respectively). However, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Maxillectomy guided by 3D printing may offer enhanced surgical precision and improved local control in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgeries. Further research with larger cohorts is necessary to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery)
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14 pages, 18171 KiB  
Article
3D Scanning of Surgical Specimens to Improve Communication Between Surgeon and Pathologist: A Head and Neck Pilot Study
by Vittorio Rampinelli, Davide Mattavelli, Daniele Borsetto, Robert Kennedy, Marco Ferrari, Mattia Savardi, Alberto Deganello, Piero Nicolai, Francesco Doglietto, Cesare Piazza and Alberto Signoroni
Cancers 2025, 17(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17010014 - 24 Dec 2024
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Abstract
Background/Objectives Successful surgical outcomes in head and neck cancer depend on the accurate identification of resection margins. Effective communication between surgeons and pathologists is critical, but is often jeopardised by challenges in sampling and orienting anatomically complex specimens. This pilot study aims to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives Successful surgical outcomes in head and neck cancer depend on the accurate identification of resection margins. Effective communication between surgeons and pathologists is critical, but is often jeopardised by challenges in sampling and orienting anatomically complex specimens. This pilot study aims to evaluate the use of 3D scanning of surgical specimens as a tool to improve communication and optimise the pathology sampling process. Methods Two structured light 3D scanners, Cronos Dual and Optor Lab, were used to acquire 3D models of anatomical specimens in both preclinical (cadaver specimens) and clinical contexts (fresh surgical specimens). Surgical margins and critical points were annotated on the digital models. Acquisition quality, operating times and subjective feedback from surgeons and pathologists were evaluated. Results The Optor Lab scanner demonstrated superior image quality, shorter processing times and a more user-friendly interface than the Cronos Dual. Key challenges identified included specimen geometry, surface reflectivity and tissue stability. Feedback from both surgeons and pathologists was positive, highlighting the potential of 3D models to improve the surgical-pathology workflow. Conclusions 3D scanning of surgical specimens provides accurate, detailed digital models that can significantly enhance communication between surgeons and pathologists. This technology shows promise in improving pathological staging and clinical decision making, with further studies required to validate its integration into routine practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery)
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18 pages, 1501 KiB  
Article
Derived Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Survival Benefit from TPF Induction Chemotherapy in Local Advanced Oral Squamous Cellular Carcinoma
by Fangxing Zhu, Xinyu Zhou, Yiyi Zhang, Zhihang Zhou, Yingying Huang, Laiping Zhong, Tongchao Zhao and Wenjun Yang
Cancers 2024, 16(15), 2707; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16152707 - 30 Jul 2024
Viewed by 985
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) in predicting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LAOSCC) and to assess the survival benefits from docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (TPF) induction chemotherapy (IC). [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) in predicting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LAOSCC) and to assess the survival benefits from docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (TPF) induction chemotherapy (IC). Methods: Patients from a phase III trial involving TPF IC in stage III/IVA OSCC patients (NCT01542931) were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed, and the area under the curve was computed to determine dNLR cutoff points. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used for longitudinal analysis. Results: A total of 224 patients were identified (median age: 55.4 years; range: 26 to 75 years; median follow-up: 90 months; range: 3.2 to 93 months). The cutoff point for the dNLR was 1.555. Multivariate analysis showed that the dNLR was an independent negative predictive factor for survival (overall survival (OS): hazard ratio (HR) = 1.154, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.018–1.309, p = 0.025; disease-free survival (DFS): HR = 1.123, 95% CI: 1.000–1.260, p = 0.050; local recurrence-free survival (LRFS): HR = 1.134, 95% CI: 1.002–1.283, p = 0.047; distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS): HR = 1.146, 95% CI: 1.010–1.300, p = 0.035). A low dNLR combined with cTNM stage III disease predicted benefit from TPF IC for the patients [OS (χ2 = 4.674, p = 0.031), DFS (χ2 = 7.134, p = 0.008), LRFS (χ2 = 5.937, p = 0.015), and DMFS (χ2 = 4.832, p = 0.028)]. Conclusions: The dNLR is an independent negative predictive factor in LAOSCC patients. Patients with cTNM stage III disease and a low dNLR can benefit from TPF IC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery)
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