2018-19 Section 7-Neoplastic and Inflammatory Diseases of the Head and Neck eBook

Dabirmoghaddam P, Mohseni A, Navvabi Z, et al. Is ultrasonography-guided drainage a safe and effective alternative to incision and drainage for deep neck space abscesses? J Laryngol Otol . 2017; 131(3):259-263. EBM level 2+.......................................................................................................218-222 Summary : This is a prospective, single-institution case control study of patients undergoing ultrasound drainage vs surgical drainage of deep neck abscesses over a 1-year period. Sixty cases of deep neck abscesses were blindly assigned to either the ultrasound drainage or open surgical drainage group. Excluded patients included those with poorly defined or multiloculated abscesses, pregnancy, or severe medical comorbidities. The main outcome was that length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the US-guided group. There was not a significant difference in the need for a second procedure between the comparison groups.

VIII. Nonsurgical A. Salvage therapy (immunotherapy, reirradiation, oligometastatic treatment, etc.)

Alfieri S, Cavalieri S, Licitra L. Immunotherapy for recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg . 2018; 26(2):152-156. EBM level N/A.................................223-227

Summary : This article provides a comprehensive review of available clinical trial data pertaining to the use of immunotherapeutic agents for recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer. The article also summarizes ongoing clinical trials in which immunotherapy is being used for locoregionally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Margalit DN, Schoenfeld JD, Rawal B, et al. Patient-oriented toxicity endpoints after head and neck reirradiation with intensity modulated radiation therapy. Oral Oncol . 2017; 73:160-165. EBM level 4...............................................................................................................................................228-233 Summary : This article reports on complications most pertinent to patient concerns in those undergoing reirradiation for head and neck cancer. The study highlights a high incidence of PEG tube dependence, need for urgent tracheotomy, hospitalization, and soft tissue complications, and provides valuable counseling points for patients.