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Abstract Background Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an emerging minimally invasive surgical treatment for residual, recurrent, and new primary head and neck cancers in previously irradiated fields, with limited evidence for its oncological effectiveness. Methods A retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive cases performed in 16 high-volume international centers before August 2018 was conducted (registered at clinicaltrials.gov [NCT04673929] as the RECUT study). Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, disease-specific survivals (DSS), and local control (LC) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, with subgroups compared using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards modeling for multivariable analysis. Maximally selected rank statistics determined the cut point for closest surgical resection margin based on LC. Results Data for 278 eligible patients were analyzed, with median follow-up of 38.5 months. Two-year and 5-year outcomes were 69.0% and 62.2% for LC, 71.8% and 49.8% for OS, 47.2% and 35.7% for disease-free survival, and 78.7% and 59.1% for disease-specific survivals. The most discriminating margin cut point was 1.0 mm; the 2-year LC was 80.9% above and 54.2% below or equal to 1.0 mm. Increasing age, current smoking, primary tumor classification, and narrow surgical margins (≤1.0 mm) were statistically significantly associated with lower OS. Hemorrhage with return to theater was seen in 8.1% (n = 22 of 272), and 30-day mortality was 1.8% (n = 5 of 272). At 1 year, 10.8% (n = 21 of 195) used tracheostomies, 33.8% (n = 66 of 195) used gastrostomies, and 66.3% (n = 53 of 80) had maintained or improved normalcy of diet scores. Conclusions Data from international centers show TORS to treat head and neck cancers in previously irradiated fields yields favorable outcomes for LC and survival. Where feasible, TORS should be considered the preferred surgical treatment in the salvage setting.

6077 Background: E3311 is a phase II randomized study which showed favorable outcomes among intermediate (INT) risk HPV+ OPC patients (pts) who underwent TOS followed by pathology-guided or adapted, deintensified adjuvant treatment. Among HPV+ pts treated with definitive chemoradiation, survival outcomes are worse among those who smoked > 10 pack years (pk-yrs). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed demographics, pathologic results, and efficacy outcomes from E3311 by smoking group (current (C) vs. former (F) and > 10 vs. ≤10 pk-yrs – the latter a pre-specified stratification factor for INT patients). Binary and categorical variables were compared using a chi-square test (or Fisher’s exact test for small sample sizes). Ordinal variables were compared using a Wilcoxon rank sum test. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using a log-rank test. Results: Among 359 evaluable pts, performance status (PS) was significantly worse for pts with > 10 pk-yrs vs. ≤10 pk-yrs (15.4% vs. 7.9% with PS of 1, p = 0.034). Primary site, margin status, histologic grade, stage, and extranodal extension were not significantly different between the groups of > 10 vs. ≤10 pk-yrs. Smoking status (F vs. C) was available for 182 pts with a history of smoking. Slightly more C vs. F smokers had tonsil as primary site (79.5% vs. 65.0%, p = 0.09). Positive margins were significantly more frequent among C smokers (10.3% vs. 2.1%; p = 0.029). Overall, there were no significant differences in PFS (p = 0.55) or OS (p = 0.94), comparing those with > 10 vs. ≤10 pk-yrs, or comparing C vs. F smokers (p = 0.76, p = 0.82, respectively). Similarly, no significant differences were observed within the treatment arms. (Table 1) Conclusions: In this analysis of smoking status in E3311, INT risk HPV+ OPC pts who are C smokers or have a history of > 10 pk-yrs had favorable 3-yr PFS and OS rates that were not significantly worse than those with < 10 pk-yrs history. This data represents the first treatment approach for HPV+ OPC in which outcomes were not influenced by smoking status. Clinical trial information: NCT01898494. [Table: see text]

PURPOSE Definitive or postoperative chemoradiation (CRT) is curative for human papillomavirus–associated (HPV+) oropharynx cancer (OPC) but induces significant toxicity. As a deintensification strategy, we studied primary transoral surgery (TOS) and reduced postoperative radiation therapy (RT) in intermediate-risk HPV+ OPC. METHODS E3311 is a phase II randomized trial of reduced- or standard-dose postoperative RT for resected stage III-IVa (American Joint Committee on Cancer-seventh edition) HPV+ OPC, determined by pathologic parameters. Primary goals were feasibility of prospective multi-institutional study of TOS for HPV+ OPC, and oncologic efficacy (2-year progression-free survival) of TOS and adjuvant therapy in intermediate-risk patients after resection. TOS plus 50 Gy was considered promising if the lower limit of the exact 90% binomial confidence intervals exceeded 85%. Quality of life and swallowing were measured by functional assessment of cancer therapy-head and neck and MD Anderson Dysphagia Index. RESULTS Credentialed surgeons performed TOS for 495 patients. Eligible and treated patients were assigned as follows: arm A (low risk, n = 38) enrolled 11%, intermediate risk arms B (50 Gy, n = 100) or C (60 Gy, n = 108) randomly allocated 58%, and arm D (high risk, n = 113) enrolled 31%. With a median 35.2-month follow-up for 359 evaluable (eligible and treated) patients, 2-year progression-free survival Kaplan-Meier estimate is 96.9% (90% CI, 91.9 to 100) for arm A (observation), 94.9% (90% CI, 91.3 to 98.6]) for arm B (50 Gy), 96.0% (90% CI, 92.8 to 99.3) for arm C (60 Gy), and 90.7% (90% CI, 86.2 to 95.4) for arm D (66 Gy plus weekly cisplatin). Treatment arm distribution and oncologic outcome for ineligible or step 2 untreated patients (n = 136) mirrored the 359 evaluable patients. Exploratory comparison of functional assessment of cancer therapy-head and neck total scores between arms B and C is presented. CONCLUSION Primary TOS and reduced postoperative RT result in outstanding oncologic outcome and favorable functional outcomes in intermediate-risk HPV+ OPC.

6010 Background: Definitive or postoperative chemoradiation (CRT) is highly curative for human papillomavirus-associated (HPV+) oropharynx cancer (OPC) but induces significant toxicity. As a potential deintensification strategy, we studied primary transoral surgery (TOS) and, in intermediate pathologic risk patients, reduced dose postoperative RT (PORT). Methods: E3311 is a phase II trial with randomization to reduced- or standard-dose PORT for resected stage III-IVa (AJCC7) intermediate pathologic risk HPV+ OPC, stratified by smoking history. Primary endpoints have been reported; we now present updated 3-year PFS and patient-reported outcomes (PRO), including head and neck-cancer specific quality of life (FACT-H&N) and swallowing perception and performance (MDADI). Results: Of 519 enrolled patients, 495 underwent TOS. The primary oncologic endpoint was 2-year PFS for 50 Gy (Arm B) or 60Gy (Arm C). Among 360 eligible and treated patients (ETP), Arm A (observation, N = 38) enrolled 11%, Arms B (N = 100) or C (N = 109) randomized 58%, and Arm D (66Gy + weekly cisplatin, N = 113) enrolled 31%. With 35.1 months median follow-up, 3-year PFS Kaplan-Meier estimate is 96.9% (90% CI [91.9%, 100%]) for Arm A; 94.9% (90% CI [91.3%, 98.6%]) for Arm B; 93.5% (90% CI [89.4%, 97.9%]) for Arm C; and 90.7% (90% CI [86.2%, 95.4%]) for Arm D. Recurrences and death without recurrence were 4 and 1 in Arm B, and 5 and one in Arm C. Smokers ( > 10 pack-years) did not have worse 3-year PFS in Arms B or C. Treatment arm distribution and outcome for ineligible patients who started adjuvant therapy mirrored the 360 ETP. A comparison combining arms B/C versus arm D in the proportion of patients stable/improved in FACT-H&N total score, from baseline to 6 months post-treatment as a pre-specified endpoint, was 56% vs. 38% (p value = 0.011, one-sided Fisher’s exact test); however, underlying differences in treatment and risk may be confounding. An exploratory comparison between Arms B and C revealed improvement in FACT H&N (63% in Arm B vs. 49% in Arm C had a stable/improved score, p-value = 0.056). Conclusions: Primary TOS and reduced PORT retained outstanding oncologic outcome at 35 months follow up, with favorable QOL and functional outcomes, in intermediate risk HPV+ OPC. Clinical trial information: NCT 01898494.

ObjectiveThe American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition introduced distinct clinical and pathological staging paradigms for human papilloma virus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Treatment planning for OPSCC often utilizes positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to assess clinical stage. We hypothesize that PET/CT will accurately predict final pathologic AJCC 8th edition staging in patients with HPV+ OPSCC.MethodsAll patients with primary HPV+ OPSCC with preoperative PET/CT who underwent transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection between 2011 and 2017 were identified. Data were collected via chart review. Two neuroradiologists performed blinded re‐evaluation of all scans. Primary tumor size and cervical nodal disease characteristics were recorded and TNM staging was extrapolated. Cohen's kappa statistic was used to assess interrater reliability. Test for symmetry was performed to analyze discordance between radiologic and pathologic staging.ResultsForty‐nine patients met inclusion criteria. Interrater reliability was substantial between radiologists for nodal (N) and overall staging (OS) (κ = 0.715 and 0.715). Radiologist A review resulted in identical OS for 67% of patients, overstaging for 31%, and understaging for 2%. Radiologist B review resulted in 61% identical OS, 39% overstaging, and 0% understaging. In misclassified cases, the test of symmetry shows strong bias toward overstaging N stage and OS (P < .001). Radiologic interpretation of extracapsular extension showed poor interrater reliability (κ = 0.403) and poor accuracy.ConclusionPET/CT predicts a higher nodal and overall stage than pathologic staging. PET/CT should not be relied upon for initial tumor staging, as increased FDG uptake is not specific for nodal metastases. PET/CT is shown to be a poor predictor of ECE.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1535–1541, 2021

6500 Background: ECOG-ACRIN 3311 examines reduced postoperative therapy in patients with “intermediate risk” p16+ oropharynx cancer (OPC) undergoing primary transoral surgical management. We report the primary endpoint of 2-year progression free survival (PFS) for patients randomized to 50Gy vs 60Gy without chemotherapy. Methods: Between December 2013 and July 2017, 82 credentialed surgeons performed transoral resection (TOS) for 519 OPC patients (cT1-2 stage III/IV AJCC7 without matted neck nodes); post-operative management was determined by pathologically assessed risk. Among 353 eligible and treated patients, Arm A enrolled 10% (N=37) for clear margins, 0-1 nodes, no extranodal extension (ENE)), Arms B (50Gy, N=102) or C (60Gy, N=104) randomized 58%, for clear/close margins, 2-4 + nodes, or ENE ≤1mm, while Arm D (N=110, 60-66Gy plus weekly cisplatin, 40 mg/m2, positive margin with any T stage, >4 + nodes, or >1mm ENE) enrolled 31%. Arm D assignment was based on >1mm ENE (76%), > 4 nodes (27%), and/or positive margins (11%). Intermediate-risk patients were stratified by smoking history (>10 pk-yr). Of the 80 pts (15%) deemed ineligible, 28 had scans/labs not done per protocol, however treatment arm distribution for all patients mirrored that for the 353 pts eligible and treated. Results: Median follow-up was 31.8 months. 2 yr PFS for Arms A, B and C were 93.9% (90% CI=87.3%, 100%), 95.0% (90% CI=91.4%, 98.6%) and 95.9% (90% CI=92.6%, 99.3%) respectively, while Arm D was 90.5% (90% CI=85.9%, 95.3%). The regimen of TOS + low-dose radiation is considered worthy of further study, since the primary endpoint of the upper bound of the 90% CI (in the intermediate risk group) exceeding 85% was met. Of 17 progression events, 7 were locoregional. There were 10 distant recurrences: Arm A=1, Arm B=2, Arm C=4, Arm D=3. Grade III/IV treatment-related AE rates were 15%/2% during surgery, 13%/2% for Arm B and 25%/0% for Arm C. There were 2 treatment-related deaths (one surgical and one Arm D). Conclusions: Transoral resection of p16+ OPC is safe and results in good oncologic outcome, presenting a promising deintensification approach. For patients with low-risk disease, 2-yr PFS is favorable without post-operative therapy. For those with uninvolved surgical margins, <5 involved nodes, and minimal (<1mm) ENE, reduced dose postoperative RT without chemotherapy appears sufficient. Transoral surgery plus 50Gy should be compared to optimal non-surgical therapy in a phase III trial. Clinical trial information: NCT01898494 .

AbstractTraining and credentialing for robotic surgery in otolaryngology ‐ head and neck surgery is currently not standardized, but rather relies heavily on industry guidance. This manuscript represents a comprehensive review of this increasingly important topic and outlines clear recommendations to better standardize the practice. The recommendations provided can be used as a reference by individuals and institutions alike, and are expected to evolve over time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E151–E158,