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Simple Summary: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its treatments often result in dysphagia, necessitating prolonged use of a nasogastric (NG) tube. NG tube removal rates in patients with OPSCC were compared between two strategies (induction chemotherapy followed by surgery versus induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation therapy). The outcomes related to swallowing function and NG tube dependence were shared with clinical physicians for guidance. Objectives: This retrospective observational study investigated to determine whether surgery or chemoradiation therapy after induction chemotherapy leads to better swallow function for oropharyngeal cancer patients. Methods: We documented the treatment paths and results of 267 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC). By quantifying nasogastric (NG) tube usage, surgery after induction chemotherapy (IC–surgery), and chemoradiation therapy after induction chemotherapy (IC-CRT) could be compared to determine the effectiveness of each. Cancer stages were also recorded concerning treatment options. The differences in NG tube usage IC–surgery and IC-CRT groups were compared. The NG tube dependence rates were also presented. Results: The prognosis and tube dependence differed significantly between the two groups. The IC–surgery had a better prognosis compared to IC-CRT for oropharyngeal cancer. The findings indicated that NG tube dependence was greater in advanced tumor stage 4 compared to stages 1–3, and NG tube dependence rates were higher for patients who underwent chemoradiation therapy after induction chemotherapy. Swallowing function was better in the IC–surgery group compared to the IC-CRT group. Conclusions: Higher NG tube retention rates and NG dependence are found in OPSCC patients who choose CRT as their treatment and also in the advanced-stage group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While surgery remains the primary treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), induction chemotherapy (IC) can be used as a bridging or neoadjuvant therapy. This nationwide study in Taiwan examines the survival outcomes of OCSCC patients who received IC before surgery. Methods: We analyzed data from 29,891 patients with OCSCC. Of these, 29,058 initially underwent surgery (OP group), whereas 833 received IC before surgery (IC + OP group). A propensity score (PS)‐matched analysis (4, 1 ratio, 3260 vs. 815 patients) was performed considering tumor subsite, sex, age, Charlson comorbidity index, clinical T1–T4b tumors, clinical N0–3 disease, and clinical stage I–IV. Results: In the PS‐matched cohort, the 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 65% and 57%, respectively. When comparing the OP and IC + OP groups, the 5‐year DSS rates were 66% and 62%, respectively (p = 0.1162). Additionally, the 5‐year OS rates were 57% and 56%, respectively (p = 0.9917). No significant intergroup differences in survival were observed for specific subgroups with cT4a tumors, cT4b tumors, cN3 disease, pT4b tumors, and pN3 disease. However, for patients with pT4a tumors, the OP group demonstrated superior 5‐year outcomes compared to the IC + OP group, with a DSS of 62% versus 52% (p = 0.0006) and an OS of 53% versus 44% (p = 0.0060). Notably, patients with cT2–3, cN1, and c‐Stage II disease in the IC + OP group were significantly more likely to achieve pT0–1 status (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Following PS matching, the IC + OP group generally exhibited similar prognosis to the OP group. However, for pT4a tumors, the OP group showed superior 5‐year outcomes. While IC may not universally improve survival, it could be advantageous for patients who respond positively to the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elective tracheotomy is commonly performed in resected oral squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) to maintain airway patency. However, the indications for this procedure vary among surgeons. This nationwide study evaluated the impact of tracheotomy on both the duration of in‐hospital stay and long‐term survival outcomes in patients with OCSCC. Methods: A total of 18,416 patients with OCSCC were included in the analysis, comprising 7981 patients who underwent elective tracheotomy and 10,435 who did not. The primary outcomes assessed were 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS). To minimize potential confounding factors, a propensity score (PS)‐matched analysis was performed on 4301 patients from each group. The duration of hospital stay was not included as a variable in the PS‐matched analysis. Results: Prior to PS matching, patients with tracheotomy had significantly lower 5‐year DSS and OS rates compared to those without (71% vs. 82%, p < 0.0001; 62% vs. 75%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Multivariable analysis identified tracheotomy as an independent adverse prognostic factor for 5‐year DSS (hazard ratio = 1.10 [1.03–1.18], p = 0.0063) and OS (hazard ratio = 1.10 [1.04–1.17], p = 0.0015). In the PS‐matched cohort, the 5‐year DSS was 75% for patients with tracheotomy and 76% for those without (p = 0.1488). Five‐year OS rates were 66% and 67%, respectively (p = 0.0808). Prior to PS matching, patients with tracheotomy had a significantly longer mean hospital stay compared to those without (23.37 ± 10.56 days vs. 14.19 ± 8.34 days; p < 0.0001). Following PS matching, the difference in hospital stay duration between the two groups remained significant (22.34 ± 10.25 days vs. 17.59 ± 9.54 days; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: While elective tracheotomy in resected OCSCC patients may not significantly affect survival, it could be associated with prolonged hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For R/M HNSCC, the differences in prognosis and treatment options between distant metastasis (DM) and locoregional recurrence, especially in the DM group, remain unclear. Methods: From the Taiwan Head Neck Society registry database, patients who were diagnosed with R/M HNSCC and received cetuximab‐based frontline therapy were collected for analysis. Results: Among the enrolled patients, 59.3% (491/827) belonged to the DM group. The DM group had less primary site of oral cavity, less betel nut chewing, higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and higher LDH/albumin ratio compared with the non‐DM group. For the patients with primary site of oral cavity and current smokers, DM coexisted with poorer outcomes. In the DM group, EXTREME‐like regimen was more suitable for older patients, those with elevated LDH, and those with higher LDH/albumin ratio than TPExtreme‐like regimen. Conclusion: DM coexisted with poorer prognosis in certain groups. LDH‐associated biomarkers may aid treatment options for DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]