Faculty Bibliography

Background: Racial/ethnic (R/E) minorities with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have worse survival outcomes compared to White patients. While disparities in patient outcomes for R/E minorities have been well documented, the specific drivers of the inferior outcomes remain poorly understood. Patients and Methods: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study that analyzed HNSCC patients using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) from 2000"“2016. Patient outcomes were stratified by R/E groups including White, Black, Hispanic, Native American/Other, and Asian. The main outcome in this study was overall survival (OS). Univariate time-to-event survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan"“Meier product limit estimates and the log-rank test to evaluate the differences between strata. Results: There were 304,138 patients with HNSCC identified in this study, of which 262,762 (86.3%) were White, 32,528 (10.6%) were Black, 6191 were Asian (2.0%), and 2657 were Native American/Other (0.9%). Black R/E minorities were more likely to be uninsured (9% vs. 5%, p < 0.0001), have Medicaid insurance (22% vs. 8%, p < 0.0001), be in a lower income quartile (<30,000, 42% vs. 13%, p < 0.0001), have metastatic disease (5% vs. 2%, p < 0.001), and have a total treatment time 6 days longer than White patients (median 107 vs. 101 days, p < 0.001). The 5-year OS for White, Black, Native American/Other, and Asian patients was 50.8%, 38.6%, 51.1%, and 55.8%, respectively. Among the oropharynx HNSCC patients, the 5-year OS rates in p16+ White, Black, and Asian patients were 65.7%, 39.4%%, and 55%, respectively. After a multivariate analysis, Black race was still associated with an inferior OS (HR:1.09, 95% CI: 1.03"“1.15, p = 0.002). Conclusions: This large cohort study of HNSCC patients demonstrates that Black race is independently associated with worse OS, in part due to socioeconomic, clinical, and treatment-related factors.

OBJECTIVE:Dysphagia is the most commonly reported complication of annterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery. However, the incidence of dysphagia post-ACDF varies widely-partly attributable to differing outcome measures used to capture dysphagia. Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of the literature to quantify which dysphagia outcome measures have been employed post-ACDF and examine trends by study design, year, and location. METHODS:After removing duplicates, 2396 abstracts were screened for inclusion. A total of 480 studies were eligible for full-text review. After applying exclusion criteria, data was extracted from 280 studies. We extracted the dysphagia outcome measure(s), study design (prospective vs retrospective), year, and location (country). Approximately 10% of studies were repeated for intra-rater agreement. RESULTS:In total, 317 dysphagia outcome measures were reported in 280 studies (primarily retrospective-63%). The largest proportion of outcome measures were categorized as "unvalidated patient-reported outcome measures" (46%), largely driven by use of the popular Bazaz scale. The next most common categories were "insufficient detail" and "validated patient-reported outcome measures" (both 16%) followed by "chart review/database" (13%) and instrumental assessment (7%). Studies examining dysphagia post-ACDF steadily increased over the years and the use of validated measures increased in the past 10 years. CONCLUSIONS:This scoping review of the literature highlights that nearly half of the ACDF dysphagia literature relies on unvalidated patient-reported outcome measures. The current understanding of the mechanism, timeline, and presentation of dysphagia post-ACDF are likely limited due to the metrics that are most commonly reported in the literature.

BACKGROUND:A 64-year-old man presented with a 7.8 cm lipomatous thyroid mass discovered on magnetic resonance imaging. METHODS:After two non-diagnostic fine needle aspirations (FNAs) were performed, computed tomography (CT) revealed features concerning for malignancy including central necrosis and infiltrative borders. A third FNA was still non-diagnostic. Total thyroidectomy was performed. RESULTS:Upon pathologic examination, the final diagnosis was primary thyroid angiolipoma. The lesion contained central fat necrosis with ischemic features, attributable to the FNAs. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Ours is the third published case report of this rare entity. To date, no lipomatous thyroid tumor has undergone extensive genomic testing. Next-generation sequencing of our case revealed multiple genetic alterations, supporting the concept of angiolipomas being true neoplasms. Whereas the two previously reported cases in the literature were radiographically much smaller and appeared indolent, the large tumor in our case exhibited radiographic features concerning for liposarcoma, which belied the benign final pathologic diagnosis. Our case demonstrates that conservative surgical management (partial thyroidectomy) may be considered for lipomatous thyroid tumors, with further interventions to be determined only after final pathologic diagnosis.

BACKGROUND:Critical review of computed tomography (CT) imaging is essential in preoperative planning for endoscopic sinus surgery. In this study, we used a systematic review and modified Delphi method to develop a comprehensive checklist that facilitates preoperative review of sinus CT imaging. METHODS:We performed a systematic review of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to identify existing checklists developed to evaluate sinus CT imaging. An inclusive list of items from these checklists was compiled and modified Delphi methodology was used to assign ranked priority. The Delphi process involved 14 rhinologists and had 3 phases: an initial survey with Likert priority (scale of 1-9), and two rounds of live discussions followed by survey to confirm consensus. RESULTS:Ninety-seven possible checklist items were identified from systematic review and panelist input. On initial survey, 63 items reached a consensus score of 7+ and 13 items had near consensus scores between 6-7; 2 of these 13 borderline items were retained after subsequent panelist discussion. The resulting items were consolidated into an 11-item disease checklist and a 24-item anatomical checklist; the anatomical checklist was further divided into 6 subsections: nasal cavity; maxillary; ethmoid; sphenoid; frontal; skull base and orbit. Additionally, panelists identified 6 core aspects of patient history to consider prior to surgery. CONCLUSIONS:After establishing content validity through a systematic literature review and modified Delphi method, we developed a comprehensive checklist for preoperative sinus CT imaging review; implementation and evaluation of validity among trainees will suggest overall utility. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:Electrocochleography (ECochG) is emerging as a tool for monitoring cochlear function during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. ECochG may be recorded directly from electrodes on the implant array intraoperatively. For low-frequency stimulation, its amplitude tends to rise or may plateau as the electrode is inserted. The aim of this study was to explore whether compromise of the ECochG signal, defined as a fall in its amplitude of 30% or more during insertion, whether transient or permanent, is associated with poorer postoperative acoustic hearing, and to examine how preoperative hearing levels may influence the ability to record ECochG. The specific hypotheses tested were threefold: (a) deterioration in the pure-tone average of low-frequency hearing at the first postoperative follow-up interval (follow-up visit 1 [FUV1], 4 to 6 weeks) will be associated with compromise of the cochlear microphonic (CM) amplitude during electrode insertion (primary hypothesis); (b) an association is observed at the second postoperative follow-up interval (FUV2, 3 months) (secondary hypothesis 1); and (c) the CM response will be recorded earlier during electrode array insertion when the preoperative high-frequency hearing is better (secondary hypothesis 2). DESIGN/METHODS:International, multi-site prospective, observational, between groups design, targeting 41 adult participants in each of two groups, (compromised CM versus preserved CM). Adult CI candidates who were scheduled to receive a Cochlear Nucleus CI with a Slim Straight or a Slim Modiolar electrode array and had a preoperative audiometric low-frequency average thresholds of ≤80 dB HL at 500, 750, and 1000 Hz in the ear to be implanted, were recruited from eight international implant sites. Pure tone audiometry was measured preoperatively and at postoperative visits (FUV1 and follow-up visit 2 [FUV2]). ECochG was measured during and immediately after the implantation of the array. RESULTS:From a total of 78 enrolled individuals (80 ears), 77 participants (79 ears) underwent surgery. Due to protocol deviations, 18 ears (23%) were excluded. Of the 61 ears with ECochG responses, amplitudes were <1 µV throughout implantation for 18 ears (23%) and deemed "unclear" for classification. EcochG responses >1 µV in 43 ears (55%) were stable throughout implantation for 8 ears and compromised in 35 ears. For the primary endpoint at FUV1, 7/41 ears (17%) with preserved CM had a median hearing loss of 12.6 dB versus 34/41 ears (83%) with compromised CM and a median hearing loss of 26.9 dB (p < 0.014). In assessing the practicalities of measuring intraoperative ECochG, the presence of a measurable CM (>1 µV) during implantation was dependent on preoperative, low-frequency thresholds, particularly at the stimulus frequency (0.5 kHz). High-frequency, preoperative thresholds were also associated with a measurable CM > 1 µV during surgery. CONCLUSIONS:Our data shows that CM drops occurring during electrode insertion were correlated with significantly poorer hearing preservation postoperatively compared to CMs that remained stable throughout the electrode insertion. The practicality of measuring ECochG in a large cohort is discussed, regarding the suggested optimal preoperative low-frequency hearing levels (<80 dB HL) considered necessary to obtain a CM signal >1 µV.

BACKGROUND:A recent survey of pediatric hematology oncology (PHO) physicians identified that a majority believe fellows are struggling to find jobs that align with their goals. Career development for trainees has historically been home institution-specific, limiting fellows' exposures to career path possibilities. The "virtual-Symposium of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology of New York (v-SYMPHONY)" instituted a tristate Career Development Series for PHO trainees to better address their needs and increase awareness of the variety of PHO career opportunities. PROCEDURE/METHODS:The v-SYMPHONY Career Development Series incorporated three sessions: (a) institutional perspective, (b) individual perspectives, and (c) nuts and bolts of job search. Pre- and post-series surveys were administered to participants to measure impact. RESULTS:Forty-one fellows registered for the series and completed a pre-survey. Over half (54%) were in their third or later year of fellowship. Careers with a clinical focus were the most commonly desired career path (59%). Most had received career development advice only from faculty within their institutions (90%). Post-surveys were completed by 11 PHO fellows. Overall, 100% of respondents reported benefiting from the career sessions and recommended the series should be repeated annually. Over 90% learned new information to prepare for the job search. CONCLUSIONS:The v-SYMPHONY Career Development Series for PHO fellows across multiple institutions was established and was extremely well received by its participants. PHO fellows agreed that these sessions were beneficial in helping prepare them for the job search process. An annual regional Career Development Series is feasible and is strongly suggested to support PHO fellows.

Vocal fatigue is a measurable form of performance fatigue resulting from overuse of the voice and is characterized by negative vocal adaptation. Vocal dose refers to cumulative exposure of the vocal fold tissue to vibration. Professionals with high vocal demands, such as singers and teachers, are especially prone to vocal fatigue. Failure to adjust habits can lead to compensatory lapses in vocal technique and an increased risk of vocal fold injury. Quantifying and recording vocal dose to inform individuals about potential overuse is an important step toward mitigating vocal fatigue. Previous work establishes vocal dosimetry methods, that is, processes to quantify vocal fold vibration dose but with bulky, wired devices that are not amenable to continuous use during natural daily activities; these previously reported systems also provide limited mechanisms for real-time user feedback. This study introduces a soft, wireless, skin-conformal technology that gently mounts on the upper chest to capture vibratory responses associated with vocalization in a manner that is immune to ambient noises. Pairing with a separate, wirelessly linked device supports haptic feedback to the user based on quantitative thresholds in vocal usage. A machine learning-based approach enables precise vocal dosimetry from the recorded data, to support personalized, real-time quantitation and feedback. These systems have strong potential to guide healthy behaviors in vocal use.

3D models of airway lumens were created from CT scans of 19 patients with laryngotracheal stenosis. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were completed for each, and results were compared to measured peak inspiratory flow rate, grade of lumen constriction, and measures of airway geometry. Results demonstrate flow resistance and shear stress correlate with degree of lumen constriction and absolute cross-sectional area as well as flow rate. Flow recirculation depends on airway constriction but does not vary with flow rate. Resistance and wall shear stress did not correlate well with functional measures. Flow recirculation did differ between subjects with higher functional measures and subjects with lower functional measures. This analysis provides mathematical models to predict airway resistance, wall shear stress, and flow reversal according lumen constriction and inspiratory flow rate. It suggests aerodynamic factors such as flow recirculation play a role in differences in functional performance between patients with similar airway measures.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Assess if a rigid, image-guided balloon could be used effectively and safely in revision sinus surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:A prospective, non-randomized, single-arm, multicenter study to assess the safety and device performance of the NuVent™ EM Balloon Sinus Dilation System. Adults with CRS in need of revision sinus surgery were enrolled for balloon sinus dilation of a frontal, sphenoid, or maxillary sinus. The primary device performance endpoint was the ability of the device to (1) navigate to; and (2) dilate tissue in subjects with scarred, granulated, or previously surgically-altered tissue (revision). Safety outcomes included the assessment of any operative adverse events (AEs) directly attributable to the device or for which direct cause could not be determined. A follow-up endoscopy was conducted at 14 days post-treatment for assessment of any AEs. Performance outcomes included the surgeon's ability to reach the target sinus (es) and dilate the ostia. Endoscopic photos were captured for each treated sinus pre- and post-dilation. RESULTS:At 6 US clinical sites, 51 subjects were enrolled; 1 subject withdrew before treatment due to a cardiac complication from anesthesia. 121 sinuses were treated in 50 subjects. The device performed as expected in 100 % of the 121 treated sinuses, with investigators able to navigate to the treatment area and dilate the sinus ostium without difficulty. Ten AEs were seen in 9 subjects, with 0 related to the device. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The targeted frontal, maxillary or sphenoid sinus ostium were safely dilated in every revision subject treated, with no AEs directly attributed to the device.

PURPOSE:Neoadjuvant targeted therapy provides a brief, preoperative window of opportunity that can be exploited to individualize cancer care based on treatment response. We investigated whether response to neoadjuvant therapy during the preoperative window confers survival benefit in patients with operable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS:A pooled analysis of treatment-naïve patients with operable HNSCC enrolled in one of three clinical trials from 2009 to 2020 (NCT00779389, NCT01218048, NCT02473731). Neoadjuvant regimens consisted of EGFR inhibitors (n = 83) or anti-ErbB3 antibody therapy (n = 9) within 28 days of surgery. Clinical to pathologic stage migration was compared with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) while adjusting for confounding factors using multivariable Cox regression. Circulating tumor markers validated in other solid tumor models were analyzed. RESULTS:92 of 118 patients were analyzed; all patients underwent surgery following neoadjuvant therapy. Clinical to pathologic downstaging was more frequent in patients undergoing neoadjuvant targeted therapy compared with control cohort (P = 0.048). Patients with pathologic downstage migration had the highest OS [89.5%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 75.7-100] compared with those with no stage change (58%; 95% CI, 46.2-69.8) or upstage (40%; 95% CI, 9.6-70.4; P = 0.003). Downstage migration remained a positive prognostic factor for OS (HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05-0.90) while adjusting for measured confounders. Downstage migration correlated with decreased circulating tumor markers, SOX17 and TAC1 (P = 0.0078). CONCLUSIONS:Brief neoadjuvant therapy achieved pathologic downstaging in a subset of patients and was associated with significantly better DFS and OS as well as decreased circulating methylated SOX17 and TAC1.