Oncologic outcomes of selective neck dissection in HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives

To examine outcomes of selective neck dissection (SND) in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) who present with clinical neck disease.

Study Design

Multi-institutional retrospective review.

Methods

Two institutional databases of patients with HPV-related OPSCC were reviewed to identify patients with clinical (c) N1-N3 neck disease who underwent SND ± adjuvant therapy.

Results

Three hundred and twenty-four patients were identified with a median follow-up of 49 months (range 3–199 months). All patients underwent transoral resection of the primary tumor and SND, including levels II–IV and ± levels I or V, with resection of additional nonlymphatic tissue (extended SND) as indicated by extent of disease, including the spinal accessory nerve (7%), the internal jugular vein (13%), and the sternocleidomastoid muscle (8%). Two hundred and seventy (83%) patients underwent adjuvant radiation. There were 13 (4%) regional recurrences and 19 (6%) distant recurrences. Regional control following salvage was 98%. On univariable analysis, absence of radiation was associated with regional recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 9.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9–29.4). On multivariable analysis, adjuvant radiation was associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.14–0.53) but lost significance for overall (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (P > 0.05). Five-year Kaplan-Meier estimates for OS, DSS, and DFS were 88% (95% CI 84%–92%), 93% (95% CI 89%–96%), and 83% (95% CI 78%–87%), respectively.

Conclusion

In HPV-related OPSCC presenting with clinical neck disease, a SND ± additional tissue resection and adjuvant therapy, when indicated, provides excellent long-term regional control. Omission of radiotherapy increases the risk of regional recurrence, although it may not significantly impact OS or DSS. It appears unnecessary to routinely perform a comprehensive neck dissection.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 2016

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