Abstract Background This study evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the RATIONALE-309 (NCT03924986) intent-to-treat (ITT) population and in a subgroup of patients with liver metastases. Methods Patients were randomized 1:1 to tislelizumab + chemotherapy or placebo + chemotherapy. As the secondary endpoint, HRQoL was evaluated using...

Abstract Background Predictive biomarkers for nivolumab in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC) have not yet been established. Methods The tumor proportion score (TPS), combined positive score (CPS), and soluble forms of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death ligand-2 (PD-L2) were retrospectively...

Abstract Background The causes for delays during the COVID19 pandemic and their impact on head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis and staging are not well described. Methods Two cohorts were defined a priori for review and analysis—a Pre-Pandemic cohort (June 1 to December 31, 2019) and a Pandemic cohort (June 1 to December 31, 2020). Delays were categorized...

Abstract Background Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are an intriguing family of RNA molecules due to their crucial roles in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, we sought to define the action of human circ_0004674 in OSCC progression. Methods The functional role of circ_0004674 was validated by determining its effect on cell growth,...

Abstract Background Cancer cachexia is prevalent in head and neck cancer patients. The L3 skeletal muscle index (SMI) is often used to assess sarcopenia and cachexia but is infrequently able to be measured in this population. Masseter muscle thickness (MT) may serve as an alternative predictor of cachexia. Methods SMI and MT were calculated from...

Abstract Background Evaluate whether extranodal extension (ENE) extent impacts outcomes in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). Methods From an institutional database, patients with OCSCC and pathologic ENE who received adjuvant treatment were included. Surgical slides were reviewed to confirm ENE extent. Multivariable Cox...