PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment outcomes and toxicity in patients with stage T1-3N0M0 oral cancer treated with surgery followed by high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective study of 50 patients with stage T1-T3N0 tongue and floor-of-mouth cancer who underwent tumour excision (+ elective neck dissection) followed by postoperative HDR-BT due to the presence of negative prognostic factors (close or positive resection margins, lymphovascular and/or perineural invasion, deep invasion). The plastic tube technique (dose: 18 x 3 Gy b.i.d.) was used. Survival outcomes, toxicity, and prognostic factors were evaluated. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 81 months (range, 4-121), actuarial 5-year local control (LC), nodal control (NC) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 79%, 69%, and 64%. After salvage treatment (surgery + external beam radiotherapy), LC, NC, and PFS increased to 87%, 77%, and 72.3%, respectively. Five-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were 73% and 77%. Treatmentrelated toxicity included two cases of mandibular osteoradionecrosis and five cases of small soft tissue necrosis. T stage was significantly correlated with nodal control (p=0.02) and CSS (p=0.04). Tumour grade correlated with DFS (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Postoperative HDR-BT 18 x 3 Gy b.i.d. seems to be an effective method in patients with T1-3N0M0 oral cancer with negative prognostic factors after tumour resection.

• MeSH
• Brachytherapy * methods   MeSH
• Radiotherapy Dosage * MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Survival Rate MeSH
• Mouth Neoplasms * radiotherapy   pathology   surgery   MeSH
• Prognosis MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Neoplasm Staging * MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

The lymphatic pathway is an important route of metastasis in gynecological malignancy. Therefore, the examination of lymph nodes is an essential part of the ultrasound evaluation in patients with known or suspected gynecological malignancy. The lymph nodes most frequently involved in gynecological malignancy (apart from vulvar cancer) are parietal (retroperitoneal) and visceral abdominopelvic lymph nodes. In advanced disease, more distant lymph-node regions, such as the inguinal, axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes, can also be involved. The standardized description of lymph nodes has been published previously by the Vulvar International Tumor Analysis (VITA) collaborative group. Herein, a collaborative group of gynecologists and gynecological oncologists with extensive ultrasound experience presents a systematic methodology for ultrasonographic lymph-node assessment performed as part of the locoregional and distant work-up to assess the extent of gynecological malignancy. The aim of this consensus opinion is also to describe the anatomical classification and drainage pathways of the lymphatic system as relevant to the gynecological organs. © 2024 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

• MeSH
• Consensus * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lymphatic Metastasis * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Lymph Nodes * diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Genital Neoplasms, Female * diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• Neoplasm Staging * MeSH
• Terminology as Topic MeSH
• Ultrasonography * methods   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: While active surveillance (AS) is an alternative to surgical interventions in patients with small renal masses (SRMs), evidence regarding its oncological efficacy is still debated. We aimed to evaluate oncological outcomes for patients with SRMs who underwent AS in comparison to surgical interventions. METHODS: In April 2024, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried for comparative studies evaluating AS in patients with SRMs (PROSPERO: CRD42024530299). The primary outcomes were overall (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). A random-effects model was used for quantitative analysis. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: We identified eight eligible studies (three prospective, four retrospective, and one study based on Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results [SEER] data) involving 4947 patients. Pooling of data with the SEER data set revealed significantly higher OS rates for patients receiving surgical interventions (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; p = 0.007), especially partial nephrectomy (PN; HR 0.62; p < 0.001). However, in a sensitivity analysis excluding the SEER data set there was no significant difference in OS between AS and surgical interventions overall (HR 0.84; p = 0.3), but the PN subgroup had longer OS than the AS group (HR 0.6; p = 0.002). Only the study based on the SEER data set showed a significant difference in CSS. The main limitations include selection bias in retrospective studies, and classification of interventions in the SEER database study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Patients treated with AS had similar OS to those who underwent surgery or ablation, although caution is needed in interpreting the data owing to the potential for selection bias and variability in AS protocols. Our review reinforces the need for personalized shared decision-making to identify patients with SRMs who are most likely to benefit from AS. PATIENT SUMMARY: For well-selected patients with a small kidney mass suspicious for cancer, active surveillance seems to be a safe alternative to surgery, with similar overall survival. However, the evidence is still limited and more studies are needed to help in identifying the best candidates for active surveillance.

• MeSH
• Ablation Techniques methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Kidney Neoplasms * surgery   mortality   pathology   MeSH
• Nephrectomy * methods   MeSH
• Watchful Waiting * MeSH
• Tumor Burden MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Comparative Study MeSH
• Systematic Review MeSH

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare malignancy posing significant diagnostic and management challenges. This review provides an overview of the evidence supporting various imaging modalities and offers insights into future innovations in UTUC imaging. RECENT FINDINGS: With the growing use of advancements in computed tomography (CT) technologies for both staging and follow-up of UTUC patients, continuous innovations aim to enhance performance and minimize the risk of excessive exposure to ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast medium. In patients unable to undergo CT, magnetic resonance imaging serves as an alternative imaging modality, though its sensitivity is lower than CT. Positron emission tomography, particularly with innovative radiotracers and theranostics, has the potential to significantly advance precision medicine in UTUC. Endoscopic imaging techniques including advanced modalities seem to be promising in improved visualization and diagnostic accuracy, however, evidence remains scarce. Radiomics and radiogenomics present emerging tools for noninvasive tumor characterization and prognosis. SUMMARY: The landscape of imaging for UTUC is rapidly evolving, with significant advancements across various modalities promising improved diagnostic accuracy, patient outcomes, and safety.

• MeSH
• Carcinoma, Transitional Cell * diagnosis   diagnostic imaging   therapy   pathology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods   MeSH
• Kidney Neoplasms diagnostic imaging   therapy   diagnosis   pathology   MeSH
• Ureteral Neoplasms diagnostic imaging   diagnosis   therapy   pathology   MeSH
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed methods   MeSH
• Positron-Emission Tomography methods   MeSH
• Neoplasm Staging MeSH
• Urologic Neoplasms diagnosis   diagnostic imaging   therapy   pathology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is one of the most important prognostic factors in multiple myeloma (MM) and a valid surrogate for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Recently, MRD negativity was approved as an early clinical endpoint for accelerated drug approval in MM. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence of MRD utility in real-world setting. In this retrospective multicenter study, we report outcomes of 331 newly diagnosed MM patients with MRD evaluation at Day+100 after autologous stem cell transplantation using flow cytometry with a median limit of detection of 0.001%. MRD negativity was reached in 47% of patients and was associated with significantly prolonged median PFS (49.2 months vs. 18.4 months; hazard ratios (HR) = 0.37; p < 0.001) and OS (not reached vs. 74.9 months; HR = 0.50; p = 0.007). Achieving MRD negativity was associated with PFS improvements regardless of age, International Staging System (ISS) stage, lactate dedydrogenase (LDH) level, or cytogenetic risk. Importantly, MRD positive patients benefited from lenalidomide maintenance versus no maintenance (18-months PFS: 81% vs. 46%; HR = 0.24; p = 0.002) while in MRD negative patients such benefit was not observed (p = 0.747). The outcomes of our real-world study recapitulate results from clinical trials including meta-analyses and support the idea that MRD positive patients profit more from lenalidomide maintenance than MRD negative ones.

• MeSH
• Transplantation, Autologous MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Lenalidomide administration & dosage   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Multiple Myeloma * diagnosis   mortality   therapy   pathology   MeSH
• Prognosis MeSH
• Flow Cytometry * methods   MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Neoplasm, Residual * diagnosis   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Neoplasm Staging MeSH
• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation methods   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH

The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence and extent of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is prognostic in surgical stage I cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). All available tumour slides and/or paraffin blocks from 426 patients with stage I cervical SCC treated surgically with curative intent were collected from 18 institutions and retrospectively analysed. Presence and extent of LVI (focal <5 spaces, extensive ≥5 spaces) were assessed on scanning magnification in large haematoxylin and eosin slide sets in 366 cases. Progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated as the time from surgery to first progression or death or last follow-up, whichever occurred first. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from surgery to death or last follow-up. Clinicopathological and statistical analyses were performed on 97 patients with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 stage IA and 329 patients with stage IB SCC of the cervix. LVI, both focal and extensive, was more frequent in stage IB than in stage IA (p<0.001). Patients with stage IB carcinomas with extensive LVI had worse PFS [hazard ratio (HR) 2.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.49, 5.49; p=0.005] and OS (HR 2.88; 95% CI 1.38, 6.02; p=0.012) than those with focal or no LVI. In stage IA, in contrast, the presence and extent of LVI did not associate with PFS (p=0.926) or OS. Extensive LVI was not statistically correlated with PFS and OS in substages IA1, IA2 or IB2. PFS (HR 3.7; 95% CI 1.61, 8.46; p<0.001) and OS (HR 4.18; 95% CI 1.58, 11.04; p=0.002) in stage IB1, and PFS (HR 7.78; 95% CI 0.87, 69.82; p=0.039) in stage IB3 were diminished in the presence of extensive LVI. In conclusion, in patients with FIGO stage I cervical SCC, the presence and extent of LVI has prognostic significance in stage IB carcinoma, and quantifying LVI is recommended.

• MeSH
• Cervix Uteri pathology   surgery   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Neoplasm Invasiveness MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Lymphatic Metastasis pathology   MeSH
• Uterine Cervical Neoplasms * pathology   surgery   mortality   MeSH
• Prognosis MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell * pathology   surgery   mortality   MeSH
• Neoplasm Staging * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oligodendrogliomas are primary brain tumors classified as isocitrate deshydrogenase-mutant and 1p19q codeleted in the 2021 World Health Organization Classification of central nervous system tumors. Surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are well-established management options for these tumors. Few studies have evaluated the efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for oligodendroglioma. As these tumors are less infiltrative than astrocytomas and typically recur locally, focal therapy such as SRS is an appealing option. METHODS: This study was performed through the International Radiosurgery Research Foundation. The objective was to collect retrospective multicenter data on tumor control, clinical response, and morbidity after SRS for oligodendroglioma. Inclusion criteria were age of 18 years or more, single-fraction SRS, and histological confirmation of grade 2 or 3 oligodendroglioma. The primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival from SRS. Secondary end points included clinical evolution and occurrence of adverse radiation events or other complications. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier analyses, and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Eight institutions submitted data for a total of 55 patients. The median follow-up time was 24 months. The median age at SRS was 46 years, and the median Karnofsky Performance Status was 90%. The median marginal dose used was 15 Gy. The median PFS was 17 months, with actuarial rates of 60% at 1 year, 31% at 2 years, and 24% at 5 years after SRS. Factors significantly associated with worsened PFS were World Health Organization grade 3, previous radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and higher marginal dose. The median overall survival post-SRS was 58 months, with actuarial rates of 92% at 1 year, 83% at 2 years, and 49% at 5 years. Karnofsky Performance Status remained stable post-SRS in 51% and worsened in 47% of patients, most often because of tumor progression (73%). Radiation-induced changes occurred in 30% of patients, of which only 4 were symptomatic. CONCLUSION: SRS is a reasonable management option for patients with oligodendroglioma.

• MeSH
• Progression-Free Survival MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Brain Neoplasms * surgery   MeSH
• Oligodendroglioma * surgery   pathology   MeSH
• Radiosurgery * methods   MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Neoplasm Grading MeSH
• World Health Organization * MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH

Práce se zabývá využitím algoritmů umělé inteligence (artificial intelligence – AI) v diagnostice karcinomu prsu, plic a prostaty. Popisuje historický vývoj digitalizace patologických procesů, implementaci umělé inteligence a její současné aplikace v patologii. Zaměřuje se na strojové a hluboké učení, počítačové vidění a digitální patologii, které přispívají k automatizaci a zpřesnění diagnostiky. Důraz je kladen na konkrétní nástroje, jako jsou systémy uPath od Roche a IBEX Medical Analytics, které umožňují analýzu histopatologických snímků, klasifikaci nádorových buněk a hodnocení biomarkerů. Práce také reflektuje výhody využití AI, včetně zvýšení přesnosti diagnostiky a efektivity laboratorních procesů, ale zároveň upozorňuje na výzvy spojené s její implementací, jako jsou etické a právní aspekty, ochrana osobních údajů a odpovědnost za chyby. Cílem práce je poskytnout komplexní přehled o možnostech využití AI v digitální patologii a její roli v moderní onkologické diagnostice.

The study focuses on the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in the diagnosis of breast, lung, and prostate cancer. It describes the historical development of the digitalization of pathological processes, the implementation of artificial intelligence, and its current applications in pathology. The study emphasizes machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and digital pathology, which contribute to the automation and refinement of diagnostics. Special attention is given to specific tools such as the uPath systems from Roche and IBEX Medical Analytics, which enable the analysis of histopathological images, tumor cell classification, and biomarker evaluation. The study also highlights the benefits of AI utilization, including increased diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in laboratory processes, while simultaneously addressing the challenges associated with its implementation, such as ethical and legal considerations, data protection, and liability for errors. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential applications of AI in digital pathology and its role in modern oncological diagnostics.

The intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC) at the morphologic level is poorly understood. Previously, we identified morphological patterns associated with CRC molecular subtypes and their distinct molecular motifs. Here we aimed to evaluate the heterogeneity of these patterns across CRC. Three pathologists evaluated dominant, secondary, and tertiary morphology on four sections from four different FFPE blocks per tumor in a pilot set of 22 CRCs. An AI-based image analysis tool was trained on these tumors to evaluate the morphologic heterogeneity on an extended set of 161 stage I-IV primary CRCs (n = 644 H&E sections). We found that most tumors had two or three different dominant morphotypes and the complex tubular (CT) morphotype was the most common. The CT morphotype showed no combinatorial preferences. Desmoplastic (DE) morphotype was rarely dominant and rarely combined with other dominant morphotypes. Mucinous (MU) morphotype was mostly combined with solid/trabecular (TB) and papillary (PP) morphotypes. Most tumors showed medium or high heterogeneity, but no associations were found between heterogeneity and clinical parameters. A higher proportion of DE morphotype was associated with higher T-stage, N-stage, distant metastases, AJCC stage, and shorter overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). A higher proportion of MU morphotype was associated with higher grade, right side, and microsatellite instability (MSI). PP morphotype was associated with earlier T- and N-stage, absence of metastases, and improved OS and RFS. CT was linked to left side, lower grade, and better survival in stage I-III patients. MSI tumors showed higher proportions of MU and TB, and lower CT and PP morphotypes. These findings suggest that morphological shifts accompany tumor progression and highlight the need for extensive sampling and AI-based analysis. In conclusion, we observed unexpectedly high intratumoral morphological heterogeneity of CRC and found that it is not heterogeneity per se, but the proportions of morphologies that are associated with clinical outcomes.

• MeSH
• Adenocarcinoma * pathology   genetics   mortality   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Colorectal Neoplasms * pathology   genetics   mortality   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Neoplasm Staging MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

U pacientů s časným karcinomem hrtanu je v současnosti chirurgická léčba zachovávající funkci hrtanu preferovanou primární léčebnou modalitou. Cílem je odstranění karcinomu hrtanu s negativními okraji se současným zachováním přiměřené kvality hlasu a dýchání bez nutnosti tracheostomie. Mezi chirurgické postupy šetřící hrtan patří transorální endoskopická chirurgie, robotická mikrochirurgie hrtanu a vertikální parciální laryngektomie ze zevního přístupu (VPL). Cíl: Cílem studie bylo analyzovat faktory, které jsou zohledňovány při současných indikacích parciálních laryngektomií prováděných ze zevního přístupu pro glotický karcinom a zhodnotit chirurgické a onkologické výsledky těchto operací. Materiál a metodika: Do retrospektivní studie bylo zařazeno 18 pacientů, u nichž byla od 1. 1. 2012 do 31. 12. 2022 na Klinice otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku FN u sv. Anny v Brně provedena VPL pro glotický spinocelulární karcinom. U 12 (67 %) pacientů byla předléčebná klasifikace nádoru cT1, u 6 (33 %) pacientů cT2. Nejčastěji prováděným výkonem byla laryngofi sura s rozšířenou chordektomií, která byla indikována u 17 (94 %) pacientů; frontální parciální laryngektomie byla provedena u jednoho pacienta (6 %). Nejčastější indikací k VPL byla konverze původně zvoleného endoskopického přístupu u 10 (56 %) pacientů, u 3 (17 %) pacientů se jednalo o revizní výkon po neradikálním endoskopické operaci a v 5 (28 %) případech byla VPL indikována z jiných důvodů. Výsledky: Mezi nejvýznamnější klinické rizikové faktory zohledněné při indikaci VPL patřily: omezená expozice nitra hrtanu v 11 případech, infiltrace přední komisury v 10 případech, šíření nádoru do paraglotického prostoru v 5 případech, subglotická propagace ve 4 případech, postižení processus vocalis ve 3 případech a nádorové šíření do laryngeálního ventrikulu ve 3 případech. Hodnocení resekčních okrajů prokázalo negativní resekční okraje (R0) u 8 (44 %) pacientů, blízké okraje (R0) u 6 (33 %) pacientů a pozitivní resekční okraje (R1) u 4 (22 %) pacientů. Pooperační průběh byl u většiny pacientů příznivý, přičemž u 15 (71 %) pacientů nenastaly žádné komplikace. Mírné lokální komplikace se vyskytly u 5 (24 %) pacientů, zatímco závažné komplikace nebyly zaznamenány u žádného z nich. Medián doby sledování činil 3,0 roku s interkvartilovým rozptylem 2,0 až 5,0 let. U jednoho pacienta byla dia- gnostikována recidiva karcinomu po VPL a adjuvantní radioterapii. U tohoto pacienta byla finálně indikována záchranná totální laryngektomie. Pravděpodobnost přežití byla stanovena Kaplan-Meierovou analýzou: 1 rok 90,5 %; 2 roky 85,7 %; 3 roky 85,7 %; 4 roky 77,1 %; 5 let 66,1 %. Závěr: Ačkoli jsou indikace pro zevní přístupy v současnosti velmi omezené, VPL stále představují záložní chirurgickou variantu u pacientů s omezenou expozicí vnitra hrtanu a u glotických nádorů postihujících rizikové anatomické sublokality, především přední komisuru a paraglotický prostor. I s ohledem na naše výsledky lze laryngofisuru s rozšířenou chordektomií považovat za hrtan šetřicí postup, který nabízí funkčně přijatelné a onkologicky srovnatelné výsledky léčby časného glotického karcinomu v porovnání s preferovanými endoskopickými přístupy a radioterapií.

For patients with early-stage laryngeal carcinoma, function-preserving surgical treatment is currently the preferred primary therapeutic modality. The goal is to achieve complete tumor removal with negative margins while preserving adequate voice quality and respiration without the need for a tracheostomy. Larynx-preserving surgical approaches include transoral endoscopic surgery, robotic microlaryngeal surgery, and external vertical partial laryngectomy (VPL). Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the factors influencing current indications for open partial laryngectomies for glottic carcinoma and to evaluate the surgical and oncological outcomes of these procedures. Materials and methods: 18 patients who underwent VPL for glottic squamous cell carcinoma from 1. 1. 2012 to 31. 12. 2022 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, St. Anne‘s Hospital in Brno were included in the retrospective study. Pre-treatment tumor classification was cT1 in 12 (67%) patients and cT2 in 6 (33%) patients. The most commonly performed procedure was laryngofissure with extended chordectomy in 17 (94%) patients; frontal partial laryngectomy was performed in one patient (6%). The most frequent indication for VPL was conversion of the initially chosen endoscopic approach in 10 (56%) patients, revision surgery following a non-radical endoscopic procedure in 3 (17%) patients, and other indications in 5 (28%) cases. Results: The most significant clinical risk factors considered in the indication for VPL included: limited exposure of the larynx in 11 cases, anterior commissure infiltration in 10 cases, tumor spread to the paraglottic space in 5 cases, subglottic extension in 4 cases, involvement of the vocal process in 3 cases, and tumor spread to the laryngeal ventricle in 3 cases. Evaluation of resection margins showed negative resection margins (R0) in 8 (44%) patients, close margins (R0) in 6 (33%) patients, and positive resection margins (R1) in 4 (22%) patients. Postoperative course was favorable in most patients, with no complications in 15 (71%) patients. Mild local complications occurred in 5 (24%) patients, while no severe complications were noted in any of them. The median follow-up period was 3.0 years, with an interquartile range of 2.0 to 5.0 years. Recurrence of carcinoma after VPL and adjuvant radiotherapy was diagnosed in one patient, who ultimately underwent salvage total laryngectomy. Survival probability was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier analysis: 1-year survival at 90.5%, 2-year survival at 85.7%, 3-year survival at 85.7%, 4-year survival at 77.1%, and 5-year survival at 66.1%. Conclusion: Although indications for external approaches are currently very limited, VPL still represents a salvage surgical option for patients with limited laryngeal exposure and for glottic tumors affecting high-risk anatomical subsites, particularly the anterior commissure and paraglottic space. Even considering our results, laryngofissure with extended cordectomy can be regarded as a larynx-preserving procedure that offers functionally acceptable and oncologically comparable treatment outcomes for early glottic carcinoma in comparison with preferred endoscopic approaches and radiotherapy.

• MeSH
• Laryngectomy * classification   methods   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Larynx surgery   pathology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Laryngeal Neoplasms surgery   diagnosis   MeSH
• Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures methods   MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell surgery   diagnosis   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH