1.	Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis by dual-energy CT texture analysis with machine learning.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Forghani, Reza; Chatterjee, Avishek; Reinhold, Caroline; Pérez-Lara, Almudena; Romero-Sanchez, Griselda; Ueno, Yoshiko; Bayat, Maryam; Alexander, James W M; Kadi, Lynda; Chankowsky, Jeffrey; Seuntjens, Jan; Forghani, Behzad
	2019-11-01  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06159-y  ISSN: 0938-7994  Volume: 29  Issue: 11  Pages: 6172-6181
	Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Computer-assisted diagnosis, Head and neck neoplasms, Machine learning, Multidetector computed tomography
	This study was conducted in order to evaluate a novel risk stratification model using dual-energy CT (DECT) texture analysis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with machine learning to (1) predict associated cervical lymphadenopathy and (2) compare the accuracy of spectral versus single-energy (65 keV) texture evaluation for endpoint prediction. Eighty-seven patients with HNSCC were evaluated. Texture feature extraction was performed on virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) at 65 keV alone or different sets of multi-energy VMIs ranging from 40 to 140 keV, in addition to iodine material decomposition maps and other clinical information. Random forests (RF) models were constructed for outcome prediction with internal cross-validation in addition to the use of separate randomly selected training (70%) and testing (30%) sets. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined for predicting positive versus negative nodal status in the neck. Depending on the model used and subset of patients evaluated, an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of up to 88, 100, 67, 83, and 100%, respectively, could be achieved using multi-energy texture analysis. Texture evaluation of VMIs at 65 keV alone or in combination with only iodine maps had a much lower accuracy. Multi-energy DECT texture analysis of HNSCC is superior to texture analysis of 65 keV VMIs and iodine maps alone and can be used to predict cervical nodal metastases with relatively high accuracy, providing information not currently available by expert evaluation of the primary tumor alone. • Texture features of HNSCC tumor are predictive of nodal status. • Multi-energy texture analysis is superior to analysis of datasets at a single energy. • Dual-energy CT texture analysis with machine learning can enhance noninvasive diagnostic tumor evaluation.
2.	Lung metastasis in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Seok, Jungirl; Lee, Doh Young; Kim, Won Shik; Jeong, Woo-Jin; Chung, Eun-Jae; Jung, Young Ho; Kwon, Seong Keun; Kwon, Tack-Kyun; Sung, Myung-Whun; Ahn, Soon-Hyun
	2019-11-01  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1002/hed.25942  ISSN: 1043-3074  Volume: 41  Issue: 11  Pages: 3976-3983
	Keywords: head and neck neoplasm, neoplasm metastasis, risk factors, salivary glands
	Distant metastasis of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is most commonly identified in the lung, but risk factors are still on debate. Risk factors for lung metastasis were evaluated by using Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier curves. Of 112 patients, 48% had distant metastasis; 94.4% of whom had lung metastasis. Univariable analysis revealed sublingual or minor salivary gland, tumor size ≥2.5 cm, and perineural invasion as risk factors (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.99 [1.02-3.91], 2.57 [1.19-5.58], and 2.46 [1.28-4.74], respectively), whereas size, perineural invasion, and local recurrence were risk factors in multivariable analysis (HR: 2.29 [1.05-4.96], 2.32 [1.09-4.96], and 2.68 [1.24-5.79], respectively). Sublingual gland or minor salivary glands ACC has a higher risk of lung metastasis. If the site is not considered, the following factors increased the risk of lung metastasis; (a) size ≥2.5 cm, (b) perineural invasion, and (c) local recurrence. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3.	Immunotherapy in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Subramaniam, S S; Paterson, C; McCaul, J A
	2019-10-22  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.08.002  ISSN: 0266-4356
	Keywords: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, immunotherapy, oral squamous cell carcinoma
	Despite many advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments, only modest improvements in survival, function, and quality of life have been achieved after treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. With a better understanding of the biology and genetics of tumours, the emergence of a paradigm shift towards the further development of non-surgical treatments may result in less morbidity and better outcomes than are seen currently. SCC of the head and neck is known to be a complex disease that has a sophisticated interaction with the human immune system. At the forefront of emerging treatments is immunotherapy, which has already been established in many other areas of oncology. The rapidly evolving nature of immunotherapeutic agents and, sometimes, their complex mechanisms can make the understanding of these concepts challenging, and could discourage clinicians from engaging in clinical trials. The aim of this paper therefore was to review the current premise for immunotherapeutic approaches, and to provide a contemporary evidence-based rationale for their use. Copyright © 2019 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. All rights reserved.
4.	Pathological margins and advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Phillips, T J; Harris, B N; Moore, M G; Farwell, D G; Bewley, A F
	2019-10-25  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1186/s40463-019-0374-3  ISSN: 1916-0208  Volume: 48  Issue: 1  Pages: 55
	The recommended treatment for cutaneous squamous cell cancer (CuSCC) of the head and neck is Mohs surgical excision or wide local excision. Excision is recommended to a gross surgical margin of 4-6 mm however this is based on limited evidence and specify a goal histologic margin. The objective of this study was therefore to examine the reported histological margin distance following WLE of advanced CuSCC and its association with recurrence and survival. Retrospective database review. All patients included received treatment at UC Davis Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and/or Radiation Oncology in Sacramento, California. The patients included were treated for advanced CuSCC with primary surgery with or without adjuvant therapy. Kaplan Meier survival curves with log rank analysis were then performed to compare 5-year recurrence free survival, and disease-specific survival for patients with different margin distances. Total number of subjects was 92. The overall 5-year DSS and RFS was 68.8 and 51.0% respectively. When the pathological margin distance was ≥5 mm, 5-year disease specific survival was improved when compared to margin distance less than 5 mm (94.7 vs 60.7 p = 0.034). The findings of this study suggest that a histologic margin of at least 5 mm may increase survival in advanced head and neck CuSCC patients.
5.	Exploring the relation between patients' resilience and quality of life after treatment for cancer of the head and neck.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Clarke, G; Asiedu, Y A; Herd, K; Sharma, S
	2019-10-04  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.09.007  ISSN: 0266-4356
	Keywords: Connor Davison Resilience Scale, Head and Neck cancer, Quality of life, Resilience, University of Washington Quality of Life Scale
	Resilience, which is a measure of a patient's ability to recover from a traumatic event, varies among the general population, and previous studies have suggested that it has an important influence on a patient's quality of life. We conducted a study of patients treated for cancer of the head and neck to investigate the relation between scores for resilience and quality of life (QoL). A total of 98 patients, who had been treated with curative intent, completed the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire (UW-QoL) and the Connor-Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC). Retrospective analysis of patients' records identified demographic data, stage of disease, and treatment. The Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's rank correlation were used to assess the significance of differences between the groups. The mean (SE) QoL score after treatment was 61 (2.081), and the mean CD-RISC score 0.427 for QoL in the last seven days. There was a significant correlation between overall scores for QoL and resilience (Spearman's Rho=0.427, p<0.005). As higher resilience scores had a significant correlation with a better QoL, strengthening a patient's resilience might in turn help to improve their quality of life. Crown Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
6.	Лечение ребенка с обширной лимфовенозной мальформацией в области головы и шеи Treatment of a child with extensive lymphovenous malformation in the head and neck area
	DataCite
	Иванов, А.В.; Фокин, Е.И.; Фокина, Т.В.; Дубин, С.А.; Владимиров, Ф.И.; (et. al.)
	2019-01-01
	DOI: 10.25792/HN.2019.7.1.29-41
	Extensive lymphatic and lymphovenous malformations of the head and neck in children are usually the
7.	Not all in your head (and neck): Stroke after blunt cerebrovascular injury is associated with systemic hypercoagulability.
	Europe PubMed Central
	Sumislawski JJ; Moore HB; Moore EE; Swope ML; Pieracci FM; Fox CJ; Campion EM; Lawless RA; Platnick KB; Sauaia A; Cohen MJ; Burlew CC
	2019-11-01  J Trauma Acute Care Surg
	Volume: 87  Issue: 5  Pages: 1082-1087  PMID: 31453984
8.	Demographic, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates of accelerometer assessed physical activity and fitness in newly diagnosed patients with head and neck cancer.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Douma, J A J; Verdonck-de Leeuw, I M; Leemans, C R; Jansen, F; Langendijk, J A; Baatenburg de Jong, R J; Terhaard, C H J; Takes, R P; Chinapaw, M J; Altenburg, T M; Buffart, L M
	2019-10-12  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1080/0284186X.2019.1675906  ISSN: 0284-186X  Pages: 1-9
	Introduction: Objective measurements of levels of physical activity and fitness in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are lacking. Furthermore, demographic, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates of low levels of physical activity and fitness in patients with HNC are unknown. This study aims to investigate the levels of accelerometer that assessed physical activity and fitness in patients with HNC and to identify their demographical, clinical and lifestyle-related correlates. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-four patients who were recently diagnosed with HNC and participated in the NETherlands QUality of life and Biomedical cohort studies In head and neck Cancer (NET-QUBIC) study were included. Physical activity (accelerometer), cardiorespiratory fitness (Chester Step Test), hand grip strength (hand dynamometer) and lower body muscle function (30-second chair-stand test) were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses with a stepwise forward selection procedure were used. Results: Patients spent 229 min/d in physical activity of which 18 min/d in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The mean predicted VO 2 max was 27.9 ml/kg/min, the mean hand grip strength was 38.1 kg and the mean number of standings was 14.3. Patients with lower educational level, more comorbidity and higher tumor stage spent significantly less time in physical activity. Older patients, females and patients with a higher tumor stage had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels. Older patients, females, patients with more comorbidity, patients with normal weight and patients who have never smoked had significantly lower hand grip strength. Older patients, patients with lower educational level, smokers and patients with more comorbidity had a significantly lower function of lower body muscle. Conclusions: Pre-treatment levels of physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and lower body muscle function are low in patients with HNC. Based on this study, exercise programs targeted and tailored to patients with low levels of physical activity and fitness can be developed.
9.	Применение робот-ассистированных систем для операций в области головы и шеи Application of robot-associated systems for head and neck surgery
	DataCite
	Уханов, М.М.; Иващенко, А.В.; Федяев, И.М.; Яблоков, А.Е.; Колганов, И.Н.; (et. al.)
	2019-01-01
	DOI: 10.25792/HN.2019.7.2.52-63
10.	Paragangliomas of the Head and Neck: Local Control and Functional Outcome Following Fractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy.
	Europe PubMed Central
	Weissmann T; Lettmaier S; Roesch J; Mengling V; Bert C; Iro H; Hornung J; Janka R; Semrau S; Fietkau R; Putz F
	2019-11-01  Am J Clin Oncol
	Volume: 42  Issue: 11  Pages: 818-823  PMID: 31592806
11.	Assessment of Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: Validation of the Xerostomia Questionnaire in Chinese Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Jiang N; Wei S; Mårtensson J; Zhao Y; Årestedt K
	2019-10-16  TOXLINE Toxicology Bibliographic Information
12.	Oral microbial influences on oral mucositis during radiotherapy treatment of head and neck cancer.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Vesty, Anna; Gear, Kim; Biswas, Kristi; Mackenzie, Brett Wagner; Taylor, Michael W; Douglas, Richard G
	2019-10-25  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-05084-6  ISSN: 0941-4355
	Keywords: Anaerobes, Head and neck cancer, Oral microbiome, Oral mucositis, Radiotherapy
	Oral mucositis (OM) remains a significant complication developed by many patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) to the head and neck region. Emerging data suggest oral microbes may contribute to the onset and severity of this acute side effect. In this study, saliva and oral swabs from head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT were collected. We employed molecular microbiological techniques to study the bacterial communities present in saliva, and both the bacterial and fungal communities present on the buccal mucosa and lateral tongue. Changes in microbiota composition with increasing radiation dose and the presence of mucositis were examined. The data suggest that the salivary microbiota remain stable during RT and are consistently dominated by Streptococcus, Prevotella, Fusobacterium and Granulicatella. Obligate and facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) Bacteroidales G2, Capnocytophaga, Eikenella, Mycoplasma and Sneathia, as well as anaerobic GNB in the periopathogenic genera Porphyromonas and Tannerella, were all positively correlated with ≥ grade 2 OM. Significant increases in the relative abundances of Bacteroidales G2, Fusobacterium and Sneathia were identified in buccal mucosa swabs at sites of ≥ grade 2 OM (p head and neck cancer patients.
13.	Impact of marginalization on tobacco use in individuals diagnosed with head and neck Cancer.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Scott, Grace Margaret; Best, Corliss; Fung, Kevin; Gupta, Michael; Sommer, Doron D; Szeto, Christopher; Micomonaco, Damian Christopher
	2019-10-24  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1186/s40463-019-0380-5  ISSN: 1916-0208  Volume: 48  Issue: 1  Pages: 54
	Keywords: Addiction, Cancer, Smoking, Tobacco
	Considerable evidence now indicates that individuals living in underprivileged neighbourhoods have higher rates of mortality and morbidity independent of individual-level characteristics. This study explored the impact of geographical marginalization on smoking cessation in a population of individuals with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) assess the prevalence of smoking cessation in those with a previous diagnosis of head and neck cancer, (2) analyze the determinants of smoking alongside area-based measures of socioeconomic status. This was a cross-sectional study. We administered a self-reported nicotine dependence package to participants between the ages of 20-90 with a previous mucosal head and neck cancer diagnosis and with a history of tobacco use. Using the Canadian Marginalization (CAN-Marg) Index tool based on 2006 Canada Census data we compared the degree of marginalization to the smoking status. For those individuals who were currently smoking, nicotine dependence and readiness to quit were assessed. A summative score of marginalization was compared to smoking status of individuals. The results from this study indicate that the summative level of marginalization developed from the combined factors of residential instability, material deprivation, ethnic concentration and dependency may be important factors in smoking cessation. This analysis of determinants of smoking alongside area-based measures of socioeconomic status may implicate the need for targeted population-based smoking cessation interventions.
14.	WO 2019117270-A/24: Method of aiding detection of head and neck cancer.
	DNA Data Bank of Japan
	Accession Number: MB119822 Sequence Length:20 Molecular Type:RNA Organism:Homo sapiens
15.	Relevance of Level IIb Neck Dissection in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas.
	Europe PubMed Central
	Hosokawa S; Mochizuki D; Takahashi G; Okamura J; Imai A; Ishikawa R; Takizawa Y; Yamatodani T; Misawa K; Mineta H
	2019-12-01  World J Surg
	Volume: 43  Issue: 12  Pages: 3059-3064  PMID: 31482343
16.	Preliminary clinical experience with the 4 K3-dimensional microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) system for free flap head and neck reconstruction.
	Science.gov (United States)
	De Virgilio, Armando; Mercante, Giuseppe; Gaino, Francesca; Yiu, Phil; Mondello, Tiziana; Malvezzi, Luca; Colombo, Giovanni; Pellini, Raul; Spriano, Giuseppe
	2019-10-30  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1002/hed.25979  ISSN: 1043-3074
	Keywords: free flap, head and neck reconstruction, head neck surgery, microsurgery, microvascular anastomosis
	To demonstrate the use of a 4 K 3-dimensional microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) system for free flap head and neck reconstruction. Clinical human study of free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis in patients undergoing reconstruction after ablative surgery for head and neck carcinoma. The video shows the harvesting of a chimeric myofascial/fascio-cutaneous anterolateral thigh free flap and microvascular anastomosis using different techniques. The VITOM 3D exoscope system provided sufficient access, reach, and visualization to perform successfully free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis. Using the 3D glasses, both surgeons and nurses can have the same visualization throughout the entire procedure. We performed 10 arterial and venous anastomosis without significant complications. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis using the 4 K3-Dimensional Microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) System. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
17.	Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting in head and neck cancer: Is it something worth considering in the intensity modulated radiotherapy era? "A narrative review".
	Science.gov (United States)
	Paiar, Fabiola; Cristaudo, Agostino; Gonnelli, Alessandra; Giannini, Noemi; Cocuzza, Paola; Montrone, Sabrina; Bruschini, Luca; Pasqualetti, Francesco; Ursino, Stefano; Bonomo, Pierluigi
	2019-10-21  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1002/hed.25982  ISSN: 1043-3074
	Keywords: head and neck cancer, intensity modulated Radiation therapy, organ at risk, predictor factors, radiation induced nausea and vomiting
	Radiation therapy is one of the cornerstones in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), alone or in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. Technological advances which occurred over the last few decades have increased the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT), particularly, intensity-modulated RT (IMRT). IMRT can deliver treatments on complex tumoral targets with dose escalation while sparing organs at risk; anyway IMRT deposits dose in unpredictable patterns outside of the target volume with the purpose of improving conformality. Radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV) is a frequent albeit neglected side effect of RT that can lead to delays in treatment with serious consequences on cure rates. According to several guidelines (MASCC 2016, NCCN 2018), RT for HNSCC has traditionally been regarded as a low emetic risk treatment. Nevertheless, several works suggest that IMRT could increase RINV. Further studies are needed to define the exact incidence and the detailed pathophysiology of RINV in patients with HNSCC treated with state of art IMRT techniques, with and without concurrent chemotherapy. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
18.	Fiber intake and the risk of head and neck cancer in the prostate, lung, colorectal and ovarian (PLCO) cohort.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Kawakita, Daisuke; Lee, Yuan-Chin Amy; Gren, Lisa H; Buys, Saundra S; La Vecchia, Carlo; Hashibe, Mia
	2019-11-01  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32162  ISSN: 0020-7136  Volume: 145  Issue: 9  Pages: 2342-2348
	Keywords: dietary fiber, head and neck cancer, insoluble fiber, prospective cohort study, soluble fiber
	Although the protective role of dietary fiber on cancer risk has been reported in several epidemiological studies, the association of fiber intake on head and neck cancer (HNC) risk is still unclear. We investigated the association between fiber intake and the risk of HNC using data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial. Among 101,700 participants with complete dietary information, 186 participants developed HNC during follow-up (January 1998 to May 2011). Dietary data were collected using a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire (1998-2005). We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), using the Cox proportional hazards model. Higher intake of total fiber, insoluble fiber and soluble fiber was associated with decreased HNC risks, with a significant trend. The HRs of highest vs. the lowest tertile of intake were 0.43 (95%CI: 0.25-0.76) for total fiber, 0.38 (95%CI: 0.22-0.65) for insoluble fiber, and 0.44 (95%CI: 0.25-0.79) for soluble fiber. These inverse association were consistent in oral cavity and pharyngeal cases, but the impact of fiber intake was weaker in laryngeal cases. We did not observe any significant interaction of potential confounders, including smoking and drinking, with total fiber intake on HNC risk. These findings support evidence of a protective role of dietary fiber on HNC risk. © 2019 UICC.
19.	Phase 1 dose-finding study of metformin in combination with concurrent cisplatin and radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Gulati, Shuchi; Desai, Janki; Palackdharry, Sarah M; Morris, John C; Zhu, Zheng; Jandarov, Roman; Riaz, Muhammad K; Takiar, Vinita; Mierzwa, Michelle; Gutkind, J Silvio; Molinolo, Alfredo; Desai, Pankaj B; Sadraei, Nooshin Hashemi; Wise-Draper, Trisha M
	2019-10-18  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32539  ISSN: 0008-543X
	Keywords: clinical trial, head and neck cancer, metformin, phase 1
	The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate remains at 50% for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC), thereby underscoring the need for improved treatments. An antidiabetic agent, metformin, was found in retrospective studies to improve survival in patients with HNSCC. Therefore, the authors conducted a phase 1 dose escalation study combining metformin with chemoradiotherapy in patients with LAHNSCC. Nondiabetic patients with LAHNSCC were enrolled in the current study to receive escalating doses of metformin and CRT based on the modified toxicity probability interval design. Metformin cohort doses included 2000 mg, 2550 mg, and 3000 mg daily in divided doses in addition to cisplatin (at a dose of 100 mg/m 2 on days 1, 22, and 43) and standard radiotherapy (70 grays). Adverse events were categorized as per the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03). Twenty patients were enrolled, 2 of whom withdrew consent. The median age of the patients was 56 years and the majority were male (83%), were white (88%), had p16-positive disease (72%), and were tobacco users (61%). The median length of metformin exposure was 28.5 days. The most common grade ≥3 toxicities were nausea (11%), vomiting (11%), mucositis (6%), acute kidney injury (17%), anemia (6%), and leukopenia (11%). Dose-limiting toxicities included diarrhea and acute kidney injury. After a median follow-up of 19 months, the 2-year overall survival and progression-free survival rates were 90% and 84%, respectively. No hypoglycemia events or lactic acidosis were observed. Cisplatin administration did not appear to affect metformin pharmacokinetics. The maximum tolerated dose for metformin could not be determined given the limited number of patients who tolerated metformin during chemoradiotherapy. To the authors' knowledge, the current study is the first phase 1 trial combining metformin with chemoradiotherapy. Rates of overall survival and progression-free survival were encouraging in this limited patient population, and warrant further investigation in a phase 2 trial. © 2019 American Cancer Society.
20.	In vitro humanized 3D microfluidic chip for testing personalized immunotherapeutics for head and neck cancer patients.
	Science.gov (United States)
	Al-Samadi, Ahmed; Poor, Benedek; Tuomainen, Katja; Liu, Ville; Hyytiäinen, Aini; Suleymanova, Ilida; Mesimaki, Karri; Wilkman, Tommy; Mäkitie, Antti; Saavalainen, Päivi; Salo, Tuula
	2019-10-15  PubMed
	DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111508  ISSN: 0014-4827  Volume: 383  Issue: 2  Pages: 111508
	Keywords: Head and neck cancer, IDO1, Immunotherapy, In vitro, Microfuidic chip, PD-L1, Personalized medicine
	Immunotherapy and personalized medicine therapeutics are emerging as promising approaches in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In spite of that, there is yet no assay that could predict individual response to immunotherapy. We manufactured an in vitro 3D microfluidic chip to test the efficacy of immunotherapy. The assay was first tested using a tongue cancer cell line (HSC-3) embedded in a human tumour-derived matrix "Myogel/fibrin" and immune cells from three healthy donors. Next, the chips were used with freshly isolated cancer cells, patients' serum and immune cells. Chips were loaded with different immune checkpoint inhibitors, PD-L1 antibody and IDO 1 inhibitor. Migration of immune cells towards cancer cells and the cancer cell proliferation rate were evaluated. Immune cell migration towards HSC-3 cells was cancer cell density dependent. IDO 1 inhibitor induced immune cells to migrate towards cancer cells both in HSC-3 and in two HNSCC patient samples. Efficacy of PD-L1 antibody and IDO 1 inhibitor was patient dependent. We introduced the first humanized in vitro microfluidic chip assay to test immunotherapeutic drugs against HNSCC patient samples. This assay could be used to predict the efficacy of immunotherapeutic drugs for individual patients. Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.