Papers by Gioacchino Giugliano

Head & neck, Apr 3, 2019
Background: We investigated the role of the soft tissue tract between the primary tumor and the n... more Background: We investigated the role of the soft tissue tract between the primary tumor and the neck lymph nodes, the "T-N tract," in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma at an advanced stage. Methods: We performed a compartmental tongue surgery in 233 patients. Cumulative incidence of relapses and overall survival curves were compared by T-N tract involvement. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the independent role of T-N tract. Results: At 4 years of follow-up, patients with disease in the T-N tract experienced a significantly more distant recurrence (40%) than did patients without T-N tract involvement (22%; P = .02). Multivariate Cox models indicate a significant almost triple risk of distant metastases (hazard ratio [HR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.01-7.19; P = .05) and double risk of death (HR, 2.09; 95%CI, 1.13-3.85; P = .02) in patients with "T-N tract involvement." Conclusions: Our data show that the T-N tract plays an important role in prognosis and survival in patients with tongue cancer. K E Y W O R D S compartmental tongue surgery, lingual lymph nodes, oral cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, tongue cancer Luca Calabrese and Mohssen Ansarin share co-last authorship.

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, Sep 1, 2007
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm; however, it only accounts for less than 1% ... more Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm; however, it only accounts for less than 1% of all human malignances. Thyroid cancers are divided into well differentiated and non-well differentiated cancers, according to their histology and behavior. The surgical management options of well-differentiated thyroid cancer include total or near-total thyroidectomy, subtotal thyroidectomy and lobectomy plus isthmusectomy. The extent of surgery for thyroid cancer continues to be an area of controversy. Complications associated with thyroid surgery are directly proportional to the extent of thyroidectomy and inversely proportional to the experience of the operating surgeon. They occur less frequently with good surgical technique and better understanding of surgical anatomy, and include wound healing and infections (seroma, hematoma and wound infection), nerve injury, hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, postoperative hemorrhage and respiratory obstruction.

PubMed, Apr 1, 2009
Prophylactic central neck dissection in papillary thyroid cancer is controversial. In this retros... more Prophylactic central neck dissection in papillary thyroid cancer is controversial. In this retrospective cohort study, the aim was to assess possible advantages of prophylactic central neck dissection with total thyroidectomy in cN0 papillary thyroid cancer. A total of 244 consecutive patients with papillary thyroid cancer, without clinical and ultrasound nodal metastases (cN0), were evaluated out of 1373 patients operated for a thyroid disease at the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy from 1994 to 2006. Of these 244 patients, 126 (Group A) underwent thyroidectomy with central neck dissection, while 118 (Group B) underwent thyroidectomy alone. Demographic, clinical and pathological features were analysed. Overall recurrence rate was 6.3% (8/126) in Group A and 7.7% (9/118) in Group B, with a mean follow-up of 47 (Group A) and 64 (Group B) months. In Group A patients, 47% were pN1a and all patients with recurrence had nodal involvement (p = 0.002). Survival rate did not differ in the two groups. Nine patients were lost to follow-up. Group A patients were older and their tumours were larger in size; according to the pT distribution, a higher extra-capsular invasion rate was observed. The two groups were equivalent as far as concerns histological high risk variants and multifocality. Nodal metastases correlated with stage: pT1-2 vs. pT3-T4a, p = 0.0036. A lower risk of nodal metastases was related to thyroiditis (p = 0.0034). In conclusion, central neck metastases were predictive of recurrence without influencing prognosis. From data obtained, possible greatest efficacy of central neck dissection in pT3-4 papillary thyroid cancer without thyroiditis is suggested.
Rivista Italiana di Chirurgia Plastica, 2002
Radiotherapy and Oncology, Apr 1, 2019
Frontiers in Endocrinology, Jan 8, 2021
1.4 ± 1.7, and mean pain after the procedure as 1.2 ± 1.1 At a median follow-up of 10.2 months (r... more 1.4 ± 1.7, and mean pain after the procedure as 1.2 ± 1.1 At a median follow-up of 10.2 months (range 1.5-12 months), no local recurrence or distant metastases were found. Conclusions: Image guided thermal ablations appear to be feasible and safe in the treatment of PTMC. These techniques hold the potential to offer patients a minimally invasive curative alternative to surgical resection or active surveillance. These techniques appear to be largely preferred by patients.

Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sep 1, 2021
Mandibular reconstruction is challenging for most head and neck surgeons. Technological advances ... more Mandibular reconstruction is challenging for most head and neck surgeons. Technological advances have led to the development of a new innovative procedure based on the concepts of computer-assisted design (CAD) and virtual surgical planning (VSP). The main disadvantage of this technique is the lack of flexibility, especially in oncology. A possible solution is the development of a semi-standardized mandible and fibula resection cutting guide: the L1® mandible ReconGuide. We provided a step-by-step description of the operative technique for mandibular reconstruction with the L1® mandible ReconGuide. The L1® mandible ReconGuide is a guiding force toward mandibular reconstruction. Moreover, the tool has been designed to suit the needs of the patients, particularly those with oral cancer, thereby permitting intraoperative planning and increasing time and cost effectiveness. In this pictorial essay, we have presented the operative techniques of using the L1® mandible ReconGuide for reconstruction.

Tumori Journal, Mar 20, 2022
Background:The treatment of tongue tumors includes different surgical procedures ranging from a s... more Background:The treatment of tongue tumors includes different surgical procedures ranging from a simple mucosal resection to complex combined resection depending on the tumor stage and size. In 2019 we reported an international glossectomy classification with the purpose of standardizing all the different types of surgical procedures adopted for tongue cancer.Methods:The present communication aims at providing further insight into the glossectomy classification. More specifically, it is intended to better specify the indications to glossectomy type IIIA and B in selected tongue cancers, with positive cervical lymph nodes at the diagnosis.Results and Conclusions:Type IIIA glossectomy permits a high function sparing surgery in selected cases, with better postoperative functional outcomes. From an oncological perspective, it permits a radical surgery, avoiding postoperative radiation in the absence of extracapsular spread, multiple nodal metastases or T-N tract involvement.

Dysphagia, May 24, 2014
Our aim was to analyse the overall and disease-free survival (DFS), time to recovery of oral feed... more Our aim was to analyse the overall and disease-free survival (DFS), time to recovery of oral feeding, and morbidity, in a consecutive series of patients who had total glossectomy with preservation of the larynx for advanced cancer of the tongue at the European institute of Oncology (Milan). From June 2002 to April 2011, 37 patients who were treated for advanced cancer of the tongue had total glossectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and preservation of the larynx. Various flaps were used for reconstruction. Overall and disease-free survival were assessed from the day of operation to the latest outpatient examination. Postoperative morbidity and rehabilitation of feeding were also assessed. Six patients had major complications, four of whom had a second operation for necrosis of the flap. Actuarial five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 54% and 47%. Twenty-four patients (65%) were operated on as their first treatment, and had 79% five-year overall survival and 61% 5-year disease-free survival. Twenty-six patients were eventually able to feed orally postoperatively. Although this retrospective study include a limited number of patients, the results support the validity of total glossectomy as a safe procedure for advanced cancer of the tongue. Pretreated patient were previously treated with surgery, radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy with curative purposes. Nevertheless, the long period required for recovery of oral feeding indicates that total glossectomy should be reserved for highly motivated patients.

Head & neck, Apr 3, 2019
Background: We investigated the role of the soft tissue tract between the primary tumor and the n... more Background: We investigated the role of the soft tissue tract between the primary tumor and the neck lymph nodes, the "T-N tract," in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma at an advanced stage. Methods: We performed a compartmental tongue surgery in 233 patients. Cumulative incidence of relapses and overall survival curves were compared by T-N tract involvement. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the independent role of T-N tract. Results: At 4 years of follow-up, patients with disease in the T-N tract experienced a significantly more distant recurrence (40%) than did patients without T-N tract involvement (22%; P = .02). Multivariate Cox models indicate a significant almost triple risk of distant metastases (hazard ratio [HR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.01-7.19; P = .05) and double risk of death (HR, 2.09; 95%CI, 1.13-3.85; P = .02) in patients with "T-N tract involvement." Conclusions: Our data show that the T-N tract plays an important role in prognosis and survival in patients with tongue cancer. K E Y W O R D S compartmental tongue surgery, lingual lymph nodes, oral cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, tongue cancer Luca Calabrese and Mohssen Ansarin share co-last authorship.
Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy, Sep 1, 2007
Thyroid cancer has been increasing in incidence, with the number of reported cases in the US risi... more Thyroid cancer has been increasing in incidence, with the number of reported cases in the US rising by 25% over the last 3 years. With growing technological advances in the field and improved contributions of diagnostics, surgical decision-making and operative planning have taken on new challenges. Herein, we review the current clinical practice recommendations and active areas of surgical controversy, reflective of the most recently published professional consensus guidelines and a systematic review of the literature.

PubMed, Apr 1, 2009
Prophylactic central neck dissection in papillary thyroid cancer is controversial. In this retros... more Prophylactic central neck dissection in papillary thyroid cancer is controversial. In this retrospective cohort study, the aim was to assess possible advantages of prophylactic central neck dissection with total thyroidectomy in cN0 papillary thyroid cancer. A total of 244 consecutive patients with papillary thyroid cancer, without clinical and ultrasound nodal metastases (cN0), were evaluated out of 1373 patients operated for a thyroid disease at the Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy from 1994 to 2006. Of these 244 patients, 126 (Group A) underwent thyroidectomy with central neck dissection, while 118 (Group B) underwent thyroidectomy alone. Demographic, clinical and pathological features were analysed. Overall recurrence rate was 6.3% (8/126) in Group A and 7.7% (9/118) in Group B, with a mean follow-up of 47 (Group A) and 64 (Group B) months. In Group A patients, 47% were pN1a and all patients with recurrence had nodal involvement (p = 0.002). Survival rate did not differ in the two groups. Nine patients were lost to follow-up. Group A patients were older and their tumours were larger in size; according to the pT distribution, a higher extra-capsular invasion rate was observed. The two groups were equivalent as far as concerns histological high risk variants and multifocality. Nodal metastases correlated with stage: pT1-2 vs. pT3-T4a, p = 0.0036. A lower risk of nodal metastases was related to thyroiditis (p = 0.0034). In conclusion, central neck metastases were predictive of recurrence without influencing prognosis. From data obtained, possible greatest efficacy of central neck dissection in pT3-4 papillary thyroid cancer without thyroiditis is suggested.
Rivista Italiana di Chirurgia Plastica, 2002
Radiotherapy and Oncology, Apr 1, 2019

Frontiers in Endocrinology, Jan 8, 2021
To report the results of our preliminary experience in treating patients with papillary thyroid m... more To report the results of our preliminary experience in treating patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with image-guided thermal ablation, in particular estimating the feasibility, safety and short-term efficacy. Materials and Methods: From 2018 patients with cytologically proven PTMC < 10 mm were discussed in a multidisciplinary team and evaluated for feasibility of image-guided thermal ablation. In case of technical feasibility, the three possible alternatives (i.e., imageguided thermal ablation, surgery, and active surveillance) were discussed with patients. Patients who agreed to be treated with image guided thermal ablation underwent radiofrequency (RFA) or laser ablation under local anesthesia and conscious sedation. Treatment feasibility, technical success, technique efficacy, change in thyroid function tests, side effects, minor and major complications, patients satisfaction and pain/ discomfort perception during and after treatment, and disease recurrence during follow-up were recorded. Results: A total of 13 patients were evaluated, and 11/13 (84.6%) patients (9 female, 2 male, mean age 49.3 ± 8.7 years) resulted suitable for image-guided thermal ablation. All 11 patients agreed to be treated with image-guided thermal ablation. In addition, 3/11 (27.3%) were treated with laser ablation and 8/11 (72.7%) with RFA. All procedures were completed as preoperatively planned (technical success 100%). Technique efficacy was achieved in all 11/11 (100%) cases. Ablated volume significantly reduced from 0.87 ± 0.67 ml at first follow-up to 0.17 ± 0.36 at last follow-up (p = 0.003). No change in thyroid function tests occurred. No minor or major complications occurred. All patients graded 10 the satisfaction for the treatment, and mean pain after the procedure was reported as

Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sep 1, 2021
Mandibular reconstruction is challenging for most head and neck surgeons. Technological advances ... more Mandibular reconstruction is challenging for most head and neck surgeons. Technological advances have led to the development of a new innovative procedure based on the concepts of computer-assisted design (CAD) and virtual surgical planning (VSP). The main disadvantage of this technique is the lack of flexibility, especially in oncology. A possible solution is the development of a semi-standardized mandible and fibula resection cutting guide: the L1® mandible ReconGuide. We provided a step-by-step description of the operative technique for mandibular reconstruction with the L1® mandible ReconGuide. The L1® mandible ReconGuide is a guiding force toward mandibular reconstruction. Moreover, the tool has been designed to suit the needs of the patients, particularly those with oral cancer, thereby permitting intraoperative planning and increasing time and cost effectiveness. In this pictorial essay, we have presented the operative techniques of using the L1® mandible ReconGuide for reconstruction.

Tumori Journal, Mar 20, 2022
Background:The treatment of tongue tumors includes different surgical procedures ranging from a s... more Background:The treatment of tongue tumors includes different surgical procedures ranging from a simple mucosal resection to complex combined resection depending on the tumor stage and size. In 2019 we reported an international glossectomy classification with the purpose of standardizing all the different types of surgical procedures adopted for tongue cancer.Methods:The present communication aims at providing further insight into the glossectomy classification. More specifically, it is intended to better specify the indications to glossectomy type IIIA and B in selected tongue cancers, with positive cervical lymph nodes at the diagnosis.Results and Conclusions:Type IIIA glossectomy permits a high function sparing surgery in selected cases, with better postoperative functional outcomes. From an oncological perspective, it permits a radical surgery, avoiding postoperative radiation in the absence of extracapsular spread, multiple nodal metastases or T-N tract involvement.

Dysphagia, May 24, 2014
Our aim was to analyse the overall and disease-free survival (DFS), time to recovery of oral feed... more Our aim was to analyse the overall and disease-free survival (DFS), time to recovery of oral feeding, and morbidity, in a consecutive series of patients who had total glossectomy with preservation of the larynx for advanced cancer of the tongue at the European institute of Oncology (Milan). From June 2002 to April 2011, 37 patients who were treated for advanced cancer of the tongue had total glossectomy, bilateral neck dissection, and preservation of the larynx. Various flaps were used for reconstruction. Overall and disease-free survival were assessed from the day of operation to the latest outpatient examination. Postoperative morbidity and rehabilitation of feeding were also assessed. Six patients had major complications, four of whom had a second operation for necrosis of the flap. Actuarial five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 54% and 47%. Twenty-four patients (65%) were operated on as their first treatment, and had 79% five-year overall survival and 61% 5-year disease-free survival. Twenty-six patients were eventually able to feed orally postoperatively. Although this retrospective study include a limited number of patients, the results support the validity of total glossectomy as a safe procedure for advanced cancer of the tongue. Pretreated patient were previously treated with surgery, radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy with curative purposes. Nevertheless, the long period required for recovery of oral feeding indicates that total glossectomy should be reserved for highly motivated patients.
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, Apr 1, 2022
How to cite this article: Tagliabue M, De Berardinis R, Belloni P, et al. Oral tongue carcinoma: ... more How to cite this article: Tagliabue M, De Berardinis R, Belloni P, et al. Oral tongue carcinoma: prognostic changes according to the updated 2020 version of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system.
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica, Apr 1, 2022
How to cite this article: Tagliabue M, De Berardinis R, Belloni P, et al. Oral tongue carcinoma: ... more How to cite this article: Tagliabue M, De Berardinis R, Belloni P, et al. Oral tongue carcinoma: prognostic changes according to the updated 2020 version of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system.
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Papers by Gioacchino Giugliano