Fred M Baik, MD

All Publications

• Toll-like Receptor Agonists Are Unlikely to Provide Benefits in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers Maddineni, S., Chen, M., Baik, F., Divi, V., Sunwoo, J. B., Finegersh, A. 2023; 15 (17)

  Abstract

  Recurrent and metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has poor survival rates. Immunotherapy is the standard of care for R/M HNSCC, but objective responses occur in a minority of patients. Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists promote antitumor immune responses and have been explored in clinical trials.A search for clinical trials using TLR agonists in HNSCC was performed under PRISMA guidelines. Data on patient characteristics, safety, and efficacy were collected and analyzed.Three phase 1b trials with 40 patients and three phase 2 trials with 352 patients studying TLR8 and TLR9 agonists in combination with other treatment regimens for HNSCC were included. In phase 2 trials, there was no significant change in the objective response rate (RR = 1.13, CI 0.80-1.60) or association with increased grade 3+ adverse events (RR = 0.91, CI 0.76-1.11) associated with TLR agonist use.TLR agonists do not appear to provide additional clinical benefits or increase adverse events in the treatment of HNSCC. Given these results across multiple clinical trials and drug regimens, it is unlikely that additional trials of TLR agonists will demonstrate clinical benefits in HNSCC.

  View details for DOI 10.3390/cancers15174386

  View details for PubMedID 37686661

• ASO Visual Abstract: Augmented Reality Surgery to Guide Head and Neck Cancer Re-resection: A Feasibility and Accuracy Study. Annals of surgical oncology Prasad, K., Miller, A., Sharif, K., Colazo, J. M., Ye, W., Necker, F., Baik, F., Lewis, J. S., Rosenthal, E., Wu, J. Y., Topf, M. C. 2023

  View details for DOI 10.1245/s10434-023-13614-0

  View details for PubMedID 37210454

• Augmented-Reality Surgery to Guide Head and Neck Cancer Re-resection: A Feasibility and Accuracy Study. Annals of surgical oncology Prasad, K., Miller, A., Sharif, K., Colazo, J. M., Ye, W., Necker, F., Baik, F., Lewis, J. S., Rosenthal, E., Wu, J. Y., Topf, M. C. 2023

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Given the complex three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of head and neck cancer specimens, head and neck surgeons often have difficulty relocating the site of an initial positive margin to perform re-resection. This cadaveric study aimed to determine the feasibility and accuracy of augmented reality surgery to guide head and neck cancer re-resections.METHODS: This study investigated three cadaveric specimens. The head and neck resection specimen was 3D scanned and exported to the HoloLens augmented reality environment. The surgeon manually aligned the 3D specimen hologram into the resection bed. Accuracy of manual alignment and time intervals throughout the protocol were recorded.RESULTS: The 20 head and neck cancer resections performed in this study included 13 cutaneous and 7 oral cavity resections. The mean relocation error was 4 mm (range, 1-15 mm) with a standard deviation of 3.9 mm. The mean overall protocol time, from the start of 3D scanning to alignment into the resection bed, was 25.3 ± 8.9 min (range, 13.2-43.2 min). Relocation error did not differ significantly when stratified by greatest dimension of the specimen. The mean relocation error of complex oral cavity composite specimens (maxillectomy and mandibulectomy) differed significantly from that of all the other specimen types (10.7 vs 2.8; p < 0.01).CONCLUSIONS: This cadaveric study demonstrated the feasibility and accuracy of augmented reality to guide re-resection of initial positive margins in head and neck cancer surgery.

  View details for DOI 10.1245/s10434-023-13532-1

  View details for PubMedID 37133570

• Virtual Resection Specimen Interaction Using Augmented Reality Holograms to Guide Margin Communication and Flap Sizing. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Necker, F. N., Chang, M., Leuze, C., Topf, M. C., Daniel, B. L., Baik, F. M. 2023

  Abstract

  Head and neck surgeons often have difficulty in relocating sites of positive margins due to the complex 3-dimensional (3D) anatomy of the head and neck. We introduce a new technique where resection specimens are 3D scanned with a smartphone, annotated in computer-assisted design software, and immediately visualized on augmented reality (AR) glasses. The 3D virtual specimen can be accurately superimposed onto surgical sites for orientation and sizing applications. During an operative workshop, a surgeon using AR glasses projected virtual, annotated specimen models back into the resection bed onto a cadaver within approximately 10minutes. Colored annotations can correspond with pathologic annotations and guide the orientation of the virtual 3D specimen. The model was also overlayed onto a flap harvest site to aid in reconstructive planning. We present a new technique allowing interactive, sterile inspection of tissue specimens in AR that could facilitate communication among surgeons and pathologists and assist with reconstructive surgery.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/ohn.325

  View details for PubMedID 36934457

• Complications of pectoralis major myo-cutaneous flap, anterolateral thigh flap and radial forearm free flap after total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Microsurgery Costantino, A., Festa, B. M., Kim, S., Baik, F. M., Wang, C., Pirola, F., Malvezzi, L., Spriano, G., Mercante, G., De Virgilio, A. 2022

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: No consensus exists regarding the most effective reconstruction after total laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy (TLwPP). This study aims to compare different reconstructive techniques (pectoralis major myo-cutaneous flap, PMMCF; anterolateral thigh flap, ALTF; radial forearm free flap, RFFF) after TLwPP in terms of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), stenosis and feeding tube dependence (FTD) incidence.METHODS: The Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched. A single-arm meta-analysis was performed for PCF incidence, stenosis incidence, and FTD incidence on the entire cohort. An arm-based network analysis was conducted to compare three different surgical interventions (PMMCF, ALTF, RFFF).RESULTS: A total of 13 studies and 232 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. The lowest PCF absolute risk was measured for the RFFF (11.7%, 95% CI: 2.8%-33.4%), compared to the ALTF (13.4%, 95% CI: 4.5%-32.1%) and the PMMC (49.0%, 95% CI: 19.2%-79.3%). The RFFF showed a stenosis absolute risk of 0.0% (95% CI: 0.0%-1.1%), while a higher stenosis incidence was measured for the ALTF (5.7%, 95% CI: 0.8%-25.2%) and the PMMCF (11.6%, 95% CI: 0.8%-55.1%). The RFFF showed the lowest absolute risk of FTD incidence (6.8%, 95% CI: 0.5%-28.1%) compared to the other reconstructive techniques (PMMCF: 12.4%, 95% CI: 2.4%-42.1%; ALTF: 17.5%, 95% CI: 6.4%-38.9%).CONCLUSIONS: The RFFF seems the best choice for reconstruction of partial pharyngeal defects after TLwPP due to the lower incidence of PCF, stenosis and FTD compared to the ALTF and the PMMCF.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/micr.30977

  View details for PubMedID 36259780

• The Evolution of Fluorescence-Guided Surgery. Molecular imaging and biology Van Keulen, S., Hom, M., White, H., Rosenthal, E. L., Baik, F. M. 2022

  Abstract

  There has been continual development of fluorescent agents, imaging systems, and their applications over the past several decades. With the recent FDA approvals of 5-aminolevulinic acid, hexaminolevulinate, and pafolacianine, much of the potential that fluorescence offers for image-guided oncologic surgery is now being actualized. In this article, we review the evolution of fluorescence-guided surgery, highlight the milestones which have contributed to successful clinical translation, and examine the future of targeted fluorescence imaging.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s11307-022-01772-8

  View details for PubMedID 36123445

• 89Zr-panitumumab combined with 18F-FDG-PET improves detection and staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research Lee, Y., van den Berg, N. S., Duan, H., Azevedo, E. C., Ferri, V., Hom, M., Raymundo, R. C., Valencia, A., Castillo, J., Shen, B., Zhou, Q., Freeman, L., Koran, M. E., Kaplan, M. J., Colevas, A. D., Baik, F. M., Chin, F. T., Martin, B. A., Iagaru, A., Rosenthal, E. L. 2022

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: Determine the safety and specificity of a tumor-targeted radiotracer (89Zr-pan) in combination with 18F-FDG PET/CT to improve diagnostic accuracy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Adult patients with biopsy-proven HNSCC scheduled for standard of care surgery were enrolled in a clinical trial and underwent systemic administration of 89Zirconium-panitumumab and panitumumab-IRDye800 followed by preoperative 89Zr-pan PET/CT and intraoperative fluorescence imaging. The sensitivity, specificity, and AUC were evaluated.RESULTS: A total of fourteen patients were enrolled and completed the study. Four patients (28.5%) had areas of high 18F-FDG uptake outside the head and neck region with maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) greater than 2.0 that were not detected on 89Zr-pan PET/CT. These four patients with incidental findings underwent further workup and had no evidence of cancer on biopsy or clinical follow-up. Forty-eight lesions (primary tumor, LNs, incidental findings) with SUVmax ranging 2.0 - 23.6 were visualized on 18F-FDG PET/CT; 34 lesions on 89Zr-pan PET/CT with SUVmax ranging 0.9 - 10.5. The combined ability of 18F-FDG PET/CT and 89Zr-pan PET/CT to detect HNSCC in the whole body was improved with higher specificity of 96.3% (confidence interval (CI) 89.2 - 100%) compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT alone with specificity of 74.1% (CI 74.1 - 90.6%). One possibly related grade 1 adverse event of prolonged QTc (460 ms) was reported but resolved in follow-up.CONCLUSIONS: 89Zr-pan PET/CT imaging is safe and may be valuable in discriminating incidental findings identified on 18F-FDG-PET/CT from true positive lesions and in localizing metastatic LNs.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-22-0094

  View details for PubMedID 35929985

• Fluorescent molecular imaging can improve intraoperative sentinel margin detection in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine Krishnan, G., van den Berg, N. S., Nishio, N., Kapoor, S., Pei, J., Freeman, L., Lee, Y., van Keulen, S., Fakurnejad, S., Condon, J., Back, F., Martin, B., Rosenthal, E. L. 1800

  Abstract

  Rationale: In head and neck cancer, a major limitation of current intraoperative margin analysis is the ability to detect areas most likely to be positive based on specimen palpation, especially for larger specimens where sampling error limits detection of positive margins. This study aims to prospectively examine the clinical value of fluorescent molecular imaging to accurately identify "the sentinel margin," the point on a specimen where tumour lies closest to the resected edge in real-time during frozen section analysis. Methods: Eighteen patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled into a prospective clinical trial and infused intravenously with 50mg of panitumumab-IRDye800CW 1-5 days prior to surgery. Resected specimens were imaged in a closed-field near-infrared optical imaging system in near-real time, and custom designed software was used to identify locations of highest fluorescence on deep and peripheral margins. The surgeon identified the sentinel margin blinded to optical specimen mapping, and then the regions of highest fluorescence were identified and marked for frozen analysis. Final pathology based on specimen reconstruction was used as reference standard. Results: Resected specimens were imaged in the operating room and fluorescence had a higher interobserver agreement with pathology (Cohen kappa value 0.96) than the surgeon (Cohen kappa values of 0.82) for the location of the closest margin. Plotting margin distance at the predicted sentinel margin location of each observer versus the actual closest margin distance at pathology demonstrated best correlation between fluorescence and pathology (R2 = 0.98), with surgeon (R2 = 0.75). Principal Conclusion: Fluorescence imaging can improve identification of the sentinel margin in head and neck cancer resections, holding promise for rapid identification of positive margins and improved oncological outcomes.

  View details for DOI 10.2967/jnumed.121.262235

  View details for PubMedID 35027369

• Landscape of innate lymphoid cells in human head and neck cancer reveals divergent NK cell states in the tumor microenvironment. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America Moreno-Nieves, U. Y., Tay, J. K., Saumyaa, S., Horowitz, N. B., Shin, J. H., Mohammad, I. A., Luca, B., Mundy, D. C., Gulati, G. S., Bedi, N., Chang, S., Chen, C., Kaplan, M. J., Rosenthal, E. L., Holsinger, F. C., Divi, V., Baik, F. M., Sirjani, D. B., Gentles, A. J., Newman, A. M., Freud, A. G., Sunwoo, J. B. 2021; 118 (28)

  Abstract

  Natural killer (NK) cells comprise one subset of the innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family. Despite reported antitumor functions of NK cells, their tangible contribution to tumor control in humans remains controversial. This is due to incomplete understanding of the NK cell states within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we demonstrate that peripheral circulating NK cells differentiate down two divergent pathways within the TME, resulting in different end states. One resembles intraepithelial ILC1s (ieILC1) and possesses potent in vivo antitumor activity. The other expresses genes associated with immune hyporesponsiveness and has poor antitumor functional capacity. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) and direct contact between the tumor cells and NK cells are required for the differentiation into CD49a+CD103+ cells, resembling ieILC1s. These data explain the similarity between ieILC1s and tissue-resident NK cells, provide insight into the origin of ieILC1s, and identify the ieILC1-like cell state within the TME to be the NK cell phenotype with the greatest antitumor activity. Because the proportions of the different ILC states vary between tumors, these findings provide a resource for the clinical study of innate immune responses against tumors and the design of novel therapy.

  View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.2101169118

  View details for PubMedID 34244432

• Metastatic and sentinel lymph node mapping using intravenously delivered Panitumumab-IRDye800CW. Theranostics Krishnan, G., van den Berg, N. S., Nishio, N., Juniper, G., Pei, J., Zhou, Q., Lu, G., Lee, Y. J., Ramos, K., Iagaru, A. H., Baik, F. M., Colevas, A. D., Martin, B. A., Rosenthal, E. L. 2021; 11 (15): 7188-7198

  Abstract

  Rationale: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a well-established minimally invasive staging procedure that maps the spread of tumour metastases from their primary site to the regional lymphatics. Currently, the procedure requires the local peri-tumoural injection of radiolabelled and/or optical agents, and is therefore operator dependent, disruptive to surgical workflow and restricted largely to a small subset of malignancies that can be readily accessed externally for local tracer injection. The present study set out to determine whether intravenous (IV) infusion of a tumor-targeted tracer could identify sentinel and metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in order to overcome these limitations. Methods: We examined 27 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), 18 of whom were clinically node negative (cN0). Patients were infused intravenously with 50mg of Panitumumab-IRDye800CW prior to surgical resection of their primary tumour with neck dissection and/or SLNB. Lymphadenectomy specimens underwent fluorescence molecular imaging to evaluate tracer distribution to LNs. Results: A total of 960 LNs were analysed, of which 34 (3.5%) contained metastatic disease. Panitumumab-IRDye800CW preferentially localized to metastatic and sentinel LNs as evidenced by a higher fluorescent signal relative to other lymph nodes. The median MFI of metastatic LNs was significantly higher than the median MFI of benign LNs (0.06 versus 0.02, p < 0.05). Furthermore, selecting the highest five fluorescence intensity LNs from individual specimens resulted in 100% sensitivity, 85.8% specificity and 100% negative predictive value (NPV) for the detection of occult metastases and 100% accuracy for clinically staging the neck. In the cN+ cohort, assessment of the highest 5 fluorescence LNs per patient had 87.5% sensitivity, 93.2% specificity and 99.1% NPV for the detection of metastatic nodes. Conclusion: When intravenously infused, a tumour-targeted tracer localized to sentinel and metastatic lymph nodes. Further validation of an IV tumor-targeted tracer delivery approach for SLNB could dramatically change the practice of SLNB, allowing its application to other malignancies where the primary tumour is not accessible for local tracer injection.

  View details for DOI 10.7150/thno.55389

  View details for PubMedID 34158844

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC8210603

• Metastatic and sentinel lymph node mapping using intravenously delivered Panitumumab-IRDye800CW THERANOSTICS Krishnan, G., van den Berg, N. S., Nishio, N., Juniper, G., Pei, J., Zhou, Q., Lu, G., Lee, Y., Ramos, K., Iagaru, A. H., Baik, F. M., Colevas, A. D., Martin, B. A., Rosenthal, E. L. 2021; 11 (15): 7188-7198

  View details for DOI 10.7150/thno.55389

  View details for Web of Science ID 000655136400005

• Effect of Formalin Fixation for Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging with an Antibody-Dye Conjugate in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Molecular imaging and biology Kapoor, S., Lu, G., van den Berg, N. S., Krishnan, G., Pei, J., Zhou, Q., Martin, B. A., Baik, F. M., Rosenthal, E. L., Nishio, N. 2020

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of formalin fixation for near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging of an antibody-dye complex (panitumumab-IRDye800CW) that was intravenously administered to patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) scheduled to undergo surgery of curative intent.PROCEDURES: HNSCC patients were infused with 25 or 50mg of panitumumab-IRDye800CW followed by surgery 1-5days later. Following resection, primary tumor specimens were imaged in a closed-field fluorescence imaging device, before and after formalin fixation. The fluorescence images of formalin-fixed specimens were compared with images prior to formalin fixation. Regions of interest were drawn on the primary tumor and on the adjacent normal tissue on the fluorescence images. The mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) of the fresh and formalin-fixed tissues were compared.RESULTS: Of the 30 enrolled patients, 20 tissue specimens were eligible for this study. Formalin fixation led to an average of 10% shrinkage in tumor specimen size (p<0.0001). Tumor MFI in formalin-fixed specimens was on average 10.9% lower than that in the fresh specimens (p=0.0002). However, no statistical difference was found between the TBRs of the fresh specimens and those of the formalin-fixed specimens (p=0.85).CONCLUSIONS: Despite the 11% decrease in MFI between fresh and formalin-fixed tissue specimens, the relative difference between tumor and normal tissue as measured in TBR remained unchanged. This data suggests that evaluation of formalin-fixed tissue for assessing the accuracy of fluorescence-guided surgery approaches could provide a valid, yet more flexible, alternative to fresh tissue analysis.TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02415881.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s11307-020-01553-1

  View details for PubMedID 33078373

• Oral squamous carcinoma: Aggressive tumor pattern of invasion predicts direct mandible invasion. Head & neck Yue, L. E., Sharif, K. F., Sims, J. R., Sandler, M. L., Baik, F. M., Sobotka, S., Everest, S., Brandwein-Weber, M., Khorsandi, A. S., Likhterov, I., Urken, M. L. 2020

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Aggressive histologic worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) in surrounding soft tissue has been shown to be predictive of higher local recurrence and poorer survival in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) patients. This study investigates whether aggressive WPOI can predict the mandibular invasion phenotype.METHODS: Patients consecutively diagnosed with OCSCC undergoing a mandibulectomy (marginal or segmental) between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed. Senior physicians re-reviewed radiologic scans and pathologic slides of 44 cases.RESULTS: Aggressive WPOI (WPOI-4, 5) is significantly associated with infiltrative bone invasion. Non-aggressive WPOI (WPOI-1, 2, 3) is significantly associated with the absence of bone invasion.CONCLUSIONS: WPOI has become a useful tool that further characterizes the biologic behavior of OCSCC. Potentially, planned surgery may escalate from a marginal to segmental mandibulectomy based on aggressive WPOI for patients with radiographically uncertain cortical status. Further studies are needed to validate the relationship between OCSCC WPOI and mandible status.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.26360

  View details for PubMedID 32710523

• Molecular profiling of a primary cutaneous signet-ring cell/histiocytoid carcinoma of the eyelid. Journal of cutaneous pathology Raghavan, S., Clark, M., Louie, C., Jensen, K. C., Dietrich, B., Beadle, B. M., El-Sawy, T., Baik, F., Kunder, C. A., Brown, R. A. 2020

  Abstract

  Primary cutaneous signet-ring cell/histiocytoid carcinoma of the eyelid is a rare and aggressive neoplasm. Fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the literature, and the genetic driving mutations are unknown. Herein, we present a case of this rare disease along with the results of molecular profiling via targeted next generation sequencing. The patient is an 85-year-old man who presented with left eyelid swelling initially thought to be a chalazion. After no response to incision and drainage and antibiotics, an incisional biopsy was performed. Histologic sections revealed a proliferation of cells with signet-ring and histiocytoid morphology arranged singly and in cords infiltrating the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle. The lesional cells strongly expressed cytoplasmic cytokeratin 7 and nuclear androgen receptor. Next generation sequencing revealed a CDH1 mutation, which is known to confer signet-ring morphology in other carcinomas. Pathogenic mutations in NTRK3, CDKN1B and PIK3CA were also detected. To our knowledge, this is the first documented genetic analysis of this rare disease with findings that offer insights into disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/cup.13733

  View details for PubMedID 32358805

• Positive Lymph Node Counts in American Thyroid Association Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients. World journal of surgery Griffin, M. J., Baik, F. M., Brandwein-Weber, M., Qazi, M., Yue, L. E., Osorio, M., Urken, M. L. 2020

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Current American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines state that patients with intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) may benefit from remnant ablation. One criterion for intermediate-risk classification is>5 positive lymph nodes (LNs). We investigate whether performing step-sectioning of LNs increases the metastatic detection rate, thereby influencing ATA risk of recurrence (ROR) classification.METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of cases in which≥5 LNs were removed during thyroidectomy and≤5 LNs were found positive for PTC. Step-sectioning was performed on the original tissue blocks. All slides were re-reviewed by a senior pathologist.RESULTS: Twenty patients met study criteria. Step-sectioning significantly increased LN yield compared to standard sectioning. In total, we found 12 new positive lymph nodes; seven (58%) were in totally new lymph nodes, while five (42%) were in lymph nodes previously read as negative. All newly discovered metastases were classified as micrometastases (≤2mm). Of the 15 patients originally classified as low-risk, the step-sectioning protocol impacted two patients (13%), increasing ROR stratification.CONCLUSION: Intensive step-sectioning reveals additional micrometastases. More detailed analysis did not identify clinically significant nodal disease likely to impact the clinical course of patients in this study. Our study supports current standards of pathology specimen handling related to LN assessment and the impact on ATA ROR classification. Nonetheless, it is important for clinicians to understand their institution's sectioning protocol utilized to report positive and total LN counts, which could impact ATA risk stratification and denote the comprehensive nature of the LN dissection that was performed.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00268-020-05399-0

  View details for PubMedID 32055968

• Where Dysphagia Begins: Polypharmacy and Xerostomia. Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS Marcott, S. n., Dewan, K. n., Kwan, M. n., Baik, F. n., Lee, Y. J., Sirjani, D. n. 2020; 37 (5): 234–41

  Abstract

  Xerostomia, the subjective sensation of dry mouth, contributes to dysarthria, dysphagia, and diminished quality of life. Polypharmacy is a known and modifiable risk factor for xerostomia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dry mouth, the relationship between dry mouth and other oral conditions, and the impact of polypharmacy on dry mouth.This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients seen in fiscal year (FY) 2015 (October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015) at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), a tertiary care US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. Patients diagnosed with xerostomia were identified using ICD-9 codes (527.7, 527.8, R68.2) and Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) codes (87715008, 78948009).Of all the patients seen at VAPAHCS during FY 2015, 138 had a diagnostic code for xerostomia; of those patients, 84 had at least 1 documented speech, dentition, or swallowing (SDS) problem, and 55 (39.9%) were taking ≥ 12 medications, more than twice as many patients as in any one of the other groups studied (0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11 medications taken). Although 4,971 total patients seen at VAPAHCS had documented SDS problems during FY 2015, of those patients only 77 (1.5%) had an additional recorded diagnosis of xerostomia.Heightened physician awareness regarding the signs and symptoms of and risk factors for xerostomia is needed to improve health care providers' ability to diagnose dry mouth. Polypharmacy also must be considered when developing new strategies for preventing and treating xerostomia.

  View details for PubMedID 32454578

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7241606

• Radiographic surveillance of abdominal free fat graft in complex parotid pleomorphic adenomas: A case series. Heliyon Lee, Y. J., Fischbein, N. J., Megwalu, U. n., Baik, F. M., Divi, V. n., Kaplan, M. J., Sirjani, D. B. 2020; 6 (5): e03894

  Abstract

  Free abdominal fat transfer is commonly used to restore facial volume and improve cosmesis after parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenomas. We describe the radiographic characteristics of these grafts on follow-up imaging.Medical records of four patients who underwent parotidectomy with abdominal fat graft in 2016 and had follow up imaging available were retrospectively analyzed. An otolaryngologist and neuroradiologist reviewed imaging studies, evaluated the fat grafts, and monitored for residual or recurrent disease.The abdominal fat was successfully grafted in all four patients. Post-operative baseline magnetic resonance imaging and additional surveillance imaging showed fat grafts with minimal volume loss. However, there was development of irregular enhancement consistent with fat necrosis in two of the four patients.Radiographic surveillance of free fat graft reconstruction after pleomorphic adenoma resection shows minimal contraction in size but development of fat necrosis. Recognition of expected changes should help avoid confusion with residual or recurrent disease, reassuring both patient and treating physician.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03894

  View details for PubMedID 32395660

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7210407

• Multifocal Parotid Oncocytic Cystadenomatosis: A Rare Process that Can Mimic Malignancy. Head and neck pathology Yue, L. E., Spaulding, S. L., Baik, F. M., Khorsandi, A. n., Brandwein-Weber, M. n., Urken, M. L. 2020

  Abstract

  Multifocal cystic oncocytosis (MCO) is a rare, benign process accounting for approximately 0.1% of salivary gland lesions. Salivary oncocytosis is characterized by multiple unencapsulated solid nodules of oncocytic cells derived from transformed striated ducts. MCO is a variant of salivary oncocytosis which manifests as cystically dilated striated ducts. It is difficult to obtain a definitive preoperative diagnosis of MCO; therefore, these lesions are commonly treated with surgery. We report the unique case of a 66-year-old male who previously underwent a superficial left parotidectomy for a pleomorphic adenoma. Four years later, he presented with clinical and radiographic suspicion of a multifocal recurrent pleomorphic adenoma. The patient subsequently underwent a revision parotidectomy. However, final pathology confirmed a diagnosis of MCO. Although MCO is commonly treated with surgery due to lack of a definitive preoperative diagnosis, surgery is unnecessary outside of diagnostic, functional or cosmetic considerations. Thus, if a patient with parotid oncocytosis treated by superficial parotidectomy develops disease re-manifestation in the residual deep lobe, further surgery is not indicated. There is no risk of malignant progression in this process. We report on this unusual entity as it may mimic salivary malignancy or, as in this case, recurrence of benign disease.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s12105-020-01170-y

  View details for PubMedID 32410133

• Endoscopic Fluorescence-Guided Surgery for Sinonasal Cancer Using an Antibody-Dye Conjugate. The Laryngoscope Hart, Z. P., Nishio, N., Krishnan, G., Lu, G., Zhou, Q., Fakurnejad, S., Wormald, P. J., van den Berg, N. S., Rosenthal, E. L., Baik, F. M. 2019

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic resection of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma has become the standard of care, but challenges remain in obtaining clear resection margins. The current study evaluated the feasibility of endoscopic fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) to improve surgical resection in a human sinus surgical model.METHODS: A fluorescence endoscope optimized for near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence detection was evaluated in a phantom study. Various endoscope diameters (4 and 10mm) and viewing angles (0, 30, and 45 degrees) were evaluated to determine the sensitivity of the system for IRDye800CW detection at various working distances (1-5 cm). Endoscopic FGS was then validated in a three-dimensional human sinus surgical model to which squamous cell tumors derived from mice were inserted. Mice had received intravenous panitumumab-IRDye800CW and upon fluorescence-guided tumor resection, mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) were calculated in in situ and ex vivo settings.RESULTS: A significantly higher fluorescence intensity was found when using the 10-mm diameter endoscope compared to the 4mm diameter endoscope (P<.001). No significant difference in MFI was found among the viewing angles of the 4-mm diameter endoscope. Using the human sinus model, the highest MFI and TBR were obtained at a 1-cm working distance compared to longer working distances.CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that clinically acceptable TBRs were obtained with several working distances to discriminate tumor tissue from adjacent normal tissue in a human sinus model, and that endoscopic FGS may have great potential in identifying residual tumor tissue regions during surgery. Laryngoscope, 2019.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/lary.28483

  View details for PubMedID 31854462

• Ten patients with high-grade transformation of acinic cell carcinomas: Expression profiling of beta-catenin and cyclin D1 is useful. Pathology, research and practice Yue, L. E., Samankan, S., Liu, X., Sharif, K. F., Everest, S., Singh, T., Dhorajiya, P., Baik, F. M., Khorsandi, A., Stevens, T. M., Brandwein-Weber, M., Urken, M. L. 2019: 152767

  Abstract

  Conventional acinic cell carcinoma (CACC) represents a prototypical low-grade salivary malignancy. Rarely, acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) can demonstrate aggressive features (zones of necrosis, apoptosis, varying nuclear atypia) warranting classification as "ACC with high-grade transformation" (HGT-ACC) or "dedifferentiated" ACC. This study reports ten new cases of HGT-ACC. There is potential for subtlety in recognizing high-grade transformation and distinguishing discrete nodules of necrosis from cytology aspiration changes. We compared immunohistochemical (IHC) profiles, specifically beta-catenin (bCAT) and cyclin D1 expression, which have been touted as potentially helpful in this context. We quantified morphology (primary axis nucleus, nuclear area and perimeter) in HGT-ACC and CACC. Clinical outcome is known for eight HGT-ACC patients; three patients developed locoregional or distant metastases, five remained disease-free. Nine of ten HGT-ACC expressed strong, diffuse, membranous bCAT. CACC demonstrated lower intensity of membranous bCAT expression. Strong, diffuse nuclear cyclin D1 was seen in five of ten HGT-ACC whereas no CACC demonstrated cyclin D1 with distribution greater than 50 %. The quantified nuclear morphologic features of CACC and HGT-ACC demonstrated overlapping means values. Maximum values for nuclear primary axis, area, and perimeter were greater for HGT-ACC versus CACC, corresponding to a subpopulation of larger tumor cells in HGT-ACC. The poor outcome associated with HGT-ACC justifies its recognition, which should alter surgical approach with respect to elective neck dissection or possible facial nerve sacrifice. With respect to ancillary IHC studies, strong, diffuse membranous bCAT expression, with or without strong nuclear cyclin D1≥50 % distribution or Ki67 index ≥ 25 % supports this diagnosis.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152767

  View details for PubMedID 31812438

• Combined mandibular and maxillary reconstruction: Managing sinus secretions and preventing infection LARYNGOSCOPE Baik, F. M., Yue, L. E., Sharif, K. F., Sims, J. R., Urken, M. L. 2019; 129 (11): 2475–78

  View details for DOI 10.1002/lary.27819

  View details for Web of Science ID 000491220700015

• Fluorescence molecular imaging for identification of high-grade dysplasia in patients with head and neck cancer. Oral oncology Fakurnejad, S., van Keulen, S., Nishio, N., Engelen, M., van den Berg, N. S., Lu, G., Birkeland, A., Baik, F., Colevas, A. D., Rosenthal, E. L., Martin, B. A. 2019; 97: 50–55

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVE: High-grade dysplasia is associated with a risk of malignant transformation, and it is necessary to distinguish from normal epithelium or low-grade dysplasia, especially in the intraoperative setting. We hypothesize that an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) contrast agent can be used to differentiate high-grade dysplasia from low-grade dysplasia and normal epithelium.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with biopsy proven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were enrolled in a clinical trial using systemically injected fluorescently labeled anti-EGFR antibody (panitumumab-IRDye800CW) (NCT02415881). Paraffin embedded tumor specimens from 11 patients were evaluated by fluorescence histopathology. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) slides were reviewed by a board-certified pathologist, and regions of invasive squamous cell carcinoma, high-grade dysplasia and low-grade dysplasia were delineated. EGFR expression was assessed for each patient by way of immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: 11 patients were included in the study with a total of 219 areas on tissue sections analyzed; 68 normal epithelium, 53 low-grade dysplasia, 48 high-grade dysplasia, and 50 malignant regions. The signal-to-background ratio (SBR) increased proportionally with increasing grade of dysplasia; normal epithelium (1.5 ± 0.1), low-grade dysplasia (1.8 ± 0.1), high-grade dysplasia: (2.3 ± 0.2). High-grade dysplasia had a significantly higher SBR when compared to normal or low-grade dysplasia (p < 0.05). Fluorescence histopathology positively correlated with EGFR expression by immunohistochemistry, which also increased proportionally with increasing degree of dysplasia.CONCLUSION: Molecular imaging with an anti-EGFR agent can successfully discriminate high-grade dysplastic lesions from low-grade dysplasia and normal epithelium.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.08.008

  View details for PubMedID 31421471

• Acinic Cell Carcinoma with High-Grade Transformation: beta-Catenin and Cyclin D1 Data Everest, S., Yue, L., Qazi, M., Stevens, T., Sharif, K., Baik, F., Dhorajiya, P., Liu, X., Brandwein-Weber, M. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2019

  View details for Web of Science ID 000478081102183

• Acinic Cell Carcinoma with High-Grade Transformation: beta-Catenin and Cyclin D1 Data Everest, S., Yue, L., Qazi, M., Stevens, T., Sharif, K., Baik, F., Dhorajiya, P., Liu, X., Brandwein-Weber, M. NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. 2019

  View details for Web of Science ID 000478915502429

• Combined mandibular and maxillary reconstruction: Managing sinus secretions and preventing infection. The Laryngoscope Baik, F. M., Yue, L. E., Sharif, K. F., Sims, J. R., Urken, M. L. 2019

  View details for PubMedID 30667067

• Reconstructive and prosthodontic outcomes after multiple palatomaxillary reconstructions. The Laryngoscope Sharif, K. F., Sims, J. R., Yue, L. E., Baik, F. M., Kiplagat, K. J., Buchbinder, D. n., Okay, D. J., Chai, R. L., Urken, M. L. 2019

  Abstract

  A subset of patients who undergo major palatomaxillary reconstruction do not initially achieve their intended oncologic and/or reconstructive goals and require additional surgery. We aim to detail the unique management considerations in this patient population.We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent palatomaxillary reconstruction by the senior author (m.l.u.) between 1998 and 2016.Twenty-one patients required multiple reconstructions. The median time to second reconstruction was 17 months. The most common reason for a second reconstruction was for recurrent disease (10 of 21), followed by functional/aesthetic reasons (7 of 21) and osteoradionecrosis (4 of 21). Four patients went on to have a third reconstruction, and two underwent a fourth. A total of 27 reconstructions were performed, consisting of 20 soft tissue free flaps, four vascularized bone free flaps, and three locoregional flaps.This patient cohort represents unique oncologic and reconstructive challenges. With long-term follow-up, multiple reconstructions may be required to optimize oncologic and functional/aesthetic outcomes. This is the first series of its kind that details the reasons for, as well as the outcomes of, patients who required multiple reconstructive procedures following initial palatomaxillary reconstruction.2B Laryngoscope, 2019.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/lary.28481

  View details for PubMedID 31886884

• Intraoperative Molecular Imaging for ex vivo Assessment of Peripheral Margins in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Frontiers in oncology Fakurnejad, S. n., Krishnan, G. n., van Keulen, S. n., Nishio, N. n., Birkeland, A. C., Baik, F. M., Kaplan, M. J., Colevas, A. D., van den Berg, N. S., Rosenthal, E. L., Martin, B. A. 2019; 9: 1476

  Abstract

  Objective: Complete surgical resection is the standard of care for treatment of oral cancer although the positive margin rate remains 15-30%. Tissue sampling from the resected specimen and from the wound bed for frozen section analysis (FSA) remains the mainstay for intraoperative margin assessment but is subject to sampling error and can require the processing of multiple samples. We sought to understand if an ex vivo imaging strategy using a tumor-targeted fluorescently labeled antibody could accurately identify the closest peripheral margin on the mucosal surface of resected tumor specimen, so that this "sentinel margin" could be used to guide pathological sampling. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma scheduled for surgical resection were consented for the study and received systemic administration of a tumor-targeted fluorescently labeled antibody (Panitumumab IRDye800CW). After surgical resection, the tumor specimen was imaged using a closed-field fluorescent imaging device. Relevant pathological data was available for five patients on retrospective review. For each of these five patients, two regions of highest fluorescence intensity at the peripheral margin and one region of lowest fluorescence intensity were identified, and results were correlated with histology to determine if the region of highest fluorescence intensity along the mucosal margin (i.e., the sentinel margin) was truly the closest margin. Results: Imaging acquisition of the mucosal surface of the specimen immediately after surgery took 30 s. In all of the specimens, the region of highest fluorescence at the specimen edge had a significantly smaller margin distance than other sampled regions. The average margin distance at the closest, "sentinel," margin was 3.2 mm compared to a margin distance of 8.0 mm at other regions (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study suggests that, when combined with routine FSA, ex vivo fluorescent specimen imaging can be used to identify the closest surgical margin on the specimen. This approach may reduce sampling error of intraoperative evaluation, which should ultimately improve the ability of the surgeon to identify the sentinel margin. This rapid sentinel margin identification improves the surgeon's orientation to areas most likely to be positive in the surgical wound bed and may expedite pathology workflow.

  View details for DOI 10.3389/fonc.2019.01476

  View details for PubMedID 31998640

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6965069

• Development of proficiency-based knot-tying and suturing curriculum for otolaryngology residents: A pilot study. Auris, nasus, larynx Sato, E. n., Mitani, S. n., Nishio, N. n., Kitani, T. n., Sanada, T. n., Ugumori, T. n., Christopher Holsinger, F. n., Baik, F. M., Hato, N. n. 2019

  Abstract

  Basic surgical skills such as knot-tying and suturing are important for all otolaryngologists, regardless of subspecialty. The present study was undertaken in order to assess basic surgical techniques such as knot-tying and suturing required for novice otolaryngology residents with taking the variety of subspecialties into consideration, and evaluate the impact of a proficiency-based training curriculum based on these techniques.A prospective study was performed for developing of proficiency-based knot-tying and suturing curriculum for otolaryngology residents in the third post-graduate year (PGY-3). The proficiency-based training curriculum was developed based on the tasks selected by RAND/UCLA method with expert panel, which is an iterative and anonymous survey used to establish consensus among participants. Expert panelists were selected from various divisions to reflect variety of their subspecialties. PGY-3 residents trained with the developed curriculum that included proctored pre-test, self-training to proficiency, and proctored post-test. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of trainees' overall competence in the operating room was self-assessed by each resident, before and after completing the training curriculum.Nine PGY-3 residents were enrolled as trainees. Eleven experts chosen as panelists had various subspecialty, including 2 from otology, 2 from rhinology, 2 from laryngology, 2 from head and neck surgery, and 3 from general otolaryngology. Seven tasks were selected from RAND/UCLA method and used to develop the curriculum. Trainee scores at pre-test were significantly lower than expert scores for all 7 tasks (p < 0.01) and each coefficient of variation of trainee score was larger than that of expert score (p < 0.05), supporting construct validity. The mean of composite scores between pre-test and post-test had statistical significance (68.6 ± 11.6 vs 95.9 ± 3.6, p < 0.01), documenting substantial improvement after training. Self-assessment VAS was also improved pre- to post-training (1.2 ± 0.9 vs 4.5 ± 1.4, p < 0.01). A follow-up questionnaire showed that trainees felt the educational curriculum to be beneficial.In the present study, seven basic technical skills were selected using the RAND/UCLA method and used to create a proficiency-based training curriculum. Our results indicate that this curriculum significantly improves proficiency of basic surgical skills of junior otolaryngology residents.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.anl.2019.11.005

  View details for PubMedID 31870599

• Gorilla endoscopic sinus surgery: a life-saving collaboration between human and veterinary medicine INTERNATIONAL FORUM OF ALLERGY & RHINOLOGY Davis, G. E., Baik, F. M., Liddell, R. M., Ayars, A. G., Branch, K. R., Pottinger, P. S., Hillel, A. D., Helmick, K., Collins, D. 2018; 8 (7): 857–62

  Abstract

  Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common disease process in humans; however, in the primate population of gorillas, it has rarely been described. This case describes lifesaving sinus surgery on a critically ill gorilla performed by a human otolaryngology team in collaboration with the gorilla's veterinary medicine team.The 35-year-old western silverback gorilla was treated for 3 months with aggressive medical therapy for a worsening sinus infection. When his condition became severe, a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed showing advanced chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps vs other masses and some bone erosion. As his condition deteriorated further, a tertiary otolaryngology team performed sinus surgery using the latest technology available, including image guidance, steroid-eluting sinus stents, and balloon sinus dilation. The postoperative course was complicated by subcutaneous infection and eventual fistulization. Fortunately, with culture-directed antibiotic therapy his condition gradually improved. One year later he required revision sinus surgery. At that point allergy testing was performed followed by appropriate allergy medical therapy. Now, 3 years out from his initial surgery, he continues to do well and has fathered a young female gorilla.This case represents a unique collaboration between human physicians and veterinarians. The combined medical approach was critical to heal this ailing gorilla. This case discusses many of the challenges and offers recommendations for physicians who may be involved with similar care of animals in the future.The success of the surgical and medical treatment of this gorilla's life-threatening sinus infection required many experts, careful planning, and corporate generosity. The interaction between human and animal medicine would not have been successful without the close and trusting collaborations between human and veterinary health providers. We encourage human healthcare providers to seek volunteer opportunities through their local zoos by engaging in discussions with their local veterinarians.

  View details for PubMedID 29569338

• Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint: A unique late complication after tracheostomy. American journal of otolaryngology Sharif, K. F., Baik, F. M., Jategaonkar, A. A., Khorsandi, A. S., Urken, M. L. 2018; 39 (5): 646-648

  Abstract

  Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several risk factors for septic arthritis have been reported in the literature ranging from immunodeficiency to intravenous drug use.A 63-year-old male previously treated for synchronous squamous cell carcinomas of the epiglottis and floor of mouth presented with tenderness and swelling of the sternoclavicular joint two months after tracheostomy decannulation. Computed tomography and bone scans confirmed the diagnosis of septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint. The patient's clinical course, surgical treatment, and management considerations are discussed here.Septic arthritis of the SCJ is a rare but serious infection. Once diagnosed, septic arthritis of the SCJ should be promptly treated to prevent further morbidity and mortality.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amjoto.2018.05.005

  View details for PubMedID 29776683

• A rare primary leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland: A case report and literature review. American journal of otolaryngology Yue, L. E., Qazi, M., Kiplagat, K., Baik, F. M., Khorsandi, A., Brandwein-Weber, M., Urken, M. 2018; 39 (3): 345-348

  Abstract

  Leiomyosarcoma of the head and neck region is very rare. Primary parotid leiomyosarcoma has only been reported nine times in the medical literature.A 68-year-old female presented with a left facial mass. Physical examination revealed a firm immobile mass at the level of the left parotid tail. No facial nerve dysfunction or palpable adenopathy was noted at the time of presentation. This patient underwent a superficial parotidectomy with a facial nerve dissection and left selective neck dissection.Pathologic findings revealed a sarcoma of intermediate to high-grade, composed of spindle cells with herringbone pattern, eosinophilic fibrillary cytoplasm, and focal granularity. Immunohistochemistry was positive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin and negative for desmin, S100 and CD34. The findings are consistent with a leiomyosarcoma. Following complete surgical resection, adjuvant radiation therapy was administered.Primary sarcomas of the parotid gland, specifically parotid leiomyosarcomas, are extremely rare. Based on this patient's tumor size, grade and resectability, this case met the criteria for a primary leiomyosarcoma. We present only the tenth case of a primary parotid leiomyosarcoma to be reported in the English literature.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amjoto.2018.01.010

  View details for PubMedID 29395283

• Airway management for symptomatic benign thyroid goiters with retropharyngeal involvement: Need for a surgical airway with report of 2 cases Otolaryngology Case Reports Baik, F. M., Zhu, V., Patel, A., Urken, M. L. 2018; 7 (C): 10-12

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.xocr.2017.10.003

• Survival and Gastrostomy Prevalence in Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer Treated With Transoral Robotic Surgery vs Chemoradiotherapy JAMA OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD & NECK SURGERY Sharma, A., Patel, S., Baik, F. M., Mathison, G., Pierce, B. G., Khariwala, S. S., Yueh, B., Schwartz, S. M., Mendez, E. 2016; 142 (7): 691–97

  Abstract

  Treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) presents unique challenges and can be associated with significant morbidity. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has emerged as a treatment modality for OPSCC, but data comparing outcomes between patients treated with TORS-based therapy and nonsurgical therapy are limited.To compare survival and gastrostomy prevalence between patients with OPSCC treated with TORS-based therapy and those treated with nonsurgical therapy.This retrospective matched-cohort study identified patients with OPSCC treated at the University of Washington and University of Minnesota tertiary care medical centers from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2013. Each patient treated with TORS-based therapy was matched by stage with as many as 3 patients treated with nonsurgical therapy. Final follow-up was completed on April 1, 2015.Disease-free survival, overall survival, and gastrostomy tube prevalence.One hundred twenty-seven patients met the study criteria (113 men [89.0%]; 14 women [11.0%]; median [interquartile range] age, 57 [52-63] years); 39 patients who underwent TORS were matched to 88 patients who underwent nonsurgical therapy. Compared with the nonsurgical group, more patients had p16-positive tumors in the TORS group (30 of 31 [96.8%] vs 30 of 37 [81.1%] among patients with known p16 status). No statistically significant difference in survival between treatment groups was found in multivariable analysis (disease-free survival hazard ratio, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.04-1.36; P = .10). Patients who received TORS-based therapy had lower gastrostomy tube prevalence after treatment (13 of 39 [33.3%] vs 74 of 88 [84.1%]) for a univariable relative risk of 0.43 (95% CI, 0.27-0.67; P < .001) and a multivariable relative risk of 0.43 (95% CI, 0.27-0.68; P < .001). Gastrostomy prevalence decreased by time after treatment for both groups (TORS group: 3 of 34 [9%] at 3 months to 1 of 33 [3%] at 12 months; nonsurgical group: 37 of 82 [45%] at 3 months to 7 of 66 [11%] at 12 months).Patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC have statistically indistinguishable survival but lower gastrostomy prevalence compared with patients undergoing nonsurgical therapy for stage-matched OPSCC. TORS offers promise for improved swallowing function in patients with OPSCC.

  View details for PubMedID 27347780

• Fluorescence Identification of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and High-Risk Oral Dysplasia With BLZ-100, a Chlorotoxin-Indocyanine Green Conjugate (vol 142, pg 330, 2016) JAMA OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD & NECK SURGERY Baik, F. M., Hansen, S., Knoblaugh, S. E., Sahetya, D., Mitchell, R. M., Xu, C., Olson, J. M., Parrish-Novak, J., Mendez, E. 2016; 142 (5): 505

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaoto.2016.0520

  View details for Web of Science ID 000376113400020

• Fluorescence Identification of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and High-Risk Oral Dysplasia With BLZ-100, a Chlorotoxin-Indocyanine Green Conjugate JAMA OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD & NECK SURGERY Baik, F. M., Hansen, S., Knoblaugh, S. E., Sahetya, D., Mitchell, R. M., Xu, C., Olson, J. M., Parrish-Novak, J., Mendez, E. 2016; 142 (4): 330–38

  Abstract

  Surgical cure of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains hampered by inadequately resected tumors and poor recognition of lesions with malignant potential. BLZ-100 is a chlorotoxin-based, tumor-targeting agent that has not yet been studied in HNSCC.To evaluate BLZ-100 uptake in models of HNSCC and oral dysplasia.This was an observational study (including sensitivity and specificity analysis) of BLZ-100 uptake in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of HNSCC and a carcinogen-induced dysplasia model of hamster cheek pouches.Various HNSCC xenografts were established in the tongues of NOD-scid IL2Rgammanull (NSG) mice. BLZ-100 was intravenously injected and fluorescence uptake was measured. To induce dysplasia, the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) was applied to the cheek pouch of Golden Syrian hamsters for 9 to16 weeks. BLZ-100 was subcutaneously injected, and fluorescence uptake was measured.The signal-to-background ratio (SBR) of BLZ-100 was measured in tumor xenografts. To calculate the sensitivity and specificity of BLZ-100 uptake, a digital grid was placed over tissue sections and correlative histologic sections to discretely measure fluorescence intensity and presence of tumor; a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was then plotted. In the hamster dysplasia model, cheeks were graded according to dysplasia severity. The SBR of BLZ-100 was compared among dysplasia grades.In HNSCC xenografts, BLZ-100 demonstrated a mean (SD) SBR of 2.51 (0.47). The ROC curve demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89; an SBR of 2.50 corresponded to 92% sensitivity and 74% specificity. When this analysis was focused on the tumor and nontumor interface, the AUC increased to 0.97; an SBR of 2.50 corresponded to 95% sensitivity and 91% specificity. DMBA treatment of hamster cheek pouches generated lesions representing all grades of dysplasia. The SBR of high-grade dysplasia was significantly greater than that of mild-to-moderate dysplasia (2.31 [0.71] vs 1.51 [0.34], P = .006).BLZ-100 is a sensitive and specific marker of HNSCC and can distinguish high-risk from low-risk dysplasia. BLZ-100 has the potential to serve as an intraoperative guide for tumor margin excision and identification of premalignant lesions.

  View details for PubMedID 26892902

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4972605

• Identification of High-Risk Plaques by MRI and Fluorescence Imaging in a Rabbit Model of Atherothrombosis. PloS one Hua, N., Baik, F., Pham, T., Phinikaridou, A., Giordano, N., Friedman, B., Whitney, M., Nguyen, Q. T., Tsien, R. Y., Hamilton, J. A. 2015; 10 (10): e0139833

  Abstract

  The detection of atherosclerotic plaques at risk for disruption will be greatly enhanced by molecular probes that target vessel wall biomarkers. Here, we test if fluorescently-labeled Activatable Cell Penetrating Peptides (ACPPs) could differentiate stable plaques from vulnerable plaques that disrupt, forming a luminal thrombus. Additionally, we test the efficacy of a combined ACPP and MRI technique for identifying plaques at high risk of rupture.In an atherothrombotic rabbit model, disrupted plaques were identified with in vivo MRI and co-registered in the same rabbit aorta with the in vivo uptake of ACPPs, cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) or thrombin. ACPP uptake, mapped ex vivo in whole aortas, was higher in disrupted compared to non-disrupted plaques. Specifically, disrupted plaques demonstrated a 4.5~5.0 fold increase in fluorescence enhancement, while non-disrupted plaques showed only a 2.2~2.5 fold signal increase. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicates that both ACPPs (MMP and thrombin) show high specificity (84.2% and 83.2%) and sensitivity (80.0% and 85.7%) in detecting disrupted plaques. The detection power of ACPPs was improved when combined with the MRI derived measure, outward remodeling ratio.Our targeted fluorescence ACPP probes distinguished disrupted plaques from stable plaques with high sensitivity and specificity. The combination of anatomic, MRI-derived predictors for disruption and ACPP uptake can further improve the power for identification of high-risk plaques and suggests future development of ACPPs with molecular MRI as a readout.

  View details for DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0139833

  View details for PubMedID 26448434

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4598148

• Upper Aerodigestive Magnetic Foreign Bodies in Children LARYNGOSCOPE Brown, J. C., Baik, F. M., Ou, H. C., Otjen, J. P., Parish, H. G., Chan, D. K. 2014; 124 (6): 1481–85

  Abstract

  Small, powerful magnets are increasingly available in toys and other products, and are responsible for increasing numbers of foreign body injuries in children. Small, spherical, neodymium magnets available since 2008 are of particular concern. We aimed to identify all cases of upper aerodigestive foreign bodies at our institution over 15.5 years of study.Case series including all patients treated at an urban, tertiary care children's hospital who had upper aerodigestive magnetic foreign bodies, from January 1, 1998 through April 30, 2013.We manually reviewed 7,049 patient records abstracted from billing data to identify all patients 0 to 20 years of age who had upper aerodigestive magnetic foreign bodies.We identified four cases of upper aerodigestive magnetic foreign bodies, one involving the hypopharynx, and three involving the upper esophagus. Three occurred in 2010 or later. Two cases involve the ingestion of multiple, spherical, neodymium magnets recently marketed as desktop toys. In both of these cases, there was a rapid development of mucosal injury at the site of attraction between two magnets.As small, powerful magnets become more ubiquitous, pediatric magnet foreign body injuries are increasing. Although most are gastrointestinal, we identified four recent cases involving the upper aerodigestive tract. Multiple magnets lodged in the hypopharynx or esophagus can rapidly cause pressure necrosis of mucosal tissues, and merit prompt management. Education regarding magnet safety and improved magnet safety standards are needed to reduce the risk of these injuries.4.

  View details for PubMedID 24391087

• A Large Juvenile Xanthogranuloma within the Tongue OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD AND NECK SURGERY Baik, F. M., Andeen, N. K., Schmechel, S. C., Futran, N. D. 2014; 150 (2): 332–33

  View details for PubMedID 24326868

• In vivo fluorescence imaging of atherosclerotic plaques with activatable cell-penetrating peptides targeting thrombin activity. Integrative biology : quantitative biosciences from nano to macro Olson, E. S., Whitney, M. A., Friedman, B., Aguilera, T. A., Crisp, J. L., Baik, F. M., Jiang, T., Baird, S. M., Tsimikas, S., Tsien, R. Y., Nguyen, Q. T. 2012; 4 (6): 595-605

  Abstract

  Thrombin and other coagulation enzymes have been shown to be important during atherosclerotic disease development. Study of these proteases is currently limited because of lack of robust molecular imaging agents for imaging protease activity in vivo. Activatable cell penetrating peptides (ACPPs) have been used to monitor MMP activity in tumors and, in principle, can be modified to detect other proteases. We have developed a probe that incorporates the peptide sequence DPRSFL from the proteinase activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) into an ACPP and shown that it is preferentially cleaved by purified thrombin. Active thrombin in serum cleaves DPRSFL-ACPP with >90% inhibition by lepirudin or argatroban. The DPRSFL-ACPP cleavage product accumulated in advanced atherosclerotic lesions in living mice, with 85% reduction in retention upon pre-injection of mice with hirudin. Uptake of the ACPP cleavage product was highest in plaques with histological features associated with more severe disease. Freshly resected human atheromas bathed in DPRSFL-ACPP retained 63% greater cleavage product compared to control ACPP. In conclusion, DPRSFL-ACPP can be used to study thrombin activity in coagulation and atherosclerosis with good spatial and temporal resolution. Thrombin-sensitive ACPPs may be developed into probes for early detection and intraoperative imaging of high risk atherosclerotic plaques.

  View details for DOI 10.1039/c2ib00161f

  View details for PubMedID 22534729

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3689578

• Inverting papilloma of the temporal bone: case report and meta-analysis of risk factors. Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology Shen, J., Baik, F., Mafee, M. F., Peterson, M., Nguyen, Q. T. 2011; 32 (7): 1124-33

  Abstract

  To review the literature on inverting papilloma of the middle ear and mastoid with a focus on familiarizing clinicians with its presentation and cause and to discuss its epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic issues.Search of the English literature for cases of inverted papilloma of temporal bone in conjunction with 1 new case presenting at the UCSD Medical Center.Academic, tertiary referral hospital.The patient underwent radical mastoidectomy with adjuvant therapy, revealing substantial tumor growth filling the external ear canal and middle ear space and obliterating much of the mastoid air cells. Histopathology confirmed inverted papilloma of the middle ear and mastoid. The patient underwent postoperative radiation and has been free of the disease at 6 months of follow-up.A total of 25 inverted papillomas of the temporal bone cases from the English literature between 1987 and 2010 were reviewed. This tumor commonly presents with hearing loss and otorrhea. Although rare, temporal inverted papillomas display a higher incidence of malignancy (40%) compared with sinonasal papillomas. Secondary and recurrent temporal disease was frequently associated with carcinomatous changes. Although recurrence rate is higher in temporal inverted papillomas than that in sinonasal disease, this difference becomes magnified in cases with more aggressive surgical approaches. We present a case of multicentric inverted papillomas in the middle ear and the sinonasal cavities.Efforts to define the cause of middle ear papilloma have been challenging because of its exceeding rarity. Although published literature shows that middle ear papillomas differ from their sinonasal counterparts pathologically and epidemiologically, these papillomas parallel in the unique characteristics of local aggressiveness, tendency to recur, association with malignancy, and multicentricity. Surgical resection with adjuvant radiation therapy and long-term follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging is advocated in the successful management of middle ear inverted papillomas.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MAO.0b013e31822a2b16

  View details for PubMedID 21817933

• Comparative Case Series of Exostoses and Osteomas of the Internal Auditory Canal ANNALS OF OTOLOGY RHINOLOGY AND LARYNGOLOGY Baik, F. M., Nguyen, L., Doherty, J. K., Harris, J. P., Mafee, M. F., Nguyen, Q. T. 2011; 120 (4): 255–60

  Abstract

  Exostoses and osteomas are benign bony lesions of the auditory canal. Although common in the external auditory canal, they are rare and difficult to distinguish in the internal auditory canal (IAC). In this literature review and case presentation, we define radiologic and histologic criteria to differentiate exostoses from osteomas of the IAC. Two patients with exostoses and 1 patient with an osteoma of the IAC are described here. Patient 1 presented with disabling vertigo and was found to have bilateral exostoses with nerve impingement on the right. After removal of the right-sided exostoses via retrosigmoid craniotomy, the patient had complete resolution of her symptoms over 1 year. Patient 2 presented with bilateral pulsatile tinnitus and vertigo and was found to have bilateral IAC exostoses. Patient 3 presented with hearing loss and tinnitus, and a unilateral IAC osteoma was ultimately discovered. Because of the mild nature of their symptoms, patients 2 and 3 were managed without surgery. We show that IAC osteomas can be differentiated from exostoses by radiographic evidence of bone marrow in high-resolution computed tomography scans, or by the presence of fibrovascular channels on histologic analysis. Management of these rare entities is customized on the basis of patient symptoms.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/000348941112000407

  View details for Web of Science ID 000289760500008

  View details for PubMedID 21585156

• Exostoses and Osteomas of the Internal Auditory Canal Nguyen, L. T., Baik, F. M., Doherty, J. K., Harris, J. P., Nguyen, Q. T. WILEY-BLACKWELL. 2010: S215

  View details for DOI 10.1002/lary.21682

  View details for Web of Science ID 000286438600091

  View details for PubMedID 21225813

• An assessment of various blood collection and transfer methods used for malaria rapid diagnostic tests. Malaria journal Luchavez, J., Lintag, M. E., Coll-Black, M., Baik, F., Bell, D. 2007; 6: 149

  Abstract

  Four blood collection and transfer devices commonly used for malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were assessed for their consistency, accuracy and ease of use in the hands of laboratory technicians and village health workers.Laboratory technicians and village health workers collected blood from a finger prick using each device in random order, and deposited the blood either on filter paper or into a suitable casette-type RDT. Consistency and accuracy of volume delivered was determined by comparing the measurements of the resulting blood spots/heights with the measurements of laboratory-prepared pipetted standard volumes. The effect of varying blood volumes on RDT sensitivity and ease of use was also observed.There was high variability in blood volume collected by the devices, with the straw and the loop, the most preferred devices, usually transferring volumes greater than intended, while the glass capillary tube and the plastic pipette transferring less volume than intended or none at all. Varying the blood volume delivered to RDTs indicated that this variation is critical to RDT sensitivity only when the transferred volume is very low.None of the blood transfer devices assessed performed consistently well. Adequate training on their use is clearly necessary, with more development efforts for improved designs to be used by remote health workers, in mind.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/1475-2875-6-149

  View details for PubMedID 18001481

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2194690

• Regulation of TNF mediated antiapoptotic signaling in human neutrophils: role of delta-PKC and ERK1/2. Journal of leukocyte biology Kilpatrick, L. E., Sun, S., Mackie, D., Baik, F., Li, H., Korchak, H. M. 2006; 80 (6): 1512-21

  Abstract

  TNF is implicated in the suppression of neutrophil apoptosis during sepsis. Multiple signaling pathways are involved in TNF-mediated antiapoptotic signaling; a role for the MAP kinases (MAPK), ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK has been suggested. Antiapoptotic signaling is mediated principally through TNF receptor-1 (TNFR-1), and the PKC isotype-delta (delta-PKC) is a critical regulator of TNFR-1 signaling. delta-PKC associates with TNFR-1 in response to TNF and is required for NFkappaB activation and inhibition of caspase 3. The role of delta-PKC in TNF-mediated activation of MAPK is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the MAPK, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK are involved in TNF antiapoptotic signaling and whether delta-PKC is a key regulator of MAPK activation by TNF. In human neutrophils, TNF activated both p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 principally via TNFR-1. The MEK1/2 inhibitors PD098059 and U0126, but not the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, decreased TNF antiapoptotic signaling as measured by caspase 3 activity. A specific delta-PKC antagonist, V1.1delta-PKC-Tat peptide, inhibited TNF-mediated ERK1/2 activation, but not p38 MAPK. ERK1/2 inhibition did not alter recruitment of delta-PKC to TNFR-1, indicating delta-PKC is acting upstream of ERK1/2. In HL-60 cells differentiated to a neutrophilic phenotype, delta-PKC depletion by delta-PKC siRNA resulted in inhibition of TNF mediated ERK1/2 activation but not p38 MAPK. Thus, ERK1/2, but not p38 MAPK, is an essential component of TNF-mediated antiapoptotic signaling. In human neutrophils, delta-PKC is a positive regulator of ERK1/2 activation via TNFR-1 but has no role in p38 MAPK activation.

  View details for DOI 10.1189/jlb.0406284

  View details for PubMedID 17138860