Davud Sirjani

All Publications

• Node-positive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Survival, high-risk features, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy outcomes. Head & neck Amoils, M., Lee, C. S., Sunwoo, J., Aasi, S. Z., Hara, W., Kim, J., Sirjani, D., Colevas, A. D., Chang, A. L., Divi, V. 2017

  Abstract

  Data lacks to guide treatment of regionally metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).We conducted a retrospective review of 80 patients treated for regionally metastatic cutaneous HNSCC. The effect of various clinicopathologic variables on overall survival (OS) was investigated, in addition to outcomes by treatment modality.On multivariate regression, cutaneous primary >2 cm (p = .03) and extracapsular spread (ECS; p = .01) were significantly associated with decreased OS. Location of regional metastasis (neck vs parotid vs both) had no effect on OS (p = .2), nor did the presence of a cutaneous primary at the time of presentation (p = .9). The 3-year survival was 43%, 52%, and 49% for surgery alone, adjuvant radiation, and adjuvant chemoradiation, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients had a recurrence of their disease.Regionally metastatic cutaneous HNSCC is an aggressive disease associated with high recurrence rates. Patients with tumors >2 cm and ECS have poorer OS despite adjuvant therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 881-885, 2017.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.24692

  View details for PubMedID 28252823

• Risk of Nodal Metastasis in Major Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Megwalu, U. C., Sirjani, D. 2017: 194599817690138-?

  Abstract

  Objective To determine the risk of nodal metastasis, examine risk factors for nodal metastasis, and evaluate the impact of nodal metastasis on survival in patients with major salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma. Study Design Retrospective cohort study from a large population- based cancer database. Methods Data were extracted from the SEER 18 database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) of the National Cancer Institute. The study cohort included 720 patients diagnosed with major salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma between 1988 and 2013. Results The overall rate of lymph node metastasis was 17%. T3 disease (odds ratio, 4.74) and T4 disease (odds ratio, 9.24) were associated with increased risk of nodal metastasis. Age, sex, and site were not associated with nodal metastasis. Nodal metastasis was associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.56) and disease-specific survival (hazard ratio, 3.27), after adjusting for T stage, presence of distant metastasis, site, surgical resection, radiotherapy, neck dissection, age, sex, race, marital status, and year of diagnosis. Conclusion Major salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma carries significant risk of nodal metastasis. Advanced T stage is associated with increased risk of nodal metastasis. Nodal metastasis is associated with worse survival.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0194599817690138

  View details for PubMedID 28168897

• Association of Postoperative Radiotherapy With Survival in Patients With N1 Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma JAMA OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD & NECK SURGERY Chen, M. M., Harris, J. P., Hara, W., Sirjani, D., Divi, V. 2016; 142 (12): 1224-1230

  Abstract

  The guidelines for head and neck cancer recommend consideration of adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for patients with pT1N1 or pT2N1 disease in the absence of other adverse features. This recommendation was recently changed for oropharyngeal (OP) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).To examine the use and outcomes of PORT for N1 OP SCC and oral cavity (OC) SCC.This retrospective cohort study identified 1467 adult patients with OC SCC and 790 patients with OP SCC with pT1N1 or pT2N1 disease in the absence of other adverse features from the National Cancer Database from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2013. Patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy or palliative radiotherapy or who had adverse pathologic features were excluded. Statistical analysis included χ2 tests and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Data were analyzed from November 10, 2015, to June 30, 2016.Overall survival.Of the 1467 patients with OC SCC (842 men [57.4%]; 625 women [42.6%]; mean [SD] age, 61.3 [13.8] years), 740 (50.4%) received PORT. Of the 790 patients with OP SCC (584 men [73.9%]; 206 women [26.1%]; mean [SD] age, 58.2 [10.3] years), 449 (56.8%) received PORT. After controlling for patient demographics, pathologic characteristics, and hospital-level variables, PORT was associated with improved overall survival for patients with OC SCC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63-0.92) and OP SCC (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.92) with pN1 disease without adverse features. On stratified analysis, this association persisted for patients younger than 70 years (OC SCC HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61-0.97; OP SCC HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.31-0.75) and those with pT2 disease (OC SCC HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.96; OP SCC HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32-0.95), but there was no association with overall survival among patients 70 years or older (OC SCC HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.58-1.06; OP SCC HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.63-3.82) and those with pT1 disease (OC SCC HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.60-1.07; OP SCC HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.35-1.24).PORT may be associated with improved survival in patients with pN1 OC and OP SCC, especially in those younger than 70 years or those with pT2 disease.

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamaoto.2016.3519

  View details for Web of Science ID 000391467800014

  View details for PubMedID 27832255

• Lymph Node Count From Neck Dissection Predicts Mortality in Head and Neck Cancer JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY Divi, V., Chen, M. M., Nussenbaum, B., Rhoads, K. F., Sirjani, D. B., Holsinger, F. C., Shah, J. L., Hara, W. 2016; 34 (32): 3892-?

  Abstract

  Multiple smaller studies have demonstrated an association between overall survival and lymph node (LN) count from neck dissection in patients with head and neck cancer. This is a large cohort study to examine these associations by using a national cancer database.The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients who underwent upfront nodal dissection for mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma between 2004 and 2013. Patients were stratified by LN count into those with < 18 nodes and those with ≥ 18 nodes on the basis of prior work. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was constructed to predict hazard of mortality. Stratified models predicted hazard of mortality both for patients who were both node negative and node positive.There were 45,113 patients with ≥ 18 LNs and 18,865 patients with < 18 LNs examined. The < 18 LN group, compared with the ≥ 18 LN group, had more favorable tumor characteristics, with a lower proportion of T3 and T4 lesions (27.9% v 39.8%), fewer patients with positive nodes (46.6% v 60.5%), and lower rates of extracapsular extension (9.3% v 15.1%). Risk-adjusted Cox models predicting hazard of mortality by LN count showed an 18% increased hazard of death for patients with < 18 nodes examined (hazard ratio [HR] 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.22). When stratified by clinical nodal stage, there was an increased hazard of death in both groups (node negative: HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.32; node positive: HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.19).The results of our study demonstrate a significant overall survival advantage in both patients who are clinically node negative and node positive when ≥ 18 LNs are examined after neck dissection, which suggests that LN count is a potential quality metric for neck dissection.

  View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2016.67.3863

  View details for Web of Science ID 000388926900012

  View details for PubMedID 27480149

• Contemporary mandibular reconstruction. Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery Divi, V., Schoppy, D. W., Williams, R. A., Sirjani, D. B. 2016; 24 (5): 433-439

  Abstract

  Multiple disease processes, including neoplasia, trauma, and medication side-effects, necessitate segmental resection and subsequent reconstruction of the mandible. As surgical techniques have advanced, several technologies have been developed with the potential to significantly transform a surgeon's approach to the restoration of mandibular continuity. The purpose of this review is to highlight many of these relatively newer tools and discuss their evolving role in mandibular reconstruction.Several contemporary studies have documented the application of different approaches and modifications to mandibular reconstruction - including computer-aided design or computer-aided modeling, contemporary plating systems, osseointegrated implants, and various modifications to existing osseocutaneous free tissue transfer options - and have reported relatively high success rates.In discussing these reports, we present a survey of current and developing technologies in the field of mandibular reconstruction and aim to provide sufficient context for the gradual integration of these techniques into practice.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000284

  View details for PubMedID 27348352

• Ameloblastoma: a clinical review and trends in management EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY McClary, A. C., West, R. B., McClary, A. C., Pollack, J. R., Fischbein, N. J., Holsinger, C. F., Sunwoo, J., Colevas, A. D., Sirjani, D. 2016; 273 (7): 1649-1661

  Abstract

  Ameloblastoma is a rare odontogenic neoplasm of the mandible and maxilla, with multiple histologic variants, and high recurrence rates if improperly treated. The current mainstay of treatment is wide local excision with appropriate margins and immediate reconstruction. Here we review the ameloblastoma literature, using the available evidence to highlight the change in management over the past several decades. In addition, we explore the recent molecular characterization of these tumors which may point towards new potential avenues of personalized treatment.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00405-015-3631-8

  View details for Web of Science ID 000377413500003

  View details for PubMedID 25926124

• Consultation via telemedicine and access to operative care for patients with head and neck cancer in a Veterans Health Administration population HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK Beswick, D. M., Vashi, A., Song, Y., Pham, R., Holsinger, F. C., Rayl, J. D., Walker, B., Chardos, J., Yuan, A., Benadam-Lenrow, E., Davis, D., Sung, C. K., Divi, V., Sirjani, D. B. 2016; 38 (6): 925-929

  Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate a telemedicine model that utilizes an audiovisual teleconference as a preoperative visit.Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients with head and neck cancer at 2 remote locations were provided access to the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (PAVA) Health Care System otolaryngology department via the telemedicine protocol: tissue diagnosis and imaging at the patient site; data review at PAVA; and a preoperative teleconference connecting the patient to PAVA. Operative care occurred at PAVA. Follow-up care was provided remotely via teleconference.Fifteen patients were evaluated. Eleven underwent surgery, 4 with high-grade neoplasms (carcinoma). Average time from referral to operation was 28 days (range, 17-36 days) and 72 (range, 31-108 days), respectively, for high-grade and low-grade groups. The average patient was spared 28 hours traveling time and $900/patient was saved on travel-related costs.A telemedicine model enables timely access to surgical care and permits considerable savings among select VHA patients with head and neck cancer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 925-929, 2016.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.24386

  View details for Web of Science ID 000379939900021

  View details for PubMedID 26899939

• Botulinum Toxin Confers Radioprotection in Murine Salivary Glands INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY BIOLOGY PHYSICS Zeidan, Y. H., Xiao, N., Cao, H., Kong, C., Le, Q., Sirjani, D. 2016; 94 (5): 1190-1197

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2015.12.371

  View details for Web of Science ID 000372564800026

• Anterolateral approach to the upper cervical spine: Case report and operative technique HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK Song, Y., Tharin, S., Divi, V., Prolo, L. M., Sirjani, D. B. 2015; 37 (9): E115-E119

  View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.23951

  View details for Web of Science ID 000359605700004

  View details for PubMedID 25522016

• CD271 is a functional and targetable marker of tumor-initiating cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncotarget Murillo-Sauca, O., Chung, M. K., Shin, J. H., Karamboulas, C., Kwok, S., Jung, Y. H., Oakley, R., Tysome, J. R., Farnebo, L. O., Kaplan, M. J., Sirjani, D., Divi, V., Holsinger, F. C., Tomeh, C., Nichols, A., Le, Q. T., Colevas, A. D., Kong, C. S., Uppaluri, R., Lewis, J. S., Ailles, L. E., Sunwoo, J. B. 2014; 5 (16): 6854-6866

  Abstract

  Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) are best characterized by their surface expression of CD44. Although there is great interest in identifying strategies to target this population, no marker of these cells has been found to be functionally active. Here, we examined the expression of the purported marker of normal human oral epithelial stem cells, CD271. We show that CD271 expression is restricted to a subset of the CD44+ cells. Using xenograft assays, we show that the CD44+CD271+ subpopulation contains the most tumorigenic cells. Loss of CD271 function results in a block in the G2-M phase of the cell cycle and a profound negative impact on the capacity of these cells to initiate tumor formation in vivo. Incubation with recombinant NGF results in enhanced phosphorylation of Erk, providing additional evidence that CD271 is functionally active. Finally, incubation of SCCHN cells with antibody to CD271 results in decreased Erk phosphorylation and decreased tumor formation in vivo. Thus, our data are the first to demonstrate that CD271 more specifically identifies the TIC subpopulation within the CD44+ compartment in SCCHN and that this receptor is a functionally active and targetable molecule.

  View details for PubMedID 25149537

• Neurotrophic factor GDNF promotes survival of salivary stem cells. journal of clinical investigation Xiao, N., Lin, Y., Cao, H., Sirjani, D., Giaccia, A. J., Koong, A. C., Kong, C. S., Diehn, M., Le, Q. 2014; 124 (8): 3364-3377

  Abstract

  Stem cell-based regenerative therapy is a promising treatment for head and neck cancer patients that suffer from chronic dry mouth (xerostomia) due to salivary gland injury from radiation therapy. Current xerostomia therapies only provide temporary symptom relief, while permanent restoration of salivary function is not currently feasible. Here, we identified and characterized a stem cell population from adult murine submandibular glands. Of the different cells isolated from the submandibular gland, this specific population, Lin-CD24+c-Kit+Sca1+, possessed the highest capacity for proliferation, self renewal, and differentiation during serial passage in vitro. Serial transplantations of this stem cell population into the submandibular gland of irradiated mice successfully restored saliva secretion and increased the number of functional acini. Gene-expression analysis revealed that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf) is highly expressed in Lin-CD24+c-Kit+Sca1+ stem cells. Furthermore, GDNF expression was upregulated upon radiation therapy in submandibular glands of both mice and humans. Administration of GDNF improved saliva production and enriched the number of functional acini in submandibular glands of irradiated animals and enhanced salisphere formation in cultured salivary stem cells, but did not accelerate growth of head and neck cancer cells. These data indicate that modulation of the GDNF pathway may have potential therapeutic benefit for management of radiation-induced xerostomia.

  View details for DOI 10.1172/JCI74096

  View details for PubMedID 25036711

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4109543

• A Novel Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-3 Activator (Alda-89) Protects Submandibular Gland Function from Irradiation without Accelerating Tumor Growth. Clinical cancer research Xiao, N., Cao, H., Chen, C., Kong, C. S., Ali, R., Chan, C., Sirjani, D., Graves, E., Koong, A., Giaccia, A., Mochly-Rosen, D., Le, Q. 2013; 19 (16): 4455-4464

  Abstract

  To determine the effect of Alda-89 (an ALDH3 activitor) on (i) the function of irradiated (radiotherapy) submandibular gland (SMG) in mice, (ii) its toxicity profile, and (iii) its effect on the growth of head and neck cancer (HNC) in vitro and in vivo.Adult mice were infused with Alda-89 or vehicle before, during, and after radiotherapy. Saliva secretion was monitored weekly. Hematology, metabolic profile, and postmortem evaluation for toxicity were examined at the time of sacrifice. Alda-89 or vehicle was applied to HNC cell lines in vitro, and severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice transplanted with HNC in vivo with or without radiation; HNC growth was monitored. The ALDH3A1 and ALDH3A2 protein expression was evaluated in 89 patients with HNC and correlated to freedom from relapse (FFR) and overall survival (OS).Alda-89 infusion significantly resulted in more whole saliva production and a higher percentage of preserved acini after radiotherapy compared with vehicle control. There was no difference in the complete blood count, metabolic profile, and major organ morphology between the Alda-89 and vehicle groups. Compared with vehicle control, Alda-89 treatment neither accelerated HNC cell proliferation in vitro, nor did it affect tumor growth in vivo with or without radiotherapy. Higher expression of ALDH3A1 or ALDH3A2 was not significantly associated with worse FFR or OS in either human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive or HPV-negative group.Alda-89 preserves salivary function after radiotherapy without affecting HNC growth or causing measurable toxicity in mice. It is a promising candidate to mitigate radiotherapy-related xerostomia.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-13-0127

  View details for PubMedID 23812668

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3745542

• Cost-effectiveness landscape analysis of treatments addressing xerostomia in patients receiving head and neck radiation therapy. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology Sasportas, L. S., Hosford, D. N., Sodini, M. A., Waters, D. J., Zambricki, E. A., Barral, J. K., Graves, E. E., Brinton, T. J., Yock, P. G., Le, Q., Sirjani, D. 2013; 116 (1): e37-51

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.02.017

  View details for PubMedID 23643579

• Impact of positron emission tomography/computed tomography surveillance at 12 and 24 months for detecting head and neck cancer recurrence CANCER Ho, A. S., Tsao, G. J., Chen, F. W., Shen, T., Kaplan, M. J., Colevas, A. D., Fischbein, N. J., Quon, A., Quynh-Thu Le, Q. T., Pinto, H. A., Fee, W. E., Sunwoo, J. B., Sirjani, D., Hara, W., Yao, M. 2013; 119 (7): 1349-1356

  Abstract

  In head and neck cancer (HNC), 3-month post-treatment positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) reliably identifies persistent/recurrent disease. However, further PET/CT surveillance has unclear benefit. The impact of post-treatment PET/CT surveillance on outcomes is assessed at 12 and 24 months.A 10-year retrospective analysis of HNC patients was carried out with long-term serial imaging. Imaging at 3 months included either PET/CT or magnetic resonance imaging, with all subsequent imaging comprised of PET/CT. PET/CT scans at 12 and 24 months were evaluated only if preceding interval scans were negative. Of 1114 identified patients, 284 had 3-month scans, 175 had 3- and 12-month scans, and 77 had 3-, 12-, and 24-month scans.PET/CT detection rates in clinically occult patients were 9% (15 of 175) at 12 months, and 4% (3 of 77) at 24 months. No difference in outcomes was identified between PET/CT-detected and clinically detected recurrences, with similar 3-year disease-free survival (41% vs 46%, P = .91) and 3-year overall survival (60% vs 54%, P = .70) rates. Compared with 3-month PET/CT, 12-month PET/CT demonstrated fewer equivocal reads (26% vs 10%, P < .001). Of scans deemed equivocal, 6% (5 of 89) were ultimately found to be positive.HNC patients with negative 3-month imaging appear to derive limited benefit from subsequent PET/CT surveillance. No survival differences were observed between PET/CT-detected and clinically detected recurrences, although larger prospective studies are needed for further investigation.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.27892

  View details for Web of Science ID 000316811900010

• A Novel Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-3 Activator Leads to Adult Salivary Stem Cell Enrichment In Vivo CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Banh, A., Xiao, N., Cao, H., Chen, C., Kuo, P., Krakow, T., Bavan, B., Khong, B., Yao, M., Ha, C., Kaplan, M. J., Sirjani, D., Jensen, K., Kong, C. S., Mochly-Rosen, D., Koong, A. C., Quynh-Thu Le, Q. T. 2011; 17 (23): 7265-7272

  Abstract

  To assess aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) expression in adult human and murine submandibular gland (SMG) stem cells and to determine the effect of ALDH3 activation in SMG stem cell enrichment.Adult human and murine SMG stem cells were selected by cell surface markers (CD34 for human and c-Kit for mouse) and characterized for various other stem cell surface markers by flow cytometry and ALDH isozymes expression by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. Sphere formation and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) incorporation assays were used on selected cells to confirm their renewal capacity and three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix culture was applied to observe differentiation. To determine whether ALDH3 activation would increase stem cell yield, adult mice were infused with a novel ALDH3 activator (Alda-89) or with vehicle followed by quantification of c-Kit(+)/CD90(+) SMG stem cells and BrdUrd(+) salispheres.More than 99% of CD34(+) huSMG stem cells stained positive for c-Kit, CD90 and 70% colocalized with CD44, Nestin. Similarly, 73.8% c-Kit(+) mSMG stem cells colocalized with Sca-1, whereas 80.7% with CD90. Functionally, these cells formed BrdUrd(+) salispheres, which differentiated into acinar- and ductal-like structures when cultured in 3D collagen. Both adult human and murine SMG stem cells showed higher expression of ALDH3 than in their non-stem cells and 84% of these cells have measurable ALDH1 activity. Alda-89 infusion in adult mice significantly increased c-Kit(+)/CD90(+) SMG population and BrdUrd(+) sphere formation compared with control.This is the first study to characterize expression of different ALDH isozymes in SMG stem cells. In vivo activation of ALDH3 can increase SMG stem cell yield, thus providing a novel means for SMG stem cell enrichment for future stem cell therapy.

  View details for DOI 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-11-0179

  View details for Web of Science ID 000298133600009

  View details for PubMedID 21998334

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3544360

• Lefort I Osteotomy access to the Anterior Skull Base Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology Sirjani DB, Futran N. 2010; 21 (1): 22-25