Kevin S. Emerick,
MD
Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Assistant Scientist, Mike Toth Head and Neck Cancer Research Center
Harvard Medical School
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Associate Program Director, Harvard Otolaryngology Residency Program
About My Research
Dr. Kevin Emerick’s primary research interests include the prognostic impact of clinicopathologic features in head and neck cancer. His work has led to the creation of a head and neck cancer calculator, a web-based application that allows users to accurately predict survival data for head and neck cancer patients. This research has allowed for better quantification of the specific risks attributable to unique patient and tumor-related features that impact survival.
The second area of interest is high-risk cutaneous malignancies of the head and neck. Particular focus is on defining high-risk features for squamous cell carcinoma and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy to identify early metastasis. This includes a prospective clinical trial designed to determine the ability of sentinel node biopsy to detect occult metastasis for squamous cell carcinoma. Current research also includes defining clinical and biological behavior for squamous cell carcinoma in the immunocompromised population.
Dr. Emerick is currently examining differences in the outcome of immunocompromised patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma compared to immunocompetent patients. Lastly, he is developing new techniques for margin analysis in this high-risk population. The last area of interest is in the development of the supraclavicular flap. Dr. Emerick was the first to perform this flap at Mass Eye and Ear, and he currently studies this reconstructive technique. He just completed the only study to date to examine the donor site morbidity of this flap.
Ongoing investigations include defining the utility of the flap in comparison to free tissue transfer.
Education
BS, Chemistry, Butler University
MD, Indiana University School of Medicine
Postgraduate Training
Internship, General Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Residency, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Mass. Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School
Fellowship, Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstruction, University of Michigan
Professional Societies
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
American Head and Neck Society
Society of University Otolaryngologists
Honors
Schwartz Center Compassionate Caregiver Recognition
Harvard Medical School Leadership Development Program for Physicians and Scientists
Publications powered by Harvard Catalyst Profiles
- Fluorescence lifetime of injected indocyanine green as a universal marker of solid tumours in patients. Nat Biomed Eng. 2023 Dec; 7(12):1649-1666.
- Histologic margin status is a predictor of relapse in lentigo maligna melanoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2023 Nov; 89(5):959-966.
- Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis from a recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with perineural invasion in a lung transplant patient. JAAD Case Rep. 2023 Jul; 37:61-63.
- Comparison of patient-reported upper extremity disability following free flaps in head and neck reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Head Neck. 2023 07; 45(7):1832-1840.
- Surgical factors affecting regionally metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to the parotid gland. Head Neck. 2023 05; 45(5):1080-1087.
- Skin-Cancer Chemoprevention in Transplant Recipients. N Engl J Med. 2023 Mar 02; 388(9):844-846.
- Therapy with oncolytic viruses: progress and challenges. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2023 03; 20(3):160-177.
- Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies a paracrine interaction that may drive oncogenic notch signaling in human adenoid cystic carcinoma. Cell Rep. 2022 Nov 29; 41(9):111743.
- American Head and Neck Society position statement on the use of PD-1 inhibitors for treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck. 2022 Sep 30.
- What Surgeons Need to Know About Gene Therapy for Cancer. Adv Surg. 2022 Sep; 56(1):151-168.
- A Retrospective Study of Ipilimumab Plus Nivolumab in Anti-PD-L1/PD-1 Refractory Merkel Cell Carcinoma. J Immunother. 2022 09 01; 45(7):299-302.
- YAP1 maintains active chromatin state in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas that promotes tumorigenesis through cooperation with BRD4. Cell Rep. 2022 06 14; 39(11):110970.
- Immunotherapy for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Facts and Hopes. Clin Cancer Res. 2022 06 01; 28(11):2211-2220.
- Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma: An Update and Review of the Literature. Am J Dermatopathol. 2022 Jun 01; 44(6):424-432.
- Cell-Free HPV DNA Provides an Accurate and Rapid Diagnosis of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer. Clin Cancer Res. 2022 02 15; 28(4):719-727.
- Cell-free human papillomavirus DNA kinetics after surgery for human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Cancer. 2022 06 01; 128(11):2193-2204.
- Clinical Perineural Invasion and Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Laryngoscope. 2022 06; 132(6):1213-1218.
- Clinical utility of cell-free DNA liquid biopsies in Merkel cell carcinoma. Dermatol Online J. 2021 Oct 15; 27(10).
- Pneumonia, urinary tract infection, bacteremia, and Clostridioides difficile infection following major head and neck free and pedicled flap surgeries. Oral Oncol. 2021 11; 122:105541.
- Diagnostic yield of staging brain magnetic resonance imaging is low in Merkel cell carcinoma: A single-institution cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 08; 87(2):434-435.
- Immunotherapy for Non-melanoma Skin Cancer. Curr Oncol Rep. 2021 08 27; 23(11):125.
- Assessment of Preoperative Functional Status Prior to Major Head and Neck Surgery: A Pilot Study. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 04; 166(4):688-695.
- Prediction of Speech, Swallowing, and Quality of Life in Oral Cavity Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study. Laryngoscope. 2021 11; 131(11):2497-2504.
- One institution's experience with self-audit of opioid prescribing practices for common cervical procedures. Head Neck. 2021 08; 43(8):2385-2394.
- Sentinel Node Biopsy for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2021 Apr; 54(2):295-305.
- Observed progression from melanosis with melanocyte hyperplasia to sinonasal melanoma with distant metastasis and a unique genetic rearrangement. J Cutan Pathol. 2021 Jul; 48(7):948-953.
- Prospective assessment of multiple HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Oral Oncol. 2021 06; 117:105212.
- REDCap-Based Operational Tool to Guide Care Coordination in a Multidisciplinary Cutaneous Oncology Clinic. JCO Oncol Pract. 2021 09; 17(9):527-533.
- Real-world assessment of response to anti-programmed cell death 1 therapy in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 10; 85(4):1038-1040.
- Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as Multiple Immune-Related Adverse Events. Case Rep Dermatol Med. 2020; 2020:8890845.
- Regionally Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma Associated with Paraneoplastic Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis. Case Rep Oncol Med. 2020; 2020:1257587.
- Risk Factors for Laryngectomy for Dysfunctional Larynx After Organ Preservation Protocols: A Case-Control Analysis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 03; 164(3):608-615.
- Programmed cell death ligand-1 and cytotoxic T cell infiltrates in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Head Neck. 2020 11; 42(11):3226-3234.
- Predicting length of stay in head and neck patients who undergo free flap reconstruction. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2020 Jun; 5(3):461-467.
- Perineural and Vascular Invasion in an Endocrine Mucin-Producing Sweat Gland Carcinoma of the Ear with Associated Mucinous Carcinoma. Dermatopathology (Basel). 2019 Oct-Dec; 6(4):271-274.
- Outcomes of Cartilage-Sparing Wide Local Excision for Primary Melanoma of the External Ear. OTO Open. 2020 Jan-Mar; 4(1):2473974X20903124.
- Predictive factors for prolonged operative time in head and neck patients undergoing free flap reconstruction. Am J Otolaryngol. 2020 Mar - Apr; 41(2):102392.
- Regional flap practice patterns: A survey of 197 head and neck surgeons. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2020 12; 47(6):1088-1090.
- Outcomes and prognostic factors in parotid gland malignancies: A 10-year single center experience. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2019 Dec; 4(6):632-639.
- Tracking operative autonomy and performance in otolaryngology training using smartphone technology: A single institution pilot study. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2019 Dec; 4(6):578-586.
- Immunohistochemical quantification of partial-EMT in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma primary tumors is associated with nodal metastasis. Oral Oncol. 2019 12; 99:104458.
- Submental flap practice patterns and perceived outcomes: A survey of 212 AHNS surgeons. Am J Otolaryngol. 2020 Jan - Feb; 41(1):102291.
- Composite Nasoseptal Flap for Palate Reconstruction. J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Oct; 30(7):1990-1993.
- Association of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Expression With Survival in Oropharyngeal Cancer Following Chemoradiation Therapy. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2019 09 01; 111(9):933-942.
- Assessments of Otolaryngology Resident Operative Experiences Using Mobile Technology: A Pilot Study. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2019 12; 161(6):939-945.
- Immunotherapeutic strategies for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma prevention in xeroderma pigmentosum. Br J Dermatol. 2019 11; 181(5):1095-1097.
- Submental Island Flap: A Technical Update. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2019 Dec; 128(12):1177-1181.
- Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid: Very Close Margins and Adjuvant Radiotherapy. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec. 2019; 81(1):55-62.
- Reconstruction of total parotidectomy defects with a de-epithelialized submental flap. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2019 Apr; 4(2):222-226.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy for high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Laryngoscope. 2020 01; 130(1):108-114.
- Supraclavicular flap practice patterns and outcomes: A survey of 221 AHNS surgeons. Laryngoscope. 2019 09; 129(9):2012-2019.
- Postoperative care in an intermediate-level medical unit after head and neck microvascular free flap reconstruction. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2019 Feb; 4(1):39-42.
- Close Margins and Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018 11 01; 144(11):1011-1016.
- Transfusion in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Pedicled Flap Reconstruction. Laryngoscope. 2018 12; 128(12):E409-E415.
- Value of SPECT/CT for Sentinel Lymph Node Localization in the Parotid and External Jugular Chain. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2018 11; 159(5):866-870.
- Otolaryngology resident experience with supraclavicular, submental and other regional flaps in the United States. Am J Otolaryngol. 2018 Sep - Oct; 39(5):518-521.
- Sublingual gland excision for the surgical management of plunging ranula. Am J Otolaryngol. 2018 Sep - Oct; 39(5):497-500.
- Oncologic and functional outcomes of pretreatment tracheotomy in advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A multi-institutional analysis. Oral Oncol. 2018 03; 78:171-176.
- Factors affecting survival and locoregional control in head and neck cSCCA with nodal metastasis. Laryngoscope. 2018 08; 128(8):1881-1886.
- Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Primary and Metastatic Tumor Ecosystems in Head and Neck Cancer. Cell. 2017 Dec 14; 171(7):1611-1624.e24.
- Chicken thigh microvascular training model improves resident surgical skills. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2017 12; 2(6):471-474.
- Risk factors for thirty-day readmission following flap reconstruction of oncologic defects of the head and neck. Laryngoscope. 2018 02; 128(2):343-349.
- PV16-Positive Invasive Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an Anophthalmic Socket. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 May/Jun; 33(3S Suppl 1):S2-S4.
- Locoregional control of tongue base adenoid cystic carcinoma with primary resection and radial forearm free flap reconstruction. Ear Nose Throat J. 2017 Jan; 96(1):37-40.
- Plunging ranula with prestyloid parapharyngeal space, masticator space, and parotid gland extension. B-ENT. 2017; 13(1 Suppl 27):57-60.
- Surgical Site Infections in Major Head and Neck Surgeries Involving Pedicled Flap Reconstruction. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2017 Jan; 126(1):20-28.
- Perioperative Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk Stratification. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 01; 156(1):118-121.
- Drainage Patterns to Nontraditional Nodal Regions and Level IIB in Cutaneous Head and Neck Malignancy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 12; 155(6):1005-1011.
- Use of the submental vessels for free gracilis muscle transfer for smile reanimation. Head Neck. 2016 10; 38(10):E2499-503.
- Risk factors for surgical site infection after supraclavicular flap reconstruction in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery. Head Neck. 2016 11; 38(11):1615-1620.
- Nasal mucosal melanosis may act as a harbinger of melanoma: A case report. Allergy Rhinol (Providence). 2016 Jan 01; 7(3):164-167.
- Comparison of Perioperative Outcomes between the Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap and Fasciocutaneous Free Flap. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Jan; 154(1):66-72.
- Head and neck free flap surgical site infections in the era of the Surgical Care Improvement Project. Head Neck. 2016 04; 38 Suppl 1:E392-8.
- Increased Resident Research over an 18-Year Period: A Single Institution's Experience. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Sep; 153(3):350-6.
- Transfusion in head and neck free flap patients: practice patterns and a comparative analysis by flap type. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Mar; 152(3):449-57.
- Analysis of an online match discussion board: improving the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery match. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Mar; 152(3):458-64.
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous head and neck malignancies. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2015 Mar; 15(3):305-15.
- The time course and microbiology of surgical site infections after head and neck free flap surgery. Laryngoscope. 2015 May; 125(5):1084-9.
- The predictive value of single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography for sentinel lymph node localization in head and neck cutaneous malignancy. Laryngoscope. 2015 Apr; 125(4):877-82.
- Knowledge and screening of head and neck cancer among American Indians in South Dakota. Am J Public Health. 2015 Jun; 105(6):1155-60.
- Evaluation of frozen section margins in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Laryngoscope. 2015 Mar; 125(3):636-9.
- Supraclavicular artery island flap for reconstruction of complex parotidectomy, lateral skull base, and total auriculectomy defects. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014 Sep; 140(9):861-6.
- Primary tracheoesophageal puncture with supraclavicular artery island flap after total laryngectomy or laryngopharyngectomy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014 Sep; 151(3):421-3.
- Shoulder function following reconstruction with the supraclavicular artery island flap. Laryngoscope. 2014 Nov; 124(11):2478-83.
- Primary culture of human Schwann and schwannoma cells: improved and simplified protocol. Hear Res. 2014 Sep; 315:25-33.
- Extensive basal cell carcinoma of the face: an extreme case of denial. Ear Nose Throat J. 2014 Jun; 93(6):E40-4.
- Poor Survival for American Indians with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014 08; 151(2):265-71.
- The supraclavicular artery flap for head and neck reconstruction. JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2014 Mar-Apr; 16(2):127-32.
- Supraclavicular flap reconstruction following total laryngectomy. Laryngoscope. 2014 Aug; 124(8):1777-82.
- Initial clinical findings of a mathematical model to predict survival of head and neck cancer. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013 Oct; 149(4):572-8.
- Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 29-2012. A 49-year-old man with pain and cranial-nerve palsies after treatment of oral cancer. N Engl J Med. 2012 Sep 20; 367(12):1136-47.
- Survival differences among American Indians/Alaska Natives with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck. 2013 Aug; 35(8):1114-8.
- Patterns of perineural tumor spread in head and neck cancer. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2012 Aug; 20(3):435-46.
- Free flap reconstruction in 1999 and 2009: changing case characteristics and outcomes. Laryngoscope. 2012 Oct; 122(10):2160-3.
- Simplified technique of tracheoesophageal prosthesis placement at the time of secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP). Laryngoscope. 2011 Sep; 121(9):1855-9.
- Surgical salvage of the oropharynx after failure of organ-sparing therapy. Head Neck. 2011 Apr; 33(4):516-24.
- Primary TEP placement in patients with laryngopharyngeal free tissue reconstruction and salivary bypass tube placement. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2011 Mar; 144(3):474-6.
- Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the infratemporal fossa: a rare case and review. Laryngoscope. 2010 Dec; 120(12):2430-3.
- Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the head and neck: a rare case and review. Laryngoscope. 2010; 120 Suppl 4:S165.
- Cervical lymph node collision tumor consisting of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and B-cell lymphoma. Laryngoscope. 2010; 120 Suppl 4:S156.
- Retropharyngeal abscess in the setting of immune modulation for rheumatoid arthritis. Laryngoscope. 2010; 120 Suppl 4:S131.
- Chemoselection as a strategy for organ preservation in patients with T4 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with cartilage invasion. Laryngoscope. 2009 Aug; 119(8):1510-7.
- Malignant transformation of a highly aggressive human papillomavirus type 11-associated recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Am J Otolaryngol. 2010 Jul-Aug; 31(4):291-6.
- Evaluation of voice prosthesis placement at the time of primary tracheoesophageal puncture with total laryngectomy. Laryngoscope. 2009 Jul; 119(7):1353-7.
- Primary versus secondary tracheoesophageal puncture in salvage total laryngectomy following chemoradiation. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2009 Mar; 140(3):386-90.
- Nasofacial reconstruction with calvarial bone grafts in compromised defects. Laryngoscope. 2008 Sep; 118(9):1534-8.
- State-of-the-art mandible reconstruction using revascularized free-tissue transfer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2007 Dec; 7(12):1781-8.
- Incidence of donor site skin graft loss requiring surgical intervention with the radial forearm free flap. Head Neck. 2007 Jun; 29(6):573-6.
- Clinical presentation, management, and outcome of high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007 May; 136(5):783-7.
- The effect of low-molecular-weight heparin on microvenous thrombosis in a rat model. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007 Jan-Feb; 9(1):19-21.
- Common ENT disorders. South Med J. 2006 Oct; 99(10):1090-9; quiz 1100-2, 1126.
- Tubal tonsil hypertrophy: a cause of recurrent symptoms after adenoidectomy. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Feb; 132(2):153-6.
- The potential impact of palivizumab on pediatric airway reconstruction. Am J Otolaryngol. 2006 Jan-Feb; 27(1):9-12.
- Pathology quiz case 1. Adenocarcinoma with features of mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) and cystadenocarcinoma (CAC). Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005 Dec; 131(12):1120, 1122-3.
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