High expression of H2AX/γ-H2AX is associated with distinct biological pathway alterations and shorter survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The histone gene H2AX and its phosphorylated protein γ-H2AX play a crucial role in the DNA damage response. This study investigates the expression of H2AX mRNA and its phosphorylated γ-H2AX protein in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), its association with distinct biological pathway alterations and its potential as a biomarker.

Materials And Methods: Expression of H2AX mRNA in 76 OPSCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort was analyzed.

Tertiary lymphoid structures in pancreatic cancer are structurally homologous, share gene expression patterns and B-cell clones with secondary lymphoid organs but show increased T-cell activation.

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in cancer are considered ectopic hotspots for immune activation that are similar to lymphoid follicles in secondary lymphoid organs (SLO). This study elucidates shared and TLS/SLO-specific features in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). TLS abundance was related to superior survival and T-cell abundance in 110 treatment-naïve PDAC samples, underlining their clinical relevance.

Does the ChOLE classification relate to the duration of surgery?

Introduction: Cholesteatoma, a challenging entity in otologic surgery, necessitates a standardized classification system for effective communication among healthcare providers and consistent reporting of surgical outcomes. The ChOLE Classification System, introduced by Linder et al., stages cholesteatoma based on extension (Ch), ossicular chain status (O), life-threatening complications (L), and Eustachian tube function and mastoid pneumatization (E).

Co-expression patterns of cancer associated fibroblast markers reveal distinct subgroups related to patient survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rapidly increasing in high income countries due to its association with persistent high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Recent scientific advances have highlighted the importance of the tumor microenvironment in OPSCC. In this study, including 216 OPSCC patients, we analyze the composition of four established markers of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the context of intratumoral CD8 T-cell infiltration.

3D-exoscopic microlaryngoscopy in phonosurgery for glottic insufficiency.

Purpose: We hypothesized that using a 3D-exoscope (3Dex) in microlaryngoscopic phonosurgery is non-inferior to using a standard operating microscope (OM). To compare the above, we utilized a 3Dex and an OM for microlaryngoscopic vocal fold augmentation with autologous fat in patients with glottic insufficiency and compared the procedure itself and the long-term impact of vocal fold augmentation on subjective and objective voice parameters in both groups.

Methods: 36 patients with glottic insufficiency received microlaryngoscopic laryngeal augmentation with autologous fat.

Sex-specific aspects in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a bicentric cohort study.

Background: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is the only subgroup of head neck cancer that presents with an increased incidence. Gender-specific studies in other cancer entities have revealed differences in treatment response and prognosis. However, only limited data in OPSCC according to gender and human papillomavirus (HPV) status exist.

Upfront Surgery vs. Primary Chemoradiation in an Unselected, Bicentric Patient Cohort with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma-A Matched-Pair Analysis.

The two pillars of therapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are upfront surgery and primary chemoradiotherapy. Substantial regional preferences exist with regard to the selection of treatment. Despite new therapeutic approaches, patient survival remains poor, with an approximate overall survival (OS) rate of 50% at five years.

Salvage carbon dioxide transoral laser microsurgery for laryngeal cancer after (chemo)radiotherapy: a European Laryngological Society consensus statement.

Purpose: To provide expert opinion and consensus on salvage carbon dioxide transoral laser microsurgery (CO TOLMS) for recurrent laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) after (chemo)radiotherapy [(C)RT].

Methods: Expert members of the European Laryngological Society (ELS) Cancer and Dysplasia Committee were selected to create a dedicated panel on salvage CO TOLMS for LSCC. A series of statements regarding the critical aspects of decision-making were drafted, circulated, and modified or excluded in accordance with the Delphi process.

LAG-3, TIM-3 and VISTA Expression on Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Potential Biomarkers for Targeted Therapy Concepts.

Tumor growth and survival requires a particularly effective immunosuppressant tumor microenvironment (TME) to escape destruction by the immune system. While immunosuppressive checkpoint markers like programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) are already being targeted in clinical practice, lymphocyte-activation-protein 3 (LAG-3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) and V-domain Ig suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA) inhibitors are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Reliable findings on the expression status of those immune checkpoint inhibitors on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the TME of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) are lacking.

European Laryngological Society position paper on laryngeal dysplasia Part II: diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

To give an overview of the current knowledge regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of laryngeal dysplasia (LD) and to highlight the contributions of recent literature. The diagnosis of LD largely relies on endoscopic procedures and on histopathology. Diagnostic efficiency of endoscopy may be improved using videolaryngostroboscopy (VLS) and bioendoscopic tools such as Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) or Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES).

Olfactory dysfunction in patients after recovering from COVID-19.

Background: Smell and taste disorders occur in COVID-19 with a high prevalence, but little is known about the duration of the symptoms. In particular, studies using validated olfactory tests are very rare to date.

Aims/objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the olfactory function of COVID-19 recoveries by a detailed olfactory test.

PD-L1 Expression and a High Tumor Infiltrate of CD8+ Lymphocytes Predict Outcome in Patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cells Carcinoma.

Carcinogenesis of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related (+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) differs from HPV-negative (-) OPSCC. HPV-related immune-escape-mechanism could be responsible for the development and progression of HPV+ tumors and an immunophenotype different from HPV- OPSCC is expected. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its prognostic relevance in relation to CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I expression in OPSCC.

Long-term intubation and high rate of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients might determine an unprecedented increase of airway stenoses: a call to action from the European Laryngological Society.

Introduction: The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, may need intensive care unit (ICU) admission in up to 12% of all positive cases for massive interstitial pneumonia, with possible long-term endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation and subsequent tracheostomy. The most common airway-related complications of such ICU maneuvers are laryngotracheal granulomas, webs, stenosis, malacia and, less commonly, tracheal necrosis with tracheo-esophageal or tracheo-arterial fistulae.

Materials And Methods: This paper gathers the opinions of experts of the Laryngotracheal Stenosis Committee of the European Laryngological Society, with the aim of alerting the medical community about the possible rise in number of COVID-19-related laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), and the aspiration of paving the way to a more rationale concentration of these cases within referral specialist airway centers.

Treatment Options for Hypopharyngeal Cancer.

Patients with hypopharyngeal cancer are difficult to treat because they typically present with advanced disease, poor general health status and severe nutritional problems. Currently, treatment options for previously untreated and newly diagnosed hypopharyngeal cancer patients include surgery of the primary tumour and lymph nodes metastasis, radiotherapy, systemic medical treatment, including traditional chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Currently, a multimodal treatment approach is preferred using surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy with curative intent and best supportive care in patients considered unfit for curative treatment or patients presenting with distant metastatic spread.

Systemic Therapy, Palliation and Supportive Care of Patients with Hypopharyngeal Cancer.

Hypopharyngeal cancer patients have a very poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Seventy to eighty per cent of all hypopharyngeal cancer patients will require palliative and/or end-of-life care for incurable end-stage disease during the course of their illness. The overall proportion of hypopharyngeal cancer patients not qualifying for initial curative treatment, or requiring palliation and supportive care over time is higher than for any other subsite of the head and neck.

Natural History of Treated and Untreated Hypopharyngeal Cancer.

Patients with hypopharyngeal cancers frequently present at advanced stage and in poor general health status. Their natural history is characterised by diffuse local primary disease, mucosal and submucosal spread, early cervical nodal metastasis, and a relatively high rate of distant spread. By the time of initial diagnosis, some 60% of all hypopharyngeal cancer patients will be with stage IV disease, some 5% will present with distant metastases, and almost 40% will have a significant reduction in performance status.

Future Perspectives in Hypopharyngeal Cancer Care.

Recent advances in minimal access surgery have shown promise in the treatment of limited hypopharyngeal lesions. In spite of their functionally excellent results in individual patients, it currently remains unlikely that these approaches will gain a more major universal impact on hypopharyngeal cancer care. In advanced stage hypopharyngeal cancer, the use of the traditional radical surgery, such as laryngo-pharyngectomy, is no longer accepted by many patients.

Effect of postoperative radiotherapy in pT1pN1cM0 and pT2p/cN0cM0 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Objectives/hypothesis: Consulting of patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma, classified as pT1pN1cM0 and pT2p/cN0cM0, about postoperative radiotherapy is a precarious task as data are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of postoperative radiotherapy for patients with intermediate-stage oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Study Design: Multicentric retrospective study.

Nomenclature proposal to describe vocal fold motion impairment.

The terms used to describe vocal fold motion impairment are confusing and not standardized. This results in a failure to communicate accurately and to major limitations of interpreting research studies involving vocal fold impairment. We propose standard nomenclature for reporting vocal fold impairment.

European Laryngological Society: ELS recommendations for the follow-up of patients treated for laryngeal cancer.

It is accepted that the follow-up of patients who had treatment for laryngeal cancer is a fundamental part of their care. The reasons of post-treatment follow-up include evaluation of treatment response, early identification of recurrence, early detection of new primary tumours, monitoring and management of complications, optimisation of rehabilitation, promotion smoking and excessive alcohol cessation, provision of support to patients and their families, patient counselling and education. Controversies exist in how these aims are achieved.

Modifications of the midline mandibulotomy for access to the parapharyngeal space.

When considering a mandibular osteotomy for access to resect a parapharyngeal neoplasm, the following goals should be considered: preservation of the facial nerve, complete removal of the neoplasm without tumor rupture, maintenance of the preoperative teeth occlusion, acceptable temporomandibular joint function, functional preservation of the inferior alveolar nerve sensation, and satisfying aesthetic results. We propose a modified median osteotomy technique, which combines the advantages of sufficient exposition of the tumor with very good functional and aesthetic results. A case series of nine patients suffering from extended pleomorphic adenomas of the inner lobe of the parotid gland is presented.