Epigenetic editing and tumor-dependent immunosuppressive signaling in head and neck malignancies.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) comprises a heterogeneous variety of malignant tumors, characterized by a relatively high tumor mutation burden. Previous data have revealed that immune system dysfunction appears to serve a key role in the development and progression of HNC and established immunosuppression is vital for evading the host immune response. Despite progress in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the survival rate of patients with HNC is still low.

Sigmoid Sinus Thrombosis as a Complication of Acute Otitis Media in a 6-Year-Old Male.

Sigmoid sinus thrombosis (SST) is a potentially life-threatening complication of otitis media which is nowadays rare due to the widespread use of antibiotics. A high index of suspicion is necessary to allow for a timely diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Intravenous wide-spectrum antibiotics and a cortical mastoidectomy are the mainstay of treatment.

A Rare Case of Hemoptysis Caused by a Laryngeal Leech.

The larynx is an uncommon location for live foreign bodies. The leech can reach the glottis during consumption of contaminated water but is usually expelled by an effective cough reflex. Patients present with hoarseness and dysphagia and occasionally with dyspnea or hemoptysis.

HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer and Biomarkers Based on Epigenetics and Microbiome Profile.

H uman papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the main cause of the increasing incidence rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), and soon, the global burden of HPV-related OPSCC is predicted to exceed that of cervical cancer. Moreover, a different molecular profile for HPV-related OPSCC has been described, opening new promising targeted therapies and immunotherapy approaches. Epigenetic and microbiome-based exploration of biomarkers has gained growing interest with a view to the primary oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) screening.