A New Prognostic Instrument for Predicting the Probability of Completion of Cisplatin during Chemoradiation for Head and Neck Cancer.

Many head and neck cancer patients assigned to definitive or adjuvant chemoradiation treatment do not complete the concurrent cisplatin dose. We determined corresponding risk factors and developed a prognostic instrument to help identify these patients. Ten pre-treatment characteristics were retrospectively analyzed in 154 patients with head and neck cancer who were treated via chemoradiation with cisplatin.

Chemoradiation with Cisplatin vs. Carboplatin for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN).

Cisplatin is the standard for the chemoradiation of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). Many patients cannot receive cisplatin due to impaired renal function. This study investigated carboplatin as an alternative option.

First Results of Concurrent Chemoradiation with Two Courses of 5 × 25 mg/m Cisplatin for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer.

Many patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) receive cisplatin-based chemoradiation. Cisplatin 100 mg/m every three weeks is toxic and alternative cisplatin regimens are desired. Two courses of 20 mg/m/day 1-5 (cumulative 200 mg/m) were shown to be similarly effective and better tolerated than 100 mg/m every three weeks.

Emotional Distress in Head-and-neck Cancer Patients Scheduled for Chemoradiation or Radiotherapy Alone.

Background/aim: Radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancer is often associated with significant toxicities, which may cause emotional distress. We evaluated prevalence and risk factors for pre-treatment emotional problems in patients irradiated for head-and-neck cancer.

Patients And Methods: Twelve characteristics were retrospectively investigated in 213 patients for associations with emotional problems (worry, fear, sadness, depression, nervousness, loss of interest).

Comparison of Two Cisplatin Regimens for Chemoradiation in Patients With Squamous-cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Background/aim: Many patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck receive cisplatin-based chemoradiation. This retrospective study compared two chemoradiation programs to help identify the optimal cisplatin-regimen.

Patients And Methods: Forty-one patients assigned to chemoradiation with two cycles of 20 mg/m/days(d)1-5 were compared to 78 patients assigned to chemoradiation with two cycles of 25 mg/m/d1-4.

Impact of a mobile application (reminder app) on acute toxicity during radiotherapy of head-and-neck cancer - results of a randomized phase III trial (RAREST-02).

Background: Radiotherapy of head-and-neck cancer (SCCHN) is often associated with acute toxicity. In a previous trial, daily reminders by staff members to perform skin care resulted in less dermatitis. This randomized trial investigated whether a mobile application can replace these reminders.

Impact of Dose-Volume Parameters of Parotid Glands on Xerostomia in Patients Irradiated for Head-and-Neck Cancer.

Background/aim: Optimal planning of radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancers should consider the risk of xerostomia. This study investigated the prognostic value of dosevolume parameters of the parotid glands.

Patients And Methods: Dose-volume parameters were evaluated for xerostomia in 145 patients including D40 (minimum dose to 40% of corresponding parotid volume), D60 (minimum dose to 60%), D80 (minimum dose to 80%), and mean dose of ipsilateral, contralateral, and bilateral parotid glands.

Prognostic Factors for Complete Recovery From Xerostomia After Radiotherapy of Head-and-Neck Cancers.

Background/aim: Radiotherapy of head-and-neck cancers can cause xerostomia. This study investigated potential prognostic factors for complete recovery from this complication.

Patients And Methods: Eighty head-and-neck cancer patients with radiation-induced xerostomia were retrospectively evaluated.

The First Prognostic Tool to Estimate the Risk of Late Grade ≥3 Xerostomia in Patients Irradiated for Head-and-Neck Cancer.

Background/aim: Xerostomia is a serious complication following radiotherapy of head-and-neck cancers. A prognostic tool was developed for estimating its risk.

Patients And Methods: In our previous study, age, tumor site, bilateral lymph node involvement, definitive radiotherapy, and addition of systemic therapies showed significant associations with grade ≥3 late xerostomia or trends.

Risk Factors for Xerostomia Following Radiotherapy of Head-and-Neck Cancers.

Background/aim: Many head-and-neck cancer patients receive radiotherapy, which may be associated with significant toxicities. Xerostomia is considered one of the most debilitating late adverse events. This study was performed to identify risk factors for xerostomia.

Palliative Local Radiotherapy for Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head-and-Neck: Prognostic Factors of Survival.

Background/aim: A considerable number of patients with advanced head-and-neck cancer (SCCHN) receive palliative radiotherapy. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors for survival to facilitate personalized treatment for these patients.

Patients And Methods: Ninety-two patients receiving palliative radiotherapy for SCCHN were retrospectively analyzed.

A New Survival Score for Patients Scheduled for Palliative Irradiation of Locally Advanced Carcinoma of the Head-and-Neck.

Background/aim: Patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck (SCCHN) may be assigned to palliative irradiation. A survival score was developed for this group to support treatment personalization.

Patients And Methods: Seventy-eight patients who received palliative irradiation for SCCHN and had complete data regarding performance score, pre-radiotherapy hemoglobin levels, and main tumor site were included in this retrospective study.

Accelerated Fractionation Plus Chemotherapy Conventionally Fractionated Radiochemotherapy for Unresectable Head-and-Neck Cancer.

Background/aim: Prognosis of patients with unresectable squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck requires improvement. This retrospective study compared accelerated radiotherapy plus chemotherapy to conventional radiochemotherapy.

Patients And Methods: Patients received definitive treatment with accelerated radiotherapy plus chemotherapy (group A, n=10) or conventional cisplatin-based radiochemotherapy (group B, n=85).

Accelerated Fractionation With Concomitant Boost . Conventional Radio-chemotherapy for Definitive Treatment of Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head-and-Neck (SCCHN).

Background/aim: Patients with unresectable head-and-neck cancer (SCCHN) unable to tolerate radiochemotherapy may receive unconventionally fractionated radiotherapy. This retrospective study compared both treatments.

Patients And Methods: Eight patients unsuitable for chemotherapy were assigned to accelerated fractionation with concomitant boost (AF-CB, 69.

Increased activation and differentiated localization of native and phosphorylated STAT3 in nasal polyps.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a multifactorial disease; the underlying mechanisms of cell signalling are not fully understood. STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) is a phosphokinase and a key signalling molecule implicated in cell cycle regulation. We studied the distribution and expression of STAT3 to examine the role of STAT3 in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP.