Inhibition of the CCR6-CCL20 axis prevents regulatory T cell recruitment and sensitizes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to radiation therapy.

Background:  Radioresistance of HNSCCs remains a major challenge for effective tumor control. Combined radiotherapy (RT) and immunotherapy (IT) treatment improved survival for a subset of patients with inflamed tumors or tumors susceptible to RT-induced inflammation. To overcome radioresistance and improve treatment outcomes, an understanding of factors that suppress anti-tumor immunity is necessary.

Translaryngeal ultrasound in thyroid surgery: state of the art review.

Background: Clinical voice assessment prior to thyroid and parathyroid surgery is essential, but the paradigm of indirect laryngoscopy (IDL), when indicated, has been challenged by the risk of aerosolised SARS-Cov-2 during endoscopy of the aerodigestive tract. Translaryngeal ultrasound (TLUS) to assess the vocal cords has been proposed as a safe, non-invasive and sensitive alternative. The aim of this review was to verify TLUS as a viable tool for perioperative laryngeal assessment.

Avoidance of primary site adjuvant radiotherapy following transoral robotic surgery: a cohort study.

Background: Post-operative radiotherapy (PORT) volumes and dose to target structures likely influence swallowing function and quality of life following transoral robotic surgery (TORS). The aim of this study is to analyse disease control and swallowing outcomes in patients undergoing TORS for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) to determine the impact of omitting the primary site from the PORT treatment volume.

Methods: Prospectively collected data from patients that underwent TORS between March 2013 and April 2021 were reviewed.

Cervicofacial and mediastinal emphysema following minor dental procedure: a case report and review of the literature.

Background: Subcutaneous cervical emphysema is a clinical sign associated with many conditions, including laryngotracheal trauma, pneumothorax and necrotizing deep tissue infections.

Case Presentation: We discuss a case of a 76-year-old man presenting with extensive cervical emphysema a few hours after a minor dental filling procedure. The CT-scan revealed a significant amount of air within the cervical and mediastinal spaces, reaching lobar bronchi.

Evaluation of PACE4 isoforms as biomarkers in thyroid cancer.

Background: To date, no single molecular marker has been demonstrated as clinically useful in differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules when a fine needle aspiration falls in the "unknown significance" categories of the Bethesda Classification. PACE4, a member of the proprotein convertase family of enzymes, has been shown to play a major role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, through the formation of an oncogenic isoform named PACE4-altCT. PACE4 isoforms have also been suggested to play a role in other cancers, including thyroid cancer, but have never been investigated in a detailed manner.