[A concept for the assessment of quality of life in patients with carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract].

Background: The quality of life (QoL) of patients with malignant diseases decreases significantly.

Objective: The evaluation of QoL is generally not part of the management of patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to develop an additional disease- and treatment-specific questionnaire to evaluate QoL in surgically treated head and neck cancer patients.

[Concepts for measuring quality of life in patients with chronic sinusitis].

Background: In 1997, Benninger developed the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSBI) for patients who suffered from chronic sinusitis. Its content related validity and construct related validity were established, as were its sensitivity and reliability. The aim of our study is to introduce a concept to measure quality of life in these patients according to circumstances prevalent in Germany.

Metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx: indicators of individual tumor aggressiveness.

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading connective tissue components. MMP activity is modulated by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP). Imbalanced secretion of certain MMP or disturbances in the differential control of MMP by TIMP have been implicated in the invasive potential of malignant tumors.