The rapamycin-derivative RAD001 (everolimus) inhibits cell viability and interacts with the Akt-mTOR-p70S6K pathway in human medullary thyroid carcinoma cells.

Over-expression of the proto-oncogene Akt/PKB has been demonstrated in some neuroendocrine tumor models. Akt may activate downstream proteins such as mTOR and p70S6K, inducing tumor proliferation. The rapamycin-derivative RAD001, everolimus, interacts with this pathway by antagonizing mTOR, but its effects on neuroendocrine tumors are largely unknown.

Medullary thyroid cancer: a retrospective analysis of a cohort treated at a single tertiary care center between 1970 and 2005.

Objective: To identify prognostic factors of clinical outcome and long-term survival in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

Design: Retrospective case series of 51 consecutive patients (mean age 46.9 years, 57% female) treated at a single tertiary university medical center from 1970 to 2005.

Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is associated with the carcinogenesis of numerous neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of COX-2 in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Methods: Tissue specimens of thyroid neoplasms were obtained from 22 patients with MTC and 15 control subjects with nonmalignant thyroid specimens.

Facial palsy associated with acute otitis media.

Objective: Facial palsy secondary to acute otitis media is rarely encountered today. The aim of the present study was to review the characteristics of the disease and propose the proper management.

Study Design: File review.

Esophageal incisions repair by CO2 laser soldering.

Purpose: This study evaluated the feasibility of fiberoptic CO2 laser soldering for the repair of esophageal injuries under tight temperature feedback control in an animal model. Healing was compared to conventional suture closure.

Materials And Methods: A CO2 soldering system equipped with infrared transmitting silver halide fibers was used.

Is the delay in starting postoperative radiotherapy a key factor in the outcome of advanced (T3 and T4) laryngeal cancer?

Objective: To identify factors influencing the outcome of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer.

Design: The files of 44 patients with advanced laryngeal cancer who were treated by surgery followed by radiotherapy (24 with pT3 and 20 with pT4) were reviewed. Median delay in starting radiotherapy was 50 days (range, 19-150 days).

Endoscopic laser-assisted posterior ventriculocordectomy without tracheostomy for bilateral vocal cord immobility.

Background: Laryngeal obstruction due to bilateral vocal cord immobility in adduction may cause dyspnea, hoarseness and dysphagia and can lead to dependence on a tracheostomy. Treatment poses a challenge because of the opposing functions of the larynx and the risk of neck and laryngeal tissue damage.

Objectives: To describe our experience with endoscopic CO2-laser-assisted posterior ventriculocordectomy without tracheostomy for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord immobility in adduction.

High dose rate brachytherapy for nonmalignant airway obstruction: new treatment option.

Study Objectives: High dose rate (HDR) endobronchial brachytherapy is widely used as a palliative treatment for symptomatic airway obstruction by primary or secondary malignant tumors. We report on a successful use of HDR brachytherapy in patients with nonmalignant airway obstruction.

Design: Case series

Patients: Six patients received HDR brachytherapy for airway obstruction caused by granulation tissue around a metal stent placed for restoration of the airway patency for nonmalignant causes.

Bilateral submandibular gland excision with parotid duct ligation for treatment of sialorrhea in children: long-term results.

Background: Multiple procedures have been advocated for the surgical control of chronic sialorrhea in children. However, some of them are associated with significant complications or only short-term success.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety of bilateral submandibular gland excision (SGE) with parotid duct ligation (PDL) and to assess its long-term complications and efficacy in the treatment of chronic sialorrhea in children.

[Jejunal free flap for reconstruction of the hypopharynx].

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx is an aggressive tumor with a bad prognosis. When the tumor is resected it is necessary to reconstruct the hypopharynx and the esophagus. Today, reconstruction with a jejunal free flap is considered to be the preferred option.