Brain derived neutrophic factor (BDNF) coordinates lympho-vascular metastasis through a fibroblast-governed paracrine axis in the tumor microenvironment.

It has long been known that the tumor microenvironment contributes to the proliferation and survival of neoplasms through the constant interaction with the stromal and immune compartments. In this investigation, we explored the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the regulation of the tumor microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) though a complex intercellular BDNF-TrkB signaling system. Our studies show that conditioned media derived from patient-derived CAFs promoted HNSCC cell proliferation, in vitro cell migration, cell invasion and chemotherapy resistance, compared to normal fibroblasts.

Sinonasal adenocarcinoma: a 16-year experience at a single institution.

Background: Adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor of the sinonasal tract. The purpose of this study was to characterize a single institution's experience with this malignancy.

Methods: Retrospective review was performed of patients with adenocarcinoma of the sinonasal tract from 1993 to 2009.

Multimodality treatment for sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Background: Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the paranasal sinuses is rare, accounting for 5% of sinonasal malignancies. The purpose of this study was to assess prognostic factors and survival rates for sinonasal NEC.

Methods: A retrospective review of patients with NEC treated from 1990 to 2004 was performed.

Theraputic targeting of Trk supresses tumor proliferation and enhances cisplatin activity in HNSCC.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a biologically aggressive disease that has been modestly impacted by improvements in therapeutic strategies. Several lines of evidence support the role of TrkB for invasion and metastasis in various solid tumor models, and we have shown an important function of this receptor in HNSCC tumor biology. Therapeutic modulation of TrkB function has been supported in the literature by the development of small molecule inhibitors (SMI) with minimal success.

Comparison of adenoidectomy methods: examining with digital palpation vs. visualizing the placement of the curette.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of adenoidectomy by defining the remnant volume and localization in nasopharynx, following being satisfied with completeness of removal of the adenoid tissue with digital palpation.

Methods: A prospective study conducted on 99 patients undergoing adenoidectomy+/-tonsillectomy. The main mass of the patient's adenoid tissue was removed with a sharp adenoid curette without visualization and the surgeon was allowed to palpate the adenoid bed and repeat the curettage until satisfied with completeness of removal.

Comparing the effectiveness of "plasma knife" tonsillectomy with two well-established tonsillectomy techniques: cold dissection and bipolar electrocautery. A prospective randomized study.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new device "plasma knife" for tonsillectomy by comparing to two well-established tonsillectomy techniques: cold dissection, and bipolar electrocautery.

Methods: A prospective, randomized study conducted on 110 patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Subjects were randomized to plasma knife (PKT), cold dissection (CDT) and bipolar electrocautery (BET) groups.

Role of Helicobacter pylori in pathogenesis of upper respiratory system diseases.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the frequently encountered micro-organisms in the aerodigestive tract. Although infections caused by H.