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BackgroundRNA methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is responsible for methyl group transfer in the progression of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. This epigenetic feature contributes to the structural and functional regulation of RNA and consequently may promote tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and cellular response to anticancer treatment (chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy). In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the commonly used chemotherapy is cisplatin. Unfortunately, cisplatin resistance is still a major cause of tumor relapse and patients’ death. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of METTL3 on cellular response to cisplatin in HNSCC in vitro models.Materials and methodsHNSCC cell lines (H103, FaDu, and Detroit-562) with stable METTL3 knockdown (sgMETTL3) established with CRISPR-Cas9 system were treated with 0.5 tolerable plasma level (TPL) and 1 TPL of cisplatin. Further, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, CD44/CD133 surface marker expression, and cell’s ability to colony formation were analyzed in comparison to controls (cells transduced with control sgRNA).ResultsThe analyses of cell cycle distribution and apoptosis indicated a significantly higher percentage of cells with METTL3 knockdown 1) arrested in the G2/S phase and 2) characterized as a late apoptotic or death in comparison to control. The colony formation assay showed intensified inhibition of a single cell’s ability to grow into a colony in FaDu and Detroit-562 METTL3-deficient cells, while a higher colony number was observed in H103 METTL3 knockdown cells after cisplatin treatment. Also, METTL3 deficiency significantly increased cancer stem cell markers’ surface expression in all studied cell lines.ConclusionOur findings highlight the significant influence of METTL3 on the cellular response to cisplatin, suggesting its potential as a promising therapeutic target for addressing cisplatin resistance in certain cases of HNSCC.

ObjectiveThe influence of age on treatment outcomes in oral cancer is unclear. We aimed to determine the prevalence of oral cancer in adults under age 45 and to compare treatment outcomes by age.MethodsRetrospective study of 284 patients treated for oral cancer from 2010 to 2021. The primary analysis involved the full cohort stratified by age (< vs. ≥ 45y). The second analysis included all patients under age 45 (n=44) matched 1:1 by sex and stage to older patients (age 55-70).ResultsIn the primary analysis, the only significant difference was more comorbidities in the older group (p

The study attempted to demonstrate the differences in the content of essential and toxic metals in the blood serum and in the alternative material (hair and nails) in patients with head and neck cancer compared to healthy people. Selected metals were determined in the test material with the ICP MS technique. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify the hypothesis that each tested chemical compound taken from other tissue affects the possibility of developing head and neck cancer or is an indicator of the disease. All variables (n = 30) were evaluated to verify significant differences (p

Background and Objectives: Chronic radiotherapy-induced skin injury (cRISI) is an irreversible and progressive condition that can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. Despite the limited literature available on the assessment of the epidermal barrier in cRISI, there is a consensus that appropriate skincare, including the use of emollients, is the primary therapeutic approach for this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biophysical properties of the skin during the late period (at least 90 days) following radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center prospective non-randomized study. It involved the analysis of 16 adult patients with head and neck cancer who underwent RT at the Greater Poland Cancer Center, along with 15 healthy volunteers. The study and control groups were matched for gender and age (p = 0.51). Clinical assessment, based on the LENT-SOMA scale, was conducted for all patients. Evaluation of the skin’s biophysical properties included: an analysis of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), and skin visualization using high-frequency ultrasonography (HF-USG). Results: A significantly higher TEWL was observed in the irradiated area compared to the control area in the study group (p = 0.004). However, there was no statistically significant difference in SCH (p = 0.073). Additionally, no significant difference was observed in the values of TEWL and SCH in the irradiated area between the group of patients with and without clinically obvious RISI (p = 0.192 and p = 0.415, respectively). The skin thickness of the irradiated area, assessed by HF-USG, did not differ significantly from the skin thickness of the control area (p = 0.638). Furthermore, no difference in skin thickness was observed in patients with clinical features of cRISI in the irradiated and control areas (p = 0.345). The mean time after RT was 6.1 years. Conclusions: This study marks the first demonstration of epidermal barrier damage in patients in the long term following RT for head and neck cancer. The impairment of the epidermal barrier was observed independently of evident cRISI features. This observation underscores the necessity to recommend appropriate skin care, including the use of emollients, for all patients following RT. We also suggest that HF-USG examination is generally inconclusive in determining the degree of skin damage in the late period after RT.

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) continues to gain momentum in minimally invasive surgery. Not only is TORS potentially curative in many cases, but it also addresses the growing emphasis on functional outcomes and quality of life. The main anatomical areas in which TORS is used are the oropharynx and larynx; however, it is becoming increasingly common in thyroid surgery and neck dissections. With growing popularity, the number of indications for TORS in oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer also increases. However, not all patients are good candidates for this technique, and thus patient selection is essential, with careful assessment of patient-related factors (e.g. comorbidities and endoscopic access) and disease-related variables, such as tumour location, disease staging, and the involvement of surrounding anatomical structures. The aim of the present article is to briefly review the current and emerging indications for TORS in head and neck cancer and the main factors related to patient selection.

MiRNAs could play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. The oncoprotein MDM2 (murine double minute 2) was identified as a negative regulator of the tumour suppressor p53. This study aims to analyse the expression of the MDM2 target miRNA candidates (miR-3613-3p, miR-371b-5p and miR-3658) and the MDM2 gene in oral squamous cell carcinoma tumour and margin samples and their association with the selected socio-demographic and clinicopathological characteristics. The study group consisted of 50 patients. The miRNAs and MDM2 gene expression levels were assessed by qPCR. The expression analysis of the miRNAs showed the expression of only one of them, i.e., miR-3613-3p. We found no statistically significant differences in the miR-3613-3p expression in tumour samples compared to the margin samples. When analysing the effect of smoking on miR-3613-3p expression, we demonstrated a statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers. In addition, we showed an association between the miR-3613-3p expression level and some clinical parameters in tumour samples (T, N and G). Our study demonstrates that miR-3613-3p overexpression is involved in the tumour progression of OSCC. This indicates that miR-3613-3p possesses potential prognostic values.

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of semiquantitative PET-derived parameters as well as hematological parameters in overall survival in HNSCC patients using neural network analysis. Retrospective analysis was performed on 106 previously untreated HNSCC patients. Several PET-derived parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, TotalSUV, MTV, TLG, TLRmax, TLRmean, TLRTLG, and HI) for primary tumor and lymph node with highest activity were assessed. Additionally, hematological parameters (LEU, LEU%, NEU, NEU%, MON, MON%, PLT, PLT%, NRL, and LMR) were also assessed. Patients were divided according to the diagnosis into the good and bad group. The data were evaluated using an artificial neural network (Neural Analyzer version 2.9.5) and conventional statistic. Statistically significant differences in PET-derived parameters in 5-year survival rate between group of patients with worse prognosis and good prognosis were shown in primary tumor SUVmax (10.0 vs. 7.7; p = 0.040), SUVmean (5.4 vs. 4.4; p = 0.047), MTV (23.2 vs. 14.5; p = 0.010), and TLG (155.0 vs. 87.5; p = 0.05), and mean liver TLG (27.8 vs. 30.4; p = 0.031), TLRmax (3.8 vs. 2.6; p = 0.019), TLRmean (2.8 vs. 1.9; p = 0.018), and in TLRTLG (5.6 vs. 2.3; p = 0.042). From hematological parameters, only LMR showed significant differences (2.5 vs. 3.2; p = 0.009). Final neural network showed that for ages above 60, primary tumors SUVmax, TotalSUV, MTV, TLG, TLRmax, and TLRmean over (9.7, 2255, 20.6, 145, 3.6, 2.6, respectively) are associated with worse survival. Our study shows that the neural network could serve as a supplement to PET-derived parameters and is helpful in finding prognostic parameters for overall survival in HNSCC.

In the last few decades, the surgical treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has undergone enormous changes. Until the 1990s, open surgery was the primary treatment for OPSCC. However, due to the potentially severe functional morbidity of this approach, open surgery was largely displaced by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the 1990s. At the same time, new, less-invasive surgical approaches such as transoral surgery with monopolar cautery began to emerge, with the potential to reduce functional morbidity and avoid the late-onset toxicity of CRT. More recently, the growing incidence of HPV-positive disease has altered the patient profile of OPSCC, as these patients tend to be younger and have a better long-term prognosis. Consequently, this has further bolstered interest in minimally-invasive techniques to de-intensify treatment to reduce long-term toxicity and treatment-related morbidity. In this context, there has been a renewed interest in the primary surgery, which allows for accurate pathologic staging and thus—potentially—de-intensification of postoperative CRT. The continuous advances in minimally-invasive surgical approaches, including transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS), have also altered the surgical landscape. These minimally-invasive approaches offer excellent functional outcomes, without the severe toxicity associated with intensive CRT, thus substantially reducing treatment-related morbidity. In short, given the increasing prevalence of HPV-positive OPSCC, together with the severe long-term sequela of aggressive CRT, surgery appears to be recapturing its previous role as the primary treatment modality for this disease. While a growing body of evidence suggests that TLM and TORS offer oncologic outcomes that are comparable to CRT and open surgery, many questions remain due to the lack of prospective data. In the present review, we explore the emerging range of surgical options and discuss future directions in the treatment of OPSCC, including the most relevant clinical trials currently underway.

In recent years, interest in functional organ preservation surgery (FOPS) in the treatment of head and neck cancer has increased dramatically as clinicians seek to minimize the adverse effects of treatment while maximizing survival and quality of life. In this context, the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is becoming increasingly common. TORS is a relatively new and rapidly-evolving technique, with a growing range of treatment indications. A wide range of novel, flexible surgical robots are now in development and their commercialization is expected to significantly expand the current indications for TORS. In the present review, we discuss the current and future role of this organ-preserving modality as the central element in the multimodal treatment of head and neck cancer.

RNA methylation at the nitrogen sixth of adenosine (m6A, N6-methyladenosine) is the most abundant RNA modification which plays a crucial role in all RNA metabolic aspects. Recently, m6A modification has been assigned to mediate the biological processes of cancer cells, but their significance in HNSCC development is still poorly described. Thus, the main aim of this study was to globally quantify m6A modification by the mass spectrometry approach and determine the mRNA expression level of selected m6A RNA methyltransferase (METTL3), demethylase (FTO), and m6A readers (YTHDF2, YTHDC2) in 45 HNSCC patients and 4 cell lines (FaDu, Detroit 562, A-253 and SCC-15) using qPCR. In the results, we have not observed differences in the global amount of m6A modification and the mRNA level of the selected genes between the cancerous and paired-matched histopathologically unchanged tissues from 45 HNSCC patients. However, we have found a positive correlation between selected RNA methylation machinery genes expression and m6A abundance on total RNA and characterized the transcript level of those genes in the HNSCC cell lines. Moreover, the lack of global m6A differences between cancerous and histopathologically unchanged tissues suggests that m6A alterations in specific RNA sites may specifically influence HNSCC tumorigenesis.

Most patients with recurrent oral cancer are not eligible for salvage surgery. Among those who are candidates for surgical salvage, failure rates are high. Given the potential negative impact of salvage surgery on quality of life (QoL)—particularly in unsuccessful interventions—the decision to operate must be weighed carefully. However, the variables associated with successful surgical salvage in oral cancer have not been clearly established. In the present retrospective study, we sought to determine the factors associated with disease recurrence and successful salvage surgery. We evaluated the following parameters in patients (n = 261) treated for primary oral cancer at our institution from 2010 to 2017: age; T/N status; perineurial invasion; lymphovascular invasion; extranodal extension; and margin status. In total, 36 patients (33%) were considered eligible for salvage surgery. Four variables were significantly associated with suitability for salvage surgery: early primary T stage, no primary neck disease (N0), no positive margins in the primary resection, and no adjuvant radiotherapy following primary resection. The only variable significantly associated with improved salvage outcomes was negative margin status after the primary tumor resection, underscoring the importance of margin status on treatment outcomes. Additional studies are needed to identify other factors associated with successful salvage surgery in order to better stratify patients according to the likelihood of success, thus potentially avoiding the negative impact on QoL in patients who undergo unsuccessful surgery.

Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC) constitutes the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide. The molecular pathogenesis of HNSCC includes disorders in cell cycle, intercellular signaling, proliferation, squamous cell differentiation and apoptosis. In addition to the genetic mutations, changes in HNSCC are also characterized by the accumulation of epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA activity and RNA methylation. In fact, some of them may promote cancer formation and progression by controlling the gene expression machinery, hence, they could be used as biomarkers in the clinical surveillance of HNSCC or as targets for therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge regarding epigenetic modifications observed in HNSCC and its predictive value for cancer development.

Power plant dust is believed to be the main source of the increased presence of the element beryllium in the environment which has been detected in the atmospheric air, surface waters, groundwater, soil, food, and cigarette smoke. In humans, beryllium absorption occurs mainly via the respiratory system. The pharyngeal tonsils are located on the roof of the nasopharynx and are in direct contact with dust particles in inhaled air. As a result, the concentration levels of beryllium in the pharyngeal tonsils are likely to be a good indicator of concentration levels in the air. The presented study had two primary aims: to investigate the beryllium concentration in pharyngeal tonsils in children living in southern Poland, and the appropriate reference range for this element in children’s pharyngeal tonsils. Pharyngeal tonsils were extracted from a total of 379 children (age 2–17 years, mean 6.2 ± 2.7 years) living in southern Poland. Tonsil samples were mineralized in a closed cycle in a pressure mineralizer PDS 6, using 65% spectrally pure nitric acid. Beryllium concentration was determined using the ICP-AES method with a Perkin Elmer Optima 5300DVTM. The software Statistica v. 9 was used for the statistical analysis. It was found that girls had a significantly greater beryllium concentration in their pharyngeal tonsils than boys. Beryllium concentration varies greatly, mostly according to the place of residence. Based on the study results, the reference value for beryllium in pharyngeal tonsils of children is recommended to be determined at 0.02–0.04 µg/g.

BackgroundThere is a strong need for preventive approaches to reduce the incidence of recurrence, second cancers, and late toxicities in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) survivors. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess a dietary intervention as a non-expensive and non-toxic method of tertiary prevention in HNSCC survivors.MethodsEligible participants were disease-free patients with HNSCC in follow-up after curative treatments. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive a highly monitored dietary intervention plus the Word Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research recommendations for cancer prevention (intervention arm) or standard-of-care recommendations (control arm). The planned sample size for the event-free survival evaluation (primary endpoint) was not reached, and the protocol was amended in order to investigate the clinical (nutritional and quality-of-life questionnaires) and translational study [plasma-circulating food-related microRNAs (miRNAs)] as main endpoints, the results of which are reported herein.ResultsOne hundred patients were screened, 94 were randomized, and 89 were eligible for intention-to-treat analysis. Median event-free survival was not reached in both arms. After 18 months, nutritional questionnaires showed a significant increase in Recommended Food Score (p = 0.04) in the intervention arm vs. control arm. The frequency of patients with and without a clinically meaningful deterioration or improvement of the C30 global health status in the two study arms was similar. Food-derived circulating miRNAs were identified in plasma samples at baseline, with a significant difference among countries.ConclusionThis RCT represented the first proof-of-principle study, indicating the feasibility of a clinical study based on nutritional and lifestyle interventions in HNSCC survivors. Subjects receiving specific counseling increased the consumption of the recommended foods, but no relevant changes in quality of life were recorded between the two study arms. Food-derived plasma miRNA might be considered promising circulating dietary biomarkers.

Abstract Head and neck cancer is characterized by malignant tumors arising from the epithelium covering the upper aerodigestive tract, and the majority of these epithelial malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the oral cavity (OSCCs). The aim of the current work was to identify miRNAs regulated in OSCC cancerous tissue when compared to a healthy adjacent tissue and to verify the presence of the same miRNAs in the circulation of these patients. For that serum samples and biopsies of healthy and tumor tissues were collected from five patients diagnosed with OSCC of the oral cavity, RNA was extracted from these samples and microRNAs libraries were prepared and sequenced. A total 255 miRNAs were identified in tissue and 381 different miRNAs were identified in serum samples. When comparing the miRNA expression between tumor and healthy tissue we identified 48 miRNAs (25 down- and 23 up-regulated) that were differentially expressed (FDR

Dysphagia represents one of the most serious adverse events after curative-intent treatments with a tremendous impact on quality of life in patients with head and neck cancers. Novel surgical and radiation therapy techniques have been developed to better preserve swallowing function, while not negatively influencing local control and/or overall survival. This review focuses on the current literature of swallowing outcomes after curative treatment strategies. Available results from recent studies relevant to this topic are presented, demonstrating the potential role of new treatment modalities for early- and intermediate-stage oropharyngeal cancers. Based on this, we present the rationale and design of the currently active EORTC 1420 “Best of” trial, and highlight the potential of this study to help prioritizing either surgery- or radiation-based treatment modalities for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in the future.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer and, as indicated by The Oral Cancer Foundation, kills at an alarming rate of roughly one person per hour. With this study, we aimed at better understanding disease mechanisms and identifying minimally invasive disease biomarkers by profiling novel small non-coding RNAs (specifically, tRNA halves and YRNA fragments) in both serum and tumor tissue from humans. Small RNA-Sequencing identified multiple 5′ tRNA halves and 5′ YRNA fragments that displayed significant differential expression levels in circulation and/or tumor tissue, as compared to control counterparts. In addition, by implementing a modification of weighted gene coexpression network analysis, we identified an upregulated genetic module comprised of 5′ tRNA halves and miRNAs (miRNAs were described in previous study using the same samples) with significant association with the cancer trait. By consequently implementing miRNA-overtargeting network analysis, the biological function of the module (and by “guilt by association,” the function of the 5′ tRNA-Val-CAC-2-1 half) was found to involve the transcriptional targeting of specific genes involved in the negative regulation of the G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle. These findings suggest that 5′ tRNA-Val-CAC-2-1 half (reduced in serum of OSCC patients and elevated in the tumor tissue) could potentially serve as an OSCC circulating biomarker and/or target for novel anticancer therapies. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the specific molecular function of a 5′-tRNA half is specifically pinpointed in OSCC.

Background: Lymph node involvement is a fundamental prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Lymph node yield (LNY), which is the number of lymph nodes retrieved after neck dissection, and lymph node ratio (LNR), which is the ratio of positive lymph nodes out of the total removed, are measurable indicators that may have the potential to be used as prognostic factors. The present study is designed to define the exact role of LNY and LNR regarding the overall and specific survival of patients affected by oral cavity and oropharyngeal SCC. It has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov database (NCT03534778). Methods: This is a multicenter study involving tertiary care referral centers in Europe and North America. Patients affected by oral cavity, HPV+ and HPV- oropharyngeal SCC undergoing neck dissection will be consecutively enrolled and followed-up for up to 5 years. Patients and disease characteristic will be properly recorded and centrally analyzed. The primary end-point is to define reliable cut off-values for LNY and LNR which may serve as prognosticators of survival. This will be achieved through the use of ROC curves. Secondary outcomes will be the Overall survival (OS), Disease Specific Survival (DSS), and Progression Free Survival Hazard Ratios (HR) at 2-, 3- and 5 years, which will be evaluated through the Kaplan-Meier method and the difference in survival attested by the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analysis will be performed to understand the association of various outcomes with LNY and LNR.

Colorectal cancer is recognized as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Thus, there is ongoing search for potential new biomarkers allowing quicker and less invasive detection of the disease and prediction of the treatment outcome. Therefore, the aim of our study was to identify colorectal cancer specific miRNAs expressed in cancerous and healthy tissue from the same patient and to further correlate the presence of the same miRNAs in the circulation as potential biomarkers for diagnosis. In the current study we detected a set of 40 miRNAs differentially regulated in tumor tissue when comparing with healthy tissue. Additionally, we found 8 miRNAs differentially regulated in serum of colorectal cancer patients. Interestingly, there was no overlap in miRNAs regulated in tissue and serum, suggesting that serum regulated miRNAs may be not actively secreted from colorectal tumor cells. However, four of differentially expressed miRNAs, including miR-21, miR-17, miR-20a and miR-32 represent the miRNAs characteristic for different tumor types, including breast, colon, lung, pancreas, prostate and stomach cancer. This finding suggests important groups of miRNAs which can be further validated as markers for diagnosis of tumor tissue and regulation of carcinogenesis.

The head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents one of the most common cancers in humans. Close to 600,000 new diagnoses are made every year worldwide and over half of diagnosed patients will not survive. In view of this low survival rate, the development of novel cell-based assays for HNSCC will allow more mechanistic approaches for specific diagnostics for each individual patient. The cell-based assays will provide more informative data predicting cellular processes in treated patient, which in effect would improve patient follow up. More importantly, it will increase the specificity and effectiveness of therapeutic approaches. In this study, we investigated the role of serum from HNSCC patients on the regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression in exposed cells in vitro. Next-generation sequencing of miRNA revealed that serum from HNSCC patients induced a different miRNA expression profile than the serum from healthy individuals. Out of 377 miRNA detected, we found that 16 miRNAs were differentially expressed when comparing cells exposed to serum from HNSCC or healthy individuals. The analysis of gene ontologies and pathway analysis revealed that these miRNA target genes were involved in biological cancer-related processes, including cell cycle and apoptosis. The real-time PCR analysis revealed that serum from HNSCC patients downregulate the expression level of five genes involved in carcinogenesis and two of these genes—P53 and SLC2A1—are direct targets of detected miRNAs. These novel findings provide new insight into how cancer-associated factors in circulation regulate the expression of genes and regulatory elements in distal cells in favor of tumorigenesis. This has the potential for new therapeutic approaches and more specific diagnostics with tumor-specific cell lines or single-cell in vitro assays for personalized treatment and early detection of primary tumors or metastasis.

Introduction: One of the main histopathological features of alopecia areata (AA) is a lymphocytic infiltration that surrounds hair follicles. Soluble forms of E, L, P-selectins are known indicators of ongoing inflammation. There are no studies regarding the assessment of their contribution in AA., Aim: To assess serum concentrations of selectins (E-selectin, L-selectin and P-selectin) in patients with AA in relation to selected clinical parameters, including disease severity and activity., Material and Methods: Sixty-four patients with AA were involved in the study. The diagnosis was based on physical examination and photodermoscopy. The control group consisted of 40 healthy subjects. The serum concentrations of soluble E-selectin, L-selectin and P-selectin were detected with ELISA method., Results: Statistically significantly higher levels of E, P, L-selectins were found in AA patients as compared with the healthy group. Serum concentrations of soluble forms of E- and L-selectins correlated with the severity of the disease, while E-selectin with activity of AA., Conclusions: This study shows that selectins may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AA and may be a target of future therapies in this disease.

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of non-melanoma malignant skin tumors. Eighty-five percent of all cases are located on the skin of the head and neck. The risk of recurrence after surgery is estimated at 5-15%., Aim: To evaluate the selected risk factors for recurrence after surgical treatment of head and neck BCC at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery in the Greater Poland Cancer Centre of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences., Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of patients treated at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery in the Greater Poland Cancer Centre of the Poznan University of Medical Sciences in 2007-2012 for BCC of the head and neck region. The study covered 312 patients: 198 males (63%) and 114 females (37%), aged 32-96 years., Results: In the study group of 312 tumors, recurrence after initial treatment in this Centre was diagnosed in 18 patients (9%), whereas in patients who were previously operated elsewhere, recurrence was found in 22 cases (17%). The nodular type was the most common BCC type in the study group and concerned 175 patients (56%). The most numerous group (114; 37%) in this study group comprised patients with external nose and cheek tumors., Conclusions: The importance of preoperative biopsy to assess the histological type as a routine treatment of patients with BCC is essential. Ultrasound evaluation to assess the exact size and depth of tumor invasion should also be implemented.

Introduction: Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare cutaneous disease characterized by skin fibrosis of unknown pathogenesis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a potent profibrotic factor. The role of TGF-β in morphea remains unclear., Aim: The goal of this study was to estimate the expression level of TGF-β1 in skin and peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as the plasma levels of TGF-β1 in plaque morphea (MEP)., Material and Methods: The study involved 20 MEP patients. Three control groups were involved: 1 - plasma: 36 healthy volunteers; 2 - PBMC: 47 healthy volunteers; 3 - skin biopsies: 13 samples collected during mastectomy (breast cancer was not skin involved). The analysis of TGF-β1 plasma levels was performed with the use an adequate ELISA kit, while real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed for the expression of TGF-β1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and skin., Results: In our study we have not detected differences in TGF-β 1 expression in PBMC, skin, nor in plasma levels of TGF-β1 between MEP patients and healthy controls, regardless of disease activity and its duration., Conclusions: The results of our study contradict the claim of the substantial role of TGF-β1 in the most common morphea subtype - MEP.

Introduction: The incidence of the malignant tumors of the salivary glands is relatelively low. However, rapid locoregional progression, distant metastases occurrence and high local recurrence rate occurring despite radical surgical treatment, significantly affect the outcome. Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are characterized by low radiosensitivity and poor response to systemic therapy. Therefore there is a need for new targeted therapies which may improve the prognosis. In some aspects, malignant tumors of the salivary glands are similar to breast cancers. Efficacy of hormonal replacement therapy and the treatment with the monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab) in the treatment of breast cancer is well known and confirmed. Criterion determining the qualification for treatment is the presence of hormone receptors and HER2 receptors in the tumor., Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 in selected salivary gland malignancies., Materials and Methods: Study group consisted of 51 patients with the salivary glands cancer. In the study group there were 42 tumors in the parotid gland, 7 tumors of the submandibular gland, 1 in the mucosa of the cheek and 1 tumor in the tongue. Histologically material comprised of muco-epidermoid carcinoma (10), adenoid-cystic carcinoma (8), salivary duct (7), adenocarcinoma (6), squamous cell carcinoma (6), mioepithelial carcinoma (5) and other (9). In all cases immunohistochemical analysis of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and HER2 receptor was performed., Results: The expression of the estrogen receptor was found in 18% of tumors (9 patients). The expression of the progesterone receptor was found in 20% (10 patients). HER2 expression was found in 10% of tumors and was related to only one histological type of tumor - salivary duct carcinoma., Conclusion: HER2 expression in malignant tumors of the salivary glands, especially in salivary duct carcinoma may be of use in future implementation of new targeted therapies based on monoclonal antibodies., (Copyright © 2013 Polish Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z.o.o. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: In Poland the annual incidence of cancer of the larynx is about 3,000 cases which accounts 2% of all malignant tumors. Results of treatment of head and neck cancers are still unsatisfactory (five-year survival - 50%). In order to improve the outcome in Greater Poland Cancer Centre in 2010 a multidisciplinary team was created which is involved in the individual qualification of each patient to the best form of therapy., Aim: The aim of the publication is to evaluate the work of the multidisciplinary team in the diagnostic, therapeutic, and post-operative follow-up of patients with larynx and hypopharynx cancer treated in Greater Poland Cancer Centre in 2007-2012., Materials and Methods: The analysis included 558 patients (84% men, 16% women) aged 38-82 years who were treated in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery Greater Poland Cancer Centre in the years 2007 to 2012 because of cancer of larynx and hypopharynx. Patients were divided into two groups - the first consisted of patients qualified without the cooperation of the multidisciplinary team - 312 patients (56%), the second - patients qualified with help of the multidisciplinary team - 246 patients (44%). In the two groups of patients evaluated were: mean time required for the implementation of additional tests and specialist consultations before treatment, the average time from the appearance of the patient to the start of treatment, the distribution of qualifications to specific forms of therapy., Results: Evaluating type of treatment administered after the establishment of the team noticed were an increase by 11% the number of patients treated with surgery. There has been a reduction in the time between the appearance of the patient at the clinic and the start of treatment and reduce the waiting time for diagnostic imaging and specialist consultations. It was also an increase in the number of regular check-ups and a decrease in the number of patients who stopped visits., Conclusion: The work of the multidisciplinary team improves the effectiveness of treatment by optimizing the process of preparation and organization, and finally by contributing knowledge and experience in decision-making. His creation results in benefits for the patient, his family and the medical staff. Qualification for the most optimal treatment within the multidisciplinary team should be used in all patients with cancer of the head and neck., (Copyright © 2013 Polish Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z.o.o. All rights reserved.)