Evaluation of colour vision impairment during acute hypobaric hypoxia in aviation medicine: a randomized controlled trial

The digitization of aircraft cockpits places high demands on the colour vision of pilots. The present study investigates colour vision changes upon acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. The digital Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Test and the Waggoner D-15 were performed by 54 healthy volunteers in a decompression chamber. Respective altitude levels were sea level, 10,000 or 15,000 ft for exposure periods of 15 and 60 min, respectively. As for 60 min of exposure a significant decrease in colour perception was found between subjects at 15,000 ft as compared to the control group as well as between subjects at 15,000 ft as compared to subjects at 10,000 ft. No significant difference was found in the comparison within the 15,000 ft groups across time points pre-, peri-, and post-exposure. Thus, pilots appear to experience only minor colour vision impairment up to an exposure altitude of 15,000 ft over 60 min of exposure.

Combining skin and olfactory α-synuclein seed amplification assays (SAA)-towards biomarker-driven phenotyping in synucleinopathies

Seed amplification assays (SAA) are becoming commonly used in synucleinopathies to detect α-synuclein aggregates. Studies in Parkinson's disease (PD) and isolated REM-sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) have shown a considerably lower sensitivity in the olfactory epithelium than in CSF or skin. To get an insight into α-synuclein (α-syn) distribution within the nervous system and reasons for low sensitivity, we compared SAA assessment of nasal brushings and skin biopsies in PD (n = 27) and iRBD patients (n = 18) and unaffected controls (n = 30). α-syn misfolding was overall found less commonly in the olfactory epithelium than in the skin, which could be partially explained by the nasal brushing matrix exerting an inhibitory effect on aggregation. Importantly, the α-syn distribution was not uniform: there was a higher deposition of misfolded α-syn across all sampled tissues in the iRBD cohort compared to PD (supporting the notion of RBD as a marker of a more malignant subtype of synucleinopathy) and in a subgroup of PD patients, misfolded α-syn was detectable only in the olfactory epithelium, suggestive of the recently proposed brain-first PD subtype. Assaying α-syn of diverse origins, such as olfactory (part of the central nervous system) and skin (peripheral nervous system), could increase diagnostic accuracy and allow better stratification of patients.

[Radiation or Surgery for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer? The ORATOR2 Trial - Comparing apples and oranges]

ORATOR2 was a randomized phase II trial aiming to assess an optimal approach for therapy de-escalation in early (T1-T2, N0-N2) human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). Radiotherapy (RT) (consisting of a reduced dose of 60 Gy with concurrent weekly cisplatin in N+ patients) was compared to trans-oral surgery (TOS) and neck dissection (ND) (with adjuvant reduced-dose RT depending on pathologic findings) in 61 patients. The primary endpoint, overall survival, favored the radiotherapy approach. This was mainly due to 3 mortality events in the surgery arm (2 surgery-related) which resulted in an early trial termination. The authors, who speak on behalf of the German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery (working group for oncology) warn to draw conclusions for clinical practice pointing out the main shortages/weaknesses of this trial especially in the surgery arm (at least 1 cm margins, recommending re-operation if not achieved, prohibition of regional or free flaps, high rates of tracheotomy, low rate of TLM). Small patient numbers, a highly selected patient cohort and a short follow-up time further limit this study's relevance. Therefore, patients with HPV-related OPSCC should not receive de-escalating (radiation) therapy outside of clinical trials. When deciding between a surgical or a radio-therapeutical approach, patients should be informed about the pros and cons of both modalities after interdisciplinary consent in a tumor board, as long as clinical trial results` (e. g. EORTC 1420) are pending.

Low blood levels of the lncRNA MRPL20-AS1 are associated with severe obstructive sleep apnea

Introduction

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is the most common sleep disorder and it is associated with arterial hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease as well as atrial fibrillation. The underlying pathomechanisms for this association are only incompletely understood. In recent years long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have been shown to be involved in various cardiovascular pathologies. The aim of this study is to identify lncRNAs which are associated with OSAS in order to provide potential therapeutic targets.

Methods and results

In order to tackle this issue, we included 23 Patients with a suspected OSAS in a pilot study and sampled blood on the evening before and on the morning after polysomnographic analysis. Citrate was used to inhibit clotting of the blood and cellular components were removed by centrifugation, before the plasma was stored at −80°C. One patient had no sign of OSAS as indicated by an Apnea/Hypopnea-Index (AHI) <5 per hour and was therefore excluded. The remaining 22 patients had a mean age of 44.45 years and a mean AHI of 28.38 per hour. Three of the patients were female and nineteen were male. In four of those patients with high AHI levels, we performed a RNA sequencing analysis from the citrate plasma and found MRPL20-AS1 to be the most significantly regulated lncRNA after the night of polysomnographic analysis (A). Low coding potential of MRPL20-AS1 was confirmed in silico via the Coding-Potential Assessment Tool (http://lilab.research.bcm.edu/) resulting in a coding probability of 0.06148. Then MRPL20-AS1 levels were measured via qPCR in the remaining patients. From 19 patients, we obtained evaluable results. We found that MRPL20-AS1 blood levels had the tendency to be lower after the night of polysomnographic assessment (B). Interestingly MRPL20-AS1 levels were inversely correlated with the AHI of the OSAS patients (C). This indicates that severe OSAS was associated with low levels of MRPL20-AS1 in our cohort (D). In order to further investigate these results in vitro, we subjected human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) to hypoxia (1% and 5% O2) for 24 h. We found that hypoxia leads to a significant downregulation of MRPL20-AS1 in HCAECs (E).

Conclusion

MRPL20-AS1 blood levels are lower in patients with severe OSAS after nocturnal hypoxia. In endothelial cells MRPL20-AS1 is downregulated after hypoxia. MRPL20-AS1 can therefore be useful to identify patients suffering from severe OSAS. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the biological function of MRPL20-AS1 in the context of OSAS and to investigate MRPL20-AS1 as a potential therapeutic target to counteract cardiovascular effects of OSAS

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Unviversity of BonnUniversity of Cologne

Incidence and clinical outcome of primary carcinomas of the major salivary glands: 10-year data from a population-based state cancer registry in Germany

PURPOSE

The aim of this project was to provide an overview of the epidemiology of primary salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) in terms of incidence, distribution of clinicopathological features and survival in one of the largest cancer registries in Europe.

METHODS

Data were collected from patients with SGC of the major salivary glands registered in the population-based state cancer registry (Landeskrebsregister LKR) in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany from 01/01/2009 to 12/31/2018. Age standardization of incidence was performed and relative survival estimates were computed by sex, histological group, age group and T-, N-, and M-stage.

RESULTS

A total of 1680 patients were included in this analysis. The most frequent tumor localization was the parotid gland (78%). Adenocarcinoma (not otherwise specified) was the most common tumor entity (18.5%). Most tumors were found in stages T1-T3 (29% T1; 29% T2; 28% T3). The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) for SGC was 0.65/100,000 and remained stable during the observation period. There was an age-dependent incidence increasing especially from the age 70 years and onwards. The overall 5-year relative survival (RS) for all patients with SGC was 69.2%. RS was 80-95.6% for T1-2 stage tumors, 60.3% for T3, 47.3% for T4 stage, 87.4% for N0 and 51.2% for N1-2, 74.4% for M0 and 44.9% for M1.

CONCLUSION

Age-standardized incidence for SGC has been stable for the observed 10-year period. Smaller tumors and those without lymph node or distant metastases had a better RS than more advanced tumors.

[Effects of the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic on the otolaryngology university hospitals in the field of research, student teaching and specialist training]

Hintergrund

Ab Frühjahr 2020 kam es zur weltweiten Verbreitung von SARS-CoV‑2 mit der heute als erste Welle der Pandemie bezeichneten Phase ab März 2020. Diese resultierte an vielen Kliniken in Umstrukturierungen und Ressourcenverschiebungen. Ziel unserer Arbeit war die Erfassung der Auswirkungen der Pandemie auf die universitäre Hals-Nasen-Ohren(HNO)-Heilkunde für die Forschung, Lehre und Weiterbildung.

Material und Methoden

Die Direktorinnen und Direktoren der 39 Universitäts-HNO-Kliniken in Deutschland wurden mithilfe einer strukturierten Online-Befragung zu den Auswirkungen der Pandemie im Zeitraum von März bis April 2020 auf die Forschung, Lehre und die Weiterbildung befragt.

Ergebnisse

Alle 39 Direktorinnen und Direktoren beteiligten sich an der Umfrage. Hiervon gaben 74,4 % (29/39) an, dass es zu einer Verschlechterung ihrer Forschungstätigkeit infolge der Pandemie gekommen sei. Von 61,5 % (24/39) wurde berichtet, dass pandemiebezogene Forschungsaspekte aufgegriffen wurden. Von allen Kliniken wurde eine Einschränkung der Präsenzlehre berichtet und 97,5 % (38/39) führten neue digitale Lehrformate ein. Im Beobachtungszeitraum sahen 74,4 % der Klinikdirektoren die Weiterbildung der Assistenten nicht gefährdet.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Ergebnisse geben einen Einblick in die heterogenen Auswirkungen der Pandemie. Die kurzfristige Bearbeitung pandemiebezogener Forschungsthemen und die Einführung innovativer digitaler Konzepte für die studentische Lehre belegt eindrücklich das große innovative Potenzial und die schnelle Reaktionsfähigkeit der HNO-Universitätskliniken, um auch während der Pandemie ihre Aufgaben in der Forschung, Lehre und Weiterbildung bestmöglich zu erfüllen.

Induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by radiotherapy (RT) versus cetuximab plus IC and RT in advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer resectable only by total laryngectomy-final results of the larynx organ preservation trial DeLOS-II

Background

The German multicenter randomized phase II larynx organ preservation (LOP) trial DeLOS-II was carried out to prove the hypothesis that cetuximab (E) added to induction chemotherapy (IC) and radiotherapy improves laryngectomy-free survival (LFS; survival with preserved larynx) in locally advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal cancer (LHSCC).

Patients and methods

Treatment-naïve patients with stage III/IV LHSCC amenable to total laryngectomy (TL) were randomized to three cycles IC with TPF [docetaxel (T) and cisplatin (P) 75 mg/m2/day 1, 5-FU (F) 750 mg/m2/day days 1-5] followed by radiotherapy (69.6 Gy) without (A) or with (B) standard dose cetuximab for 16 weeks throughout IC and radiotherapy (TPFE). Response to first IC-cycle (IC-1) with ≥30% endoscopically estimated tumor surface shrinkage (ETSS) was used to define early responders; early salvage TL was recommended to non-responders. The primary objective was 24 months LFS above 35% in arm B.

Results

Of 180 patients randomized (July 2007 to September 2012), 173 fulfilled eligibility criteria (A/B: larynx 44/42, hypopharynx 41/46). Because of 4 therapy-related deaths among the first 64 randomized patients, 5-FU was omitted from IC in the subsequent 112 patients reducing further fatal toxicities. Thus, IC was TPF in 61 patients and TP in 112 patients, respectively. The primary objective (24 months LFS above 35%) was equally met by arms A (40/85, 47.1%) as well as B (41/88, 46.6%). One hundred and twenty-three early responders completed IC+RT; their overall response rates (TPF/TP) were 94.7%/87.2% in A versus 80%/86.0% in B. The 24 months overall survival (OS) rates were 68.2% and 69.3%.

Conclusions

Despite being accompanied by an elevated frequency in adverse events, the IC with TPF/TP plus cetuximab was feasible but showed no superiority to IC with TPF/TP regarding LFS and OS at 24 months. Both early response and 24 months LFS compare very well to previous LOP trials and recommend effective treatment selection and stratification by ETSS.

Clinical trial information

NCT00508664.

Risk profiling based on p16 and HPV DNA more accurately predicts location of disease relapse in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

In the era of precision medicine and HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), it is relevant to assess the risk of not only survival, but also the risk of local, regional, or distant treatment failure. The UICC 8th edition uses the surrogate marker p16 to stratify for HPV association but discordance between p16 status and HPV association has been shown. The purpose of this study was to develop a prognostic model to predict the risk of local, regional, and distant metastases and non-cancer-related death for patients with OPSCC, test the prognostic relevance of adding HPV DNA and p16 status, and validate the findings in an independent external dataset.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients diagnosed with OPSCC and treated with curative radiotherapy with or without cisplatin in eastern Denmark from 2000 to 2014 were included. Characteristics included age, gender, TNM stage, smoking habits, performance status, and HPV status assessed with p16 and HPV DNA. The information was used to develop a prognostic model for first site of failure with four competing events: recurrence in T-, N-, and M-site, and death with no evidence of disease.

RESULTS

Overall 1243 patients were eligible for the analysis. A prognostic model with the four events was developed and externally validated in an independent dataset with a heterogeneously treated patient population from another institution. The individual prognostication from the competing risk analysis is displayed in a user friendly online tool (https://rasmussen.shinyapps.io/OPSCCmodelHPV_p16/). Replacing p16 status with the combined variable HPV/p16 status influenced the HR and patients with HPV-/p16+ had significantly higher HR of M-site recurrence than HPV+/p16+ with a HR = 2.56; CI [1.30; 5.02]; P = 0.006 (P = 0.013 in the validation cohort).

CONCLUSION

Patients with HPV-/p16+ have significantly higher risk of M-site recurrence and could potentially be relevant candidates for clinical trials testing systemic treatments in combination with conventional treatments.

[The innate immune system in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma : Immune modulation by HPV]

Based on clinical and experimental data, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) have been recognized as a distinct entity of head and neck cancers. However, outside of clinical trials, HPV status currently has no impact on treatment. The natural replication cycle of HPV takes place in epithelial cells, and is thus spatially separated from cytotoxic immune cells in the epidermis. Dendritic cells (Langerhans cells, LC), however, are frequent in this upper dermal layer. The ability of LC to process antigens, migrate, and, ultimately activate T cells is inhibited by the activity of the viral oncoproteins (E5-E7). Downregulation of functional human leukocyte antigen I (HLA-I) epithelial cell surface expression contributes to LC inhibition. However, due to their absence in upper skin layers, corresponding activation of natural killer (NK) cells via missing-self recognition is not relevant. Genome-wide analyses have revealed specific expression signatures for HPV-associated OPSCC that are distinct from HPV-negative cancers. Interestingly, aberrations in HLA-I genes were common in HPV-associated OPSCC. Our own findings indicate more frequent infiltration of HPV-associated OPSCC by CD56-positive (CD56⁺) NK cells, which might be related to HLA-I downregulation during HPV-associated carcinogenesis. In patients with OPSCC, CD56 positivity correlates with improved prognosis after conventional therapy. This could be evidence for HPV-associated OPSCC being especially eligible for novel immune-based therapies and an indication that immunological data should be included in the design of clinical trials.

The incidence of Warthin tumours and pleomorphic adenomas in the parotid gland over a 25-year period

OBJECTIVES

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is reported to be the most common benign parotid tumour followed by Warthin tumour (WT), but the proportion of these two entities might have changed.

DESIGN

Retrospective file analysis.

SETTING

Tertiary referral head and neck centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients who underwent a parotidectomy within a period of 25 years (1990-2014).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rate of occurrence of PA and WT as well as the development of the PA/WT ratio over the years.

RESULTS

Overall, 1818 patients with WT (707, 38.9%) and PA (1111, 61.1%) were identified. There was a dominance of PA over WT in all years. An increase in percentage of WT, from 24% in 1990 to 48% in 2014, in comparison with PA was evident.

CONCLUSIONS

In our single-institution hospital-based material of parotidectomies, the percentage of WT in comparison with PA has significantly increased over the last 25 years.

[Human papillomavirus and squamous cell cancer of the head and neck region : Prognostic, therapeutic and prophylactic implications]

Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are responsible for approximately half of all oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) and incidence rates of HPV-associated OPSCC continue to increase substantially. The defined viral carcinogenesis permits development of specific diagnostic, therapeutic, and prophylactic approaches. Laboratory identification of HPV-associated OPSCC may be achieved by p16(INK4a) immunohistochemistry combined with HPV DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using tumor tissue. Patients with HPV-associated OPSCC have a relatively good prognosis; therefore, the HPV status plays an important role in patient guidance. Due to the relatively favorable prognosis, ongoing studies are evaluating whether less rigorous therapy for HPV-positive patients results in equally good cure rates. The criteria for patient selection are, however, still uncertain. Particularly markers for detection of HPV-positive patients with a high risk of treatment failure are lacking. Besides tumor stage and comorbidities, distinct genomic, epigenetic, and immunologic alterations are prognostically relevant for HPV-associated OPSCC, and might be of predictive value. Furthermore, the characteristic molecular alterations suggest the possibility of novel vigilant and specific therapy approaches. These may be inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K) pathway, which is frequently activated in HPV-associated OPSCC, and immunotherapeutic methods, e. g., therapeutic vaccination. Although prophylactic HPV vaccinations may also prevent development of HPV-associated OPSCC, foreseeable effects on OPSCC incidence will be low, given the low vaccination rates in Germany. This highlights the fact that interdisciplinary research networks should enhance the necessary activities related to HPV-associated OPSCC.

Comprehensive analysis of HPV16 integration in OSCC reveals no significant impact of physical status on viral oncogene and virally disrupted human gene expression

Infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 is an independent risk factor for the development of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). However, it is unclear whether viral integration is an essential hallmark in the carcinogenic process of OSCC and whether HPV integration correlates with the level of viral gene transcription and influences the expression of disrupted host genes. We analyzed 75 patients with OSCC. HPV16-positivity was proven by p16^INK4A immunohistochemistry, PCR and FISH. Viral integration was examined using DIPS- as well as APOT-PCR. Viral E2, E6 and E7 gene expression levels were quantified by quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT-q)PCR. Expression levels of 7 human genes disrupted by the virus were extracted from mRNA expression profiling data of 32 OSCCs. Viral copy numbers were assessed by qPCR in 73 tumors. We identified 37 HPV16-human fusion products indicating viral integration in 29 (39%) OSCC. In the remaining tumors (61%) only episome-derived PCR products were detected. When comparing OSCC with or without an integration-derived fusion product, we did not find significant differences in the mean RNA expression of viral genes E2, E6 and E7 or the viral copy numbers per cell, nor did the RNA expression of the HPV-disrupted genes differ from either group of OSCC. In conclusion, our data do not support the hypothesis that integration affects the levels of viral and/or HPV-disrupted human gene transcripts. Thus constitutive, rather than a high level, of expression of oncogene transcripts appears to be required in HPV-related OSCC.

[Negative pressure pulmonary edema after peritonsillar abscess tonsillectomy]

We report on a 19-year-old patient who developed negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) with respiratory insufficiency following abscess tonsillectomy. NPPE is an unpredictable and life-threatening postoperative complication characterized by respiratory insufficiency. It may arise immediately after extubation or later in the postoperative period. NPPE is frequently observed after laryngospasm or in combination with space-occupying lesions in the pharynx and larynx. Treatment comprises the immediate correction of hypoxemia, preferably by noninvasive respiratory support using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), although in some cases reintubation is necessary.

The impact of cidofovir treatment on viral loads in adult recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Cidofovir is an antiviral agent used in the therapy of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). In this study, we hypothesized that cidofovir is effective in decreasing the viral load of human papillomavirus (HPV). We established a type specific real-time PCR and measured HPV DNA loads. The course of viral load of HPV types 6 and 11 after repeated applications of cidofovir intralesionally was compared to the clinical outcome using a modified Derkay score. In 6 of the 8 (75 %) patients, we detected HPV 6. In 2 (25 %) patients, we detected HPV 11. In all of the patients, the viral load and the modified Derkay score decreased significantly during the treatment. We conclude that viral load of HPV can be monitored using the technique described here. Cidofovir in combination with surgical debulking reduces the viral load in patients with RRP. Relapses of the symptoms cannot be avoided but might be delayed.

Transoral laser surgery for laryngeal cancer: outcome, complications and prognostic factors in 275 patients

AIM

Curative treatment options for laryngeal carcinoma include primary radiation therapy, open surgical techniques and transoral laser surgery (TLS). In the last decade, TLS has become an important tool in the treatment of laryngeal cancer and has become the standard approach in many institutions. The aim of this study was to review the experience of a single center institution with TLS for early and advanced laryngeal cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 275 patients who underwent TLS in regard to the survival outcome and surgical complications.

RESULTS

The 5-year disease-free survival estimate was 90.3% and the 10-year disease-free survival estimate was 88.2%. The 5-year larynx preservation rate estimate was 88.2% and the 10-year larynx preservation rate estimate was 87.3%. The disease-free survival was significantly worsened by the variables T and N (p=0.0003; p<0.001, respectively). Two percent of all patients required intraoperative tracheostomy and the rate of minor postoperative complications was 17%. There were no fatal complications.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that TLS is a valid treatment method for early laryngeal carcinoma. Selected cases of advanced carcinomas may also benefit from TLS.

Long-term results of the combined modality therapy for advanced cervical metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

AIM

A consensus treatment strategy for advanced cervical metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has not been established. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the outcome of these patients uniformely using a strategy which consists of surgery for the primary tumor and the neck metastases followed by postoperative radio(chemo)therapy.

METHODS

We included a selected series of 518 patients with previously untreated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The overall survival (OS), the disease specific survival (DSS), the disease free survival (DFS), the local control (LC) and regional control (RC) estimates were calculated. The statistical relationship of various clinical and histopathological variables on the above mentioned estimates were analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall survival probability was 73.2% for pN0 stage, 43% for pN>1 stages and 31% for pN2c/pN3 stages. The pN stage significantly influenced the survival probabilities in oropharyngeal (p=0.0001) and laryngeal tumors (p<0.0001) in univariate analyses. In multivariate analysis, age, pT stage, pN stage, M stage, and extranodal spreading were independent risk factors for decreased disease-specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS

We could show that pN stage is an important independent prognostic factor in head and neck cancer. The presented multimodal treatment protocol provides excellent oncological outcomes and should therefore be standard of care for patients with operable advanced cervical metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

[Vallecular cyst as a rare cause of progressive inspiratory stridor]

BACKGROUND

Vallecular cysts are frequently observed, benign masses of the upper aerodigestiv tract. Usually they appear as harmless and asymptomatic and go unnoticed by the patient. In rare cases, obstructions of the upper airway due to monstrous vallecular cysts may become life threatening.

CASE

We report on a 69-year-old otherwise healthy woman with a rapidly progressive history of dyspnea caused by a pedicled vallecular cyst. Increasing stridor prompted emergency surgical resection.

CONCLUSION

Vallecular cysts that increase in size can cause dyspnea due to obstruction of the aditus of the larynx. This case demonstrates the need for surgical treatment at an early stage of pedicled vallecular cysts.

HPV-assoziierte Tonsillenkarzinome

The major risk factors for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are considered to be tobacco and alcohol. A link between oncogenic types of the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the risk of HNSCC has been suggested in the literature. However, the causal link is now becoming more firmly established on the basis of recent analyses. About 20% of all HNSCC and more than 50% of tonsillar cancers contain HR-HPV. The causal role of HPV-infection in carcinogenesis and the molecular mechanisms involved could thus far be best elucidated in the case of cervical carcinomas. New insights and increasing evidence for the analogy of HPV-positive HNSCC with cervical cancer are discussed. The definition of HPV-positive HNSCC has become more important due to the implications for risk factors and prognosis.

Riechstörungen

INTRODUCTION

Olfactory dysfunction has been reported to affect more than 200,000 patients a year in the USA. The aim of this survey was to obtain comparable epidemiological data and treatment information on olfactory dysfunction in German speaking countries.

METHODS

Questionnaires were sent to all otorhinolaryngology departments in Germany, Austria and Switzerland; 52% of hospitals completed the survey.

RESULTS

An average of 46 patients with olfactory dysfunction were treated per hospital every month. Hyp- and anosmia were most commonly caused by inflammatory diseases of the nose/paranasal sinuses (53%), respiratory dysfunction (19%), or postviral conditions (11%). Steroids were used most frequently for pharmacological treatment (topically 82%; orally 65%). Approximately one third of the clinics used B vitamins, or zinc; 80% of the hospitals performed surgery to treat underlying diseases. Acupuncture and smell training was used by approximately 20%.

CONCLUSION

A total of 79,000 patients per year are treated for olfactory dysfunction in German hospitals. The vast majority of these disorders (72%) is caused by sinunasal diseases. The quality control of therapeutic strategies is urgently needed.

[Cricohyoidopexy (CHP) and Cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP). Indication, complications, functional und oncological results]

BACKGROUND

Subtotal laryngectomy with Cricohyoido(epiglotto)pexy (CHEP and CHP) is a commonly used surgical procedure in France, Italy and North America, but it is rarely carried out in Germany,where most laryngeal carcinomas staged T1-T3 are resected endoscopically or with total laryngectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To identify indications for the CHEP and CHP in a setting that uses endolaryngeal procedures as a standard approach to organ preserving surgery in laryngeal cancer patients.

PATIENTS

Nineteen patients with primary (n=15) or recurrent (n=4), supra- or transglottic carcinoma or carcinoma of the anterior commissure staged (r)T1b-4N0-2cM0 were treated with subtotal laryngectomy with CHEP (with or without neck dissection/radiotherapy) between October 1997 and June 1999.

RESULTS

Undisturbed deglutition without aspiration and respiration without tracheotomy was achieved in 17/19 patients. Three patients showed temporary pneumonia from aspiration and two patients needed further treatment for endolaryngeal synechia. Three patients died of unrelated causes. Four patients were diagnosed with local recurrence: Two of them died from tumor, two patients had curative total laryngectomy as salvage surgery. Fourteen patients are living free of disease 24-40 months after therapy.

CONCLUSION

CHEP is a subtotal laryngectomy with increased postoperative morbidity, but good functional results. Assuming a scrupulous indication for the extended tumors the oncological results of the CHEP are satisfying, too.

Prevalence, distribution, and viral load of human papillomavirus 16 DNA in tonsillar carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) DNA have repeatedly been observed in many head and neck carcinomas (HNSCCs), and HPV infections are currently considered a possible factor in the etiology of these tumors. However, the reported prevalences of HPV-DNA in HNSCC are variable. In the current study the authors used highly sensitive polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) to analyze the occurrence of viral sequences in 98 carefully stratified HNSCCs. The authors determined the load and localization of HPV DNA in a subset of tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases.

METHODS

Nested PCR and an HPV16 specific single step PCR were used to screen 98 HNSCCs for HPV DNA for genital- and Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV)-associated HPVs. Typing was performed by direct sequencing and/or sequencing of cloned amplimers. In two patients HPV16 subtypes in tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases were compared by amplification and sequencing of the long control region of the virus. In a subset of HPV16 positive tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases, localization and viral load were determined using laser assisted microdissection and real time fluorescent PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

Altogether 25 HNSCCs (26%) were found to be HPV positive. Stratified according to the tumor localization, the frequency of HPV positive lesions was 18% in the oral cavity, 45% for oropharynx, 25% for hypopharynx, 8% for nasopharynx, and 7% for larynx. The highest HPV DNA prevalence (58%) was found in tonsillar carcinomas. The high risk HPV type 16 was found in 84% of positive HNSCCs, in 14% of which EV-associated HPVs were detected. Human papillomavirus sequences were detected in 64% of biopsies with normal mucosa from 11 patients with positive carcinomas. As a control group, 14 tumor free tonsils were analyzed. In none of these specimens were HPV sequences detected. Viral long transcriptional control region sequences in homologous metastases were identical with those in primary tumors and the load values in both locations were roughly comparable. Viral loads differed substantially in different areas of one tumor. Statistical evaluation of data related to clinicopathologic parameters showed a significant linkage of HPV with tonsillar carcinomas compared to other locations. Furthermore, a significant correlation of HPV status of tonsillar carcinomas with tumor grading and alcohol consumption was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows a preferential association of HPV-DNA with tonsillar carcinomas. The data support the view of HPV negative and positive tonsillar carcinomas being different tumor entities and conventional cancer risk factors being of less importance in HPV-infected individuals. The HPV genome is located in the cancer cells, whereas the infection of normal mucosa is a rare event. Data on quantification of HPV16 in tonsillar tumors and their metastases showed mean viral loads comparable to other HPV associated malignancies.

Histopathology of pleomorphic adenoma in the parotid gland: a prospective unselected series of 100 cases

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Histopathological characteristics of pleomorphic adenomas, especially of capsular alterations such as thin capsule areas, capsule-free regions, capsule penetration, satellite nodules, and pseudopodia in the different subtypes, are described.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective unselected series of 100 consecutive cases from 1997 to 2000.

METHODS

Light microscopic examination and semiquantitative analysis of the pleomorphic adenomas.

RESULTS

Fifty-one (51%) pleomorphic adenomas were classified as myxoid (stroma-rich) type, 35 (35%) specimens as cellular type, and 14 (14%) as classic subtype. Ninety-seven percent of all tumors showed areas with thin (<20 microm) capsule independent of the tumor subtype. Tumors of myxoid subtype showed the absolute greatest regions of a thin capsule. Especially, tumors of myxoid type (71%) often had a distinct focal absence of encapsulation with tumor merging into normal parotid gland tissue; 11% of the cellular subtype and 43% of the classic subtype presented capsule-free areas. Thirty-three percent of the myxoid pleomorphic adenomas, 23% of the cellular subtype, and 21% of the classic subtype had satellite nodules or pseudopodia.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost all pleomorphic adenomas have focally thin capsules. One-fourth of all pleomorphic adenomas contain abnormalities such as satellite nodules or pseudopodia. More than two-thirds of pleomorphic adenomas of the myxoid (stroma-rich) subtype and at least half of all tumors show a focal absence of the capsule. Therefore, enucleation or local dissection of the pleomorphic adenoma is not a sufficient surgical treatment of this special tumor entity. We recommend, depending on the location of the tumor, a lateral or total parotidectomy as the treatment of choice.

Prevalence, distribution, and viral load of human papillomavirus 16 DNA in tonsillar carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) DNA have repeatedly been observed in many head and neck carcinomas (HNSCCs), and HPV infections are currently considered a possible factor in the etiology of these tumors. However, the reported prevalences of HPV-DNA in HNSCC are variable. In the current study the authors used highly sensitive polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) to analyze the occurrence of viral sequences in 98 carefully stratified HNSCCs. The authors determined the load and localization of HPV DNA in a subset of tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases.

METHODS

Nested PCR and an HPV16 specific single step PCR were used to screen 98 HNSCCs for HPV DNA for genital- and Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV)-associated HPVs. Typing was performed by direct sequencing and/or sequencing of cloned amplimers. In two patients HPV16 subtypes in tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases were compared by amplification and sequencing of the long control region of the virus. In a subset of HPV16 positive tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases, localization and viral load were determined using laser assisted microdissection and real time fluorescent PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

Altogether 25 HNSCCs (26%) were found to be HPV positive. Stratified according to the tumor localization, the frequency of HPV positive lesions was 18% in the oral cavity, 45% for oropharynx, 25% for hypopharynx, 8% for nasopharynx, and 7% for larynx. The highest HPV DNA prevalence (58%) was found in tonsillar carcinomas. The high risk HPV type 16 was found in 84% of positive HNSCCs, in 14% of which EV-associated HPVs were detected. Human papillomavirus sequences were detected in 64% of biopsies with normal mucosa from 11 patients with positive carcinomas. As a control group, 14 tumor free tonsils were analyzed. In none of these specimens were HPV sequences detected. Viral long transcriptional control region sequences in homologous metastases were identical with those in primary tumors and the load values in both locations were roughly comparable. Viral loads differed substantially in different areas of one tumor. Statistical evaluation of data related to clinicopathologic parameters showed a significant linkage of HPV with tonsillar carcinomas compared to other locations. Furthermore, a significant correlation of HPV status of tonsillar carcinomas with tumor grading and alcohol consumption was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows a preferential association of HPV-DNA with tonsillar carcinomas. The data support the view of HPV negative and positive tonsillar carcinomas being different tumor entities and conventional cancer risk factors being of less importance in HPV-infected individuals. The HPV genome is located in the cancer cells, whereas the infection of normal mucosa is a rare event. Data on quantification of HPV16 in tonsillar tumors and their metastases showed mean viral loads comparable to other HPV associated malignancies.

Atresia of the trachea following repeated percutaneous dilational tracheotomy

Percutaneous dilational tracheotomy (PDT) and conventional tracheostomy are still competing methods to provide an airway for intensive care patients requiring assisted ventilation. Tracheal stenosis is a late complication for any tracheostomy and long-term intubation. However, late complications in PDT have not been extensively studied. This article is the first to report on total atresia of the subglottic larynx and cervical trachea after PDT. The dimension of the lesion is visualized by three-dimensional reconstructed CT scan. The etiology of this condition is discussed.

Cyclin-dependent kinase-inhibitor 1 (CDKN1A) in the squamous epithelium of the oropharynx: possible implications of molecular biology and compartmentation

The cdknlA gene encodes CDKN1A, a protein that regulates cell cycle progression, terminal differentiation, and apoptosis. Polymorphisms or loss of heterozygosity of this usually biallelically expressed gene have no major impact on carcinogenesis. The prevalence of somatic mutations in malignancies is low. Gene rearrangements involving cdknlA are scarce. CDKN1A is expressed in both premalignant and malignant lesions. While the prognostic value of nuclear CDKN1A expression is controversial, the prognostic value of its recently discovered cytoplasmic accumulation is simply unknown. CDKN1A translocates from the nucleus to the cytoplasm when cleaved by caspase-like activities during early apoptosis. The presence of cytoplasmic catabolites (e.g.: p14) might therefore indicate apoptosis. We found no correlation between nuclear and cytoplasmic anti-CDKN1A immunoreactivity in our samples of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. CDKN1A Cap20, CDKN1, CDKN1A, CDKNA1, Cip-1, Mda-6, P21, Pic1, Sdi-1, Waf-1.

Human herpesvirus type 8 in salivary gland tumors

BACKGROUND

The new human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) has been detected in all types of Kaposi's sarcomas, as well as in body-cavity lymphomas and Castleman's disease, furthermore molecular biologic studies have identified a number of potential viral oncogenes. There is evidence for sexual transmission of HHV-8 in HIV-seropositive patients, but the route of infection among the HIV-seronegative population is uncertain. Findings of HHV-8 DNA in saliva in some cases are suggestive of nonsexual transmission associated with latent infection of the salivary gland (as it is known for EBV, CMV, HHV-6 and HHV-7).

OBJECTIVE

As little is known about the etiological factors of salivary gland tumors and to give more insights into HHV-8 cell tropism normal salivary gland tissue (n=12) and different salivary glands neoplasm (n=58) were tested for HHV-8 sequences and antigens in HIV-seronegative patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Biopsies of both normal salivary gland and tumors were investigated for HHV-8 sequences. A nested-PCR method was used for amplification of HHV-8 DNA fragments and the nature of the amplification products was confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. In addition, we used an in situ hybridization technique and immunohistochemical staining for detection of HHV-8 infected cells. The sera of the respective patients were tested for anti-HHV-8 antibodies using commercial IFA and an ELISA-assay.

RESULTS

HHV-8 DNA sequences could be detected in one bilateral MALT-lymphoma of the parotid gland of a HHV-8 seropositive female patient suffering from Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The remaining parotid samples did neither show HHV-8 sequences nor HHV-8 antigens. Using above assays only one additional patient was seropositive for HHV-8.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that HHV-8 does not usually infect the salivary gland in HIV-seronegative patients and does not seem to play a pathogenic role in vascular and epithelial salivary gland neoplasm. Pathogenic role of HHV-8 in Sjögren's syndrome associated MALT-lymphoma remains unclear and should be subject of further studies.

[Sjögren syndrome and bilateral MALT lymphoma of the parotid gland]

Sjögren's syndrome is an important autoimmune disease in the head and neck. Patients have an increased arrival risk of up to 6% per year for developing B-cell lymphomas, including mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. The following case report shows this relation and the difficulty of differentiating clinically recurrent swelling of the parotid gland in Sjögren's syndrome from malignant lymphoma. A 64-year-old woman had a 2-year history of indolent, recurrent swelling of both parotid glands. Blood examination showed elevated ESR and a hypergammaglobulinemia. Immunosuppressive therapy produced no improvement. Two years after the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome, swelling of the left parotid gland persisted. Superficial parotidectomy of the left side was performed and histopathological examination revealed a MALT-related lymphoma. Subsequent parotidectomy of the right side also showed infiltration of the gland by a MALT lymphoma. Postoperative radiation therapy was given. During the follow-up period no recurrence or systemic disease was detected. Patients with Sjögren's syndrome should be examined regularly by the otolaryngologist. If a lymphoma cannot be ruled out, open biopsy must be considered for histological diagnosis. Prognostic factors for developing a lymphoma are possibly a high ESR and hypergammaglobulinemia. Further prognostic factors have to be evaluated.

In vitro cytobiological effects of human herpesviruses 6 and 7: immunohistological monitoring of apoptosis, differentiation and cell proliferation

Two human herpesviruses, HHV-6 and HHV-7, recently identified and closely related, were studied for their influence on cellular apoptosis and proliferation. Infection was monitored by viral DNA--and antigen expression. Apoptosis and cell proliferation were determined by immunocytological techniques and the markers p53, p21WAF/Cip, Bax, Bak, Bcl-2, cyclin D1 and PCNA, and also screened for signal transduction indicators such as c-H-ras, c-fos and raf-1. Cell differentiation and function was monitored by determining cell membrane receptors including Fas and CD specificities, and by ELISA tests for interleukin production. Both HHV-6 and HHV-7 readily infected their target cells, yet virus antigen expression and virus replication were less active in HHV-7 infection. Both viruses also induced GM-CFS production. Cell differentiation in terms of CD receptor expression was more pronounced in HHV-6 than in HHV-7 infection. No differences were found in the activity of signal transduction factors. There were quantitative differences in the activation of p53, Bax, p21WAF and Bcl-2 in HHV 6-infected CBC as compared to HHV-7 infection supporting the apoptosis cycle. CyclinD1 activity remained at lower levels in HHV-7 infected CBC, yet was high in similarly infected transformed SupT1 cells. In contrast, HHV-6 supported rather the p53/p21WAF apoptosis pathway in both untransformed CBC and transformed HSB1 cells. Both herpesviruses, HHV-6 and HHV-7, thus possessed similar biological activities in cultures of non-transformed susceptible cells, although with certain quantitative differences. The data reported here may further support the notion that HHV-7 is less active in inducing apoptosis thus favoring continued cell proliferation. The mechanism by which these viruses interfere with the network control of cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis appear more complicated than shown here and therefore afford a more detailed study, including a more sensitive technology than immunohistology.

Ultrastructural study of human herpesvirus-7 replication in tissue culture

Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) was grown in a CD4+ lymphoblastic cell line (SupT1) and in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC). Virus infection was demonstrated by immunohistology with positive control sera, with monoclonal antibodies and by in situ hybridization for viral DNA. Cytopathic effects following HHV-7 infection generally resemble those after HHV-6 infection but are less pronounced. The ultrastructural appearance of HHV-7 and the replicative stages were similar to those described by Kramarsky and Sander for HHV-6. There were some minor discrepancies, including quite an extensive and space-filling tegument, a slightly different structure of the nucleoid, the frequent finding of nucleocapsids without any visible core and apparently scarce or delicate spikes on the envelope. These differences may suggest HHV-7 rather than HHV-6, but this finding needs confirmation. Mature HHV-7 particles measured 170 nm in diameter, with nucleocapsids of 90-95 nm and a tegument of about 30 nm.

[Human herpesviruses 6 and 7. Basic principles and possible significance for dermatology]

Primary infection with human herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6 and HHV-7) during early childhood causes permanent latent infection, usually without any ill effects; only a small percentage of primary infections will lead to exanthem subitum. Like other herpesviruses. HHV-6 and HHV-7 can be reactivated at any time if host defence mechanisms become defective (e.g. in transplant recipients, AIDS, tumour patients). HHV-6 can be reactivated under such conditions and cause a variety of clinical problems, such as exanthems along with interstitial pneumonia or hepatitis for example. In addition, the reactivated virus may influence the course of autoimmune and proliferative diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Hodgkin's disease. While, HHV-7 may be associated with similar disorder, more systematic studies are needed to clarify the clinical implications and the pathogeetic mechanisms of both viruses.