Artificial Intelligence in Laryngeal Endoscopy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Early diagnosis of laryngeal lesions is necessary to begin treatment of patients as soon as possible to preserve optimal organ functions. Imaging examinations are often aided by artificial intelligence (AI) to improve quality and facilitate appropriate diagnosis. The aim of this study is to investigate diagnostic utility of AI in laryngeal endoscopy. Methods: Five databases were searched for studies implementing artificial intelligence (AI) enhanced models assessing images of laryngeal lesions taken during laryngeal endoscopy. Outcomes were analyzed in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Results: All 11 studies included presented an overall low risk of bias. The overall accuracy of AI models was very high (from 0.806 to 0.997). The accuracy was significantly higher in studies using a larger database. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for identification of healthy laryngeal tissue were 0.91 and 0.97, respectively. The same values for differentiation between benign and malignant lesions were 0.91 and 0.94, respectively. The comparison of the effectiveness of AI models assessing narrow band imaging and white light endoscopy images revealed no statistically significant differences (p = 0.409 and 0.914). Conclusion: In assessing images of laryngeal lesions, AI demonstrates extraordinarily high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.

Salivary gland pathologies: evolution in classification and association with unique genetic alterations

PURPOSE

The correct classification of salivary gland pathologies is crucial for choosing a treatment method and determining the prognosis. Better outcomes are now achievable thanks to the introduction of new therapy approaches, such as targeted therapies for malignant salivary gland tumors. To apply these in clinical routine, a clear classification of the lesions is required.

METHODS

The following review examines all changes from the first World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of salivary gland pathologies from 1972 to fifth edition from 2022. Possible developments in the diagnosis and classification of salivary gland pathology are also presented.

RESULTS

The current WHO classification is the fifth edition. With the development of new diagnostic methods, based on genetic alterations, it provides insight into the molecular basis of lesions. This has resulted in the evolution of classification, introduction of new entities and reclassification of existing ones.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic alterations will become increasingly more significant in the identification of salivary gland pathologies in the future. These alterations will be helpful as prognostic and predictive biomarkers, and may also serve as targets for anti-cancer therapies.

Successful therapy with bevacizumab in a case of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), genetic disorder manifested by uncontrolled multisystem angiogenesis with epistaxis, gastrointestinal bleeding, iron-deficiency anaemia, and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) is often related with increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Bevacizumab, a VEGF inhibitor, reduces epistaxis, telangiectasias, and iron-deficiency anaemia. A case of a female patient with HHT and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding is presented. The patient required iron supplementation and multiple blood transfusions. Bevacizumab brought marked symptomatic improvement and allowed for transfusion-independence. It is intended to apply for approval of the indications for bevacizumab administration in HHT as the 'orphan drug'.

Learning curve for endoscopic evaluation of vocal folds lesions with narrow band imaging

Introduction

The endoscopic methods are progressing and becoming more common in routine clinical diagnosis in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Relatively large amount of researches have proved high accuracy of narrow band imaging endoscopy in differentiating benign and malignant lesions within vocal folds. However, little is known about learning curve in narrow band imaging evaluation of laryngeal lesions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve for the narrow band imaging evaluation of vocal folds pathologies depending on the duration of the procedure.

Methods

Records of 134 narrow band imaging that were analyzed in terms of the duration of the procedure and the accuracy of diagnosis confirmed by histopathological diagnosis were enrolled in the study. The narrow band imaging examinations were performed sequentially by one investigator over a period of 18 months.

Results

The average duration of narrow band imaging recordings was 127.82 s. All 134 studies were divided into subsequent series of several elements. An evident decrease in time of investigation was noticed between 13th and 14th series, when the examinations were divided into 5 elements series, which corresponds to the difference between 65th and 70th subsequent narrow band imaging examination. Parallel groups of 67 examinations were created. Group 1 included 1st to 67th subsequent narrow band imaging examination; Group 2 – 68th to 134th narrow band imaging examinations. The non-parametric U Mann–Whitney test confirmed statistically significant difference between the mean duration of narrow band imaging examination in both groups 160.5 s and 95.1 s, respectively (p < 10⁻⁷). Sensitivity and specificity of narrow band imaging examination in the first group were respectively: 83.7% and 76.7%. In the second group, these indicators amounted 98.1% and 80% respectively.

Conclusions

A minimum of 65th–70th narrow band imaging examinations are required to reach a plateau phase of the learning process in assessment of glottis lesions. Analysis of learning curves is useful for the development of training programs and determination of a mastery level.

Prognostic and predictive role of soluble programmed death ligand-1 in head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to investigate clinical significance of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) serum level in head and neck cancer and to evaluate its role as a possible prognostic and predictive biomarker.

METHODS

A prospective analysis of sPD-L1 levels in 60 patients diagnosed and treated due to malignant and non-malignant lesions in the region of head and neck was performed in peripheral blood by an ELISA test.

RESULTS

The range of sPD-L1 in the study group was 0.16-1.63ng/mL, mean 0.64±0.32. There were no differences in the mean sPD-L1 regarding patients' age, sex, and the localization of the lesion. Statistically significant difference was revealed in the average sPD-L1 level (p= 0.006) depending on the histopathological advancement of the lesions, 0.704 ± 0.349 and 0.512 ± 0.177 respectively in the malignant and benign group. The separate analysis of laryngeal lesions confirmed statistical difference in sPD-L1 (p= 0.002) for the malignant lesions (0.741 ± 0.353) compared with the benign (0.489 ± 0.175). The sPD-L1 level of 0.765 ng/mL or higher, revealed 35% sensitivity and 95.5% specificity for the diagnosis of head and neck malignant lesions (AUC=0.664, 95% CI 0.529‒0.8, p-value=0.039). The 1-year DFS was 83.3% in the group of patients with low sPD-L1 levels (< 0.765ng/mL) and 53.8% in patients with high sPD-L1 (≥0.765ng/mL). The 2-year OS were 68% and 69.2% respectively in both groups. The log-rank test confirmed statistically significant prognostic value of sPD-L1 level for 1-year DFS (p-value=0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

sPD-L1 is a promising prognostic and early recurrence predictive biomarker for head and neck cancers, most significantly for laryngeal lesions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Microvascular density and hypoxia-inducible factor in intraepithelial vocal fold lesions

OBJECTIVE

The promotion of neovascularisation is a crucial aspect of carcinogenesis. The study evaluates the microvascular density (MVD) and expression of hypoxia-induced factor (HIF-1α) in hypertrophic vocal fold (VF) lesions of different histopathological states including non-dysplastic, low-grade, high-grade dysplasia and invasive glottic cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Histological specimens collected from patients diagnosed and treated in a single centre with different histological grades were immunohistochemically stained with CD31, CD34 and HIF-1α. Of the total number of 77 analysed VF specimens, 20 were non-dysplastic, 20 had low-grade dysplasia, 17 high-grade dysplasia and 20 were invasive cancers.

RESULTS

The highest mean value for MVD evaluated with expression of CD31 (MVD CD31) was 21.23 ± 14.46 and identified in the low-grade dysplasia group. The average MVD CD31 was 13.74 ± 5.56 and 20.11 ± 9.28 in the high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer group, respectively. The highest MVD evaluated with CD34 (MVD CD34) was revealed for invasive cancer 35.64 ± 17.21. The MVD CD34 was higher for low-grade than in high-grade dysplasia (25.87 ± 12.30 vs 24.65 ± 15.92, respectively). The expression of HIF-1α was strong or very strong in 60% of non-dysplastic lesions, 100% of low-grade dysplasia cases, 53% of high-grade dysplasia cases and 50% of invasive cancer cases. The comparison of MVD CD31 with MVD CD34 revealed a strong positive correlation (ρ value 0.727). The comparison of both MVD CD31 and MVD CD34 with HIF-1α resulted in no linear relationship (ρ value of 0.143 and 0.165, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The stage of low-grade dysplasia in intraepithelial vocal fold lesions is related to significant advancement of angiogenesis together with the highest hypoxia level.

Review of recent treatment trends of laryngeal cancer in Poland: a population-based study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the utilisation of different treatment modalities for patients with laryngeal cancer (LC) during last decade in Poland.

SETTING

Retrospective population-based study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with LC treated between January 2009 and December 2018.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The contemporary utilisation of treatment modalities of LC: surgery with intent of radical resection (total or partial laryngectomy), radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

RESULTS

There was determined the overall number of 22 957 new diagnosis of LC from 2010 to 2018 and confirmed the steady decrease in the incidence rate of LC in the following years from 7.7 to 6.03. The mean age of patients with LC was raising by an average of 0.3832 of year per year. There was observed decrease in number of total laryngectomies (TLs) in subsequent years (from 1122 in 2009 to 776 in 2018). The number of procedures involving partial laryngeal resection was within stable ranges however the upward trend was observed separately for vocal cordectomy. There was established decreased involvement of surgery in LC treatment from 52.8% in 2009 to 24.3% in 2016 with the subsequent rise to 33.7% in 2018. The percentage of patients receiving RT increased from 23.8% in 2009 to 42.1% in 2013 with the next decrease to 25.7% in 2018. The utilisation of CRT in LC treatment was progressively increasing over analysed years from 23.4% in 2009 reaching 40.6% in 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented data revealed an increase in total number of organs preserving treatment modality with CRT in subsequent years with decreasing number of TLs in Polish patients with LC.

Incidence and Characteristics of Retinoblastoma in Poland: The First Nationwide Study 2010-2017

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the incidence and characteristics of retinoblastoma in the overall population of Poland. Methods: The retrospective survey of both National Health Fund (NHF) and National Cancer Registry (NCR) databases were performed to identify all retinoblastoma cases in Poland in the years 2010-2017. Results: During 2010-2017, the mean age-standardised incidence of retinoblastoma (the unit of incidence is per 1,000,000 person-years) was 10.15 (95% CI 7.23-13.08) among children aged 0 to 4 years and 5.39 (95% CI 4.18-6.60) in those aged 0 to 9 years. During 2010-2014 (to allow 5 years of follow-up), the mean incidence of retinoblastoma by birth cohort analysis in Poland was 4.89 (95% CI 4.04-5.74) per 100,000 live births, corresponding to an incidence of 1 per 20,561 (95% CI 15,855-25,267) live births. In Poland, 14.6% of children with retinoblastoma had enucleation of the eye globe, 76.8% received different types of chemotherapy combined with focal treatment, 5.9% were treated with external beam radiotherapy, and 2.7% were treated with focal treatments only. Conclusions: The incidence of retinoblastoma and the pattern of medical management of retinoblastoma in Poland was similar to that reported in developed countries in Western Europe, Asia, and North America.

Clinico-Epidemiological Analysis of Most Prevalent Parotid Gland Carcinomas in Poland over a 20-Year Period

(1) Background: Malignant tumours of the salivary glands have different clinical and histopathological characteristics. They most commonly involve the parotid gland. Histopathologically, the most common are mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC), adenocarcinoma, carcinoma in pleomorphic adenoma (CPA), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). (2) Methods: We analysed 2318 patients with malignant parotid gland tumours reported to the National Cancer Registry (NCR) in Poland over 20 years (1999-2018). The demographic characteristics of patients, clinical factors, and overall survival (OS) were analysed. (3) Results: The average age was 61.33 ± 16.1 years. The majority were males (55%) and urban citizens (64%). High percentage of carcinomas was diagnosed in locoregional (33.7%) and systemic (10.4%) stadium. The most prevalent diagnoses were SCC (33.3%) and adenocarcinoma (19.6%). Surgical resection with adjuvant RT (42.1%) was the most common treatment. The OS analysis showed a median survival time of 5.6 years. The most favorable median OS was found in patients with AcCC (18.30 years), the worst for SCC (1.58 years). (4) Conclusion: AcCC has the best prognosis and SCC the worst. Tumour stadium, treatment, and demographic factors affect prognosis. Improvements in diagnosis and re-evaluation of treatment standards are necessary to enhance the outcome of patients with parotid gland cancers in Poland.

Incidence and survival of ocular melanoma in National Cancer Registry of Poland in 2010-2017

BACKGROUND

Oncology trends are based on data coming from different countries and ocular melanoma is the most common primary eye cancer in adults.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the incidence and characteristics of ocular melanoma in the overall population of Poland.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The retrospective survey of both the National Cancer Registry (NCR) and National Health Fund (NHF) databases was performed to identify all ocular melanoma cases in Poland in 2010-2017.

RESULTS

The mean incidence of ocular melanoma was 8.76/1,000,000 person-years; the lowest incidence was observed in the 19-29 age group (1.17/1,000,000 person-years) and the highest in the group over 70 (22.88/1,000,000 person-years). There were no statistically significant trends in the incidence rates over the study period. The overall incidences of uveal, eyelid and conjunctival melanoma were 6.67/1,000,000, 0.47/1,000,000 and 0.28/1,000,000 person-years, respectively. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 60.76%; the higher risk of death was associated with male sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.2959), older age at diagnosis (HR = 1.0379), chemotherapy treatment (HR = 1.6774), metastasis (HR = 1.5716), loco-regional hyperplasia (HR = 1.5936), and systemic tumor spread (HR = 3.9872), compared to the carcinoma in situ. The risk of death was reduced by radiotherapy treatment (HR = 0.6645).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence rate of ocular melanoma in Poland is in the middle of the range worldwide, and the 5-year OS is relatively low.

Correlation of narrow band imaging vascular patterns with immunohistological microvessel density in vocal fold lesions

INTRODUCTION

The microarchitecture of the mucosal and submucosal vessels is crucial for diagnosis of vocal fold lesions. Neo-angiogenesis is a confirmed biological parameter that implicates progression and metastasis in laryngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the correlation between vascular pattern classifications by narrow band imaging and immunohistological microvessel density in different types of intraepithelial vocal fold lesions.

METHODS

Analysis of immunohistological microvessel density using CD31 and CD34 antibodies was performed in 77 lesions including: 20 non-dysplastic lesions, 20 with low-grade dysplasia, 17 with high-grade dysplasia and 20 invasive cancers. The evaluation of vascular patterns with narrow band imaging according to the Ni classification and European Laryngological Society guidelines was performed prior to surgical resection.

RESULTS

The mean value of CD31 microvessel density was the highest for Ni Type IV lesions (20.55), whereas for the longitudinal and perpendicular patterns according to the European Laryngological Society classification it was 12.50 and 19.45 respectively. The highest mean value of microvessel density with CD 34 was identified in Ni Type Va (35.43) lesions and in the longitudinal and perpendicular patterns according to the European Laryngological Society classification was 15.12 and 30.40 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The microvascular morphological changes of intraepithelial laryngeal lesions observed under narrow band imaging endoscopy are positively correlated with angiogenesis indexes of immunohistological evaluation.

Serum and tissue expression of neuropilin 1 in precancerous and malignant vocal fold lesions

Objectives

The study was designed to evaluate the tissue expression of NRP-1 and serum level of sNRP-1 in the same patients with intraepithelial laryngeal lesions or early staged laryngeal cancer to identify the clinical significance of these biomarkers in the diagnosis of laryngeal lesions.

Material and methods

A prospective analysis of tissue was performed on specimens and blood samples from 49 patients, who were admitted for surgical resection due to suspicious vocal fold lesions and were diagnosed as non-dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancers.

Results

ELISA was conducted on 48 blood samples. The minimum level of sNRP-1 was 0.15 ng/ml and maximum– 37.71 ng/ml. The Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance revealed no differences in sNRP-1 levels between different histopathological stages of vocal fold lesions (p = 0.234). IHC was conducted in 49 tissue samples. The evaluated mean scores of NRP-1 tissue expression were compared to histopathological stage of the lesion. The Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance revealed no differences in NRP-1 tissue expression between different histopathological stages of vocal fold lesions (p = 0.536). The correlation of tissue NRP-1 expression and serum levels of NRP-1 within analyzed group was insignificant. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was 0.076 (p = 0.606).

Conclusions

The NRP-1 tissue expression and serum levels are unlikely to be a prognostic factor for identification of laryngeal dysplasia or early stage laryngeal cancer. Further studies investigating biomolecules involved in laryngeal carcinogenesis are necessary.

Isotensor Dibaryon in the pp→ppπ^{+}π^{-} Reaction?

Exclusive measurements of the quasifree pp→ppπ^{+}π^{-} reaction have been carried out at WASA@COSY by means of pd collisions at T_{p}=1.2  GeV. Total and differential cross sections have been extracted covering the energy region T_{p}=1.08-1.36  GeV, which is the region of N^{*}(1440) and Δ(1232)Δ(1232) resonance excitations. Calculations describing these excitations by t-channel meson exchange are at variance with the measured differential cross sections and underpredict substantially the experimental total cross section. An isotensor ΔN dibaryon resonance with I(J^{P})=2(1^{+}) produced associatedly with a pion is able to overcome these deficiencies.

Motivation to smoking cessation in head and neck cancer and dysplasia patients in confrontation with the attitudes of otorhinolaryngologists in delivering anti-smoking therapies

Objectives

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of oral, oropharyngeal, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal dysplasia and cancer diagnosis on motivation to smoking cessation in patients. Consecutively, we assessed the competence of ENT specialists in counseling anti-smoking therapies.

Methods

Questionnaire of expected support, Schneider motivation test and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) were administered to 50 smoking patients. The online survey was collected from 152 ENT doctors.

Results

Mean FTND score was 4.58 and Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) was 3.1. Patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer showed the greatest dependence to nicotine 7.67 and 5.25, respectively, and with hypopharyngeal cancer had the lowest 3.5, (p = 0.039). The ranges of HSI were significantly higher for younger patients (p = 0.036). 35 patients were adequately motivated to quit smoking, and their mean age was statistically higher (p = 0.05). Self-reported motivation to smoking cessation was 76%. Of 152 surveyed doctors, only 39% declared knowledge of the diagnostic and therapeutic cessation interventions. 75% showed interest in the training programs.

Spin Dependence of η Meson Production in Proton-Proton Collisions Close to Threshold

Taking advantage of the high acceptance and axial symmetry of the WASA-at-COSY detector, and the high polarization degree of the proton beam of COSY, the reaction p[over →]p→ppη has been measured close to threshold to explore the analyzing power A_{y}. The angular distribution of A_{y} is determined with the precision improved by more than 1 order of magnitude with respect to previous results, allowing a first accurate comparison with theoretical predictions. The determined analyzing power is consistent with zero for an excess energy of Q=15  MeV, signaling s-wave production with no evidence for higher partial waves. At Q=72  MeV the data reveal strong interference of Ps and Pp partial waves and cancellation of (Pp)^{2} and Ss^{*}Sd contributions. These results rule out the presently available theoretical predictions for the production mechanism of the η meson.

Predictors of Rehospitalization and Mortality in Diabetes-Related Hospital Admissions

The risk factors of rehospitalization and death post-discharge in diabetes-related hospital admissions are not fully understood. To determine them, a population-based retrospective epidemiological survey was performed on diabetes-related admissions from the Polish national database. Logistic regression models were used, in which the dependent variables were rehospitalization due to diabetes complications and death within 90 days after the index hospitalization. In 2017, there were 74,248 hospitalizations related to diabetes. A total of 11.3% ended with readmission. Risk factors for rehospitalization were as follows: age < 35 years; male sex; prior hospitalization due to acute diabetic complications; weight loss; peripheral artery disease; iron deficiency anemia; kidney failure; alcohol abuse; heart failure; urgent, emergency, or weekend admission; length of hospitalization; and hospitalization in a teaching hospital with an endocrinology/diabetology unit. Furthermore, 7.3% of hospitalizations resulted in death within 90 days following discharge. Risk factors for death were as follows: age; neoplastic disease with/without metastases; weight loss; coagulopathy; alcohol abuse; acute diabetes complications; heart failure; kidney failure; iron deficiency anemia; peripheral artery disease; fluid, electrolytes, and acid-base balance disturbances; urgent or emergency and weekend admission; and length of hospitalization. We concluded that of all investigated factors, only hospitalization within an experienced specialist center may reduce the frequency of the assessed outcomes.

Phase Locking the Spin Precession in a Storage Ring

This Letter reports the successful use of feedback from a spin polarization measurement to the revolution frequency of a 0.97  GeV/c bunched and polarized deuteron beam in the Cooler Synchrotron (COSY) storage ring in order to control both the precession rate (≈121  kHz) and the phase of the horizontal polarization component. Real time synchronization with a radio frequency (rf) solenoid made possible the rotation of the polarization out of the horizontal plane, yielding a demonstration of the feedback method to manipulate the polarization. In particular, the rotation rate shows a sinusoidal function of the horizontal polarization phase (relative to the rf solenoid), which was controlled to within a 1 standard deviation range of σ=0.21  rad. The minimum possible adjustment was 3.7 mHz out of a revolution frequency of 753 kHz, which changes the precession rate by 26  mrad/s. Such a capability meets a requirement for the use of storage rings to look for an intrinsic electric dipole moment of charged particles.

First Nation-Wide Study of the Incidence and Characteristics of Retinal Detachment in Poland during 2013-2019

AIMS

The present study aimed to analyze the incidence and characteristics of all types of retinal detachment (RD) in the overall population of Polish adults during 2013-2019.

METHODS

Data from all levels of healthcare services at public and private institutions recorded in the National Health Fund (NHF) database were evaluated. International Classification of Diseases codes (ICD-9 and ICD-10) and unique NHF codes were used to identify RD patients and RD treatment procedures.

RESULTS

In the period 2013-2019, 71,073 patients with RD were newly diagnosed in Poland. The average incidence was 32.64/100,000 person-years (95% CI: 31.28-33.99) and it increased with the age of patients, with the highest rate in the group of patients ≥70 years of age. The overall incidences of rhegmatogenous RD, traction RD, serous RD, other RD and unspecified RD were 13.72/100,000, 2.03/100,000, 1.02/100,000, 7.90/100,000 and 7.97/100,000 person-years, respectively. The most common surgical treatment for RD in Poland was PPV performed on average in 49.80% of RD patients. The risk factor analyses showed that rhegmatogenous RD was significantly associated with age (OR 1.026), male sex (OR 2.320), rural residence (OR 0.958), DM type 2 (OR 1.603), any DR (OR 2.109), myopia (OR 2.997), glaucoma (OR 2.169) and uveitis (OR 2.561). Traction RD was also significantly associated with age (OR 1.013) and male sex (OR 2.785) as well as with any DR (OR 2.493), myopia (OR 2.255), glaucoma (OR 1.904) and uveitis (OR 4.214). Serous RD was significantly associated with all analyzed risk factors except DM type 2.

CONCLUSIONS

The total incidence of retinal detachment in Poland was higher than found in previously published studies. Our study demonstrated that diabetes type 1 and diabetic retinopathy are risk factors of development of serous RD, which is presumably associated with the disruption of the blood-retinal barriers in these conditions.

Immunomodulatory role of tumor microenvironment on oncological outcomes in advanced laryngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

The study evaluated the prognostic impact of the immune microenvironment in LSCC with markers of major immune cells to identify the key determinants of short-term disease-free survival (ST DFS) and reveal factors related to disease progression.

METHODS

The study cohort included 61 patients who underwent total laryngectomy, 83.6% of whom were male with a mean age of 64.3 years at the time of surgery. Twenty-five patients had long term DFS (over 5 years), 8 - had moderate DFS (between 2 and 5 years), and 28 had short-term DFS (less than 2 years). Immunohistochemical staining and evaluation were performed on samples collected after the laryngectomy.

RESULTS

The samples' assessment revealed that the mean expression of all analysed markers was the highest both in stroma and the tumor compartment for short term DFS (ST DFS) patients. Analysis confirmed that a high stromal density of CD8 cells (p = 0.038) significantly correlated with DFS, and that the increased presence of CD57 cells (p = 0.021) was significantly associated with ST DFS. Moreover, the high density of CD68 cells in the tumor epithelial compartment had a negative prognostic impact on DFS (p = 0.032). Analysis of overall survival in the studied cohort with Kaplan-Meyer curves revealed that a high stromal density of CD68 cells was a significant negative predictor of OS (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The observed associations of CD68 cells infiltration with progression and prognosis in patients with LSCC provide potential screening and therapeutic opportunities for patients with unfavourable outcomes.

Nationwide clinico-epidemiological treatment analysis of adult patients with tumors of cerebellopontine angle and internal acoustic meatus in Poland during 2011-2020

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to report the epidemiologic characteristics of tumors of the cerebellopontine angle (CPAT) and internal acoustic meatus in adult Polish population throughout the second decade of XXI century and to analyze their treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and internal acoustic meatus tumors diagnosed in Poland in 2011-2020 was performed. Data recorded in the National Health Fund (NHF) database were analyzed. International Classification of Diseases codes (ICD-9 and ICD-10) were used to identify study group patients and treatment procedures.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2020 6,173 Polish adult patients were diagnosed with cerebellopontine angle and internal acoustic meatus tumors. The average incidence in Poland is 1.99 per 100,000 residents/year. It mostly affects women (61.64%), and the average age of patients is 53.78 years. The incidence has steadily increased over the past decade. Treatment has changed significantly over the years, with a definite increase in the number of patients treated with radiotherapy (from 0.54 to 19.34%), and a decrease in surgical therapies (from 41.67 to 6.8%). The most common symptoms were vertigo and/or dizziness (43.48%) and sensorineural hearing loss (39.58%). 4.65% of patients suffered from sudden deafness, in this group of patients the risk of CPAT detection was the highest (6.25 / 1000 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The total incidence of CPAT and demographic characteristics of patients were comparable to other studies. Our study demonstrated the increased number of patients are being treated with radiotherapy and fewer with microsurgery. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an uncommon manifestation of CPAT but proper diagnosis should be undertaken because the risk of diagnosis such tumors is greater in this group.

Comparison of teachers’ voice disorders before and during COVID -19 pandemic

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated change in teaching mode from stationary to distance learning on the severity of voice-related complaints among teachers. Materials and methods: A questionnaire survey of teachers was conducted to assess voice disorders during stationary and remote work using the Vocal Tract Dyscomfort (VTDs) scale and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and respondents' subjective feelings were assessed. The demographic and environmental factors related to voice work were examined. Data on sickness absenteeism obtained from the Healthcare Needs Maps 2020 of the Ministry of Health were also analyzed. The statistical analysis of responses was conducted. A p-value below 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 128 teachers participated in the survey. The overall assessment of voice disorders using VTDs and NRS scales did not show statistically significant differences for complaints between stationary and remote work. Detailed analysis revealed more severe voice disorders in teachers working more than 6 months remotely (p = 0.049) and having more than 20 lessons per week (p = 0.012). The subjective assessment confirmed a significantly lower percentage of teachers reporting voice disorders during remote work compared to stationary work (p = 0.043). This resulted in a reduction of sickness absences and a 40% decrease in sick leave related to voice disorders in 2020 compared to 2019. Conclusions: During the remote learning period in the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers reported lower severity of voice disorders and this contributed to a reduction in sickness absences. There were no statistically significant differences in voice-related complaints assessed by the VTDs and NRS scales for either mode of teaching. Several factors affecting the severity of vocal tract disorders were identified - the number of teaching hours per week (> 20) for stationary work and a long period of remote teaching (> 6 months).

Benefit from regular versus leakage-related exchange of voice prostheses in patients post-laryngectomy considering complication rates and patient satisfaction feedback-a randomized case-controlled trial

Objective

The complications related to voice prosthesis usage substantially affect the physical and social functioning of patients after total laryngectomy, which influences their quality of life. Leakage dysfunction is the most common, causing uncertainty and requiring unscheduled hospital visits. Our study was designed to estimate the benefit of regular versus leakage-related replacement of the voice prosthesis. Study Design. Randomized case-controlled trials. Setting. Tertiary hospital.

Methods

The study included patients who underwent total laryngectomy with primary voice prosthesis insertion between 2020 and 2021 and were randomly assigned to one of two arms: regular exchange (REA) every 3 months or leakage-dependent exchange (LEA). The control treatment was continued for 12 months. The primary outcome measure was the comparison of complication rates in both arms, including periprosthetic leakage, granulation or atrophy of mucosa around the fistula, and dislocation of the prosthesis. The secondary outcome measures were the mean number of exchanges per year and patient satisfaction.

Results

Thirty-six patients continued the study according to the protocol, with 16 in REA and 20 in LEA. A total of 153 voice prostheses were replaced during the study period, including 98 in REA and 55 in LEA. Comparative analysis of REA and LEA revealed a significantly longer time between replacements in the LEA group (p = 0.023) and a significantly lower rate of complications in the REA group (p = 0.029). Periprosthetic leakage was the most common complication associated with the use of voice prostheses, occurring in 3.06% of patients in REA and 9.09% in LEA, but this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.137). The analysis of factors predisposing patients to leakage failure revealed that treatment schemes, concomitant diseases, dental conditions, and diet or alcohol consumption significantly affect the longevity of voice prostheses. The relative and absolute risks (RRR and ARR) of complications in the REA group were reduced by 69.39% and 13.88%, respectively. The number of replacements (NNTs) that should be performed in the REA scheme to prevent one complication over the LEA scheme is 721.

Conclusion

The replacement of regular voice prostheses improved the overall complication rate over the scheme based on leakage demand; however, it did not yield superior benefits in terms of patient satisfaction or economic aspects.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04268459, identifier NCT04268459.

Serum expression of Vascular Endothelial-Cadherin, CD44, Human High mobility group B1, Kallikrein 6 proteins in different stages of laryngeal intraepithelial lesions and early glottis cancer

Background

The study was designed to evaluate the potential validity and utility of selected molecular markers in serum samples from patients with specific stages of laryngeal intraepithelial lesions that could serve as diagnostic tools in differentiation of benign and dysplastic lesions from invasive pathologies.

Methods

Prospective study included 80 consecutive patients with vocal fold lesions treated at the single otorhinolaryngology centre. All participants had surgical resection of the lesion. Blood samples were collected from each patient before the surgery. Final diagnosis was confirmed on histopathological examination and included 39 (48.75%) non-dysplastic lesions, eight (10%) low-grade dysplasia, six (7.5%) high-grade dysplasia and 27 (33.75%) invasive cancers. The ELISA procedures were performed according to the manufacturer's instruction. Individual serum concentration of selected proteins was reported in ng/ml: Vascular Endothelial-Cadherin Complex (VE-cad), CD44, Human High mobility group protein B1(HMGB1), Kallikrein 6.

Results

The highest mean levels of HMGB1, KLK6 and VE-cad were detected in sera of patients with low-grade dysplasia (81.14, 24.33, 14.17 respectively). Soluble CD44 was the most elevated in patients with non-dysplastic lesions (2.49). The HMGB1, KLK6 and VE-cad serum levels were increasing from non-dysplastic to low-grade dysplasia and followed by the decrease for high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer, however the differences were not significant (p-values 0.897, 0.354, 0.1 respectively). Patients' serum had the highest CD44 concentration in non-dysplastic and low-grade dysplasia with the following decrease through high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer. GERD symptomatic patients had higher levels of KLK6 and CD44 than other patients (p-value 0.06 and 0.084 respectively). There were no significant differences of biomarkers levels related to patients' gender (p-value from 0.243 to 1) or smoking status (p-value from 0.22 to 0.706).

Conclusions

VE-cad, HMGB1, CD44 and KLK6 did not prove to be reliable biomarkers implicating malignant potential within vocal fold hypertrophic intraepithelial lesions.

Preoperative lymphocyte count, neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratio predict the recurrence with progression and cancerization in vocal fold lesions-retrospective study

Backgrounds

This study explored the contribution of peripheral blood markers in diagnosis and prognosis estimation of different stages of laryngeal dysplasia and early glottic cancer.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical, histopathological and laboratory data of 220 patients including hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and platelet counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR).

Results

The mean hemoglobin level and platelets count showed differences between histopathological stages of lesions (p = 0.041 and 0.046, respectively). In patients with recurrent lesions mean level of lymphocyte count, NLR and PLR were significant in assessing progression and cancerization (p = 0.005, 0.028 and 0.023, respectively). The univariate analysis recognized level of PLR ≥ 141.74 as significant risk factor of the recurrence of vocal fold hypertrophic lesions (OR = 1.963).

Conclusions

The levels of blood cells and their ratios seem to be effective in predicting the recurrence of lesion and even more their potential role in indicating malignant progression.