University of Pittsburgh Department of Otolaryngology 2022 Publications JANUARY
Joseph Dohar, MD
Title: Pediatric otolaryngology telemedicine amid a pandemic - And beyond
Authors: McCoy JL, Shaffer AD, Dohar JE
Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Dec 28;153:111014; online ahead of print
Summary: We conclude that telemedicine was equally well received by patients as compared to traditional live assessments suggesting that virtual care is a viable post-pandemic paradigm change. Satisfaction was rated as "Good" or "Excellent", however, messaging when surgery is not recommended was less acceptable and must be improved to obtain increased caregivers' agreement in an era of shared decision making.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34974276
Uma Duvvuri, MD, PhD
Title: Phase I trial of cetuximab, radiation therapy, and ipilimumab in locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Ferris RL, Moskovitz J, Kunning S, Ruffin AT, Reeder C, Ohr J, Gooding WE, Kim S, Karlovits BJ, Vignali DAA, Duvvuri U, Johnson JT, Petro D, Heron DE, Clump DA, Bruno TC, Bauman JE.
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
Summary: Concurrent radiation therapy (RT) with cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb), is a standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). CTLA-4+ T regulatory cells (Treg) dampen cellular immunity and correlate negatively with clinical outcomes. This phase I study added antiCTLA-4 mAb ipilimumab to cetuximab-RT.
Link: https://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2022/01/28/1078-0432.CCR-21-0426.long
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat MJ, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS
Journal: Head and Neck
Summary: We ascertain the role of a low cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) as a biomarker for poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A prospective cohort of patients with operable HNSCC requiring microvascular reconstruction was evaluated. Low CPSMI was calculated using preoperative CT neck imaging. Poor treatment tolerance, a composite measure of incomplete therapy or severe morbidity/mortality during treatment, was the primary outcome. One hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent extirpative surgery with a mean age was 60.5. Poor treatment tolerance occurred in 71 (56%) patients with 21 not completing recommended adjuvant therapy and 66 having severe treatment-related morbidity. A low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.10–5.93) and delay to adjuvant therapy (OR 4.48, 95%CI 1.07–27.6) after adjusting for multiple confounders. Low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable HNSCC.
Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10970347
David Eibling, MD
Title: Is mandibular osteomyelitis a sequela of SSRI-induced dental implant failure? A systematic review & case report
Authors: Tarfa RA, Melder K, Mady LJ, Eibling D
Journal: American Journal of Otolaryngology
Summary: To determine if the utilization of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increases the risk of osteomyelitis as a sequela of dental implant failure. We also report the case of a patient on long-term SSRIs who presented with dental implant failure and subsequently developed mandibular osteomyelitis. SSRIs are associated with increased risk of dental implant failure, and our results suggest that they may be independently associated with mandibular osteomyelitis in the setting of implant failure. Though there was no evidence of mandibular osteomyelitis specifically following SSRI-related dental implant failure, there were a few case reports on osteomyelitis resulting from failed dental implant osseointegration.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34583289/
Noel Jabbour, MD
Title: Cost analysis of sialendoscopy for the treatment of salivary gland disorders in children.
Authors: Velasquez N, Gardiner L, Ramprasad V, Shaffer A, Jabbour N, Stapleton A.
Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol.
Summary: Recent advances in Otolaryngology have changed the diagnosis and therapy for salivary gland disorders. Sialendoscopy-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive, conservative procedure for functional preservation of the affected gland. The goals of this study are to assess the indications, use, and outcomes of pediatric sialendoscopy at a tertiary pediatric institution as well as to analyze the direct cost related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sialolithiasis and Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis managed with sialendoscopy.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.111020
Title: The limits of pandemic precautions: Tympanostomy tube placement in children with cleft palate during COVID-19.
Authors: Kacin AJ, Jabbour N, Ford MD, Losee JE, Shaffer AD.
Journal: Am J Otolaryngol.
Summary: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) mitigation measures have led to a sustained reduction in tympanostomy tube (TT) placement in the general population. The present aim was to determine if TT placement has also decreased in children at risk for chronic otitis media with effusion (COME), such as those with cleft palate (CP).
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103279
Title: Applicant perspectives on virtual otolaryngology residency interviews.
Authors: Kraft DO, Bowers EMR, Smith BT, Jabbour N, Schaitkin BM, O'Leary MA, Groblewski JC, Young VN, Sridharan S.
Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol.
Summary: Residency interviews serve as an opportunity for prospective applicants to evaluate programs and to determine their potential fit within them. The 2019 SARS-CoV2 pandemic mandated programs conduct interviews virtually for the first time. The purpose of this study was to assess applicant perspectives on the virtual interview.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/00034894211057374
Jonas Johnson, MD
Title: Association between patient-reported symptoms of dysphagia and psychological distress in head and neck cancer survivors
Authors: Eastburn K, Lyu L, Harrison C, Atchison K, Moore K, Pomfret S, Johnson J, Nilsen M.
Journal: Oncol Nurs Forum
Summary: To describe the prevalence of and the association between patient-reported dysphagia and psychological distress (anxiety and depression) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.
Link: Association Between Patient-Reported Symptoms of Dysphagia and Psychological Distress in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors - PubMed (nih.gov)
Seungwon Kim, MD
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Authors: Ferris RL, Moskovitz J, Kunning S, Ruffin AT, Reeder C, Ohr J, Gooding WE, Kim S, Karlovits BJ, Vignali DAA, Duvvuri U, Johnson JT, Petro D, Heron DE, Clump DA, Bruno TC, Bauman JE
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
Summary: Background: Concurrent radiation therapy (RT) with cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb), is a standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). CTLA-4+ T regulatory cells (Treg) dampen cellular immunity and correlate negatively with clinical outcomes. This phase I study added anti-CTLA-4 mAb ipilimumab to cetuximab-RT. Methods: A [3 + 3] design established the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of ipilimumab, added at week 5 for four, q3-week doses to fixed, standard cetuximab-RT. Eligible subjects had stage III-IVb, high-risk (HPV-) or intermediate-risk (HPV+) HNSCC. Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as grade 4 adverse event (AE) except in-field radiation dermatitis or immune-related (ir) AE requiring {greater than or equal to} 2 weeks of systemic steroids. Tumor and blood were collected for correlatives. Results: From July 2013-May 2016, 18 patients enrolled. Two of 6 in cohort 1 (ipilimumab 3 mg/kg) experienced grade 3 dermatologic DLTs, triggering de-escalation of ipilimumab to 1 mg/kg. Dose Level -1 was expanded to N = 12 without DLT. irAE included: grade 1, 2, and 3 dermatitis (2, 1, and 3 cases), grade 4 colitis (1), and grade 1 hyperthyroidism (1). Three-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 72% (90% CI: 57-92%) and 72% (90% CI: 56-92%). High expression of co-inhibitory receptors PD1/LAG3/CD39 on tumorinfiltrating Treg associated with worse DFS (HR=5.6, 95% CI: 0.83-37.8, p=0.08). Conclusions: The RP2D for ipilimumab plus cetuximab-RT is 1mg/kg in weeks 5, 8, 11, and 14. The regimen is tolerable and yields acceptable survival without cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35091445/
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat MJ, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS
Journal: Head & Neck
Summary: We ascertain the role of a low cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) as a biomarker for poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). One hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent extirpative surgery with a mean age was 60.5. Poor treatment tolerance occurred in 71 (56%) patients with 21 not completing recommended adjuvant therapy and 66 having severe treatment-related morbidity. A low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.10–5.93) and delay to adjuvant therapy(OR 4.48, 95%CI 1.07–27.6) after adjusting for multiple confounders. Low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable HNSCC.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35020252/
Title: The Nasoseptal Flap for Reconstruction of Lateral Oropharyngectomy Defects: A Clinical Series
Authors: Turner MT, Geltzeiler MN, Ramadan J, Moskovitz JM, Ferris RL, Wang EW, Kim S
Journal: Laryngoscope
Summary: To study use of the nasoseptal flap (NSF) to reconstruct lateral transoral robotic surgery (TORS)oropharyngectomy defects. Six patients underwent NSF reconstruction of lateral TORS defects. Operative times decreased from 180 minutes to90 minutes over the study period. There were two cases of partial flap dehiscence and partial necrosis. There were no major donor site complications. All patients had temporary nasal obstruction and crusting. Two experienced temporary aural fullness. In all patients, the lateral wall was mucosalized in 1–3 weeks. Cephalometric analysis of preoperative imaging revealed that patients with higharched palates (>3 cm) and defect lengths that are longer than NSF flap lengths are poor candidates for this technique. This NSF is a vascularized, locoregional rotational flap that can reconstruct lateral TORS defects in salvages cases or those where the parapharyngeal carotid or mandibular bone are exposed. Postoperative morbidityis limited to temporary nasaldyspnea, aural fullness, and crusting. Preoperative imaging can determine which patient will have successful defect coverage.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34106472/
Mark Kubik, MD
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat MJ, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS
Journal: Head & Neck
Summary: We ascertain the role of a low cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) as a biomarker for poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). One hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent extirpative surgery with a mean age was 60.5. Poor treatment tolerance occurred in 71 (56%) patients with 21 not completing recommended adjuvant therapy and 66 having severe treatment-related morbidity. A low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.10–5.93) and delay to adjuvant therapy(OR 4.48, 95%CI 1.07–27.6) after adjusting for multiple confounders. Low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable HNSCC.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35020252/
Reema Padia, MD
Title: Effect of Insurance type on postoperative tympanostomy tube follow-up.
Authors: Patel TA, McCoy JL, Belsky MA, Sim ES, Konanur A, Yan A, Jabbour N, Padia R.
Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 Dec 28; online ahead of print.
Summary: Insurance type is related to outcomes after the treatment of recurrent acute otitis media with BMT. Future studies that survey individuals will help identify barriers that contribute to patient absence at follow-ups and need for subsequent ED visits.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34962848
Carl Snyderman, MD, MBA
Title: Rapidly progressive pituitary apoplexy in a patient with COVID-19 disease treated with endoscopic endonasal surgery.
Authors: Taneja C, Fazeli PK, Gardner PA, Wang EW, Snyderman CH, Mahmud H
Journal: J Neurol Surg Rep
Summary: This report describes a case of pituitary apoplexy with rapidly evolving hemorrhage in a 74-year-old female with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. We discuss the potential implication of COVID-19 in the occurrence of pituitary apoplexy, in addition to the safety and success of endonasal surgery in this population.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1742104
Title: Contact endoscopy as a novel technique for intraoperative identification of normal pituitary gland and adenoma.
Authors: Jackson C, Kong DK, Gersey ZC, Wang EW, Zenonos G, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA
Journal: Neurosurg Focus Video
Summary: Two illustrative cases of endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) for resection of pituitary adenoma illustrate the use of contact endoscopy in identifying tumor from gland and differentiating a thin section of normal gland draped over the underlying tumor, thereby allowing for safe extracapsular tumor resection.
Link: https://doi.org/10.3171/2021.10.FOCVID21199
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass.
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat MJ, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS
Journal: Head & Neck
Summary: We ascertain the role of a low cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) as a biomarker for poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.26978
Shaum Sridharan, MD
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat M, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS.
Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
Summary: Residency interviews serve as an opportunity for prospective applicants to evaluate programs and to determine their potential fit within them. The 2019 SARS-CoV2 pandemic mandated programs conduct interviews virtually for the first time. The purpose of this study was to assess applicant perspectives on the virtual interview. Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/00034894211057374
Title: Applicant Perspectives on Virtual Otolaryngology Residency Interviews
Authors: Kraft DO, Bowers EMR, Smith BT, Jabbour N, Schaitkin BM, O’Leary MA, Groblewski JC, Young VN, Sridharan SS.
Journal: Head Neck
Summary: We ascertain the role of a low cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) as a biomarker for poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.26978
Amanda Stapleton, MD
Title: Olfaction before and after initiation of elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor in a cystic fibrosis cohort.
Authors: Bacon DR, Stapleton A, Goralski JL, Ebert CS Jr, Thorp BD, Nouraie M, Shaffer AD, Senior BA, Lee SE, Zemke AC, Kimple AJ.
Journal: Int Forum Allergy Rhinol.
Summary: Disease-causing genetic mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene result in impaired chloride transport resulting in mucus dehydration, impaired mucociliary clearance and proliferation of microbial pathogens.1 While bronchiectasis is the primary driver of disease-related mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF), the sinonasal cavity is almost universally affected, and many patients experience chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps and olfactory dysfunction (OD).
Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/alr.22891
Title: Cost analysis of sialendoscopy for the treatment of salivary gland disorders in children.
Authors: Velasquez N, Gardiner L, Ramprasad V, Shaffer A, Jabbour N, Stapleton A.
Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol.
Summary: Recent advances in Otolaryngology have changed the diagnosis and therapy for salivary gland disorders. Sialendoscopy-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive, conservative procedure for functional preservation of the affected gland. The goals of this study are to assess the indications, use, and outcomes of pediatric sialendoscopy at a tertiary pediatric institution as well as to analyze the direct cost related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sialolithiasis and Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis managed with sialendoscopy.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.111020
Eric Wang, MD
Title: The nasoseptal flap for reconstruction of lateral oropharyngectomy defects: a clinical series.
Authors: Turner MT, Geltzeiler MN, Ramadan J, Moskovitz JM, Ferris RL, Wang EW, Kim S Journal: Laryngoscope
Summary: We conclude that the nasoseptal flap is a vascularized, locoregional rotational flap that can reconstruct lateral TORS defects in salvages cases or those where the parapharyngeal carotid or mandibular bone are exposed. Postoperative morbidity is limited to temporary nasal dyspnea, aural fullness, and crusting. Preoperative imaging can determine which patient will have successful defect coverage.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/lary.29660
Title: Evolving concepts in the perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea after endoscopic skull base surgery.
Authors: Rabinowitz MR, Chaskes M, Choby G, Wang EW, Thorp B, Toskala E, Nyquist GG, Rosen MR, Evans JJ
Journal: Int Forum Allergy Rhinol
Summary: The objective of this article was to review the most up-to-date literature regarding when it is safe to resume CPAP usage in the patient undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/alr.22905
Title: Rapidly progressive pituitary apoplexy in a patient with COVID-19 disease treated with endoscopic endonasal surgery.
Authors: Taneja C, Fazeli PK, Gardner PA, Wang EW, Snyderman CH, Mahmud H
Journal: J Neurol Surg Rep
Summary: This report describes a case of pituitary apoplexy with rapidly evolving hemorrhage in a 74-year-old female with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. We discuss the potential implication of COVID-19 in the occurrence of pituitary apoplexy, in addition to the safety and success of endonasal surgery in this population.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1742104
Title: Contact endoscopy as a novel technique for intraoperative identification of normal pituitary gland and adenoma.
Authors: Jackson C, Kong DK, Gersey ZC, Wang EW, Zenonos G, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA
Journal: Neurosurg Focus Video
Summary: Two illustrative cases of endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs) for resection of pituitary adenoma illustrate the use of contact endoscopy in identifying tumor from gland and differentiating a thin section of normal gland draped over the underlying tumor, thereby allowing for safe extracapsular tumor resection.
Link: https://doi.org/10.3171/2021.10.FOCVID21199
February-March 2022 PUBLICATIONS
David Chi, MD
Title: Cochlear implants in neurologically impaired children: A survey of health-related quality of life.
Authors: Anne S, Schwartz SR, McCoy JL, Haberkamp T, Hoffer ME, Chi DH.
Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
Summary: This study suggests that HRQoL benefits of CI are perceived in most domains by parents of children with NCNIDD, albeit less strongly than children with ND. A survey sensitive to challenges of children with NCNIDD may better capture benefits that may not be apparent in this study.
Link: https://pubmd.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33618581
Title: Aerosol and droplet risk of common otolaryngology clinic procedures.
Authors: Boorgu DSSK, Dharmarajan H, Sim ES, Goyal L, Freiser ME, Weinstock M, Whelan R, Corcoran TE, Jabbour N, Wang E, Chi DH.
Summary: While patients' coughing and sneezing may create a baseline risk for providers, this study demonstrates that nasal endoscopy, flexible laryngoscopy, and suctioning inherently do not pose an additional risk in terms of aerosol and small droplet generation. An overarching generalization cannot be made about endoscopy or suctioning being an aerosol generating procedure.
Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
Link: https://pubmd.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33730891
Title: Advanced practice provider clinics: Expediting care For children undergoing tympanostomy tube placement.
Authors: Belsky MA, Konanur A, Sim E, Yan A, Shaffer AD, Williams K, Martsolf GR, Chi D, Jabbour N. Journal: Laryngoscope
Summary: Children seen by APPs received care more quickly than those seen by otolaryngologists. Patients seen by otolaryngologists tended to be more medically complex. Implementation of independent APP clinics may expedite and improve access to BMT for children with RAOM.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33635578
Title: Impact of patient socioeconomic disparities on time to tympanostomy tube placement.
Authors: McCoy JL, Dixit R, Lin RJ, Belsky MA, Shaffer AD, Chi D, Jabbour N.
Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
Summary: Lower SES is associated with chronic otitis media with effusion and a longer wait time from otologic consult and preoperative clinic to TT placement. By being transparent in socioeconomic disparities, we can begin to expose systemic problems and move forward with interventions.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33978498
Title: Tympanostomy tubes or medical management for recurrent acute otitis media.
Authors: Hoberman A, Preciado D, Paradise JL, Chi DH, Haralam M, Block SL, Kearney DH, Bhatnagar S, Muñiz Pujalt GB, Shope TR, Martin JM, Felten DE, Kurs-Lasky M, Liu H, Yahner K, Jeong JH, Cohen NL, Czervionke B, Nagg JP, Dohar JE, Shaikh N.
Journal: N Engl J Med
Summary: Among children 6 to 35 months of age with recurrent acute otitis media, the rate of episodes of acute otitis media during a 2-year period was not significantly lower with tympanostomy-tube placement than with medical management. (Funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02567825.).
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33979487
Title: Repeat tympanostomy tubes in children with Down syndrome.
Authors: Omar M, McCoy JL, McCormick AA, Vellody K, Chi DH.
Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
Summary: Children with DS were more likely to undergo repeat TTI if they were of younger age and if the indication for surgery was COME. The repeat TTI rate for children with DS was high at 61.4%. Prospective studies are warranted to more precisely investigate factors associated with repeat TTIs in this unique patient population.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34198227
Robert Ferris, MD, PhD
Title: Prospective evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine responses across a broad spectrum of immunocompromising conditions: the COVICS study
Authors: Haidar G, Agha M, Bilderback A, Lukanski A, Linstrum K, Troyan R, Rothenberger S, McMahon DK, Crandall MD, Sobolewksi MD, Enick PN, Jacobs JL, Collins K, Klamar-Blain C, Macatangay BJC, Parikh UM, Heaps A, Coughenour L, Schwartz MB, Dueker JM, Silveira FP, Keebler ME, Humar A, Luketich JD, Morrell MR, Pilewski JM, McDyer JF, Pappu B, Ferris RL, Marks SM, Mahon J, Mulvey K, Hariharan S, Updike GM, Brock L, Edwards R, Beigi RH, Kip PL, Wells A, Minnier T, Angus DC, Mellors JW
Journal: Clin Infect Dis.
Summary: Antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines were lowest among SOT and anti-CD20 monoclonal recipients, and recipients of vaccines other than mRNA-1273. Among those with intermediate antibody levels, pseudovirus neutralization titers were lower in immunocompromised patients than HCW. Additional SARS-CoV-2 preventive approaches are needed for immunocompromised persons, which may need to be tailored to the cause of immunodeficiency.
Link: Prospective evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine responses across a broad spectrum of immunocompromising conditions: the COVICS study - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Phase I trial of cetuximab, radiation therapy, and ipilimumab in locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Ferris RL, Moskovitz J, Kunning S, Ruffin AT, Reeder C, Ohr J, Gooding WE, Kim S, Karlovits BJ, Vignali DAA, Duvvuri U, Johnson JT, Petro D, Heron DE, Clump DA, Bruno TC, Bauman JE.
Journal: Clin Cancer Research
Summary: The RP2D for ipilimumab plus cetuximab-RT is 1mg/kg in weeks 5, 8, 11, and 14. The regimen is tolerable and yields acceptable survival without cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Link: Phase I trial of cetuximab, radiation therapy, and ipilimumab in locally advanced head and neck cancerPubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat MJ, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS.
Journal: Head and Neck
Summary: Low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable HNSCC.
Link: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: The prognosis of HPV-associated metastatic pharyngeal patients by primary and distant site.
Authors: Wang J, Tian Y, Huang H, Huang D, Liu Y, Tian Y, Zhu G, Zhang X, Ferris RL. The prognosis of HPVassociated metastatic pharyngeal patients by primary and distant site
Journal: Oral oncology
Summary: HPV-positive mHNSC-OP patients with lung metastasis show better survival than HPV-negative mHNSC-OP patients, providing key information to guide patient treatment approaches.
Link: The prognosis of HPV-associated metastatic pharyngeal patients by primary and distant site - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Investigating immune and non-immune cell interactions in head and neck tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Kürten CHL, Kulkarni A, Cillo AR, Santos PM, Roble AK, Onkar S, Reeder C, Lang S, Chen X, Duvvuri U, Kim S, Liu A, Tabib T, Lafyatis R, Feng J, Gao SJ, Bruno TC, Vignali DAA, Lu X, Bao R, Vujanovic L, Ferris RL.
Journal: Nature Communications
Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by complex relations between stromal, epithelial, and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). To enable the development of more efficacious therapies, we aim to study the heterogeneity, signatures of unique cell populations, and cell-cell interactions of non-immune and immune cell populations in 6 human papillomavirus (HPV)+ and 12 HPV- HNSCC patient tumor and matched peripheral blood specimens using single-cell RNA sequencing. Using this dataset of 134,606 cells, we show cell type-specific signatures associated with inflammation and HPV status, describe the negative prognostic value of fibroblasts with elastic differentiation specifically in the HPV+ TME, predict therapeutically targetable checkpoint receptor-ligand interactions, and show that tumor-associated macrophages are dominant contributors of PD-L1 and other immune checkpoint ligands in the TME. We present a comprehensive single-cell view of cell-intrinsic mechanisms and cell-cell communication shaping the HNSCC microenvironment.
Link: Investigating immune and non-immune cell interactions in head and neck tumors by single-cell RNA sequencing - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Evidence-based consensus recommendations for the evolving treatment of patients with high-risk and advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rabinowits G, Migden MR, Schlesinger TE, Ferris RL, Freeman M, Guild V, Koyfman S, Pavlick AC, Swanson N, Wolf GT, Dinehart SM.
Journal: JID Innov
Summary: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer in the United States. Currently, there is no standardized management approach for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who develop metastatic or locally advanced disease and are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. To address this issue, the Expert Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Leadership program convened an expert steering committee to develop evidence-based consensus recommendations on the basis of a large, structured literature review. Consensus was achieved through modified Delphi methodology. The steering committee included five dermatologists, three medical oncologists, two head and neck surgeons, one radiation oncologist, and a patient advocacy group representative. The steering committee aligned on the following clinical topics: diagnosis and identification of patients considered not candidates for surgery; staging systems and risk stratification in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma; the role of radiation therapy, surgery, and systemic therapy in the management of advanced disease, with a focus on immunotherapy; referral patterns; survivorship care; and inclusion of the patient's perspective. Consensus was achieved on 34 recommendations addressing 12 key clinical questions. The Expert Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Leadership steering committee's evidencebased consensus recommendations may provide healthcare professionals with practically oriented guidance to help optimize outcomes for patients with advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Link: Evidence-Based Consensus Recommendations for the Evolving Treatment of Patients with High-Risk and Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Prevalence of intratumoral regulatory T cells expressing neuropilin-1 is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with cancer
Authors: Chuckran CA, Cillo AR, Moskovitz J, Overacre-Delgoffe A, Somasundaram AS, Shan F, Magnon GC, Kunning SR, Abecassis I, Zureikat AH, Luketich J, Pennathur A, Sembrat J, Rojas M, Merrick DT, Taylor SE, Orr B, Modugno F, Buckanovich R, Schoen RE, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Zeh H, Edwards R, Kirkwood JM, Coffman L, Ferris RL, Bruno TC, Vignali DAA
Journal: Sci Transl Med
Summary: Despite the success of immune checkpoint blockade therapy, few strategies sufficiently overcome immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs) is challenging, because perturbing intratumoral Treg function must be specific enough to avoid systemic inflammatory side effects. Thus, no Treg-targeted agents have proven both safe and efficacious in patients with cancer. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is recognized for its role in supporting intratumoral Treg function while being dispensable for peripheral homeostasis. Nonetheless, little is known about the biology of human NRP1+ Tregs and the signals that regulate NRP1 expression. Here, we report that NRP1 is preferentially expressed on intratumoral Tregs across six distinct cancer types compared to healthy donor peripheral blood [peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL)] and site-matched, noncancer tissue. Furthermore, NRP1+ Treg prevalence is associated with reduced progression-free survival in head and neck cancer. Human NRP1+ Tregs have broad activation programs and elevated suppressive function. Unlike mouse Tregs, we demonstrate that NRP1 identifies a transient activation state of human Tregs driven by continuous T cell receptor (TCR) signaling through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and interleukin-2 exposure. The prevalence of NRP1+ Tregs in patient PBL correlates with the intratumoral abundance of NRP1+ Tregs and may indicate higher disease burden. These findings support further clinical evaluation of NRP1 as a suitable therapeutic target to enhance antitumor immunity by inhibiting Treg function in the TME.
Link: Prevalence of intratumoral regulatory T cells expressing neuropilin-1 is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with cancer - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Prevalence of intratumoral regulatory T cells expressing neuropilin-1 is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with cancer
Authors: Kumar M, Molkentine D, Molkentine J, Bridges K, Xie T, Yang L, Hefner A, Gao M, Bahri R, Dhawan A, Frederick MJ, Seth S, Abdelhakiem M, Beadle BM, Johnson F, Wang J, Shen L, Heffernan T, Sheth A, Ferris RL, Myers JN, Pickering CR, Skinner HD.
Journal: Nature Communications
Summary: Despite radiation forming the curative backbone of over 50% of malignancies, there are no genomically-driven radiosensitizers for clinical use. Herein we perform in vivo shRNA screening to identify targets generally associated with radiation response as well as those exhibiting a genomic dependency. This identifies the histone acetyltransferases CREBBP/EP300 as a target for radiosensitization in combination with radiation in cognate mutant tumors. Further in vitro and in vivo studies confirm this phenomenon to be due to repression of homologous recombination following DNA damage and reproducible using chemical inhibition of histone acetyltransferase (HAT), but not bromodomain function. Selected mutations in CREBBP lead to a hyperacetylated state that increases CBP and BRCA1 acetylation, representing a gain of function targeted by HAT inhibition. Additionally, mutations in CREBBP/EP300 are associated with recurrence following radiation in squamous cell carcinoma cohorts. These findings provide both a mechanism of resistance and the potential for genomicallydriven treatment.
Link: Inhibition of histone acetyltransferase function radiosensitizes CREBBP/EP300 mutants via repression of homologous recombination, potentially targeting a gain of function - PubMed (nih.gov)
Joseph Furman, MD, PhD
Title: Vestibular rehabilitation for peripheral vestibular hypofunction: An updated clinical practice guideline from the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Authors: Hall CD, Herdman SJ, Whitney SL, Anson ER, Carender WJ, Hoppes CS, Cass SP, Christy JB, Cohen HS, Fife TD, Furman JM, Shepard NT, Clendaniel RA, Dishman JD, Goebel JA, Meldrum D., Ryan C. Wallace RL, Woodward NJ
Journal: J Neurol Phys Ther
Summary: Uncompensated vestibular hypofunction can result in symptoms of dizziness, imbalance, and/or oscillopsia, gaze and gait instability, and impaired navigation and spatial orientation; thus, may negatively impact an individual's quality of life, ability to perform activities of daily living, drive, and work. It is estimated that onethird of adults in the United States have vestibular dysfunction and the incidence increases with age. There is strong evidence supporting vestibular physical therapy for reducing symptoms, improving gaze and postural stability, and improving function in individuals with vestibular hypofunction. The purpose of this revised clinical practice guideline is to improve quality of care and outcomes for individuals with acute, subacute, and chronic unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction by providing evidence-based recommendations regarding appropriate exercises
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34864777/
Jackie Gartner-Schmidt, PhD, CCC-SLP
Title: Clinician and patient perception of a voice therapy program utilizing a variably-occluded face mask: A pilot study
Authors: Gartner-Schmidt JL, Belsky MA, Awan S, Gillespie AI.
Journal: Folia Phoniatr Logop.
Summary: This pilot study represents the first investigation into clinician and patient perceptions of using a variably occluded face mask (VOFM). Reported measures via patient perception, as well as clinician perceptions, and some acoustic and aerodynamic measures showed that participants got better with VOFM voice therapy. Last, in general, both clinicians and patients liked utilizing a VOFM in voice therapy.
Link: Clinician and Patient Perception of a Voice Therapy Program Utilizing a Variably-Occluded Face Mask: A Pilot Study - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Development and validation of the exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction dyspnea index (EILODI)
Authors: Olin JT, Shaffer M, Nauman E, Durso CS, Fan EM, Staudenmayer H, Christopher KL, Gartner-Schmidt J Journal: J Allergy Clin Immunol
Summary: Two hundred nineteen subjects with mild to severe EILO participated in the exploratory factor analysis, which identified 7 factors within the preliminary outcome measure. After a process of item reduction, a 12-item metric with a total score ranging from 0 to 48 was developed. Mean scores of patients with EILO and healthy controls at baseline were 28.8 6 7.4 and 4.5 6 7.4, respectively. A minimal clinically important difference of 6 was determined by comparison of index change with changes in categorical self-assessments of improvement. This is the first patient-reported outcome measure specifically designed for adolescents and young adults with EILO.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34619181/
Title: The patient experience: The relationship between vocal handicap, congruency, perceived present control, and mood across four voice disorders
Authors: Gartling G, van Mersbergan M, Crow K, Smith LJ, Lewandowski A, Gartner-Schmidt JL
Journal: Journal of Voice
Summary: This study marks an initial investigation into the nuanced patient experience of having a voice disorder. Three theoretically unrelated voice constructs: handicap, perceived control, and sense of self, were measured via self-report. Results from this study describe the patient experience correlating to these constructs with weak correlations to stress, anxiety, and depression. Findings also clearly suggest that patient experience varies among diagnostic groups, as well as varying constructs. Measures of multiple constructs of patient perception provide valuable insight into a patient's experience of their voice disorder, guidance on the direction of voice treatment, and justification for such treatments.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34615615/
Title: Singing in the mask: Effects of a variably occluded face mask on singing
Authors: Belsky M, Awan S, Rothenberger S, Gartner-Schmidt JL
Journal: Journal of Voice
Summary: There is an immediate effect of decreasing vocal effort in singing after training with a VOFM. Objective acoustic and aerodynamic effects were variable, though suggest that improvement in some measures may be achieved. The interactions between these variables, such as improvement in acoustic measures with increasing airflow and decreasing resistance, and their synergistic relationship leading to perceived changes in vocal effort, warrant future study. As SOVTE using masks continue to gain popularity among singers and their teachers, further research is needed to understand their immediate and long-term impact on singers.
Additionally, postoperative rehabilitation for singers using a VOFM could be valuable.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34848103/
Barry Hirsch, MD
Title: Pain and pain control with opioid and nonopioid medications after otologic surgery
Authors: Godse NR, Tarfa RA, Perez PL, Hirsch BE, McCall AA
Journal: Otol Neurotol
Summary: Surgery with a postauricular approach is associated with higher pain and opioid use following otologic surgery. Patient- and approach-specific opioid prescribing is feasible following otologic surgery. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34753877/
Noel Jabbour, MD
Title: Operative surveillance of airway hemangiomas in PHACE syndrome.
Authors: Ramprasad VH, Konanur A, McCoy JL, McCormick A, Jabbour N, Padia R.
Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol.
Summary: An IRB-approved retrospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive pediatric patients with head and neck infantile hemangioma (IH) evaluated in a multi-disciplinary vascular anomalies center between 2013 and 2019. Patients were included if they were being worked up for PHACE syndrome and had an otolaryngology evaluation. Demographics, clinical, and surgical variables were collected.
Link: Operative Surveillance of Airway Hemangiomas in PHACE Syndrome - PubMed (nih.gov)
Jonas Johnson, MD
Title: The impact of frailty on mortality in non-surgical head and neck cancer treatment: Shifting the clinical paradigm
Authors: Mady LJ, Baddour K, Hodges JC, Magaña LC, Schwarzbach HL, Borrebach JD, Nilsen ML, Johnson JT, Hall DE
Journal: Oral Oncol
Summary: Across all levels of frailty, long term survival of HNC patients treated without surgery is either worse than or like those treated with surgery. These findings (1) challenge current practices of steering patients "too frail for surgery" towards non-surgical, "non-invasive" therapy, and (2) suggest equipoise warranting randomized trials to clarify treatment of frail patients.
Link: The impact of frailty on mortality in non-surgical head and neck cancer treatment: Shifting the clinical paradigm - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Flourishing in head and neck cancer survivors
Authors: Harris A., Li J., Atchison K., Harrison C., Hall D., VanderWeele T., Johnson JT, Nilsen ML
Journal: Cancer Med
Summary: Common late- and long-term side effects of HNC treatment and financial hardship are associated with lower levels of flourishing or a more negative perception of life after treatment. Results highlight the importance of symptom burden for survivors' overall evaluation of their quality of life.
Link: Flourishing in head and neck cancer survivors - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: The benefits and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients diagnosed with cancer and their family caregivers
Authors: Steel JL, Amin A, Peyser T, Olejniczak D, Antoni M, Carney M, Tillman E, Hecht CL, Pandya N, Miceli J, Reyes V, Nilsen M, Johnson J, Kiefer G, Pappu B, Zandberg DP, Geller D
Journal: Psychooncology
Summary: Psychological functioning for patients and caregivers was similar to that of pre-pandemic levels, however the decrease in health care utilization secondary to fear of COVID-19 was notable. While there were many negative effects of the pandemic, the majority of patients and caregivers reported some benefit to the pandemic.
Link: The benefits and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for patients diagnosed with cancer and their family caregivers - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Phase I trial of cetuximab, radiation therapy, and ipilimumab in locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Ferris RL, Moskovitz J, Kunning S, Ruffin AT, Reeder C, Ohr J, Gooding WE, Kim S, Karlovits BJ, Vignali DAA, Duvvuri U, Johnson JT, Petro D, Heron DE, Clump DA, Bruno TC, Bauman JE
Journal: Clin Cancer Res
Summary: The RP2D for ipilimumab plus cetuximab-RT is 1mg/kg in weeks 5, 8, 11, and 14. The regimen is tolerable and yields acceptable survival without cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Link: Phase I trial of cetuximab, radiation therapy, and ipilimumab in locally advanced head and neck cancerPubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Quality of life in patients with recurrent and second primary head and neck cancer
Authors: Ramprasad VH, Li J, Atchison K, Zandberg DP, Clump DA, Johnson JT, Nilsen ML
Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg
Summary: Multimodality therapy, particularly with recurrent and second primary HNSCC, is more likely to contribute to diminished QOL and symptoms. This important consideration should play a role in framing informed discussions with patients regarding treatment.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/01945998221087712
Title: Hearing screening and amplifier uptake results in a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer survivorship clinic
Authors: Zitelli L, Palmer C, Mamula E, Johnson J, Rauterkus G, Nilsen ML
Journal: Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice
Summary: The data from 1176 survivors of HNC seen by audiology over the past few years as part of the UPMC HNC Survivorship Clinic support the need for hearing management in this population to improve communication during and after the Survivorship Clinic visit.
Link: Hearing screening and amplifier uptake results in a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer survivorship clinic | SpringerLink
Andrew McCall, MD
Title: Pain and pain control with opioid and nonopioid medications after otologic surgery
Authors: Godse NR, Tarfa RA, Perez PL, Hirsch BE, McCall AA
Journal: Otol Neurotol
Summary: Surgery with a postauricular approach is associated with higher pain and opioid use following otologic surgery. Patient- and approach-specific opioid prescribing is feasible following otologic surgery.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34753877/
Reema, Padia, MD
Title: Operative surveillance of airway hemangiomas in PHACE syndrome
Authors: Ramprasad VH, Konanur A, McCoy JL, McCormick A, Jabbour N, Padia R
Journal: Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol
Summary: Operative endoscopy remains useful in the workup of PHACE syndrome to identify subglottic hemangiomas, however there may be relatively low yield in asymptomatic patients. In office flexible laryngoscopy may be a less invasive means to examine the subglottic region. A multi-center prospective study would be necessary to evaluate incidence of subglottic hemangiomas in asymptomatic patients evaluated for PHACE.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35227100
Catherine Palmer, PhD
Title: Hearing screening and amplifier uptake results in a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer survivorship clinic
Authors: Zitelli L, Palmer C, Mamula E, Johnson J, Rauterkus G, Nilsen ML
Journal: Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice
Summary: The data from 1176 survivors of HNC seen by audiology over the past few years as part of the UPMC HNC Survivorship Clinic support the need for hearing management in this population to improve communication during and after the Survivorship Clinic visit.
Link: Hearing screening and amplifier uptake results in a multidisciplinary head and neck cancer survivorship clinic | SpringerLink
Philip Perez, MD
Title: Pain and pain control with opioid and nonopioid medications after otologic surgery
Authors: Godse NR, Tarfa RA, Perez PL, Hirsch BE, McCall AA
Journal: Otol Neurotol
Summary: Surgery with a postauricular approach is associated with higher pain and opioid use following otologic surgery. Patient- and approach-specific opioid prescribing is feasible following otologic surgery.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34753877/
Libby Smith, DO
Title: The patient experience: The relationship between vocal handicap, congruency, perceived present control, and mood across four voice disorders
Authors: Gartling GJ, van Mersbergen M, Crow K, Lewandowski A, Smith LJ, Gartner-Schmidt JL
Journal: Journal of Voice
Summary: There were significant differences in scores from the voice-specific scales between diagnostic groups with UVFP being the highest (worst) in VHI-10 and UVFP being the lowest (worst) in VCS compared to healthy controls. There was no significant difference in VPPC scores between diagnostic groups. Results showed statistically significant inverse relationships between the VHI-10 and the VPPC and between the VHI-10 and VCS for all diagnostic groups. A significant direct relationship was found between the VPPC and the VCS for patients diagnosed with MTD, UVFP and Lesions. In sum, patients with UVFP presented with the most frequent and sometimes strongest relationships between voice and mental health measures.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34615615/
Title: Prospective, multi-center study of the anatomic distribution of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Benedict PA, Kravietz A, Achlatis E, Wang B, Zhang Y, Kidane J, Harrison T, Miller J, Drake VE, Best SR, McWhorter AJ, Jun Lin R, Rosen CA, Smith LJ, Amin MR
Journal: Laryngoscope
Summary: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis lesions are significantly more likely to occur in the glottis, particularly the membranous vocal folds, compared to other subsites of the larynx or trachea. Despite this strong trend in lesion distribution, no differences were detected in disease behavior between anatomic subsites with respect to the rate of lesion recurrence, growth, or time to recurrence. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms of these phenomena.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35129220/
Title: Modeling recurrence in idiopathic subglottic stenosis with mobile peak expiratory flow
Authors: Kimura K, Du L, Berry LD, Huang LC, Chen SC, Francis DO, Gelbard A, Smith, LJ; North American Airway Collaborative (NoAAC)
Journal: Laryngoscope
Summary: We provide normative PEF data on a large cohort of iSGS patients. The magnitude of improvement in PEF immediately after surgery was not associated with a longer procedure-free interval. However, a 30% decline in PEF over 90 days was associated with elevated risk of a recurrent procedure.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34309022/
Carl Snyderman, MD, MBA
Title: Anatomical limits of the endoscopic contralateral transmaxillary approach to the petrous apex and petroclival region.
Authors: Mangussi-Gomes J, Alves-Belo JT, Truong HQ, Nogueira GF, Wang EW, Fernandez-Miranda JC, Gardner PA, Snyderman CH
Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
Summary: This study aimed to establish the anatomical landmarks for performing a contralateral transmaxillary approach (CTM) to the petrous apex (PA) and petroclival region (PCR), and to compare CTM with a purely endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Compared with a purely EEA, we concluded that the CTM provides significant "angle" and "reach" advantages for the PA and PCR.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1716693
Title: The selective role of open and endoscopic approaches for sinonasal malignant tumours.
Authors: Lopez F, Shah JP, Beitler JJ, Snyderman CH, Lund V, Piazza C, Makitie AA, Guntinas-Lichius O, Rodrigo JP, Kowalski LP, Quer M, Shaha A, Homma A, Sanabria A, Ferrarotto R, Lee AWM, Lee VHF, Rinaldo A, Ferlito A.
Journal: Adv Ther
Summary: Endoscopic endonasal surgery has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of selected cases of sinonasal cancers. However, in cases of locally advanced neoplasms, as well as recurrences, the most appropriate approach is still debated. The present review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on the utility of open approaches to resect sinonasal malignant tumours.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-022-02080-x
Title: The incidence of stroke post neck dissection surgery and perioperative management.
Authors: Melachuri S, Melachuri M, Valappil B, Kim S, Snyderman CH
Journal: Am J Otolaryngol
Summary: Although the incidence of stroke post neck dissection is minimal, patients with multiple risk factors for stroke should be managed carefully to prevent deleterious outcomes.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2021.103360
Title: Postoperative care from the rhinologic and neurological perspectives.
Authors: Lee SE, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA
Journal: Otolaryngol Clin North Am
Summary: Postoperative care of patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery requires a multidisciplinary team approach, capitalizing on the complementary knowledge and skills of surgical and medical disciplines, including neurosurgery, otolaryngology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, and radiology.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otc.2021.12.012
Ryan Soose, MD
Title: MEG-derived symptom-sensitive biomarkers with long-term test-retest reliability
Authors: Krieger D, Shepard P, Soose R, Puccio A, Beers S, Schneider W, Kontos AP, Collins MW, Okonkwo DO
Journal: Diagnostics
Summary: Neuroelectric measures derived from human magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings hold promise as aides to diagnosis and treatment monitoring and targeting for chronic sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study tests novel MEG-derived regional brain measures of tonic neuroelectric activation for long-term test-retest reliability and sensitivity to symptoms. Resting state MEG recordings were obtained from a normative cohort (CamCAN, baseline: n = 613; mean 16-month follow-up: n = 245) and a chronic symptomatic TBI cohort (TEAM-TBI, baseline: n = 62; mean 6-month follow-up: n = 40). The MEG-derived neuroelectric measures were corrected for the empty-room contribution using a random forest classifier. The mean 16-month correlation between baseline and 16month follow-up CamCAN measures was 0.67; test-retest reliability was markedly improved in this study compared with previous work. The TEAM-TBI cohort was screened for depression, somatization, and anxiety with the Brief Symptom Inventory and for insomnia with the Insomnia Severity Index and was assessed via adjudication for six clinical syndromes: chronic pain, psychological health, and oculomotor, vestibular, cognitive, and sleep dysfunction. Linear classifiers constructed from the 136 regional measures from each TEAM-TBI cohort member distinguished those with and without each symptom, p < 0.0003 for each, i.e., the tonic regional neuroelectric measures of activation are sensitive to the presence/absence of these symptoms and clinical syndromes. The novel regional MEG-derived neuroelectric measures obtained and tested in this study demonstrate the necessary and sufficient properties to be clinically useful, i.e., good test-retest reliability, sensitivity to symptoms in each individual, and obtainable using automatic processing without human judgement or intervention. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35054252/
Title: Impact of body mass index and discomfort on upper airway stimulation: ADHERE registry 2020 update
Authors: Suurna MV, Steffen A, Boon M, Chio E, Copper M, Patil RD, Green K, Hanson R, Heiser C, Huntley C, Kent D, Larsen C, Manchanda S, Maurer JT, Soose R, de Vries N, Walia HK, Thaler E; ADHERE Registry Investigators
Journal: Laryngoscope
Summary: Data from ADHERE demonstrate high efficacy rates for UAS. Although surgical response rate differs between BMI32 and BMI35 patient groups, the AHI and ESS reduction is similar. Discomfort affects therapy adherence and efficacy. Thus, proper therapy settings adjustment to ensure comfort is imperative to improve outcomes.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34626128/
Amanda Stapleton, MD
Title: Long term incidence and outcomes of sinonasal and otologic disease in patients with pyriform aperture stenosis and choanal atresia.
Authors: Godse NR, Lu N, Shaffer AD, Stapleton AL.
Journal: J Craniofac Surg.
Summary: The goal of this study was to investigate whether surgical intervention in PAS and CA is correlated with the long-term development of sinonasal disease or otologic disease (either recurrent acute otitis media or chronic otitis media with effusion).
Link: Long Term Incidence and Outcomes of Sinonasal and Otologic Disease in Patients With Pyriform Aperture Stenosis and Choanal Atresia - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor- Ivacaftor improves sinonasal outcomes in cystic fibrosis.
Authors: Stapleton AL, Kimple AJ, Goralski JL, Nouraie SM, Branstetter BF, Shaffer AD, Pilewski JM, Senior BA, Lee SE, Zemke AC.
Journal: J Cyst Fibros.
Summary: The study was a pre/post, observational cohort study conducted at two sites. Participants underwent a study visit prior to starting ELX/TEZ/IVA and a second visit at a median of 9 months on therapy. Each visit included sinus CT scan, rigid nasal endoscopy, and sweat chloride measurement. Symptoms were measured with the 22 item Sinonasal Outcome Test at scheduled intervals during the study. Regression models were used to test for improvement in symptoms, endoscopy, and CT scales.
Link: Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor- Ivacaftor improves sinonasal outcomes in cystic fibrosis - PubMed (nih.gov)
Eric Wang, MD
Title: Anatomical limits of the endoscopic contralateral transmaxillary approach to the petrous apex and petroclival region.
Authors: Mangussi-Gomes J, Alves-Belo JT, Truong HQ, Nogueira GF, Wang EW, Fernandez-Miranda JC, Gardner PA, Snyderman CH
Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
Summary: This study aimed to establish the anatomical landmarks for performing a contralateral transmaxillary approach (CTM) to the petrous apex (PA) and petroclival region (PCR), and to compare CTM with a purely endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Compared with a purely EEA, we concluded that the CTM provides significant "angle" and "reach" advantages for the PA and PCR.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1716693
Title: Advances in controlled drug delivery to the sinonasal mucosa.
Authors: Schilling AL, Cannon E, Lee SE, Wang EW, Little SR
Journal: Biomaterials
Summary: This review aims to highlight advances in biomaterial-based systems for sinonasal delivery. Delivery vehicles including nasal packs, dressings, sinus stents, polymeric meshes, nanoparticles, microparticles, and in situ hydrogels are reviewed.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121430
Title: A ready-to-use, thermoresponsive, and extended-release delivery system for the paranasal sinuses.
Authors: Schilling AL, Cannon E, Fullerton-Shirey SK, Lee SE, Wang EW, Little SR
Journal: Drug Deliv Transl Res
Summary: A drug delivery system for the paranasal sinuses consisting of a freeze-dried thermoresponsive hydrogel with degradable microspheres, called FD-TEMPS (Freeze Dried-Thermogel, Extended-release Microsphere-based delivery to the Paranasal Sinuses), was developed. Freeze drying enables this delivery system to be stored as a ready-to-use product for better ease of clinical translation without compromising the thermoresponsive or sustained release characteristics that would enable local delivery of therapeutics to the sinonasal mucosa.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13346-021-01069-3
Title: Three-dimensional models of the nasopharynx for the study of Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Authors: Ziegler P, Reznik AS, Kitchloo SP, Wang E, Lee SE, Green A, Myerburg MM, Sample CE, Shair KHY
Journal: Bio-Protocol
Summary: In this protocol, we provide step-by-step guide for the (i) conditional reprogramming of primary nasopharyngeal cells, (ii) differentiation of CRCs into pseudostratified epithelium in ALI culture (known as pseudoALI), and (iii) EBV infection of pseudo-ALI cultures. Additionally, we show that nasopharyngeal CRCs can be grown as organotypic rafts and subjected to EBV infection.
Link: https://doi.org/10.21769/BioProtoc.4365
April 2022 PUBLICATIONS
Joseph Dohar, MD
Title: Initiation of acid suppression therapy for laryngomalacia
Author: Dang S, McCoy JL, Shaffer AD, Tobey ABJ, Dohar JE, Simons JP, Maguire RC, Padia R
Journal: Am J Otolaryngol. 2022 Apr 8;43(3):103434; online ahead of print
Summary: Clinical symptom severity did not predict response to AST raising the question of utility of AST in LM. Severity of LM based on FFL, not clinical severity, was associated with decision to pursue SGP. Prospective randomized trials are needed to better understand the role of AST in LM.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35483169
Uma Duvvuri, MD, PhD
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat MJ, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS.
Journal: Head and Neck
Summary: We ascertain the role of a low cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) as a biomarker for poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A prospective cohort of patients with operable HNSCC requiring microvascular reconstruction was evaluated. Low CPSMI was calculated using preoperative CT neck imaging. Poor treatment tolerance, a composite measure of incomplete therapy or severe morbidity/mortality during treatment, was the primary outcome. One hundred and twenty-seven patients underwent extirpative surgery with a mean age was 60.5. Poor treatment tolerance occurred in 71 (56%) patients with 21 not completing recommended adjuvant therapy and 66 having severe treatment-related morbidity. A low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance (OR 2.49, 95%CI 1.10-5.93) and delay to adjuvant therapy (OR 4.48, 95%CI 1.07-27.6) after adjusting for multiple confounders. Low CPSMI was independently associated with poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable HNSCC.
Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hed.26978
Title: Phase I trial of cetuximab, radiotherapy, and ipilimumab in locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Ferris RL, Moskovitz J, Kunning S, Ruffin AT, Reeder C, Ohr J, Gooding WE, Kim S, Karlovits BJ, Vignali DAA, Duvvuri U, Johnson JT, Petro D, Heron DE, Clump DA, Bruno TC, Bauman JE.
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research
Summary: Concurrent radiotherapy with cetuximab, an anti-EGFR mAb, is a standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4-positive (CTLA-4+) regulatory T cells (Treg) dampen cellular immunity and correlate negatively with clinical outcomes. This phase I study added ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 mAb, to cetuximab-radiotherapy.
Link: https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article-abstract/28/7/1335/682203/Phase-I-Trial-of-CetuximabRadiotherapy-and?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Title: A benchmark for oncologic outcomes and model for lethal recurrence risk after transoral robotic resection of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers
Authors: Brody RM, Shimunov D, Cohen RB, Lin A, Lukens JN, Hartner L, Aggarwal C, Duvvuri U, Montone KT, Jalaly JB, LiVolsi VA, Carey RM, Shanti RM, Rajasekaran K, Chalian AA, Rassekh CH, Cannady SB, Newman JG, O'Malley BW, Weinstein GS, Gimotty PA, Basu D
Journal: Oral Oncology
Summary: Increasing use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is likely to impact outcomes for HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs). We aimed to describe oncologic outcomes for a large HPV+ OPSCC cohort after TORS and develop a risk prediction model for recurrence under this treatment paradigm.
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1368837522000872?via%3Dihub
Title: Lysosomal inhibition sensitizes TMEM16A-expressing cancer cells to chemotherapy
Authors: Vyas A, Gomez-Casal R, Cruz-Rangel S, Villanueva H, Sikora AG, Rajagopalan P, Basu D, Pacheco J, Hammond GRV, Kiselyov K, Duvvuri U.
Journal: PNAS (Proc National Academic Science USA)
Summary: SignificanceCisplatin is the first line therapy for patients with head and neck cancer. However, resistance to cisplatin remains a major concern. High expression of the calcium-activated chloride channel
TMEM16A in tumors portends poor survival in these patients, possibly because of drug resistance. Here, we show that TMEM16A drives the sequestration of cisplatin into lysosomes. Subsequently, cisplatin is expelled via the delivery of lysosomes to the cell surface. We show that TMEM16A enhances this process, thereby promoting cisplatin resistance. We also show that lysosomal inhibition synergizes with cisplatin to induce tumor cell death. Our data uncovers a new fundamental feature of both lysosomal physiology and cancer cell biology that can potentially impact the treatment of patients with head and neck cancer Link: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2100670119?url_ver=Z39.882003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed
Jackie Gartner-Schmidt, PhD, CCC-SLP
Title: Cough severity index in Brazilian Portuguese: Translation and cross-cultural adaptation
Authors: Ribeiro VV, Lopes LW, da Silva ACF, de Medeiros Neto AH, Gartner-Schmidt J, Behlau M
Journal: Journal of Voice
Summary: This is a study with observational, cross-sectional, and analytical design. The procedure for translation and cross-cultural adaptation followed the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust and was performed in five stages: translation, synthesis, back translation, committee review, and pretesting. The sample for the pretest consisted of 34 participants with refractory chronic cough, 11 males and 23 females, with an average age of 48 years and 1 month. This study resulted in the elaboration of a translated and cross-culturally adapted version of the Cough Severity Index in Brazilian Portuguese.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32576524/
Title: Phonation with a variably occluded facemask: Effects of task duration
Authors: Gillespie AI, Fanucchi A, Gartner-Schmidt J, Belsky MA, Awan S
Journal: Journal of Voice
Summary: This study provides evidence that all three occlusion sizes may elicit beneficial changes for different patients; however, 5 minutes of phonation into a facemask with end occlusion of 6.4-mm diameter results in improved acoustic and aerodynamic voice outcomes for many patients with voice disorders. Future studies should further explore phonatory physiologic changes of the VOFM in a larger sample of patients and translate effects into clinical treatment for patients with voice disorders.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32586639/
Noel Jabbour, MD
Title: The eyebrow approach for the management of pediatric frontal epidural abscesses secondary to diffuse sinusitis
Authors: Hallak H, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Mallela AN, McDowell MM, Jabbour N, Padia R, Greene S, Pollack IF.
Journal: Pediatric Neurosurgery
Summary: Minimally invasive approaches to the anterior cranial fossa have evolved over the past few decades. The management of frontal epidural abscesses (EDA) secondary to diffuse sinusitis in the pediatric population using minimally invasive techniques is scarcely reported in the literature. Herein, we report the utilization of a minimally invasive eyebrow approach for multidisciplinary concurrent evacuation of frontal EDA secondary to diffuse sinusitis and trephination of the frontal sinus in three pediatric patients.
Link: The Eyebrow Approach for the Management of Pediatric Frontal Epidural Abscesses Secondary to Diffuse Sinusitis - PubMed (nih.gov)
Raymond Maguire, DO
Title: Initiation of acid suppression therapy for laryngomalacia
Author: Dang S, McCoy JL, Shaffer AD, Tobey ABJ, Dohar JE, Simons JP, Maguire RC, Padia R
Journal: Am J Otolaryngol. 2022 Apr 8;43(3):103434; online ahead of print
Summary: Clinical symptom severity did not predict response to AST raising the question of utility of AST in LM. Severity of LM based on FFL, not clinical severity, was associated with decision to pursue SGP. Prospective randomized trials are needed to better understand the role of AST in LM.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35483169
Reema, Padia, MD
Title: The eyebrow approach for the management of pediatric frontal epidural abscesses secondary to diffuse sinusitis
Authors: Hallak H, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Mallela AN, McDowell MM, Jabbour N, Padia R, Greene S, Pollack IF Journal: Pediatr Neurosurg. 2022 Apr 8 Online ahead of print
Summary: The eyebrow approach is a minimally invasive technique that should be considered as part of the armamentarium in the management of select EDA in the pediatric population. It allows for multidisciplinary collaboration between neurosurgeons and otolaryngologists for concomitant evacuation of the EDA and trephination of the frontal sinus. This approach is a feasible, safe, and effective minimally invasive technique that can be employed for the management of EDA secondary to diffuse sinusitis in the pediatric population. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35398851
Title: Initiation of acid suppression therapy for laryngomalacia
Author: Dang S, McCoy JL, Shaffer AD, Tobey ABJ, Dohar JE, Simons JP, Maguire RC, Padia R
Journal: Am J Otolaryngol. 2022 Apr 8;43(3):103434; online ahead of print
Summary: Clinical symptom severity did not predict response to AST raising the question of utility of AST in LM. Severity of LM based on FFL, not clinical severity, was associated with decision to pursue SGP. Prospective randomized trials are needed to better understand the role of AST in LM.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35483169
Carl Snyderman, MD, MBA
Title: Characterization of the saddle nose deformity following endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery
Authors: Anstadt EE, Chen W, O'Brien J, Ickow I, Chow I, Bruce MK, Goldstein JA, Branstetter IV BF, Snyderman C, Wang EW, Gardner P, Schuster L
Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
Summary: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is commonly employed in skull base surgery for neoplasm resection. While nasal deformity following EEA is described, this study aimed to perform a detailed qualitative and quantitative assessment of the associated saddle nose deformity (SND) in particular.
Link: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1796-7984
Title: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass.
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat MJ, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS
Journal: Head & Neck
Summary: We ascertain the role of a low cervical paraspinal skeletal muscle index (CPSMI) as a biomarker for poor treatment tolerance in patients with operable mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.26978
Title: Approach selection for resection of petroclival meningioma.
Authors: Jackson C, Tadokoro KS, Wang EW, Zenonos GA, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA
Journal: Neurosurg Focus Video
Summary: Petroclival meningiomas are surgically challenging tumors because of their deep location and involvement of critical neurovascular structures. A variety of approaches have been described, and selection of approach should be tailored to the location of the tumor relative to neurovascular structures and surgical experience. The authors present two patients with petroclival meningiomas with varying relationships to cranial nerves and skull base anatomy who underwent endoscopic endonasal and open petrosectomy approaches, to demonstrate the complementarity of the endonasal transpetrous and open transpetrosal corridors. Proficiency in both open and endonasal approaches is critical to appropriate approach selection and maximal safe resection.
Link: https://doi.org/10.3171/2022.1.FOCVID21252
Title: Transinfratemporal fossa transposition of the temporalis muscle flap for skull base reconstruction after endoscopic expanded nasopharyngectomy: an anatomical study and clinical application.
Authors: Sun X, Liu Q, Yu H, Wang H, Zhao W, Gu Y, Li H, Zhao K, Song X, Wang D, Fernandez-Miranda JC, Snyderman CH
Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
Summary: Temporalis muscle flap (TMF) is widely used in traditional skull base surgery, but its application in endoscopic skull base surgery remains rarely reported. We aimed to investigate the surgical anatomy and clinical application of TMF for reconstruction of skull base defects after expanded endoscopic nasopharyngectomy.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1718764
Title: Dural sealants do not reduce postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery
Authors: McDowell MM, Jacobs RC, Valappil B, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Zenonos GA, Wang EW, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA.
Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
Summary: The application of cranial tissue sealants to assist with postoperative closure is widespread, but data are lacking regarding its utility in endoscopic endonasal surgery (EEA). A prospective study was conducted to assess the effect of sealant usage on postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rate following standard reconstruction.
Link: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0042-1743558
Title: Non-functional carotid body tumors in patients without somatic mutations may be considered for nonoperative management.
Authors: Reitz KM, Ramos A, Speranza G, Chaer R, Singh M, Snyderman C, Hager E
Journal: Ann Vasc Surg
Summary: Carotid Body Tumors (CBT) are rare neuroendocrine paragangliomas which are typically asymptomatic and benign with a low rate of biochemical functionality. Historically, early surgical excision was recommended to prevent development of CBT-related complications. Yet, CBT resection can result in significant cranial nerve and vascular injuries. Recent work has shown successful primary observation without resection of non-carotid body, cranial paragangliomas with slow growth and low rate of neuropathies. We hypothesize that primary observation of CBT is safe and may be considered for the majority of CBT.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avsg.2022.04.021
Title: The role of endoscopic endonasal surgery in the management of prolactinomas based on their invasiveness into the cavernous sinus.
Authors: Abou-Al-Shaar H, Mallela AN, Patel A, Shariff RK, Shin SS, Choi PA, Faraji AH, Fazeli PK, Costacou T, Wang EW, Fernandez-Miranda JC, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA, Zenonos GA
Journal: Pituitary
Summary: The endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe and effective modality that can be employed in properly selected patients with invasive prolactinomas. It is associated with improved control and remission rates despite cavernous sinus invasion, though at a lower rate than without invasion.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-022-01221-3
Ryan Soose, MD
Title: Evaluation of upper airway stimulation for adolescents with down syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Yu PK, Stenerson M, Ishman SL, Shott SR, Raol N, Soose RJ, Tobey A, Baldassari C, Dedhia RC, Pulsifer MB, Grieco JA, Abbeduto LJ, Kinane TB, Keamy DG Jr, Skotko BG, Hartnick CJ
Journal: JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
Summary: Upper airway stimulation was able to be safely performed for 42 adolescents who had Down syndrome and persistent severe OSA after adenotonsillectomy with positive airway pressure intolerance. There was an acceptable adverse event profile with high rates of therapy response and quality of life improvement.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35446411/
Title: Cluster analysis of upper airway stimulation adherence patterns and implications on clinical care
Authors: Soose RJ, Araujo M, Faber K, Roy A, Lee K, Ni Q, Srivastava J, Strollo PJ
Journal: Sleep
Summary: Cluster analysis of early UAS usage patterns identified six distinct groups that may enable personalized interventions for improved long-term management. Differentiation of the patient clusters may have clinical implications with regard to sleep hygiene education, therapy discomfort, comorbid insomnia, and other conditions that impact adherence.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35245933/
Eric Wang, MD
Title: Characterization of the saddle nose deformity following endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery
Authors: Anstadt EE, Chen W, O'Brien J, Ickow I, Chow I, Bruce MK, Goldstein JA, Branstetter IV BF, Snyderman C, Wang EW, Gardner P, Schuster L
Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
Summary: The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is commonly employed in skull base surgery for neoplasm resection. While nasal deformity following EEA is described, this study aimed to perform a detailed qualitative and quantitative assessment of the associated saddle nose deformity (SND) in particular.
Link: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1796-7984
Title: Approach selection for resection of petroclival meningioma.
Authors: Jackson C, Tadokoro KS, Wang EW, Zenonos GA, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA
Journal: Neurosurg Focus Video
Summary: Petroclival meningiomas are surgically challenging tumors because of their deep location and involvement of critical neurovascular structures. A variety of approaches have been described, and selection of approach should be tailored to the location of the tumor relative to neurovascular structures and surgical
experience. The authors present two patients with petroclival meningiomas with varying relationships to cranial nerves and skull base anatomy who underwent endoscopic endonasal and open petrosectomy approaches, to demonstrate the complementarity of the endonasal transpetrous and open transpetrosal corridors. Proficiency in both open and endonasal approaches is critical to appropriate approach selection and maximal safe resection.
Link: https://doi.org/10.3171/2022.1.FOCVID21252
Title: Dural sealants do not reduce postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak after endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery
Authors: McDowell MM, Jacobs RC, Valappil B, Abou-Al-Shaar H, Zenonos GA, Wang EW, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA.
Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
Summary: The application of cranial tissue sealants to assist with postoperative closure is widespread, but data are lacking regarding its utility in endoscopic endonasal surgery (EEA). A prospective study was conducted to assess the effect of sealant usage on postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rate following standard reconstruction.
Link: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0042-1743558
Title: The role of endoscopic endonasal surgery in the management of prolactinomas based on their invasiveness into the cavernous sinus.
Authors: Abou-Al-Shaar H, Mallela AN, Patel A, Shariff RK, Shin SS, Choi PA, Faraji AH, Fazeli PK, Costacou T, Wang EW, Fernandez-Miranda JC, Snyderman CH, Gardner PA, Zenonos GA
Journal: Pituitary
Summary: The endoscopic endonasal approach is a safe and effective modality that can be employed in properly selected patients with invasive prolactinomas. It is associated with improved control and remission rates despite cavernous sinus invasion, though at a lower rate than without invasion.
Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-022-01221-3
MAY 2022 PUBLICATIONS
Noel Jabbour, MD
Title: Foreign Body Aspiration
Authors: Cramer N, Jabbour N, Tavarez MM, Taylor RS.
Journal: StatPearls
Summary: Foreign body aspiration remains a significant cause of death in children for anatomic as well as developmental reasons. Choking is typically defined as an aerodigestive foreign body causing varying amounts of obstruction to the airway. The obstruction can lead to difficulties with ventilation and oxygenation thus resulting in significant morbidity or mortality.
Link: Foreign Body Aspiration - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
Jonas Johnson, MD
Title: Evaluation of neck disability using computed-tomography in head and neck cancer survivors
Authors: Harris A, Branstetter B, Li J, Piva SR, Johnson JT, Nilsen ML
Journal: Front Pain Res (Lausanne)
Summary: Our study shows that neck impairment and pain in head and neck cancer survivors is not sufficiently explained by cervical degeneration related to age or trauma, supporting the theory that post-treatment neck
disability occurs as a side effect of treatment. These results support the further assessment of structure and function of cervical musculature and degeneration following HNC treatment.
Link: Evaluation of Neck Disability Using Computed-Tomography in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors - PubMed (nih.gov)
Mark Kubik, MD
Title: A middle-aged women with parotid swelling
Authors: Stevens AR, Branstetter BF, Kubik MW
Journal: JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Summary: This is a case report describing the rare occurrence of a spontaneous parotid hemorrhage in the setting of anticoagulation.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35511199/
Reema Padia, MD
Title: Non-involuting congenital hemangioma with delayed hypertrophy: A case series
Authors: Konanur A, Jimenez JE, Kochin M, McCormick A, Salgado C, Yilmaz S, Bykowski M, Padia R
Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol.
Summary: Although postnatal growth of NICH have been described, cases usually occur during the pre-adolescent period where growth is usually proportional to overall growth of the patient. This study describes two cases of rapid onset NICH hypertrophy occurring later in life. Knowledge of the potential for delayed hypertrophy may lead families to seek earlier intervention or opt for more definitive interventions. Additionally, recognition of these variable distinctions will contribute to a better understanding of CH and its various subtypes.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35489230
JUNE 2022 PUBLICATIONS
Robert Ferris, MD, PhD
Title: A multicenter randomized phase II study of single agent efficacy and optimal combination sequence of everolimus and pasireotide LAR in advanced thyroid cancer
Authors: Bauman JE, Chen Z, Zhang C, Ohr JP, Ferris RL, McGorisk GM, Brandt S, Srivatsa S, Chen AY, Steuer CE, Shin DM, Saba NF, Khuri FR, Owonikoko TK
Journal: Cancers (Basel)
Summary: The combination of everolimus and pasireotide-LAR showed promising efficacy over single agent. The delayed combination of everolimus and pasireotide-LAR following progression on single agent everolimus appeared intriguing as a combination strategy.
Link: A Multicenter Randomized Phase II Study of Single Agent Efficacy and Optimal Combination Sequence of Everolimus and Pasireotide LAR in Advanced Thyroid Cancer - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Perspectives in immunotherapy: meeting report from the immunotherapy bridge
Authors: Ascierto PA, Avallone A, Bhardwaj N, Bifulco C, Bracarda S, Brody JD, Buonaguro L, Demaria S, Emens LA, Ferris RL, Galon J, Khleif SN, Klebanoff CA, Laskowski T, Melero I, Paulos CM, Pignata S, Ruella M, Svane IM, Taube JM, Fox BA, Hwu P, Puzanov I
Journal: Translational Med
Summary: Over the past decade, immunotherapy has become an increasingly fundamental modality in the treatment of cancer. The positive impact of immune checkpoint inhibition, especially anti-programmed death (PD)-1/PD-ligand (L)1 blockade, in patients with different cancers has focused attention on the potential for other immunotherapeutic approaches. These include inhibitors of additional immune checkpoints, adoptive cell transfer (ACT), and therapeutic vaccines. Patients with advanced cancers who previously had limited treatment options available may now benefit from immunotherapies that can offer durable responses and improved survival outcomes. However, despite this, a significant proportion of patients fail to respond to immunotherapy, especially those with less immunoresponsive cancer types, and there remains a need for new treatment strategies.The virtual Immunotherapy Bridge (December 1st-2nd, 2021), organized by the Fondazione Melanoma Onlus, Naples, Italy in collaboration with the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer addressed several areas of current research in immunotherapy, including lessons learned from cell therapies, drivers of immune response, and trends in immunotherapy across different cancers, and these are summarised here.
Link: Perspectives in Immunotherapy: meeting report from the Immunotherapy Bridge, December 1st-2nd, 2021PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Long-term outcomes with Nivolumab as first-line treatment in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: Subgroup analysis of checkmate 141
Authors: Gillison ML, Blumenschein G, Fayette J, Guigay J, Colevas AD, Licitra L, Harrington KJ, Kasper S, Vokes EE, Even C, Worden F, Saba NF, Iglesias Docampo LC, Haddad R, Rordorf T, Kiyota N, Tahara M, Jayaprakash V, Wei L, Ferris RL
Journal: Oncologist
Summary: In the randomized, phase 3 CheckMate 141 trial, nivolumab significantly improved overall survival (OS) versus investigator's choice (IC) of chemotherapy at primary analysis among 361 patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) post-platinum therapy. Nivolumab versus IC as first-line treatment also improved OS among patients with R/M SCCHN who progressed on platinum therapy for locally advanced disease in the adjuvant or primary setting at 1-year follow-up. In the present long-term follow-up analysis of patients receiving first-line treatment, OS benefit with nivolumab (n = 50) versus IC (n = 26) was maintained (median: 7.7 months versus 3.3 months; hazard ratio: 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.94) at 2 years. No new safety signals were identified. In summary, this long-term 2-year analysis of CheckMate 141 supports the use of nivolumab as a first-line treatment for patients with platinum-refractory R/M SCCHN. Link: Long-term Outcomes with Nivolumab as First-line Treatment in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer: Subgroup Analysis of CheckMate 141 - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Systemic immune dysfunction in cancer patients driven by IL6 induction of LAG3 in peripheral CD8+ T cells
Authors: Somasundaram A, Cillo AR, Lampenfeld C, Workman CJ, Kunning S, Oliveri LN, Velez M, Joyce S, Calderon M, Dadey R, Rajasundaram D, Normolle DP, Watkins SC, Herman JG, Kirkwood JM, Lipson EJ, Ferris RL, Bruno TC, Vignali DAA
Journal: Cancer Immunol Res
Summary: Many cancer patients do not develop a durable response to the current standard of care immunotherapies, despite substantial advances in targeting immune inhibitory receptors. A potential compounding issue, which may serve as an unappreciated, dominant resistance mechanism, is an inherent systemic immune dysfunction that is often associated with advanced cancer. Minimal response to inhibitory receptor (IR) blockade therapy and increased disease burden have been associated with peripheral CD8+ T-cell dysfunction, characterized by suboptimal T-cell proliferation and chronic expression of IRs (eg. Programmed Death 1 [PD1] and Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 [LAG3]). Here, we demonstrated that approximately a third of cancer patients analyzed in this study have peripheral CD8+ T cells that expressed robust intracellular LAG3
(LAG3IC), but not surface LAG3 (LAG3SUR) due to A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) cleavage. This associated with poor disease prognosis and decreased CD8+ T-cell function, which could be partially reversed by anti-LAG3. Systemic immune dysfunction was restricted to CD8+ T cells, including, in some cases, a high percentage of peripheral naïve CD8+ T cells, and was driven by the cytokine IL6 via STAT3. These data suggest that additional studies are warrented to determine if the combination of increased LAG3IC in peripheral CD8+ T cells and elevated systemic IL6 can serve as predictive biomarkers and identify which cancer patients may benefit from LAG3 blockade.
Link: Systemic immune dysfunction in cancer patients driven by IL6 induction of LAG3 in peripheral CD8+ T cellsPubMed (nih.gov)
Title: The quest to eradicate HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma: An opportunity not to miss
Authors: Lalonde CS, Teng Y, Burtness BA, Ferris RL, Ahmed R, Saba NF
Journal: J Natl Cancer Inst.
Summary: Since the 1970s, OPSCC has shifted from an environmentally triggered to virally mediated disease due to a sharp rise in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related SCC. Although a highly effective prophylactic vaccine is available, its current implementation is far below national targets and OPSCC incidence is predicted to further increase by 2045. However, we believe that with prompt action now, we can not only defy these predictions, but effectively eradicate HPV-related OPSCC in these next 20 years. We herein provide an overview of the necessary elements to eliminate this disease: improved primary vaccine uptake, a one-time universal vaccination effort, and implementation of novel therapeutics that have potential to cure existing disease.
Link: The Quest to Eradicate HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: An Opportunity Not to Miss - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title:. Oral human papillomavirus prevalence, persistence, and risk-factors in HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults
Authors: Riddell J 4th, Brouwer AF, Walline HM, Campredon LP, Meza R, Eisenberg MC, Andrus EC, Delinger RL, Yost ML, McCloskey JK, Thomas TB, Huang S, Ferris RL, Shin DM, Fakhry C, Ow T, Li D, Berlot A, Carey TE, Schlecht NF
Journal: Tumour Virus Res.
Summary: Risk of oral HPV infection and persistence was significantly higher in HIV + adults with a history of poorly controlled HIV, which may put them at increased risk of HPV-associated cancer.
Link: Oral human papillomavirus prevalence, persistence, and risk-factors in HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Dual checkpoint targeting of B7-H3 and PD-1 with enoblituzumab and pembrolizumab in advanced solid tumors: interim results from a multicenter phase I/II trial
Authors: Aggarwal C, Prawira A, Antonia S, Rahma O, Tolcher A, Cohen RB, Lou Y, Hauke R, Vogelzang N, P Zandberg D, Kalebasty AR, Atkinson V, Adjei AA, Seetharam M, Birnbaum A, Weickhardt A, Ganju V, Joshua AM, Cavallo R, Peng L, Zhang X, Kaul S, Baughman J, Bonvini E, Moore PA, Goldberg SM, Arnaldez FI, Ferris RL, Lakhani NJ
Journal: S J Immunother Cancer
Summary: Checkpoint targeting with enoblituzumab and pembrolizumab demonstrated acceptable safety and antitumor activity in patients with CPI-naïve HNSCC and NSCLC.
Trial registration number: NCT02475213
Link: Dual checkpoint targeting of B7-H3 and PD-1 with enoblituzumab and pembrolizumab in advanced solid tumors: interim results from a multicenter phase I/II trial - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title: Genetic variation within the human papillomavirus type 16 genome is associated with oropharyngeal cancer prognosis
Authors: Lang Kuhs KA, Faden DL, Chen L, Smith DK, Pinheiro M, Wood CB, Davis S, Yeager M, Boland JF, Cullen M, Steinberg M, Bass S, Wang X, Liu P, Mehrad M, Tucker T, Lewis JS, Ferris RL, Mirabello L
Journal: Ann Oncol
Summary: HPV16 genetic variation is associated with HPV-OPC prognosis and can improve prognostic accuracy.
Link: Genetic variation within the human papillomavirus type 16 genome is associated with oropharyngeal cancer prognosis - PubMed (nih.gov)
Title:. Phase I trial of cetuximab, radiotherapy, and ipilimumab in locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Ferris RL, Moskovitz J, Kunning S, Ruffin AT, Reeder C, Ohr J, Gooding WE, Kim S, Karlovits BJ, Vignali DAA, Duvvuri U, Johnson JT, Petro D, Heron DE, Clump DA, Bruno TC, Bauman JE
Journal: Clinical Cancer Res
Summary: The RP2D for ipilimumab plus standard cetuximab-radiotherapy is 1 mg/kg in weeks 5, 8, 11, and 14. The regimen is tolerable and yields acceptable survival without cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Link: Phase I Trial of Cetuximab, Radiotherapy, and Ipilimumab in Locally Advanced Head and Neck CancerPubMed (nih.gov)
Title:. Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass
Authors: Mascarella MA, Patel T, Vendra V, Gardiner L, Kergoat MJ, Kubik MW, Solari MG, Snyderman CH, Traylor KS, Ferris RL, Kim S, Duvvuri U, Sridharan SS
Journal: Head and Neck
Summary: The RP2D for ipilimumab plus standard cetuximab-radiotherapy is 1 mg/kg in weeks 5, 8, 11, and 14. The regimen is tolerable and yields acceptable survival without cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Link: Poor treatment tolerance in head and neck cancer patients with low muscle mass - PubMed (nih.gov)
Noel Jabbour, MD
Title: Prevalence and management of laryngomalacia in patients with pierre robin sequence.
Authors: Bakeman AE, Shaffer AD, Tobey ABJ, Jabbour N, Ford MD, Goldstein JA, Simons JP.
Journal: Cleft Palate Craniofac J.
Summary: To characterize the prevalence and presentation of laryngomalacia and efficacy of supraglottoplasty (SGP) in a cohort of patients with Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS).
Link: https://doi.org/10.1177/10556656221107298
Jonas Johnson, MD
Title: Corrigendum to "The impact of frailty on mortality in non-surgical head and neck cancer treatment: Shifting the clinical paradigm"
Authors: Mady, LJ; Baddour, K; Hodges, JC; Magana, LC; Schwarzbach, HL; Borrebach, JD; Nilsen, ML; Johnson, JT; Hall, DE
Journal: Oral Oncol
Summary: By reduced physiologic reserve, frail patients are more vulnerable to poor outcomes. Differences in mortality by treatment in frail HNC patients have not been compared. Frail patients treated non-surgically had similar/higher mortality than counterparts. Prognostic equipoise is needed among surgical vs non-surgical treatment of the frail. Surgery in this group may be of benefit despite the perception of being “too frail.”
Mark Kubik, MD
Title: Standard fixed enoxaparin dosing for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis leads to low peak anti-factor Xa levels in both head and neck and breast free flap patients
Authors: Ambani SW, Bengur FB, Varelas LJ, Nguyen VT, De La Cruz C, Acarturk TO, Manders EK, Kubik MW, Sridharan S, Gimbel ML, Solair MG
Journal: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
Summary: This is a retrospective study investigating our current prophylactic regimen to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in microvascular free flaps. This study compares serum anti-factor Xa levels to clinical outcomes with respect to VTE. We find that fixed dosed prophylactic regimens often are associated with subtherapeutic levels. This generate the question as to whether weight based dosing of anticoagulants is indicated in complex head and neck reconstructive surgery.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35714620/
Reema Padia, MD
Title: Non-involuting congenital hemangioma with delayed hypertrophy: A case series
Authors: Konanur A, Jimenez JE, Kochin M, McCormick A, Salgado C, Yilmaz S, Bykowski M, Padia R
Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol.
Summary: Although postnatal growth of NICH have been described, cases usually occur during the pre-adolescent period where growth is usually proportional to overall growth of the patient. This study describes two cases of rapid onset NICH hypertrophy occurring later in life. Knowledge of the potential for delayed hypertrophy may lead families to seek earlier intervention or opt for more definitive interventions. Additionally, recognition of these variable distinctions will contribute to a better understanding of CH and its various subtypes.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35489230
Barry Schaitkin, MD
Title: An Updated Patient-Centered Sialadenitis Instrument: The Obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT)
Authors: Gulati, A; Cognetti, DM; Cohen, DS; Ogden, MA; Schaitkin, BM; Walvekar, RR; Ryan, WR; Chang, JL Journal: Laryngoscope
Summary: The Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms questionnaire (COSS) was created to assess chronic sialadenitis symptoms and treatment response, but its development lacked patient input and validation. We analyzed COSS responses and feedback from sialadenitis patients and physician experts to create the novel obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT), a new standardized measure of sialadenitis-associated symptoms. Link: An Updated Patient-Centered Sialadenitis Instrument: The Obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT)Gulati - - The Laryngoscope - Wiley Online Library
JULY 2022 PUBLICATIONS
Barry Hirsch, MD
Title: Comparison of endoscopic endonasal approach and lateral microsurgical infratemporal fossa approach to the jugular foramen: An anatomical study
Authors: Liu J, Pinheiro-Neto CD, Yang D, Wang E, Gardner PA, Hirsch BE, Snyderman CH, Fernandez-Miranda JC Journal: J Neurol Surg B Skull Base
Summary: The EEA to the jugular foramen is anatomically feasible but requires mobilization of the ICA to provide access to the anterior and medial aspects of the jugular foramen. The lateral infratemporal approach requires facial nerve transposition to provide access to the lateral and posterior parts of the jugular foramen. A deep
understanding of the complex anatomy of this region is paramount for safe and effective surgery of the jugular foramen. Both techniques may be complementary considering the different regions of the jugular foramen accessed with each approach.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35832999/
Barry Schaitkin, MD
Title: An updated Patient-Centered Sialadenitis Instrument: The Obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT)
Authors: Arushi Gulati 1, David M Cognetti 2, David S Cohen 3, M Allison Ogden 4, Barry M Schaitkin 5, Rohan R Walvekar 6, William R Ryan 1, Jolie L Chang 1 7
Summary: We developed the SPIT instrument to improve usability and content validity in chronic sialadenitis evaluation. The psychometric assessment demonstrated high construct validity and test-retest reliability. Further work will assess longitudinal changes with treatment.
Link: An Updated Patient-Centered Sialadenitis Instrument: The Obstructive Salivary Problem Impact Test (SPIT)PubMed (nih.gov)
Libby Smith, DO
Title: Multicenter development and validation of the vocal cord paralysis experience (CoPE), a patient-reported outcome measure for unilateral vocal fold paralysis-specific disability
Authors: Fernandes-Taylor S, Damico-Smith C, Arroyo N, Wichmann M, Zhao J, Feurer ID, Francis DO
Journal: JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.
Summary: The findings of this survey validation study suggest that the CoPE PROM could serve as a psychometrically sound, comprehensive measure of UVFP-attributed disability suitable for use in clinical and research settings to assess within-person changes. The results will inform a user manual to facilitate use in clinical trials comparing the effectiveness and durability of treatments including behavioral (speech therapy), temporary (e.g., injection augmentation), and permanent surgical treatments for UVFP.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35797026/
Ryan Soose, MD
Title: Factors affecting obstructive sleep apnea patients' use of upper airway stimulation treatment
Authors: Luyster FS, Ni Q, Lee K, Harrison C, Ramprasad VH, Soose RJ, Strollo PJ
Journal: J Clin Sleep Med.
Summary: Insomnia with or without anxiety contributes to differing patient-reported experiences in high versus low user groups, with increased insomnia symptoms among low users. Improved understanding of the specific barrier and facilitators of UAS adherence may drive better long-term use and more personalized management strategies, including concomitant insomnia treatment.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35689597/
Title: Does race-ethnicity affect upper airway stimulation adherence and treatment outcome of obstructive sleep apnea?
Authors: Khan M, Stone A, Soose RJ, Cohen SM, Howard J, Capasso R, Itayem D, Gillespie MB, Mehra R, Chio E, Strollo PJ, Menzl A, Kaplan A, Ni Q
Journal: J Clin Sleep Med.
Summary: Our study found that there was no statistically significant difference in adherence or efficacy with UAS therapy between White and non-White individuals. However, the percent of non-White people implanted is low which suggests a need to expand access to this therapy for non-White populations with OSA who cannot tolerate PAP therapy.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35681251/
Shaum Sridharan, MD
Title: Definitive local therapy to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with distant metastasis in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology
Authors: Borson S, Shuai Y, Branstetter BF, Nilsen ML, Hughes MA, Fenton M, Kubik M, Sridharan S, Clump DA, Skinner HD, Johnson JT, Chiosea SI, Ohr J, Duvvuri U, Kim S, Traylor KS, Ferris R, Zandberg DP
Journal: Laryngoscope Investig Ontolaryngology
Summary: Data on the efficacy of including definitive local therapy to the primary site for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with synchronous distant metastasis are lacking. In multiple different solid tumor types, there has been benefit when using systemic therapy followed by local consolidative therapy (stereotactic ablative radiotherapy or surgery) directed at metastases. We proposed to retrospectively evaluate patients at our institution that received definitive treatment to the primary.
Link: Definitive local therapy to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with distant metastasis - Borson - 2022Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology - Wiley Online Library
Thanos Tzounopoulos, PhD
Title: Development of an automated screen for Kv7.2 potassium channels and discovery of a new agonist chemotype
Authors: Hernandez CC, Tarfa RA, Miguel I Limcaoco J, Liu R, Mondal P, Hill C, Keith Duncan R, Tzounopoulos T, Stephenson CRJ, O'Meara MJ, Wipf P
Journal: Bioorg Med Chem Lett
Summary: To identify pore domain ligands on Kv7.2 potassium ion channels, we compared wild-type (WT) and W236L mutant Kv7.2 channels in a series of assays with previously validated and novel agonist chemotypes. Positive controls were retigabine, flupirtine, and RL-81; i.e. Kv7.2 channel activators that significantly shift voltagedependent activation to more negative potentials (ΔV50) at 5 µM. We identified 6 new compounds that exhibited differential enhancing activity between WT and W236L mutant channels. Whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiology studies were conducted to identify Kv7.2. Kv7.2/3, Kv7.4, and Kv7.5 selectivity. Our results validate the SyncroPatch platform and establish new structure activity relationships (SAR). Specifically, in addition to selective Kv7.2, Kv7.2/3, Kv7.4. and Kv7.5 agonists, we identified a novel chemotype, ZK-21, a 4aminotetrahydroquinoline that is distinct from any of the previously described Kv7 channel modifiers. Using flexible receptor docking, ZK-21 was predicted to be stabilized by W236 and bind perpendicular to retigabine, burying the benzyl carbamate group into a tunnel reaching the core of the pore domain.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35671848/
Title: Neuromodulatory Mechanisms Underlying Contrast Gain Control in Mouse Auditory Cortex
Authors: Cody PA, Tzounopoulos T
Journal: Journal of Neuroscience
Summary: When sound levels in the acoustic environment become more variable across time and frequency, the brain decreases response gain to maintain dynamic range and thus stimulus discriminability. This gain adaptation accounts for changes in perceptual judgments in humans and mice; however, the underlying neuromodulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report context-dependent neuromodulatory effects of synaptic zinc that are necessary for contrast gain control in A1. Understanding context-specific neuromodulatory mechanisms, such as contrast gain control, provides insight into A1 cortical mechanisms of adaptation and also into fundamental aspects of perceptual changes that rely on gain modulation, such as attention.
Link: https://www.jneurosci.org/content/42/28/5564