Arch Otolaryngol
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Pulmonary complications following major head and neck surgery with tracheostomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of prophylactic antibiotics.
To test the hypothesis that extended postoperative antibiotic cover would reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery with tracheostomy. ⋯ An extended course of antibiotics did not prevent the development of postoperative pulmonary infections in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery with tracheostomy. Poor pulmonary function and postoperative atelectasis emerged as significant risk factors for pulmonary infection.
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Comparative Study
Interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 as potential biomarkers for oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
Since morbidity and mortality rates due to oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have improved little in the past 30 years, early detection or prevention of this disease is likely to be most effective. Using laser-capture microdissection, we have identified the expression of 2 cellular genes that are uniquely associated with OSCC: interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-8. These cytokines may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease, and have been linked with increased tumor growth and metastasis. ⋯ Our findings indicate that IL-8 in saliva and IL-6 in serum hold promise as biomarkers for OSCC. A saliva-based test could be a cost-effective adjunctive tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with OSCC.
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To evaluate the efficacy and toxic effects of intensive chemoradiotherapy as a primary modality for organ preservation in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and to define the patterns of treatment failure associated with this therapy. ⋯ High rates of locoregional disease control and organ preservation are achievable with primary chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced SCCHN, but they are associated with severe treatment-related toxic effects. Despite this effective local and regional disease control, improved survival is hampered by the relatively high incidence of distant metastasis, second primary tumors, and comorbidity.