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To investigate the role of desmocollin 3 expression in radiation sensitivity and survival in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Tissue samples of 40 patients undergoing primary radiotherapy were stained for desmocollin 3, a transmembrane desmosomal protein. The protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. A retrospective chart review was performed to assess overall survival, radiation sensitivity, and disease-free interval. 18 of 40 patients showed desmocollin 3 immunoreactivity. 78 % (14/18) showed radiation sensitivity in the desmocollin 3 positive group, whereas 59 % (13/22) underwent remission in the desmocollin 3 negative group (p = 0.2). The median overall and disease-free survival time was 21 and 26 months, respectively. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models revealed no statistically significant hazard ratios. In this cohort of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, we found no evidence for a predictive potential of desmocollin 3.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear implantation of patients with high-frequency hearing loss and residual low-frequency hearing has become a new treatment standard within the last years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of hearing preservation in cochlear implantation for electric-acoustic stimulation using the suprameatal approach. METHODS: Five patients (mean age 48.2 years) who were supplied with Med El (Combi 40+, Pulsar) cochlear implants and various different electrodes (Custom made, Flex soft, Flex EAS) were evaluated for residual hearing preservation after a mean follow-up time of 35.6 months (range 24 to 77 months). RESULTS: Three patients showed partial hearing preservation, whereas 2 patients experienced a complete loss of residual hearing. CONCLUSION: Although hearing preservation rates in this series of patients operated on using the suprameatal approach were inferior as compared with a series using the standard mastoidectomy approach, this study shows that it is in fact possible to preserve residual hearing using a non-mastoidectomy surgical technique for cochlear implantation. Nevertheless, more experience is necessary to answer the question whether this technique can be thoroughly recommended in cochlear implantation for electric-acoustic stimulation.