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Oral Mucositis (OM) continues to be an oncologic challenge in the context of antineoplastic therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. It is a dose-limiting toxicity of chemotherapy and radiation treatment and negatively impacts quality of life and cancer treatment efficacy. Significant effort in the field of OM has been made to help alleviate its symptoms and its subsequent clinical and economic impact. Despite these advances, the treatment of oral mucositis remains difficult and focuses on palliative measures. There are, however, many promising new biological targets currently undergoing investigation to ameliorate or help prevent the toxicity of OM in HNC. Some of these targets undergoing investigation in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials are further highlighted along with the pathobiology of OM, clinical course, prevention, and management measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larynx is an organ of the upper aerodigestive tract that is involved in many critical functions such as breathing, speaking, and swallowing. As a result, both larynx cancer and its treatment may significantly affect quality of life. The management of laryngeal cancer has focused on improving survival while preserving the function of the organ. This manuscript focuses on the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy as a non-surgical approach and potential organ preservation strategy for patients with advanced larynx cancer. We review the key clinical data on the following treatment courses: (1) induction chemotherapy followed by definitive radiation therapy, (2) concurrent chemotherapy and radiation, and (3) induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemo-radiation. We also review the clinical data on organ preservation for patients with hypopharynx cancers. Results from phase III studies suggest that patients with advanced T4 cancers have better outcomes with a primary surgical approach, while for patients with T2N+ and T3 tumors, definitive concurrent chemotherapy and radiation or induction chemotherapy followed by definitive radiation therapy are acceptable options. Choosing the optimal treatment strategy depends on patients' desires, tumor extent, and adequate follow-up to detect early recurrences in cases of larynx preservation treatments. To proceed with an organ preservation strategy, the patient should have a good pre-treatment larynx function, and there must be a high level of skill and cooperation among various disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microRNA (miRNA) pathway represents an integral component of the gene regulation circuitry that controls development. In recent years, the role of miRNAs in embryonic stem (ES) cells and mammalian embryogenesis has begun to be explored. A few dozens of miRNAs expressed in mammalian ES cells, either exclusively or nonexclusively, have been cloned. The overall role of miRNAs in ES cells and embryonic development has been assessed by examining the effect of knocking out Dicer, an RNase III enzyme required for miRNA and small interfering RNA biogenesis, as well as DGCR8, a nuclear protein specifically involved in miRNA biogenesis. In addition, the role of a cluster of miRNAs specifically expressed in ES cells, the miR-290 -295 group, has been investigated by the knock-out approach. These analyses have revealed the crucial role of miRNAs in ES cell differentiation, lineage specification, and organogenesis, especially neurogenesis and cardiogenesis. Systematic investigation of the role of miRNAs in ES cells and embryos will allow us to find missing pieces of the mosaic of early development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: Radiation induced cranial nerve palsy (RICNP) involving the lower cranial nerves (CNs) is a serious complication of head and neck radiotherapy (RT). Recommendations for delineating the lower CNs on RT planning studies do not exist. The aim of the current study is to develop a standardized methodology for contouring CNs IX–XII, which would help in establishing RT limiting doses for organs at risk (OAR). Methods: Using anatomic texts, radiologic data, and guidance from experts in head and neck anatomy, we developed step-by-step instructions for delineating CNs IX–XII on computed tomography (CT) imaging. These structures were then contoured on five consecutive patients who underwent definitive RT for locally-advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). RT doses delivered to the lower CNs were calculated. Results: We successfully developed a contouring atlas for CNs IX–XII. The median total dose to the planning target volume (PTV) was 70Gy (range: 66–70Gy). The median CN (IX–XI) and (XII) volumes were 10c.c (range: 8–12c.c) and 8c.c (range: 7–10c.c), respectively. The median V50, V60, V66, and V70 of the CN (IX–XI) and (XII) volumes were (85, 77, 71, 65) and (88, 80, 74, 64) respectively. The median maximal dose to the CN (IX–XI) and (XII) were 72Gy (range: 66–77) and 71Gy (range: 64–78), respectively. Conclusions: We have generated simple instructions for delineating the lower CNs on RT planning imaging. Further analyses to explore the relationship between lower CN dosing and the risk of RICNP are recommended in order to establish limiting doses for these OARs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]