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The prognosis in patients suffering from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas depends on many factors. However, regional lymph node metastases are the most important parameter in determining the cure and survival of patients with head and neck cancers. The evaluation of cancer cell biology enables differentiation of their proliferation and tendency of metastases. Immunohistochemical examinations complement the well-established routine histological examination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic importance of the level of immunoproliferating proteins such as cyclin D1, nuclear antigen Ki67 and suppressor gene p53 for regional lymph node metastases in laryngeal carcinoma. The research was carried out on 73 patients treated for squamous cancer of the larynx in the Department of Otolaryngology University School of Medical Sciences in Poznan in the years 1994–1999. The group was comprised of 4 female and 69 male patients. Their ages ranged from 37 to 79 years, with a mean of 59 years. Clinical data included sex, age, localization and local and regional extent of the tumor, presence or lack of distant metastases, treatment, histological examination as well as immunohistochemical evaluation of suppressor gene p53, proliferative proteins Ki67 and cyclin D1. No statistically significant correlation was found between staining intensity of suppressor gene p53, cyclin D1 and the degree of local advancement (T). There was no correlation between the level of immunoproliferative markers and regional lymph node metastases. Statistically significant correlation was found between T stage and staining for Ki67 (P=0.017) as well as between cyclin D1 level and Ki67 (P<0.05). In conclusion, (1) no significant correlation was found between Ki67 and cyclin D1, p53 and TNM classification; (2) lack of correlation was confirmed between N+, p53, Ki67, cyclin D1 and Jacobsson classification; (3) the degree of histological grading correlated, however, with Jacobsson classification and cyclin D1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This EHNS–ESMO–ESTRO Clinical Practice Guideline provides key recommendations for managing SCCHN. • It covers clinical and pathological diagnosis, staging and risk assessment, treatment and follow-up. • Opportunities for personalised medicine in SCCHN are also discussed. • All recommendations were compiled by a multidisciplinary group of experts from different institutions and countries. • Recommendations are based on available clinical evidence and the collective expert opinion of the authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This EHNS-ESMO-ESTRO Clinical Practice Guideline provides key recommendations for managing SCCHN. • It covers clinical and pathological diagnosis, staging and risk assessment, treatment and follow-up. • Opportunities for personalised medicine in SCCHN are also discussed. • All recommendations were compiled by a multidisciplinary group of experts from different institutions and countries. • Recommendations are based on available clinical evidence and the collective expert opinion of the authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, oral human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with an increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in several countries. Specialist oncologists in head and neck cancer are observing a wider range of demographics, sexual behaviours, and survival outcomes with their patients. Additionally, there are fewer smokers, consumers of alcohol, or people of lower socioeconomic status than in previous decades. In order to support patients, the European Head and Neck Society's Make Sense Campaign aims to promote best practice in the management of head and neck cancer through the delivery of counselling, psychological assessment, support with the patient experience following HPV-related cancer diagnosis, sexual impact (in terms of communication, behaviour and prevention), facilitating access to educational resources about HPV in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and OPSCC, and early referral if necessary. New concerns about psychosocial distress and unmet psychosocial needs following diagnosis, therefore, exist throughout the disease and treatment periods. Oncologists treating patients with HPV-related head and neck cancer must integrate new parameters focused on infection risk transmission and sexual topics. The development and dissemination of best practice guidelines through The European Head and Neck Cancer Society Make Sense Campaign will help healthcare professionals to be more confident and resourceful in supporting patients with HPV-related head and neck cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the key points for delivering emotional support to squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) patients at each stage of their care providing recommendations for better emotional support during the patient journey. It represents an important milestone in the Make Sense Campaign in raising the profile of emotional support within SCCHN as a health priority.Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is considered a worldwide health care problem. The majority of patients have a history of alcohol abuse and high-level tobacco consumption; however, SCCHN is also associated with exposure to viruses including human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus. A major problem facing SCCHN patients is that their disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage where treatment options may not be curative, or can have severe post-treatment consequences. Confronted with their diagnosis and treatment options, the patient can express a range of emotional reactions which may lead to maladaptive coping. During the SCCHN patient journey, there are a number of stages where emotional support could be offered. A point of contact should be allocated to help patients navigate these stages and deliver practical emotive support (such as encouraging attendance at hospital appointments, compliance with lifestyle modifications and treatment adherence), and to identify if or when more advanced emotive support, in the form of a mental health professional, might be needed. This role might be carried out by a representative within the multidisciplinary health care team (e.g. a nurse). While optimal care is provided by specialist health care professionals, each with specific roles and responsibilities during the patient journey, all are important in screening for emotional distress and providing referral to the mental health team. This article reviews the key points for delivering emotional support to SCCHN patients at each stage of their care. Emotional problems cannot be ignored in SCCHN patients if optimal outcomes are to be achieved, particularly as therapeutic options extend overall survival for many patients. Health care professionals must be able to implement efficient screening for psychological distress to support patient's compliance to their care and treatment. They must also be able to recognize when to refer patients at risk for pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Outcome Objectives Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is known as one of the six most common human cancers mainly caused by consumption of tobacco and alcohol. There is also a genetic factor; however, the genetic markers are not yet established. Our objectives were to: 1. Validate the genetic signature of molecular targets expressed by tumors in HNSCC. 2. Determine potential biomarkers for earlier detection, potential therapies and prediction of patients’ survival. Methods The HNSCC patients were recruited to the study in the Greater Poland Cancer Centre in 2010. Oral cancer and normal epithelium tissue taken at a minimum of 2 cm distal from the tumors’ margins from 41 patients were used for analysis by Cancer Pathway Finder array and followed with real-rime PCR. Results Analysis indicated up-regulation of 11 genes including KRT14, ACLY, MCM2, SKP2, STMN1, CDC20, SNAI2, MKI67, SLC2A1, BCL2L11, IGFBP3 ( P < 0.05) suggesting altered regulation of cell cycle, cell senescence, metabolism, apoptosis and hypoxia. Five years patient follow up survival analysis indicated that SKP2, KRT14, FOXC2, Acly, PGF, OCLN, CDH2, LDHA, VEGFC, BCL2L11, CA9 genes expression was significantly associated with survival of the patients. Conclusion Our data indicate that there is significant activation of several cellular pathways in tumor tissue that should be further investigated. Importantly, observed significant association between the expression of SKP2, KRT14, FOXC2, Acly, PGF, OCLN, CDH2, LDHA, VEGFC, BCL2L11, CA9 and survival indicate that the level of the expression of these genes in tumor tissue may predict the survival of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]