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DESIGN: a cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and ninety-nine patients with Wegener's granulomatosis belonging to a patient self-help group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mode of initial presentation; diagnosis timescales and delay; rhinologic involvement; and treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-three per cent of patients initially presented with ENT-related symptoms. Ninety-two per cent faced a delay in their diagnosis of more than one month, a pattern which has not improved over the last few decades and which compares unfavourably with North American figures. Rhinologic and otologic symptoms are a common occurrence in up to 85 and 50 per cent of Wegener's granulomatosis patients, respectively, attracting varying degrees of targeted treatment. CONCLUSIONS: As sinonasal and other ENT symptoms are so common at the presentation of Wegener's granulomatosis, it is clear that the otolaryngologist has an important role in its diagnosis and treatment. There are long delays in the diagnosis and possible under-treatment of the ENT symptoms of this condition, highlighting the need for greater awareness, particularly in the ENT community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the rate of complications of surgery for nasal polyposis and chronic rhinosinusitis as well as their risk factors. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND OUTCOME MEASURES: The authors conducted a prospective study of 3,128 patients who underwent sinonasal surgery during 2000 and 2001 in 87 National Health Service hospitals in England and Wales. Patients completed a preoperative questionnaire that included the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test, a measure of sinonasal symptoms severity and health-related quality of life. Surgeons provided information about polyp extent, opacity of the sinuses on computed tomography (Lund-Mackay score), comorbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists score), and the occurrence of perioperative complications. Results: Major complications (orbital or intracranial complications, bleeding requiring ligation or orbital decompression, or return to the operating room) occurred in 11 patients (0.4%). Minor complications (all other untoward events) occurred in 207 patients (6.6%). Most frequently reported minor complications were excessive perioperative hemorrhage bleeding (5.0%) as well as postoperative hemorrhage requiring treatment (0.8%). Multivariate analysis indicated that the complication rate was linked to the extent of disease measured in terms of symptom severity and health-related quality of life, the extent of polyposis, level of opacity of the sinuses on computed tomography, and the presence of comorbidity, but not surgical characteristics (extent of surgery, use of endoscope or microdebrider, grade of surgeon, and adjunctive turbinate surgery). Conclusions: The risk of complications depended on patient characteristics rather than on the surgical technique used. Measures of the extent of disease and comorbidity may help in identifying patients at high risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhanced with gadolinium. and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) in the preoperative evaluation of sinonasal malignancy is well established and has an accuracy of over 98%. Since 1979, 208 patients have undergone craniofacial resection at London's Institute of Laryngology & Otology, primarily for sinonasal neoplasia affecting the anterior skull base. Thirty-five "high-risk" patients had MRI at follow-up. The MRI scans were assessed before the patients were examined under anesthesia. MRI was assessed before examination under anesthesia and the results compared with histologic findings demonstrating a reasonable degree of positive correlation but one which is inferior to that found preoperatively (80%). An extension of this technique using the subtraction of T1-weighted MRI with Gd-DTPA highlights areas of increased vascularity, which significantly improves the ability to predict recurrence at the skull base and above the surgical repair in the anterior cranial fossa (94%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitehead's varnish is a little known but excellent nasal packing agent. We review available literature on the historical aspects and clinical use of Whitehead's varnish. Our personal experience with Whitehead's varnish is described, and we strongly recommend its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the absence of direct evidence supporting how to use nasal endoscopy findings to judge chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) disease control, experts' practice patterns could provide guidance., Methodology: Participants consisted of a diverse group of twenty-nine rhinologists. Participants were presented with every possible combination of bilateral nasal endoscopy findings represented by the modified Lund-Kennedy (MLK; range: 0-12) endoscopic scoring system and Nasal Polyp Score (NPS; range: 0-8). Reflecting the practical consequence of CRS disease control assessment, participants were asked whether they would consider CRS treatment escalation based on each scenario in the absence of any CRS symptoms, and how strongly they considered escalating therapy. The same scenarios were then presented in the context of 1 burdensome CRS symptom and participants again were asked whether they would consider treatment escalation., Results: The median threshold total MLK score for considering treatment escalation was ≥4 and 75.9% of participants' MLK thresholds were within 1 point of 4. The median threshold total NPS for considering treatment escalation was ≥3 and 62.5% of participants' NPS thresholds were within 1 point of 3. Endoscopy score thresholds decreased in the presence of 1 burdensome symptom and generally increased when requiring stronger affirmation for considering CRS treatment escalation., Conclusion: Reflecting the practice patterns of a diverse group of rhinologists, MLK score ≥4 or NPS ≥3 may serve as thresholds for considering CRS treatment escalation. Alternatively, MLK score.

Severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), a form of diffuse bilateral (usually type 2) CRS, is a debilitating disease with a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). With novel knowledge and treatment options becoming available, there is a growing need to update or revise key definitions to enable communication across different specialties dealing with CRS, and to agree on novel goals of care in CRSwNP. The European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway diseases (EUFOREA) and EPOS expert members discussed how to measure treatment responses and set new treatment goals for CRSwNP. In this paper a consensus on a list of definitions related to CRSwNP is provided: control, remission, cure, recurrence/exacerbation, treatable traits, remodeling, progression, and disease modification. By providing these definitions, the involved experts hope to improve communication between all stakeholders involved in CRSwNP treatment for use in routine care, basic and clinical research and international guidelines aimed to harmonize and optimize standard of care of patients with CRSwNP in the future.

Background: Loss of smell is one of the most bothersome and difficult-to-treat symptoms in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)., Methodology: SYNAPSE was a 52-week Phase III study of 4-weekly mepolizumab (100 mg subcutaneously) plus standard of care in adults with severe bilateral CRSwNP. This post hoc analysis assessed changes from baseline to study end in loss of smell visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom score, in patients stratified by several baseline clinical characteristics. SinoNasal Outcomes Test (SNOT)-22 sense of smell/taste item and University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) scores were also assessed., Results: SYNAPSE enrolled 407 patients (mepolizumab=206; placebo=201) with impaired sense of smell at baseline. Improvements from baseline to study end in loss of smell VAS score were greater with mepolizumab versus placebo (treatment difference: -0.37) and most notable in patients with fewer or more recent prior surgeries (treatment difference: 1 vs 2 vs more than 2 prior surgeries,-1.29 vs -0.23 vs -0.07; =3 years since last surgery, -.89 vs 0.22). Approximately 25% of patients had baseline UPSIT scoresavailable; among those scoring =19 by study end. The SNOT-22 sense of smell/taste item score improved with mepolizumab versus placebo., Conclusions: Mepolizumab treatment improved patients' perceived sense of smell, as measured by loss of smell VAS score and SNOT-22 sense of smell/taste item score in patients with severe refractory CRSwNP.

Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with severe asthma are associated with breathing pattern disorder (BPD). Mouth breathing is a sign of breathing pattern disorder, and nose breathing a fundamental part of breathing pattern retraining for BPD. The prevalence of BPD in relation to CRS subtypes and the relationship of nasal obstruction to BPD in CRS and associated severe asthma is unknown. The breathing pattern assessment tool (BPAT) can identify BPD. Our objective was to thus investigate the prevalence of BPD, nasal airflow obstruction and measures of airway disease severity in CRS with (CRSwNP) and without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) in severe asthma., Methods: We determined whether CRS status, peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) or polyp disease increased BPD prevalence. Demographic factors, measures of airway function and breathlessness in relation to BPD status and CRS subtypes were also evaluated., Results: 130 Patients were evaluated ( n  = 69 had BPD). The prevalence of BPD in CRS with severe asthma was 53.1%. There was no difference between BPD occurrence between CRSwNP and CRSsNP. The mean polyp grade and PNIF were not statistically different between the BPD and non-BPD group. The presence of nasal polyps did not increase breathlessness., Conclusions: BPD and CRS are commonly co-associated. CRS status and nasal obstruction per se does not increase BPD prevalence.

Background: Sinonasal neoplasms, whether benign and malignant, pose a significant challenge to clinicians and represent a model area for multidisciplinary collaboration in order to optimize patient care. The International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors (ICSNT) aims to summarize the best available evidence and presents 48 thematic and histopathology-based topics spanning the field., Methods: In accordance with prior International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology documents, ICSNT assigned each topic as an Evidence-Based Review with Recommendations, Evidence-Based Review, and Literature Review based on the level of evidence. An international group of multidisciplinary author teams were assembled for the topic reviews using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses format, and completed sections underwent a thorough and iterative consensus-building process. The final document underwent rigorous synthesis and review prior to publication., Results: The ICSNT document consists of four major sections: general principles, benign neoplasms and lesions, malignant neoplasms, and quality of life and surveillance. It covers 48 conceptual and/or histopathology-based topics relevant to sinonasal neoplasms and masses. Topics with a high level of evidence provided specific recommendations, while other areas summarized the current state of evidence. A final section highlights research opportunities and future directions, contributing to advancing knowledge and community intervention., Conclusion: As an embodiment of the multidisciplinary and collaborative model of care in sinonasal neoplasms and masses, ICSNT was designed as a comprehensive, international, and multidisciplinary collaborative endeavor. Its primary objective is to summarize the existing evidence in the field of sinonasal neoplasms and masses., (© 2023 The Authors. International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy and American Rhinologic Society.)

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) disease control is a global metric of disease status for CRS. While there is broad acceptance that it is an important treatment goal, there has been inconsistency in the criteria used to define CRS control. The objective of this study was to identify and develop consensus around essential criteria for assessment of CRS disease control., Methods: Modified Delphi methodology consisting of three rounds to review a list of 24 possible CRS control criteria developed by a 12-person steering committee. The core authorship of the multidisciplinary EPOS 2020 guidelines was invited to participate., Results: Thirty-two individuals accepted the invitation to participate and there was no dropout of participants throughout the entire study (3 rounds). Consensus essential criteria for assessment of CRS control were: overall symptom severity, need for CRS-related systemic corticosteroids in the prior 6 months, severity of nasal obstruction, and patient-reported CRS control. Near-consensus items were: nasal endoscopy findings, severity of smell loss, overall quality of life, impairment of normal activities and severity of nasal discharge. Participants’ comments provided insights into caveats of, and disagreements related to, near-consensus items., Conclusions: Overall symptom severity, use of CRS-related systemic corticosteroids, severity of nasal obstruction, and patient-reported CRS control are widely agreed upon essential criteria for assessment of CRS disease control. Consideration of near-consensus items to assess CRS control should be implemented with their intrinsic caveats in mind. These identified consensus CRS control criteria, together with evidence-based support, will provide a foundation upon which CRS control criteria with wide-spread acceptance can be developed.

Background: The SYNAPSE study (NCT03085797) demonstrated that mepolizumab decreased nasal polyp (NP) size and nasal obstruction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with NP (CRSwNP)., Methods: SYNAPSE, a randomized, double-blind study, included patients with recurrent, refractory, severe CRSwNP, eligible for repeated surgery despite receiving standard of care (SoC). Patients received 4-weekly mepolizumab 100 mg or placebo subcutaneously plus SoC for 52 weeks. This post hoc analysis further characterized treatment responses and association with patient characteristics. The proportion of patients meeting any and each of five response criteria indicating improvement in disease-specific quality of life, NP size, nasal obstruction, loss of smell, and overall symptoms at Weeks 24 and 52, were assessed in subgroups: 1) no surgery; 2) neither surgery nor systemic corticosteroids (SCS)., Results: Of 407 patients in the intention-to-treat population, 381 and 343 patients had no sinus surgery by Weeks 24 and 52, respectively. More mepolizumab- versus placebo-treated patients without surgery by Weeks 24 and 52 met each response criteria. Of the mepolizumab-treated patients without surgery by Week 24, 109 (55%) responded across >=3 criteria, increasing to 126 (67%) by Week 52. Similar response trends were seen for patients with neither surgery nor SCS by Weeks 24 and 52. At either timepoint, there were no major differences in baseline characteristics between mepolizumab-treated full- (5/5 categories) and non-responders (0/5 categories)., Conclusions: Most patients who completed SYNAPSE required neither surgery nor SCS use and in addition achieved a progressive and sustained clinical response to mepolizumab underscoring the therapeutic benefits of mepolizumab in severe CRSwNP.

Granulomatous and vasculitic diseases of the airway may be part of more widespread systemic disease but can occur in isolation. They may present to the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon initially with vague symptoms that mimic more common chronic inflammatory unified airway conditions, such as rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and asthma. Early diagnosis is associated with better long-term outcomes, so a high index of suspicion is required. Bloody nasal discharge and crusting are highly suspicious for granulomatous disease, which should also be considered in atypical or recalcitrant disease. A combination of clinical findings, serologic tests, imaging, and histology may be required to confirm the diagnosis.., (Crown Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is known to affect around 5 % of the total population, with major impact on the quality of life of those severely affected (1). Despite a substantial burden on individuals, society and health economies, CRS often remains underdiagnosed, under-estimated and under-treated (2). International guidelines like the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) (3) and the International Consensus statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis 2021 (ICAR) (4) offer physicians insight into the recommended treatment options for CRS, with an overview of effective strategies and guidance of diagnosis and care throughout the disease journey of CRS.

Objective: Biphenotypic sinonasal sarcoma (BSNS) is a rare low-grade cancer that was included from the 4th edition of WHO classification of head and neck tumours. The purpose of this study is to analyse clinical behaviour, pattern of recurrences and survival outcomes of this neoplasm., Methods: Retrospective review of patients affected by BSNS who were treated via an endoscopic-assisted approach in 6 European tertiary-care referral hospitals. Cases of BSNS described in literature since 2012 to date were fully reviewed, according to PRISMA guidelines., Results: A total of 15 patients were included. Seven patients were treated via an endoscopic endonasal approach, 4 with endoscopic transnasal craniectomy, and 4 via a cranio-endoscopic approach. Adjuvant treatment was delivered in 2 cases. After a mean follow-up of 27.3 months, systemic metastasis was observed in 1 case; the 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 100% and 80 ± 17.9%, respectively., Conclusions: BSNS is a locally aggressive tumour with a low recurrence rate and encouraging survival outcomes if properly treated with surgical resection and free margins followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for selected cases. Endoscopic-assisted surgery is safe and effective as an upfront treatment within a multidisciplinary care protocol., (Copyright © 2022 Società Italiana di Otorinolaringoiatria e Chirurgia Cervico-Facciale, Rome, Italy.)

Mepolizumab improves quality of life and reduces activity impairments in patients with CRSwNP.

The diagnosis of sinonasal tumors is challenging due to a heterogeneous spectrum of various differential diagnoses as well as poorly defined, disputed entities such as sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas (SNUCs). In this study, we apply a machine learning algorithm based on DNA methylation patterns to classify sinonasal tumors with clinical-grade reliability. We further show that sinonasal tumors with SNUC morphology are not as undifferentiated as their current terminology suggests but rather reassigned to four distinct molecular classes defined by epigenetic, mutational and proteomic profiles. This includes two classes with neuroendocrine differentiation, characterized by IDH2 or SMARCA4/ARID1A mutations with an overall favorable clinical course, one class composed of highly aggressive SMARCB1-deficient carcinomas and another class with tumors that represent potentially previously misclassified adenoid cystic carcinomas. Our findings can aid in improving the diagnostic classification of sinonasal tumors and could help to change the current perception of SNUCs., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives  Sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is an extremely rare and challenging sinonasal malignancy with a poor prognosis. Standard treatment involves complete surgical resection, but the role of adjuvant therapy remains unclear. Crucially, our understanding of its clinical presentation, course, and optimal treatment remains limited, and few advancements in improving its management have been made in the recent past. Methods  We conducted an international multicenter retrospective analysis of 505 SNMM cases from 11 institutions across the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and continental Europe. Data on clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results  One-, three-, and five-year recurrence-free and overall survival were 61.4, 30.6, and 22.0%, and 77.6, 49.2, and 38.3%, respectively. Compared with disease confined to the nasal cavity, sinus involvement confers significantly worse survival; based on this, further stratifying the T3 stage was highly prognostic ( p  < 0.001) with implications for a potential modification to the current TNM staging system. There was a statistically significant survival benefit for patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy, compared with those who underwent surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.96, p  = 0.021). Immune checkpoint blockade for the management of recurrent or persistent disease, with or without distant metastasis, conferred longer survival (HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25-1.00, p  = 0.036). Conclusions  We present findings from the largest cohort of SNMM reported to date. We demonstrate the potential utility of further stratifying the T3 stage by sinus involvement and present promising data on the benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors for recurrent, persistent, or metastatic disease with implications for future clinical trials in this field., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest NL receives research funding from Merck Inc., not related to this manuscript and was a consultant for CoolTech Inc. and holds stock in Navigen Pharmaceuticals, both of which are unrelated to this manuscript. All other authors declare no potential relevant conflicts of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic disease with a high prevalence and high disease burden, and the lack of a cure. The socioeconomic burden of the disease is substantial and has been disproportionally increasing over past decades. Treatment is aimed at attaining disease control. Traditionally, topical corticosteroids, endoscopic sinus surgery, and oral corticosteroids are used to treat CRSwNP. The advent of biologics has revolutionized CRSwNP treatment, but these drugs are expensive. From an economic standpoint, it is worth debating whether biologics should be employed in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP who fail to attain disease control with current therapies. This clinical commentary review provides an overview of the socioeconomic burden of chronic rhinosinusitis and treatment modalities, compares endoscopic sinus surgery versus biologics for severe CRSwNP, discusses management recommendations, and highlights future needs in this field. New ways to reduce costs of biologic treatments need to be explored to attain cost-effectiveness and provide patients who have severe CRSwNP with adequate treatment., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Olfactory dysfunction is a cardinal symptom of COVID-19 infection, however, studies assessing long-term olfactory dysfunction are limited and no randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) of early olfactory training have been conducted., Methodology: We conducted a prospective, multi-centre study consisting of baseline psychophysical measurements of smell and taste function. Eligible participants were further recruited into a 12-week RCT of olfactory training versus control (safety information). Patient-reported outcomes were measured using an electronic survey and BSIT at baseline and 12 weeks. An additional 1-year follow-up was open to all participants., Results: 218 individuals with a sudden loss of sense of smell of at least 4-weeks were recruited. Psychophysical smell loss was observed in only 32.1%; 63 participants were recruited into the RCT. The absolute difference in BSIT improvement after 12 weeks was 0.45 higher in the intervention arm. 76 participants completed 1-year follow-up; 10/19 (52.6%) of participants with an abnormal baseline BSIT test scored below the normal threshold at 1-year, and 24/29 (82.8%) had persistent parosmia., Conclusions: Early olfactory training may be helpful, although our findings are inconclusive. Notably, a number of individuals who completed the 1-year assessment had persistent smell loss and parosmia at 1-year. As such, both should be considered important entities of long-Covid and further studies to improve management are highly warranted.

Introduction: Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare cancer of the sinonasal region. We provide a comprehensive analysis of this malignancy with molecular and clinical trial data on a subset of our cohort to report on the potential efficacy of somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2)-targeting imaging and therapy., Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 404 primary, locally recurrent, and metastatic olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) patients from 12 institutions in the United States of America, United Kingdom and Europe. Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment approach were evaluated. SSTR2 expression, SSTR2-targeted imaging and the efficacy of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy [PRRT]( 177 Lu-DOTATATE) were reported in a subset of our cohort (LUTHREE trial; NCT03454763)., Results: Dural infiltration at presentation was a significant predictor of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in primary cases (n = 278). Kadish-Morita staging and Dulguerov T-stage both had limitations regarding their prognostic value. Multivariable survival analysis demonstrated improved outcomes with lower stage and receipt of adjuvant radiotherapy. Prophylactic neck irradiation significantly reduces the rate of nodal recurrence. 82.4% of the cohort were positive for SSTR2; treatment of three metastatic cases with SSTR2-targeted peptide-radionuclide receptor therapy (PRRT) in the LUTHREE trial was well-tolerated and resulted in stable disease (SD)., Conclusions: This study presents pertinent clinical data from the largest dataset, to date, on ONB. We identify key prognostic markers and integrate these into an updated staging system, highlight the importance of adjuvant radiotherapy across all disease stages, the utility of prophylactic neck irradiation and the potential efficacy of targeting SSTR2 to manage disease., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement NL receives research funding from Merck Inc., not related to this manuscript, and was a consultant for CoolTech Inc. and holds stock in Navigen Pharmaceuticals, both of which are unrelated to this manuscript. SW is on the advisory board of ALK, Genentech, OptiNose, SinopSys and a Consultant to NeurENT, Stryker, all of which are unrelated to this manuscript. All other authors declare no potential relevant conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

EPOS2020 is the 4th and most recent version of the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps which was first published in 2005. It aims to provide the most up to date scientifically robust information on the topic published in the literature which has been critically analysed by an international group of clinicians drawn from all disciplines dealing with these problems together with patients. The guidelines offer evidence-based recommendations and care pathways for acute and chronic rhinosinusitis in both adults and children. Management of these diseases from the patients' perspective is an important part of EPOS2020. Not only is this included in the main document but, for the first time, we have produced a separate supplement dedicated to and in collaboration with patients, EPOS4Patients, which aims to provide information in an accessible format, to answer frequently asked questions about these diseases and their treatment options as well as including useful patient resources and websites. It has never been more important for patients to be actively involved in their care. Being well informed helps you to make the best decisions together with your doctor.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor, most commonly located in the pharyngeal recess and endemic to parts of Asia. It is often detected at a late stage which is associated with poor prognosis (5-year survival rate of 63%). Treatment for this malignancy relies predominantly on radiotherapy and/or systemic chemotherapy, which can be associated with significant morbidity and impaired quality of life. In endemic regions NPC is associated with infection by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which was shown to upregulate the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) cell surface receptor. With recent advances in molecular techniques allowing for an improved understanding of the molecular aetiology of this disease and its relation to SSTR2 expression, we provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of this disease and highlight the emergence of SSTR2 as a key tumor biomarker and promising target for imaging and therapy.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. It is currently uncertain if treatment in patients with CRS with or without nasal polyps (CRSwNP and CRSsNP) has any impact on improving mental health outcomes. The aims here were to document anxiety and depression in patients with severe CRS and asthma already treated with appropriate medical therapy. We then evaluated whether further maximal treatment with omalizumab improved anxiety and/or depression alongside improvements in CRS and coassociated asthma., Methods: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores along with measures of CRS and asthma severity were recorded according to CRSwNP and CRSsNP status in n = 95 patients with severe CRS and asthma. Of this group, a further n = 23 had omalizumab for associated allergic asthma. Follow-up measures were collected 16 weeks after omalizumab treatment., Results: HADS anxiety and depression prevalence in CRS were 49.47 % and 38.95%, respectively. Within the CRSwNP and CRSsNP group 53.06% and 45.66% had raised HADS-anxiety scores. Abnormal HADS-depression scores were present in 40.82% and 36.95% of the CRSwNP and CRSsNP groups, respectively. Correlations for sinonasal outcome test-22 (SNOT-22) versus HADS total was r = 0.59 p < 0.0001, HADS-anxiety r = 0.56 p < 0.0001 and HADS-depression r = 0.49 p < 0.0001. Omalizumab improved anxiety in CRS (p < 0.0001) regardless of nasal polyp status (CRSwNP p = 0.0042 and CRSsNP p = 0.0078). Depression scores did not improve in either group. SNOT-22 (p = 0.0006), asthma control questionnaire-7 (p = 0.0019) and mini-asthma quality of life questionnaire including emotional function (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0009, respectively) all improved in both subgroups., Conclusion: In CRS and asthma, anxiety scores but not depression improved after omalizumab treatment. Anxiety may be closely related to airway disease severity, but depression may be independent of airway disease itself. If so, a separate mental health care pathway is needed for CRS patients with depression., (© 2021 The Authors. Clinical and Translational Allergy published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.)

Endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) has been applied to the management of sinonasal (SN) tumors based on recent advances in endoscopic surgical techniques and technologies over the past three decades. EES has been mainly indicated for benign tumors and less aggressive malignant tumors. Notwithstanding this, EES has been gradually adopted for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is the most common histology among SN malignancies. However, an analysis of the outcomes of EES for patients with SCC is difficult because most articles included SCC a wide range of different tumor histologies. Therefore, we herein review and clarify the current status of EES focusing on SCC from an oncological perspective. The oncologic outcomes and the ability to achieve a histologically complete resection are similar between endoscopic and open approaches in highly selected patients with SN-SCC. Surgical complications associated with EES are likely similar for SN-SCC compared to other sinonasal malignancies. The indications for a minimally invasive approach such as EES in the management of patients with SN-SCC should be stricter than those for less aggressive malignant tumors because of the aggressive nature of SCC. Also, it is important to achieve negative surgical margins with EES in patients with SCC. We believe that the indications for EES for SN-SCC are widening due to advances in diagnostic imaging, and endoscopic surgical techniques and technologies. However, while expanding the indications for EES for SN-SCC we must carefully confirm that the outcomes support this strategy., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare that we have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), endemic in Southeast Asia, lacks effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Even in high-income countries the 5-year survival rate for stage IV NPC is less than 40%. Here we report high somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) expression in multiple clinical cohorts comprising 402 primary, locally recurrent and metastatic NPCs. We show that SSTR2 expression is induced by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) via the NF-κB pathway. Using cell-based and preclinical rodent models, we demonstrate the therapeutic potential of SSTR2 targeting using a cytotoxic drug conjugate, PEN-221, which is found to be superior to FDA-approved SSTR2-binding cytostatic agents. Furthermore, we reveal significant correlation of SSTR expression with increased rates of survival and report in vivo uptake of the SSTR2-binding 68 Ga-DOTA-peptide radioconjugate in PET-CT scanning in a clinical trial of NPC patients (NCT03670342). These findings reveal a key role in EBV-associated NPC for SSTR2 in infection, imaging, targeted therapy and survival.

Objectives: It has been demonstrated that reduction in smell and/or taste is the most predictive symptom in SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 infection. We used Google Trends to analyze regional searches relating to loss of smell and taste across Italy, Spain, France, Brazil, and the United States of America and determined the association with reported Covid-19 cases., Methods: In order to retrieve the data, we built a Python software program that provides access to Google Trends data via an application program interface. Daily COVID-19 case data for subregions of the five countries selected were retrieved from respective national health authorities. We sought to assess the association between raw search interest data and COVID-19 new daily cases per million for all regions individually., Results: In total, we yielded 2188 sets of Google Trends data which included 548 time series of 4 anosmia and ageusia search concepts over the study period for 137 regions. These data indicated that differences in search interest for terms relating to anosmia and ageusia, between regions, is associated with geographical trends in new Covid-19 cases., Conclusions: We feel that Google search trends relating to loss of smell can be utilized to identify potential Covid-19 outbreaks on a national and regional basis.

Purpose: SARS-CoV-2 is a new pandemic influenza caused by a coronavirus which main route of transmission is through exhaled droplets that primarily infect the nose and the nasopharynx. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of acetic acid, the active component of vinegar, as a potential disinfectant agent for upper airways., Methods: Twenty-nine patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: group 1 (14 patients) was composed of patients treated with off-label hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir, whereas group 2 (15 patients) was composed of patients treated with hydroxychloroquine only, combined with the inhalation of acetic acid disinfectant at a 0.34% concentration. A questionnaire-based evaluation of symptoms was performed after 15 days in both groups., Results: It appears that the number of patients treated with acetic acid (group 2) that experienced improvement in individual symptoms was double that of the other group of patients (group 1), although numbers are too small for robust statistical analysis., Conclusions: Considering its potential benefits and high availability, acetic acid disinfection appears to be a promising adjunctive therapy in cases of non-severe COVID-19 and deserves further investigation.