Salivary glands - a new site of Helicobacter pylori occurrence.

OBJECTIVE: The role of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in the pathological processes of the gastric mucosa is well understood. Decreasing trend in successful eradication of HP from the stomach was observed in last years. This lack of succes is mainly caused by increasing ATB resistance. Nevertheless other possible causes of this phenomenon are being explored. Thus, many studies have focused on the search for extragastric reservoirs as potential sources of persistence or reinfection after successful Hp eradication. The pathological potential of Hp at these localities has also been studied. METHODS: Our study aimed to determine the presence of Hp inside the salivary glands ductal system through its detection from sialolites. Subsequently, we tried to prove the possible ability of Hp to penetrate the salivary gland parenchyma by detecting Hp from the tissue of salivary tumors. Concrements and salivary tumor tissue samples were collected using sialendoscopy or standard surgery, and Hp detection and genotyping were performed through PCR. RESULTS: Hp was detected in 68.3% of the sialopathy samples. VacA S1AM1 was the most common genotype. CagA-positive genotype represented only 34% of the total number of positive samples. CONCLUSION: Our findings of Hp positivity in concrements provide compelling evidence of Hp presence in the ductal system of salivary glands. Confirmation of Hp presence in tumor tissue suggests its potential ability to infiltrate the gland's parenchyma. Further research is needed to confirm Hp's ability to cause local infection, as well as the possible causal association between Hp presence in the studied region, sialolithiasis, and salivary gland tumors.

Olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs) and trigeminal event-related potentials (TERPs) in subjects after Covid-19 infection: single-center prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common symptom associated with Covid-19. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of psychophysical olfactory tests and electrophysiological olfactory assessment increased. The purpose of the study was to analyze the psychophysical olfactory tests and the post-covid curves of olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs) and trigeminal event-related potentials (TERPs). METHODS: The prospective study included 98 subjects (62 females / 36 males). The average age was 42 years (range 21-84 years). Group I (n = 77) contained participants who had been infected with Covid-19. They were enrolled in the study at least 1 year after Covid-19. Group II (n = 21) was the healthy normosmic control group. RESULTS: In Group I, the OERPs of 18% participants were absent. Patients in Group I were statistically more likely to have an absence of OERPs (p = 0.036) than subjects in Group II. We did not detect a statistical difference in amplitudes and latencies of the OERPs between Group I and Group II. In Group I, N1 latency of the TERPs was significantly longer (p = 0.002) than in Group II. The amplitude of the N1-P2 interval of the TERPs was significantly lower (p = 0.025) in Group I than in Group II. According to the psychophysical Sniffin stick identification test, hyposmia was detected in 39% in Group I versus 0% in the control Group II. CONCLUSION: OD is a common post-covid symptom. The presence of OERPs is a significant prognostic factor for olfactory function after Covid 19. We detected a lower percentage of absence of OERPs after Covid-19 compared to the previously published studies of post-viral OD and post-infectious OD. For TERPs, we detected a longer N1 latency and a lower amplitude for the N1-P2 interval after Covid-19. OERPs and TERPs can be considered valid biomarkers to evaluate the progress of post-covid OD.

The importance of preoperative and perioperative Narrow Band Imaging endoscopy in the diagnosis of pre-tumor and tumor lesions of the larynx.

INTRODUCTION: Narrow band imaging (NBI) is an endoscopic imaging method intended for the diagnosis of mucosal lesions of the larynx that are not visible in white-light endoscopy, but are typical of pre-tumor and tumor lesions of the larynx. THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To compare preoperative/perioperative white light endoscopy and NBI endoscopy with the results of histopathological examinations in pre-tumor and tumor lesions of the larynx. METHODS: A prospective study, over a period of five years (5/2018-5/2023), included 87 patients with laryngeal lesions aged 24-80 years. We evaluated preoperative/ perioperative white light and NBI endoscopy, established a working prehistological diagnosis, and compared this with the definitive histopathological results of laryngeal biopsies. RESULTS: In relation to the definitive histology score, a statistically significant correlation was found between the evaluation of the finding and the definitive histology for preoperative and perioperative white light endoscopy and NBI endoscopy (p < 0.001). Both methods showed higher precision when used perioperatively. CONCLUSION: NBI endoscopy is an optical method that allows us to improve the diagnosis of laryngeal lesions, perform a controlled perioperative biopsy, and refine the surgical scope. The NBI endoscopy is a suitable method for the diagnosis of early cancerous lesions of the larynx. The use of preoperative/perioperative NBI endoscopy allowed us to achieve a high level of agreement correlation (p < 0.001) between the prehistological working diagnosis and the final histopathological result. The NBI method proves its application in the diagnosis of pre-tumor and tumor lesions of the larynx.

Olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs) and trigeminal event-related potentials (TERPs) - a pilot study in Czech participants with normal sense of smell.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the evaluation of potential events related to olfactory events (OERPs) and trigeminal events (TERPs) has become increasingly important in the diagnosis of olfactory disorders. This technique is increasingly used in basic research and clinical practice to evaluate people suffering from olfactory disorders. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: In a pilot project of the first investigations of OERPs and TERPs in the Czech Republic, we analyse the event-related potentials of the data of normosmic participants. METHODS: In the prospective study, 21 normosmic participants were enrolled for a 2-year period (5/2021-5/2023). OERPs/TERPs were recorded at the scalp vertex (electrode Pz/Cz). Odourants 2-phenylethanol/CO2 were used to selectively activate Nervus olfactorius/ Nervus trigeminus. Brain responses to olfactory/trigeminal stimuli (EEG) were recorded in 21/18 normosmic subjects. RESULTS: In the statistical analysis of the olfactory interval N1-P2 (age, gender), we found no statistically significant differences. In the statistical analysis of the trigeminal interval N1-P2 (age, gender) we found statistically significant differences in amplitude by gender (male amplitudes were higher than female amplitudes, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Our pilot data can function very well as an internal guide for ongoing and future olfactory research studies. Evaluation of the presence of OERPs appears to be an important parameter for the evaluation of olfactory disorders. The absence of OERPs is a strong indicator of the presence of olfactory dysfunction.

Highly Aggressive Osteosarcoma of the Ethmoids and Maxillary Sinus-A Case of Successful Surgery and Proton Beam Radiotherapy in a 65-Year-Old Man.

Sarcomas in the head and neck area are rare diseases with an incidence of under 1% of all head and neck malignant tumours. Osteosarcomas or osteogenic sarcomas consist of neoplastic cells that produce osteoid bone or immature bone. Sarcomas develop more in the mandible than the maxilla. The exact diagnosis of different types of sarcomas is based on the immunohistochemical investigation. These rare tumours are of mesenchymal origin; osteosarcomas and chondrosarcomas are the most common types-Ewing's sarcomas. The use of proton beam radiotherapy in the treatment of osteosarcoma of the maxilla is rarely reported in the literature. We present a case of successfully treated (surgery and proton beam radiotherapy) poorly differentiated highly aggressive osteosarcoma in the ethmoids and maxillary sinus and morbidity after the treatment. We were presented with a case of a 65-year-old man with anaesthesia and palsy of the right face. The stomatology department performed the extraction of a tooth. One month later, the wound was still open. The histology showed an osteogenic sarcoma in the area of the wound. The oncologist and maxillofacial surgeons in a catchment hospital recommended a nonsurgical approach. Hence, we performed a radical maxillectomy and ethmoidectomy, after which we continued with proton bean radiotherapy. The patient is now five years after therapy without signs of sarcoma; however, he has blindness in the right eye and reduced vision in the left eye, as well as gliosis of the brain, vertigo, tinnitus, trismus, and ancylostomiases. Head and neck osteosarcomas treatment is considered a complex multidisciplinary task. It is currently argued that there is no clear therapeutic protocol for successful treatment. Innovations in treatment modalities such as proton beam radiotherapy appear to have potential, although their effects on long-term morbidity and survival outcomes are still undetermined. We present a rare case report of an osteosarcoma of the maxilla involving an innovative, successful treatment procedure combining surgical excision followed by proton beam radiotherapy. This treatment approach may enable maximum tumour control. This protocol has not been adequately described in the world literature for this diagnosis.

Prevalence of Fabry disease in men with tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss.

Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by pathogenic mutations in the alpha-galactosidase A (AGALA) encoding gene region. This rare disease affects several organs including the cochlea-vestibular system. Tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are reported among otoneurological symptoms. Early and correct diagnosis of FD is important with a view to available therapy. The aim of the study was to screen for alpha-galactosidase deficiency in men with tinnitus/SNHL. A prospective multicentric study including consecutive patients with SNHL confirmed by tone audiometry or tinnitus evaluated (10/2016-8/2019). The diagnosis of AGALA deficiency was done by dry blood spot method using a threshold of 1.2 µmol/l/h. Only men aged 18-60 were included. 181 patients were subject to evaluation. SNHL was reported in 126 (70%) patients, 50 (28%) patients had unilateral, 76 (42%) patients had bilateral SNHL. Tinnitus was found in 161 (89%) patients, unilateral in 96 (53%) and bilateral in 65 (36%) patients. Suspected FD was not detected in any patient; alpha-galactosidase The AGALA values ranged 1.5-8.8 µmol/l/h, an average of 3.4 µmol/l/h. None of the 181 patients participating in the study had AGALA levels below the threshold 1.2 µmol/l/h. The occurrence of tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss in men appears to be an irrelevant clinical sign for FD systematic screening.

Sarcomas of the Larynx: One Institution's Experience and Treatment Protocol Analyses.

Soft tissue sarcomas in the head and neck are rare malignancies. They occur in this area in less than 1% of all malignant tumors. Some authors have described the development of sarcoma from the mesenchymal tissue in the larynx. The histological diagnosis of a sarcoma depends on the immunohistochemical investigation. In particularly difficult diagnoses, electron microscopy has to be used. The treatment recommendation depends on the histological type of sarcoma. We analysed and summarized data on the diagnostic criteria and therapy for sarcoma of the larynx presented in the literature. We present three new cases of laryngeal sarcoma and describe the analyses of the published diagnostic and treatment schedules of laryngeal sarcomas. We developed a treatment protocol recommendation for laryngeal sarcoma based on an analysis of literature data and case reports. This recommendation is based on histological type, staging, grading, size, and survival data.

Usefulness of a thermoplastic breast bra for breast cancer radiotherapy : A prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite modern techniques, in some patients receiving whole breast radiotherapy (WBI) parts of the heart and the lung might receive doses which are nowadays considered relevant for the development of late morbidity. Our aim was to analyze the usefulness of a thermoplastic breast brassiere to reduce lung and heart doses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 29 patients with left-sided and 16 patients with right-sided breast cancer treated with breast conserving surgery and WBI between 2012 and 2013 were included in a prospective study analyzing the effectiveness of a thermoplastic breast bra. WBI was performed using 3D tangential fields up to 50.4 Gy. Treatment planning was performed with and without bra. Several dosimetrical parameters were analyzed comparatively focusing on the heart and ipsilateral lung. For heart dose comparisons, subvolumes like the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and a defined apical region, so-called "apical myocardial territory" (AMT), were defined. RESULTS: By using the bra, the mean lung dose was reduced by 30.6 % (left-sided cancer) and 29.5 % (right-sided; p < 0.001). The V20Gy for the left lung was reduced by 39.5 % (4.9 vs. 8.1 % of volume; p < 0.001). The mean and maximum heart doses were significantly lower (1.6 vs. 2.1 Gy and 30.7 vs. 39.3 Gy; p = 0.01 and p < 0.001), which also applies to the mean and maximum dose for the AMT (2.5 vs. 4.4 Gy and 31.0 vs. 47.2 Gy; p < 0.01 and p < 0.001). The mean and maximum dose for LAD was lower without reaching significance. No acute skin toxicities > grade 2 were observed. CONCLUSION: By using a thermoplastic breast bra, radiation doses to the heart and especially parts of the heart apex and ipsilateral lung can be significantly lowered without additional skin toxicity.

Our experience in the treatment of idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (ISNHL): Effect of combination therapy with HBO2 and vasodilator infusion therapy.

Idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss (ISNHL) is a hearing impairment that occurs suddenly with onset over a period of 24 to 72 hours, affecting at least three adjacent frequencies with hearing loss of 30 decibels or more, caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve without clear reasons. The treatment of ISNHL is still a hot topic. In a retrospective study, we examined 88 patients with ISNHL (2008-2013). The objective of the study was to compare the effects of two different types of therapy: vasodilator infusion treatment combined with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy vs. vasodilator infusion therapy alone. We investigated the correlation between the type of audiometric curve and hearing gain after treatment, the correlation between the age and the effectiveness of treatment, plus the effect of therapy on tinnitus. We found a statistically significant (p⟨0.0001) therapeutic effect in both treatment modalities: 55% with HBO2 therapy vs. 65% without HBO2. The difference between the two methods is not statistically significant. The best effect of treatment was observed in patients with apicocochlear hearing impairment. The age of patients in our group had no statistically significant relevance. Alleviation of tinnitus was observed mainly in patients with apicocochlear type of hearing loss.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in tinnitus with normal hearing in association with combined treatment.

Tinnitus is a phantom perception of sound in the absence of overt acoustic stimulation. The focus of our attention is a combined therapy of tinnitus. In this prospective study (2013-2014) we evaluated the data of normal-hearing patients with tinnitus treated with various treatment modalities. In Group 1 we evaluated the data of 84 patients/124 ears after six weeks of treatment with betahistine dihydrochloride (72 mg). In Group 2, we evaluated the data of 36 patients/ 55 ears unimproved from Group 1 who were then treated for six weeks with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy combined with gingko biloba extract (120 mg). In Group 1, tinnitus disappeared in 9.7%, alleviated in 18.5% and improved overall in 28.2%. Average intensity of tinnitus before/after treatment was 37 decibels (dB)/33 dB. Tinnitus intensities after treatment are statistically significantly lower (p = 0.001) than the values before treatment. In Group 2 tinnitus disappeared in 5.4%, 36.4% achieved alleviation, and 41.8% showed overall improvement. The average intensity of tinnitus before/after treatment was 41dB/ 38dB. The values of tinnitus intensity after combined therapy are statistically significantly lower (p = 0.046). We have shown that both methods treatment of tinnitus are statistically significant. HBO2therapy was recommended for the general public.

Application of a hydrogel spacer for postoperative salvage radiotherapy of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: In contrast to primary radiotherapy, no reports are available for a hydrogel spacer application in postoperative salvage radiotherapy for prostate cancer. CASE REPORT: A 77-year-old patient presented 20 years after radical prostatectomy with a digitally palpable local recurrence at the urethrovesical anastomosis (PSA 5.5 ng/ml). The hydrogel spacer (10 ml, SpaceOAR™) was injected between the local recurrence and rectal wall under transrectal ultrasound guidance. Treatment planning was performed with an intensity-modulated technique up to a total dose of 76 Gy in 2-Gy fractions. The same planning was performed based on computed tomography before spacer injection for comparison. RESULTS: The local recurrence, initially directly on the rectal wall, could be displaced more than 1 cm from the rectal wall after hydrogel injection. With a mean total dose of 76 Gy to the planning target volume, rectal wall volumes included in the 70 Gy, 60 Gy, 50 Gy isodoses were 0 cm(3), 0 cm(3), and 0.4 cm(3) with a spacer and 2.9 cm(3), 4.5 cm(3), and 6.2 cm(3) without a spacer, respectively. The patient reported rectal urgency during radiotherapy, completely resolving after the end of treatment. The PSA level was 5.4 ng/ml a week before the end of radiotherapy and dropped to 0.9 ng/ml 5 months after radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: A hydrogel spacer was successfully applied for dose-escalated radiotherapy in a patient with macroscopic local prostate cancer recurrence at the urethrovesical anastomosis to decrease the dose at the rectal wall. This option can be considered in specifically selected patients.

Early hematologic changes during prostate cancer radiotherapy predictive for late urinary and bowel toxicity.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of the study was to identify early hematologic changes predictive for radiotherapy (RT)-associated genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity. METHODS: In a group of 91 prostate cancer patients presenting for primary (n = 51) or postoperative (n = 40) curative RT, blood samples (blood count, acute phase proteins, and cytokines) were analyzed before (T1), three times during (T2-T4), and 6-8 weeks after (T5) radiotherapy. Before RT (baseline), on the last day (acute toxicity), a median of 2 months and 16 months (late toxicity) after RT, patients responded to a validated questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite). Acute score changes > 20 points and late changes > 10 points were considered clinically relevant. RESULTS: Radiotherapy resulted in significant changes of hematologic parameters, with the largest effect on lymphocytes (mean decrease of 31-45 %) and significant dependence on target volume. C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation > 5 mg/l and hemoglobin level decrease ≥ 5 G/1 at T2 were found to be independently predictive for acute urinary toxicity (p < 0.01, respectively). CRP elevation was predominantly detected in primary prostate RT (p = 0.02). Early lymphocyte level elevation ≥ 0.3G/l at T2 was protective against late urinary and bowel toxicity (p = 0.02, respectively). Other significant predictive factors for late bowel toxicity were decreasing hemoglobin levels (cut-off ≥ 5 G/l) at T2 (p = 0.04); changes of TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor; p = 0.03) and ferritin levels (p = 0.02) at T5. All patients with late bowel toxicity had interleukin (IL)-6 levels < 1.5 ng/l at T2 (63 % without; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Early hematologic changes during prostate cancer radiotherapy are predictive for late urinary and bowel toxicity.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for centrally located stage I NSCLC: a multicenter analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work is to analyze patterns of care and outcome after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for centrally located, early-stage, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to address the question of potential risk for increased toxicity in this entity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 90 patients with centrally located NSCLC were identified among 613 cases in a database of 13 German and Austrian academic radiotherapy centers. The outcome of centrally located NSCLC was compared to that of cases with peripheral tumor location from the same database. RESULTS: Patients with central tumors most commonly presented with UICC stage IB (50 %), while the majority of peripheral lesions were stage IA (56 %). Average tumor diameters were 3.3 cm (central) and 2.8 cm (peripheral). Staging PET/CT was available for 73 and 74 % of peripheral and central tumors, respectively. Biopsy was performed in 84 % (peripheral) and 88 % (central) of cases. Doses varied significantly between central and peripheral lesions with a median BED10 of 72 Gy and 84 Gy, respectively (p < 0.001). Fractionation differed as well with medians of 5 (central) and 3 (peripheral) fractions (p < 0.001). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, 3-year actuarial overall survival was 29 % (central) and 51 % (peripheral; p = 0.004) and freedom from local progression was 52 % (central) and 84 % (peripheral; p < 0.001). Toxicity after treatment of central tumors was low with no grade III/IV and one grade V event. Mortality rates were 0 and 1 % after 30 and 60 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: Local tumor control in patients treated with SBRT for centrally located, early-stage NSCLC was favorable, provided ablative radiation doses were prescribed. This was, however, not the case in the majority of patients, possibly due to concerns about treatment-related toxicity. Reported toxicity was low, but prospective trials are needed to resolve the existing uncertainties and to establish safe high-dose regimens for this cohort of patients.

Hematologic changes during prostate cancer radiation therapy are dependent on the treatment volume.

AIM: To assess hematologic changes of modern prostate radiation therapy (RT) comparing different target volumes. PATIENTS & METHODS: Blood samples were evaluated before (T1), during (T2-T4) and 6-8 weeks after (T5) RT in a group of 113 patients. Whole-pelvic RT up to 46 Gy was applied in 27 cases. The total dose to the prostatic fossa (n = 46)/prostate (n = 67) was 66/76 Gy. RESULTS: Erythrocyte, leukocyte and platelet levels decreased significantly relative to baseline levels at T2-T5. Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy had an impact on hemoglobin levels before and during RT. The cumulative incidence of grade 2 leukopenia was 15 versus 2% (p = 0.02) and grade 2 anemia 8 versus 0% (p = 0.03) with versus without whole-pelvic RT, respectively. Lymphocyte decrease was larger at times T2-T5 (36 vs 3% grade 3 toxicity; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Prostate RT has a small but significant and longer effect on the blood count. Lower lymphocyte levels need to be considered when larger volumes are treated.

Transurethral resection of the prostate after radiotherapy for prostate cancer: impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of transurethral resection of the prostate on quality of life after radiotherapy for prostate cancer. METHODS: A group of 49 consecutive patients with and 487 without prior transurethral resection of the prostate responded to the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaire before, on the last day, and a median time of 2 months and 16 months after external beam radiotherapy (70-78 Gy). A matched-pair analysis was used to avoid the influence of treatment-associated confounding factors, including dose, treatment volume and hormonal therapy. RESULTS: Significantly smaller acute urinary score changes relative to baseline levels resulted with versus without prior transurethral resection of the prostate (mean function/bother score decrease of 3/6 vs 18/21 points at the end of radiotherapy; P < 0.01), affecting urinary incontinence (pads to control urinary leakage in 4% vs 24%; P = 0.03) and irritative/obstructive symptoms (big/moderate problem with weak urinary stream in 11% vs 37%; P = 0.02). As opposed to acute changes, transurethral resection of the prostate was a significant predisposing factor for a long-term urinary function score decrease >10 points (20% vs 6% of patients with vs without prior resection; P = 0.04). Urinary incontinence risk was higher for patients with a longer time from resection to radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral resection of the prostate significantly affects acute (considerably fewer symptoms) and long-term (relevant toxicity in some cases) urinary quality of life after radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

Postcovid Guillain-Barré syndrome with severe course - case series two patients including clinical evaluation of smell and examination of olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs).

INTRODUCTION: We report a case series two patients of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with previous COVID-19 that both patients survived. GBS is an immune-mediated disease that affects peripheral nerves and can cause life-threatening complications. CASE REPORTS: In both cases (53-year-old female and 59-year-old male) with severe GBS with complications, the smell of sense was investigated subjectively using Sniffin' sticks identification tests and objectively using objective olfactometry by the evaluation of olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs). Both patients had good results of the subjective Sniffin' sticks identification test without patholgical findings. Results of objective examination of OERPs: the P2-N1 wave complex was equipotent. No olfactory disturbance could be detected in either case, OERPs were plentiful in both cases. CONCLUSION: The presentation of a case series two patients of post-covid GBS are an example of one of the many complications of COVID-19 that can cause prolonged recovery. Despite the severe course of GBS and the long recovery time, both patients returned to normal life. An expanded prospective study is planned for the future to investigate post-covid olfactory impairment. The prevalence of GBS associated with COVID-19 is still unknown but it is evident that both mild and severe forms of GBS have been described in patients.

Genetic Changes in Thyroid Cancers and the Importance of Their Preoperative Detection in Relation to the General Treatment and Determination of the Extent of Surgical Intervention-A Review.

Carcinomas of the thyroid gland are some of the most common malignancies of the endocrine system. The causes of tumor transformation are genetic changes in genes encoding cell signaling pathways that lead to an imbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Some mutations have been associated with increased tumor aggressiveness, metastatic lymph node spread, tendency to dedifferentiate, and/or reduced efficiency of radioiodine therapy. The main known genetic causes of thyroid cancer include point mutations in the BRAF, RAS, TERT, RET, and TP53 genes and the fusion genes RET/PTC, PAX8/PPAR-γ, and NTRK. Molecular genetic testing of the fine needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid tissue in the preoperative period or of the removed thyroid tissue in the postoperative period is becoming more and more common in selected institutions. Positive detection of genetic changes, thus, becomes a diagnostic and prognostic factor and a factor that determines the extent of the surgical and nonsurgical treatment. The findings of genetic research on thyroid cancer are now beginning to be applied to clinical practice. In preoperative molecular diagnostics, the aggressiveness of cancers with the most frequently occurring mutations is correlated with the extent of the planned surgical treatment (radicality of surgery, neck dissection, etc.). However, clear algorithms are not established for the majority of genetic alterations. This review aims to provide a basic overview of the findings of the most commonly occurring gene mutations in thyroid cancer and to discuss the current recommendations on the extent of surgical and biological treatment concerning preoperatively detected genetic changes.

Olfactory Evaluation in Clinical Medical Practice.

The subjective and demanding nature of olfactory testing means that it is often neglected in clinic despite loss of smell leading to significant limitations in everyday life. The list of diseases associated with loss of olfaction far exceeds the field of otorhinolaryngology and can also be seen in neurodegenerative disorders. Knowledge of possible clinical testing is essential to determine a proper differential diagnosis for the loss of olfactory sense. Causes of olfactory impairment can be divided into either failure in transferring odour to the organ of perception or damage to the olfactory pathway structure itself. Examination should therefore include methods evaluating cross-sectional area and patency of the nasal cavity as well as subjective or objective assessment of olfactory function. In this report we summarize several articles, studies, and our own experiences to provide a comprehensive review of their current clinical usage including their benefits, limitations, and possible outcomes. We also discuss the mechanism of olfaction step by step to provide a full understanding of the possible errors depending on the localization in the pathway and the methods designed for their detection. We discuss the correlation of the microbiome in nasal polyposis and chronic rhinitis with olfactory impairment using objective olfactometry. The topic of objective olfactometry and the examination of olfactory event-related potentials (OERP) is commented upon in detail.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for treatment of adrenal gland metastases from non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metastatic disease from a non-small cell lung cancer to the adrenal gland is common, and systemic treatment is the most frequent therapeutic option. Nevertheless, in patients suffering from an isolated adrenal metastasis, a survival benefit could be achieved after surgical resection. Stereotactic body radiation treatment (SBRT) increase local tumor control and could be an alternative option. We present our initial institutional experiences with SBRT for adrenal gland metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 2002 and September 2009, 18 patients with a non-small cell lung cancer and adrenal metastasis received SBRT. An isolated adrenal metastasis was diagnosed in 13 patients, while 5 patients with multiple metastatic lesions had SBRT due to back pain. Depending on treatment intent and target size, the dose/fraction concept varied from 5 x 4 Gy to 5 x 8 Gy. Dose was given with an isotropic convergent beam technique to a median maximum dose of 132% to the target's central part. RESULTS: The mean clinical (CTV) and planning target volume (PTV) was 89 cm³ (5-260 cm³) and 176 cm³ (20-422 cm³). A median progression-free survival time (PFS) of 4.2 months was obtained for the entire patient group, with a markedly increased PFS of 12 months in 13 patients suffering from an isolated metastasis of the adrenal gland. After a median follow-up of 21 months, 10 of 13 patients (77%) with isolated adrenal metastasis achieved local control. In these patients, median overall survival (OS) was 23 months. CONCLUSION: SBRT is a feasible and safe technique for lung cancer patients with adrenal gland metastasis. In patients with an isolated adrenal metastasis median OS of 23 months was excellent and comparable to data after surgical removal, but noninvasive. Acute side effects were mild.

Combination of dose escalation with technological advances (intensity-modulated and image-guided radiotherapy) is not associated with increased morbidity for patients with prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate treatment-related morbidity after intensity-modulated (IMRT) and image-guided (IGRT) radiotherapy with a total dose of 76 Gy in comparison to conventional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) up to 70.2-72 Gy for patients with prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients were prospectively surveyed prior to, on the last day, as well as after a median time of 2 and 16 months after RT using a validated questionnaire (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite). Criteria for the 78 matched pairs after IMRT vs. 3DCRT were patient age, use of antiandrogens, treatment volume (± whole pelvis), prognostic risk group, and urinary/bowel/sexual quality of life (QoL) before treatment. RESULTS: QoL changes after dose-escalated IMRT were found to be similar to QoL changes after 3DCRT in all domains. Only sexual function scores more than 1 year after RT decreased slightly more after 3DCRT in comparison to IMRT (mean 9 vs. 6 points; p = 0.04), with erections firm enough for intercourse in 14% vs. 30% (p = 0.03). Painful bowel movements were reported more frequently after 3DCRT vs. IMRT 2 months after treatment (≥ once a day in 10% vs. 1%; p = 0.03), but a tendency for higher rectal bleeding rates was found after IMRT vs. 3DCRT more than 1 year after RT (≥ rarely in 20% vs. 9%; p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Combination of dose escalation with technological advances (IMRT and IGRT) is not associated with increased morbidity for patients with prostate cancer.