Podcasts about scchn

Please visit answersincme.com/PQD860 to participate, download slides and supporting materials, complete the post test, and obtain credit. In this activity, an expert in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) discusses the clinical potential of antagonists of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) for unresected, locally advanced SCCHN. Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to: Identify the rationale for investigating the use of antagonists of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) in the treatment of unresected locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN); Discuss the latest efficacy and safety data for emerging IAP antagonists for the treatment of unresected LA SCCHN; and Outline clinical considerations for future use of IAP antagonists in unresected LA SCCHN.

CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 22-12-2024 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/accelerating-evidence-based-care-in-la-scchn/16196/ The emergence of early clinical endpoints compared to the current gold standard of overall survival may change the landscape of how clinical trials are designed as well as how patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN) are managed. At the forefront of this change are unique small molecule agents that help to overcome the inhibitory influence of tumors on the apoptotic pathway. Join Drs. Ezra Cohen and Susan Yom as they focus on why utilizing early endpoints in clinical trials, and eventually the clinic, may provide therapeutic advantages compared to our current gold standard of overall survival.=

CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 22-12-2024 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/how-modulation-of-apoptotic-pathways-can-fill-important-unmet-needs-in-la-scchn/16195/ The treatment of LA SCCHN has remained largely unchanged for >2 decades and the standard of care, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with high-dose cisplatin, is associated with substantial toxicity and limited efficacy. SMAC mimetic modulation of apoptosis and tumor cell death may well change that dynamic. Join Drs. Jonathan Schoenfeld and Robert Ferris as they focus attention on this unmet need and critically evaluate how therapeutic modulation of the apoptotic pathway may improve patient outcomes.=

CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 15-11-2024 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/revolutionary-approaches-to-improving-outcomes-in-unresected-la-scchn/15657/ Join our international multidisciplinary panel of experts in exploring revolutionary approaches to treating patients with unresectable locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The panel will address key aspects of patient management, including new and emerging therapies, the clinical significance of early endpoints used in clinical trials, and future directions in treatment.=

Do you know the best management for your patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN)? Credit available for this activity expires: 10/19/24 Earn Credit / Learning Objectives & Disclosures: https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/997487?ecd=bdc_podcast_libsyn_mscpedu

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - After More Than a Decade: Can We Now Enhance Treatment of Patients With LA SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - After More Than a Decade: Can We Now Enhance Treatment of Patients With LA SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - After More Than a Decade: Can We Now Enhance Treatment of Patients With LA SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - After More Than a Decade: Can We Now Enhance Treatment of Patients With LA SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - When CPS is Between 1 and 19, How Would You Manage Recurrent/Metastatic SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - When CPS is Between 1 and 19, How Would You Manage Recurrent/Metastatic SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - When CPS is Between 1 and 19, How Would You Manage Recurrent/Metastatic SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - When CPS is Between 1 and 19, How Would You Manage Recurrent/Metastatic SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - When CPS is Between 1 and 19, How Would You Manage Recurrent/Metastatic SCCHN?

Kevin Harrington, PhD, FRCR, FRCP - When CPS is Between 1 and 19, How Would You Manage Recurrent/Metastatic SCCHN?

CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 13-02-2024 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/recent-advances-and-emerging-approaches-in-the-treatment-of-recurrentmetastatic-scchn-matching-the-patient-to-the-optimal-therapy/14495/ While key clinical trials inform our management philosophy for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN), the paucity of predictive markers, limited guidance to treatment sequencing, and inherent therapeutic toxicity provide challenges for both clinicians and patients. How can we best stratify our patients to ensure the most optimal outcomes? Join Drs. Ezra Cohen and Petr Szturz as they offer cogent answers to the difficult questions you face in your daily medical practice.=

Host: Ezra Cohen, MD, FRCPSC, FASCO Guest: Petr Szturz, MD, PhD While key clinical trials inform our management philosophy for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN), the paucity of predictive markers, limited guidance to treatment sequencing, and inherent therapeutic toxicity provide challenges for both clinicians and patients. How can we best stratify our patients to ensure the most optimal outcomes? Join Drs. Ezra Cohen and Petr Szturz as they offer cogent answers to the difficult questions you face in your daily medical practice.

Novel strategies are needed to improve outcomes for patients with LA SCCHN. Enhancing chemoradiation by targeting Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins (IAPs) – a class of proteins that regulate apoptosis and modulate immune responses – is currently the most promising strategy, and a phase III clinical trial is underway. Alternative targeted therapies in combination with (chemo)radiation are also being investigated. Dr. Yungan Tao, Dr. Jonathan Schoenfeld, and Dr. Ezra Cohen review the available data for targeting IAPs and consider the future treatment landscape for patients with LA SCCHN. 

Based on improved survival, PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (± chemotherapy) have become the standard of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic SCCHN. However, in patients with locally advanced disease, the results of several clinical trials evaluating the addition of PD-(L)1 inhibitors to conventional chemoradiotherapy have been disappointing. Dr. Ezra Cohen, Dr. Yungan Tao, and Dr. Jonathan Schoenfeld discuss the potential reasons for immunotherapy failure, promising neoadjuvant immunotherapy approaches, and some ongoing, eagerly awaited trials that will hopefully help to define the role of immunotherapy in LA SCCHN.

More than half of patients with head and neck cancer present with locally advanced disease, and high-risk patients continue to have a poor prognosis. The treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA SCCHN) is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Dr. Jonathan Schoenfeld, Dr. Ezra Cohen, and Dr. Yungan Tao discuss the current treatment strategies for these patients and challenges in achieving cure while preserving function and quality of life.

CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 29-12-2022 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/unravel-global-clinical-complexities-in-head-and-neck-cancers-identifying-approaches-to-improve-outcomes-with-manageable-toxicities/13056/ Formulating individualized treatment plans for patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) is increasingly essential and increasingly complex. Newer regimens have become the standard of care because of their efficacy in overall survival and reduced toxicities. So how do we deploy them now that they're in our treatment armamentarium? Join Drs. Joël Guigay and Kevin Harrington as they explore the role of IO as the standard of care in SCCHN and discuss the potential of taxanes to reduce dependence on fluorouracil-based chemotherapeutic regimens. Tune in to make sure you're meeting the needs of your patients' with SCCHN.

CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 14-12-2022 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/unravel-global-clinical-complexities-in-head-and-neck-cancers-identifying-approaches-to-improve-outcomes-with-manageable-toxicities/13056/ Formulating individualized treatment plans for patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) is increasingly essential and increasingly complex. Newer regimens have become the standard of care because of their efficacy in overall survival and reduced toxicities. So how do we deploy them now that they're in our treatment armamentarium? Join Drs. Joël Guigay and Kevin Harrington as they explore the role of IO as the standard of care in SCCHN and discuss the potential of taxanes to reduce dependence on fluorouracil-based chemotherapeutic regimens. Tune in to make sure you're meeting the needs of your patients' with SCCHN.

Host: Joël Guigay, MD, PhD Guest: Kevin J. Harrington, MD Formulating individualized treatment plans for patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN) is increasingly essential and increasingly complex. Newer regimens have become the standard of care because of their efficacy in overall survival and reduced toxicities. So how do we deploy them now that they're in our treatment armamentarium? Join Drs. Joël Guigay and Kevin Harrington as they explore the role of IO as the standard of care in SCCHN and discuss the potential of taxanes to reduce dependence on fluorouracil-based chemotherapeutic regimens. Tune in to make sure you're meeting the needs of your patients' with SCCHN.

Go online to PeerView.com/XFY860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Already a cornerstone of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), immune checkpoint inhibitors are being explored in earlier treatment settings and in combination with other pillars of SCCHN care (such as surgery and radiotherapy). In this MasterClass activity, based on a recent live symposium held in Chicago, Illinois, during the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, experts in head and neck (HNC) explore the evidence that is redefining the role of immunotherapy in HNC and offer insight on applications of new evidence on immunotherapy in HNC, as well as its future as a part of multimodal treatment plans. This activity also features a dedicated “Tumor Board” session designed to provide useful guidance on integrating checkpoint inhibitors into care—from the selection of upfront immunotherapy to the role of clinical trials as options for patients eligible for immune treatment. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Summarize evidence on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other strategies in recurrent/metastatic, locally advanced, or resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including as upfront treatment or after progression on platinum chemotherapy, Identify patients with head and neck cancer who are eligible to receive immunotherapy as part of multimodal care across the disease spectrum, including in the context of a clinical trial, Manage immune-related adverse events in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Go online to PeerView.com/XFY860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Already a cornerstone of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), immune checkpoint inhibitors are being explored in earlier treatment settings and in combination with other pillars of SCCHN care (such as surgery and radiotherapy). In this MasterClass activity, based on a recent live symposium held in Chicago, Illinois, during the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, experts in head and neck (HNC) explore the evidence that is redefining the role of immunotherapy in HNC and offer insight on applications of new evidence on immunotherapy in HNC, as well as its future as a part of multimodal treatment plans. This activity also features a dedicated “Tumor Board” session designed to provide useful guidance on integrating checkpoint inhibitors into care—from the selection of upfront immunotherapy to the role of clinical trials as options for patients eligible for immune treatment. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Summarize evidence on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other strategies in recurrent/metastatic, locally advanced, or resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including as upfront treatment or after progression on platinum chemotherapy, Identify patients with head and neck cancer who are eligible to receive immunotherapy as part of multimodal care across the disease spectrum, including in the context of a clinical trial, Manage immune-related adverse events in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Go online to PeerView.com/XFY860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Already a cornerstone of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), immune checkpoint inhibitors are being explored in earlier treatment settings and in combination with other pillars of SCCHN care (such as surgery and radiotherapy). In this MasterClass activity, based on a recent live symposium held in Chicago, Illinois, during the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, experts in head and neck (HNC) explore the evidence that is redefining the role of immunotherapy in HNC and offer insight on applications of new evidence on immunotherapy in HNC, as well as its future as a part of multimodal treatment plans. This activity also features a dedicated “Tumor Board” session designed to provide useful guidance on integrating checkpoint inhibitors into care—from the selection of upfront immunotherapy to the role of clinical trials as options for patients eligible for immune treatment. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Summarize evidence on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other strategies in recurrent/metastatic, locally advanced, or resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including as upfront treatment or after progression on platinum chemotherapy, Identify patients with head and neck cancer who are eligible to receive immunotherapy as part of multimodal care across the disease spectrum, including in the context of a clinical trial, Manage immune-related adverse events in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Go online to PeerView.com/XFY860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Already a cornerstone of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), immune checkpoint inhibitors are being explored in earlier treatment settings and in combination with other pillars of SCCHN care (such as surgery and radiotherapy). In this MasterClass activity, based on a recent live symposium held in Chicago, Illinois, during the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, experts in head and neck (HNC) explore the evidence that is redefining the role of immunotherapy in HNC and offer insight on applications of new evidence on immunotherapy in HNC, as well as its future as a part of multimodal treatment plans. This activity also features a dedicated “Tumor Board” session designed to provide useful guidance on integrating checkpoint inhibitors into care—from the selection of upfront immunotherapy to the role of clinical trials as options for patients eligible for immune treatment. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Summarize evidence on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other strategies in recurrent/metastatic, locally advanced, or resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including as upfront treatment or after progression on platinum chemotherapy, Identify patients with head and neck cancer who are eligible to receive immunotherapy as part of multimodal care across the disease spectrum, including in the context of a clinical trial, Manage immune-related adverse events in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Go online to PeerView.com/XFY860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Already a cornerstone of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), immune checkpoint inhibitors are being explored in earlier treatment settings and in combination with other pillars of SCCHN care (such as surgery and radiotherapy). In this MasterClass activity, based on a recent live symposium held in Chicago, Illinois, during the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, experts in head and neck (HNC) explore the evidence that is redefining the role of immunotherapy in HNC and offer insight on applications of new evidence on immunotherapy in HNC, as well as its future as a part of multimodal treatment plans. This activity also features a dedicated “Tumor Board” session designed to provide useful guidance on integrating checkpoint inhibitors into care—from the selection of upfront immunotherapy to the role of clinical trials as options for patients eligible for immune treatment. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Summarize evidence on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other strategies in recurrent/metastatic, locally advanced, or resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including as upfront treatment or after progression on platinum chemotherapy, Identify patients with head and neck cancer who are eligible to receive immunotherapy as part of multimodal care across the disease spectrum, including in the context of a clinical trial, Manage immune-related adverse events in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Go online to PeerView.com/XFY860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Already a cornerstone of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), immune checkpoint inhibitors are being explored in earlier treatment settings and in combination with other pillars of SCCHN care (such as surgery and radiotherapy). In this MasterClass activity, based on a recent live symposium held in Chicago, Illinois, during the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, experts in head and neck (HNC) explore the evidence that is redefining the role of immunotherapy in HNC and offer insight on applications of new evidence on immunotherapy in HNC, as well as its future as a part of multimodal treatment plans. This activity also features a dedicated “Tumor Board” session designed to provide useful guidance on integrating checkpoint inhibitors into care—from the selection of upfront immunotherapy to the role of clinical trials as options for patients eligible for immune treatment. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Summarize evidence on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other strategies in recurrent/metastatic, locally advanced, or resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including as upfront treatment or after progression on platinum chemotherapy, Identify patients with head and neck cancer who are eligible to receive immunotherapy as part of multimodal care across the disease spectrum, including in the context of a clinical trial, Manage immune-related adverse events in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Go online to PeerView.com/XFY860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Already a cornerstone of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), immune checkpoint inhibitors are being explored in earlier treatment settings and in combination with other pillars of SCCHN care (such as surgery and radiotherapy). In this MasterClass activity, based on a recent live symposium held in Chicago, Illinois, during the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, experts in head and neck (HNC) explore the evidence that is redefining the role of immunotherapy in HNC and offer insight on applications of new evidence on immunotherapy in HNC, as well as its future as a part of multimodal treatment plans. This activity also features a dedicated “Tumor Board” session designed to provide useful guidance on integrating checkpoint inhibitors into care—from the selection of upfront immunotherapy to the role of clinical trials as options for patients eligible for immune treatment. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Summarize evidence on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other strategies in recurrent/metastatic, locally advanced, or resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including as upfront treatment or after progression on platinum chemotherapy, Identify patients with head and neck cancer who are eligible to receive immunotherapy as part of multimodal care across the disease spectrum, including in the context of a clinical trial, Manage immune-related adverse events in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with other treatment modalities.

Go online to PeerView.com/XFY860 to view the activity, download slides and practice aids, and complete the post-test to earn credit. Already a cornerstone of care for patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), immune checkpoint inhibitors are being explored in earlier treatment settings and in combination with other pillars of SCCHN care (such as surgery and radiotherapy). In this MasterClass activity, based on a recent live symposium held in Chicago, Illinois, during the 2019 ASCO Annual Meeting, experts in head and neck (HNC) explore the evidence that is redefining the role of immunotherapy in HNC and offer insight on applications of new evidence on immunotherapy in HNC, as well as its future as a part of multimodal treatment plans. This activity also features a dedicated “Tumor Board” session designed to provide useful guidance on integrating checkpoint inhibitors into care—from the selection of upfront immunotherapy to the role of clinical trials as options for patients eligible for immune treatment. Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to: Summarize evidence on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as single agents or in combination with other strategies in recurrent/metastatic, locally advanced, or resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, Integrate immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including as upfront treatment or after progression on platinum chemotherapy, Identify patients with head and neck cancer who are eligible to receive immunotherapy as part of multimodal care across the disease spectrum, including in the context of a clinical trial, Manage immune-related adverse events in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck receiving immunotherapy as single agents or in combination with other treatment modalities.

CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 19-07-2020 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/the-growing-burden-of-hpv-associated-cancers/10850/ As the burden of HPV-associated cancers like cervical cancer and oropharyngeal cancers, which are a subset of squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN), continues to grow, are there emerging treatments that may lead to more optimal outcomes? Join oncology experts in both areas of focus as they discuss treatment approaches for SCCHN and cervical cancer.

Der in der Therapie von metastasiertem KRK und SCCHN etablierte Antikörper Cetuximab hat als häufige Nebenwirkungen Hypocalcämie, Hypomagnesiämie und ein akneiformes Exanthem. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde untersucht, ob die Verläufe der Serumspiegel von Magnesium und Calcium sowie das Auftreten eines akneiformen Exanthems mit Baseline Patientenmerkmalen assoziiert ist. Zusätzlich wurden diese drei Nebenwirkungen mit dem Therapieansprechen und den Überlebenszeiten (PFS und OS) korreliert. Der Abfall des Serummagnesiumspiegels war dabei über die Therapiedauer progredient. Erstmals konnte ein stärkerer Abfall des Serummagnesiums nachgewiesen werden wenn neben Cetuximab eine Chemotherapie mit einem Platinderivat benutzt wurde. Keine der Baselinecharakteristika der Patienten war mit dem Auftreten einer Hypomagnesiämie assoziiert. In der Untergruppe der Patienten mit metastasierten kolorektalen Karzinom war ein Abfall des Magnesiumwertes um mehr als 5% des Ausgangswert nach zwei Therapiewochen signifikant mit einem längeren progressionsfreien Überleben und Gesamtüberleben assoziiert. Für das Auftreten einer Hypocalcämie fand sich eine eingeschränkte Nierenfunktion vor Therapiebeginn als unabhängiger Risikofaktor. Im Mittel fiel der Calciumwert nur um 3-5% vom Ausgangswert ab und verblieb dann auf diesem Niveau. Ein Abfall des Calciumwertes nach sechs Wochen Therapie auf weniger als 93,9% des Ausgangswertes war mit einem signifikant kürzerem Gesamtüberleben assoziiert. Das Auftreten eines akneiformen Exanthems korrelierte zwar mit dem der Hypomagnesiämie, es konnten jedoch nur leichte, nicht statistisch signifikante Vorteile im Gesamtüberleben und dem progressionsfreien Überleben für die hier untersuchte heterogene Patientengruppe festgestellt werden. In der täglichen Praxis sollte unter einer Therapie mit Cetuximab regelmäßige Kontrollen des Magnesiumspiegels durchgeführt werden. Nur so kann erkannt werden, dass unspezifische Beschwerden der Patienten wie Müdigkeit nicht nur tumorbedingt sondern eventuell auch durch Cetuximabtherapie bedingt sind.

Q and A session wtih Dr. Ezra Cohen, medical oncologist from the University of Chicago, after his expert overview of head/neck cancer and specific discussion of role of post-operative chemotherapy.

Q and A session wtih Dr. Ezra Cohen, medical oncologist from the University of Chicago, after his expert overview of head/neck cancer and specific discussion of role of post-operative chemotherapy.

Dr. Ezra Cohen, medical oncologist from the University of Chicago, provides expert overview of head/neck cancer and specific discussion of role of post-operative chemotherapy.

Dr. Ezra Cohen, medical oncologist from the University of Chicago, provides expert overview of head/neck cancer and specific discussion of role of post-operative chemotherapy.

Q and A session following presentation on history & general approaches for radiation, with focus on head/neck cancer, by Dr. Alex Lin, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Univ. of Pennsylvania.

Q and A session following presentation on history & general approaches for radiation, with focus on head/neck cancer, by Dr. Alex Lin, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Univ. of Pennsylvania.

Lecture on history and general approaches for radiation, with specific attention to its role in post-operative treatment of head/neck cancer, by Dr. Alex Lin, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Univ. of Pennsylvania.

Lecture on history and general approaches for radiation, with specific attention to its role in post-operative treatment of head/neck cancer, by Dr. Alex Lin, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Univ. of Pennsylvania.

Introduction The zeta-chain as an important component of the T cell receptor (TCR) is involved in the transduction of intracellular signals and is therefore critical for T cell activation and subsequent induction of an anti-tumor response. In patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) several mechanisms of immune suppression have been described. The expression of the TCR -chain of both peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been analysed in patients with SCCHN and correlated to clinical data. Methods TIL and PBL from 47 patients with SCCHN were obtained. To determine expression of the zeta-chain in both PBLs and TILs, double immunostaining with mAbs and flow cytometric analysis was performed. The technique combined an intracellular staining with a surface staining. Results As compared to healthy controls (n=23), zeta-chain expression was significantly reduced (p

Background: Clinical outcome of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN) depends on several risk factors like the presence of locoregional lymph node or distant metastases, stage, localisation and histologic differentiation of the tumour. Circulating tumour cells in the bone marrow indicate a poor prognosis for patients with various kinds of malignoma. The present study examines the clinical relevance of occult tumour cells in patients suffering from SCCHN. Patients and Methods: Bone marrow aspirates of 176 patients suffering from SCCHN were obtained prior to surgery and stained for the presence of disseminated tumour cells. Antibodies for cytokeratin 19 were used for immunohistochemical detection with APAAP on cytospin slides. Within a clinical follow-up protocol over a period of 60 months, the prognostic relevance of several clinicopathological parameters and occult tumour cells was evaluated. Results: Single CK19-expressing tumour cells could be detected in the bone marrow of 30.7% of the patients. There is a significant correlation between occult tumour cells in the bone marrow and relapse. Uni- and multivariate analysis of all clinical data showed the metastases in the locoregional lymph system and detection of disseminated tumour cells in the bone marrow to be statistically highly significant for clinical prognosis. Conclusion: The detection of minimal residual disease underlines the understanding of SCCHN as a systemic disease. Further examination of such cells will lead to a better understanding of the tumour biology, as well as to improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Das epitheliale Adhäsionsmolekül EpCAM wird insbesondere in gesunden Adenoepithelien exprimiert, nicht aber in den mukösen Plattenepithelien der oberen Atem- und Verdauungswege. Aus diesen Geweben hervorgehende Plattenepithelkarzinome dagegen zeigen eine Überexpression von EpCAM. Die Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit zeigen zudem, dass die Plattenepithelkarzinome der Kopf-Hals-Region EpCAM außerdem in einer hyperglykosilierten Proteinvariante exprimieren, die das Ergebnis posttranskriptioneller Modifikation ist. So konnte gezeigt werden, dass in gesundem und in malignem Gewebe tatsächlich unterschiedliche Glykosilierungsformen von EpCAM vorliegen: In gesundem Gewebe wird EpCAM als unglykosiliertes Protein von 37 kDa exprimiert. Das aus Tumorgewebe stammende EpCAM hingegen war in den untersuchten Karzinomzelllinien aus SCCHN, Mamma- und Kolon und in den Gewebsproben aus Patienten mit SCCHN und mit Kolonkarzinomen hyperglykosiliert. Dabei zeigten die Karzinome ein heterogenes Bild mit unterschiedlichen Variationen und Kombinationen der verschiedenen Glykosilierungsformen. Gesundes EpCAM-positives Schilddrüsenepithel und auch gesunde Kolon- und Magenschleimhaut dagegen exprimierten vorwiegend unglykosilierte Formen von EpCAM. Innerhalb von Probenpaaren aus SCCHN und autologem Schilddrüsengewebe war EpCAM in den meisten Fällen (81,5 %) in der Karzinomprobe stärker glykosiliert als im gesunden Epithel, eine analoge Verteilung der Glykosilierungsmuster zeigten die Probenpaaren aus gesunder und neoplastisch veränderter Kolon- und Magenschleimhaut. In epithelialen Neoplasien wird EpCAM eine essentielle Bedeutung für die Karzinogenese zugeschrieben. Gleichzeitig dominieren in SCCHN und in anderen Karzinomen hyperglykosilierte Proteinvarianten von EpCAM, die in gesunden Epithelien nicht oder kaum anzutreffen sind. Man könnte daher vermuten, dass zwischen der posttranslationalen Hyperglykosilierung von EpCAM und den funktionellen Eigenschaften des tumorassoziierten Antigens in Karzinomzellen ein enger Zusammenhang besteht. Weitere Untersuchungen wären notwendig, um die molekulare Struktur und funktionelle Bedeutung der hyperglykosilierten Proteinvarianten von EpCAM in Karzinomen zu klären. Die Identifizierung karzinomspezifischer Epitope auf dem Glykoprotein EpCAM wäre Voraussetzung für die Entwicklung spezifischer Antikörpern, die hyperglykosiliertes EpCAM auf Karzinomzellen erkennen. Ziel wäre eine Immuntherapie mit EpCAM von hoher Karzinomspezifität und somit ein hoher therapeutischer Wirkungsgrad bei geringerer Toxizität. Für Patienten mit SCCHN könnte dies insbesondere bei minimal residual disease zu einer Verbesserung der bisher ungünstigen Prognose führen.