1. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) in treatment of mucosal head and neck tumors : an international network for sharing practices on ECT (InspECT) study group reportGiulia Bertino, Marta Minuti, Aleš Grošelj, Črt Jamšek, Barbara Silvestri, Silvia Carpene, Paolo Matteucci, Giuseppe Riva, Giancarlo Pecorari, Matteo Mascherini, Gregor Serša, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electrochemotherapy (ECT) for the treatment of mucosal tumors in the head and neck. A total of 71 patients with 84 nodules of different histologies in the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx treated by ECT were evaluated. The data were collected from the InspECT database from 10 participating centers throughout Europe. Primary and recurrent/secondary tumors of different histologies were treated. The overall response rate was 65 %, with a 33 % complete response rate with limited side effects. The response rates of the primary and secondary tumors were not different. However, smaller tumors responded better than tumors larger than 3 cm in diameter. Furthermore, the tumors that were treated with curative intent responded significantly better than those treated with palliative intent. This study demonstrated the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of ECT in a larger cohort of patients with mucosal lesions in the head and neck region. Based on the available data, ECT can be used for the treatment of recurrent and, in some cases, primary mucosal tumors located in the oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx. A better response was obtained in patients with smaller primary tumors treated with curative intent.
Ključne besede: electrochemotherapy, mucosal cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, ECT
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 05.12.2025; Ogledov: 845; Prenosov: 238
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2. Long-term outcomes of reduced-dose bleomycin in electrochemotherapy for basal cell carcinoma in elderly patientsAleš Grošelj, Črt Jamšek, Simona Kranjc Brezar, Maja Čemažar, Maša Omerzel, Luka Pušnik, Gregor Serša, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a minimally invasive treatment option for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is particularly advantageous in the elderly population. This study evaluated the long-term effects of treating BCC in older patients using ECT with a reduced dose of bleomycin (10,000 IU/m2) and compared the results to patients who received the standard dose of bleomycin (15,000 IU/m2). The retrospective analysis included 116 patients aged over 65 years with 257 histologically confirmed BCCs. Tumors were treated with either the standard dose (n = 82) or the reduced dose (n = 175) of bleomycin. The results showed that the recurrence rate was comparable between the groups, particularly in the first year after treatment. The reduced-dose group exhibited a greater recurrence rate after the first year, which may be attributed to a weaker local immune response due to the de-escalated dose of bleomycin. Nonetheless, administering a standard bleomycin dosage as a salvage treatment in the event of recurrence proved highly effective. These findings suggest that ECT with a reduced bleomycin dose is a viable option for treating BCC in elderly patients, particularly those with shorter life expectancy.
Ključne besede: bleomycin, electrochemotherapy, head and neck, nonmelanoma skin cancer
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 25.11.2025; Ogledov: 629; Prenosov: 241
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3. Clinical and structural features of sperm head vacuoles in men included in the in vitro fertilization programmeNina Fekonja, Jasna Štrus, Magda Tušek-Žnidarič, Katja Knez, Eda Vrtačnik-Bokal, Ivan Verdenik, Irma Virant-Klun, 2014, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The human sperm head vacuoles and their role in male infertility are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical and ultrastructural features of human sperm head vacuoles in men included in the in vitro fertilization programme: men with normal (normozoospermia) and impaired sperm morphology (teratozoospermia). The sperm samples were observed under 6000-time magnification using motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME). The proportion of sperm with head vacuoles was evaluated and related to the outcome of in vitro fertilization. The sperm of men with impaired sperm morphology was characterized by a higher proportion of sperm head vacuoles. The sperm head vacuoles were related to impaired semen quality (sperm concentration, motility, and morphology) but were not influenced by male factors (semen volume, height, age, weight, or body mass index). Moreover, sperm head vacuoles were related to impaired fertilization rate merely after classical in vitro fertilization (IVF), while there was no relation to pregnancy. In a subgroup of men, the sperm was fixed and observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultrastructural study revealed that sperm head vacuoles are large nuclear indentations of various sizes and positions, packed with membranous material organized in membrane whorls (MW).
Ključne besede: human sperm head vacuoles, male infertility
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.03.2025; Ogledov: 760; Prenosov: 906
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4. Forward head posture in sports-involved childrenBoris Karasek, Miloš Kojić, Evelin Varga, Tijana Šćepanović, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Purpose: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common cervical postural fault in the sagittal plane that can cause various issues and conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of FHP among sports-involved children and to examine the differences in craniovertebral angle (CVA) with regard to gender, age, neck pain, and the sports in which they participate.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 sports-involved chil-dren (76 males and 78 females), aged 11–14, participating in various sports (basket-ball, football, volleyball, and athletics). After obtaining signed consent, photography of the sagittal view was performed in a standing position, which was then used to measure the CVA using the Web Plot Digitizer software. A questionnaire was used to gather data about gender, age, sports in which a participant is involved, presence of neck pain, and pain scale.Results: Among the 154 children, 37 (24.03%) exhibited FHP (15 males, 22 fema-les). The mean CVA for the entire sample was 51.30° ± 6.20°. Female participants had a significantly lower CVA (p = .021) compared to male participants. No significant differences were found with regard to age, presence of neck pain, or engagement in a specific sport.Conclusion: FHP is present in sports-involved children, with a higher prevalence among females
Ključne besede: forward head posture, craniovertebral angle, children, physical activity, sport, ages 11 - 14
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 29.10.2024; Ogledov: 858; Prenosov: 542
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5. Expression of DNA-damage response and repair genes after exposure to DNA-damaging agents in isogenic head and neck cells with altered radiosensitivityVesna Todorović, Blaž Grošelj, Maja Čemažar, Ajda Prevc, Martina Nikšić Žakelj, Primož Strojan, Gregor Serša, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: Increased radioresistance due to previous irradiation or radiosensitivity due to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection can be observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The DNA-damage response of cells after exposure to DNA-damaging agents plays a crucial role in determining the fate of exposed cells. Tightly regulated and interconnected signaling networks are activated to detect, signal the presence of and repair the DNA damage. Novel therapies targeting the DNA-damage response are emerging; however, an improved understanding of the complex signaling networks involved in tumor radioresistance and radiosensitivity is needed. Materials and methods: In this study, we exposed isogenic human HNSCC cell lines with altered radiosensitivity to DNA-damaging agents: radiation, cisplatin and bleomycin. We investigated transcriptional alterations in the DNA-damage response by using a pathway-focused panel and reverse-transcription quantitative PCR. Results: In general, the isogenic cell lines with altered radiosensitivity significantly differed from one another in the expression of genes involved in the DNA-damage response. The radiosensitive (HPV-positive) cells showed overall decreases in the expression levels of the studied genes. In parental cells, upregulation of DNA-damage signaling and repair genes was observed following exposure to DNA-damaging agents, especially radiation. In contrast, radioresistant cells exhibited a distinct pattern of gene downregulation after exposure to cisplatin, whereas the levels in parental cells were unchanged. Exposure of radioresistant cells to bleomycin did not significantly affect the expression of DNA-damage signaling and repair genes. Conclusions: Our analysis identified several possible targets: NBN, XRCC3, ATR, GADD45A and XPA. These putative targets should be studied and potentially exploited for sensibilization to ionizing radiation and/or cisplatin in HNSCC. The use of predesigned panels of DNA-damage signaling and repair genes proved to offer a convenient and quick approach to identify possible therapeutic targets.
Ključne besede: DNA-damaging agents, gene expression, head and neck cancer, squamous cell carcinoma
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Ogledov: 1539; Prenosov: 482
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6. Assessment of hyperbaric oxygenation treatment response in parotid glands by T2 mapping following radiotherapy for head and neck tumoursJernej Vidmar, Ksenija Cankar, Maja Grošelj, Žarko Finderle, Igor Serša, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Background: The study was designed to evaluate the influence of hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HBOT) on the parotid gland in patients following radiotherapy for head and neck tumours. Patients and methods: HBOT response was monitored by 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using T 2 mapping and subsequent measurement of mean T 2 and T 2 variability as well as by salivary tests (salivary flow, buffer capacity, and pH). Eighteen patients previously treated with irradiation doses between 50 and 80 Gy as well as 18 healthy gender and age matched controls were enrolled. MRI was performed prior to HBOT (40.2 ± 20 months after radiotherapy) and after 20 daily HBOT at 2.5 ATA (absolute atmosphere). Each HBOT consisted of breathing 100% oxygen for 90 minutes. Results: Significant differences in mean T 2 prior to HBOT were observed between the ipsilateral irradiated (121 ± 20 ms), contralateral parotids (107 ± 21) and control group (96 ± 12 ms). A positive correlation in patients between T 2 variability and irradiation dose was detected in contralateral parotids before HBOT (R = 0.489, p = 0.0287). In addition, negative correlations were observed between mean T 2 in the ipsilateral as well as the contralateral gland and salivary flow before and after HBOT. Negative correlations between mean T 2, T 2 variability and pH of unstimulated saliva were also observed in the sides of parotid before and after HBOT. Conclusions: The study confirmed that T 2 mapping had a potential for monitoring the differences between irradiated and normal parotid glands. It could also be useful in the assessment of the glandular tissue response to HBOT.
Ključne besede: MRI, T2 mapping, hyperbaric oxygenation therapy, head and neck tumours
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.07.2024; Ogledov: 1037; Prenosov: 651
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8. Combining radiotherapy and immunotherapy in definitive treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma : review of current clinical trialsGaber Plavc, Primož Strojan, 2020, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents as locally advanced disease in a majority of patients and is prone to relapse despite aggressive treatment. Since immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown clinically significant efficacy in patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC (R/M HNSCC), a plethora of trials are investigating their role in earlier stages of disease. At the same time, preclinical data showed the synergistic role of concurrently administered radiotherapy and ICIs (immunoradiotherapy) and explained several mechanisms behind it. Therefore, this approach is prospectively tested in a neoadjuvant, definitive, or adjuvant setting in non-R/M HNSCC patients. Due to the intricate relationship between host, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, each of these approaches has its advantages and disadvantages. In this narrative review we present the biological background of immunoradiotherapy, as well as a rationale for, and possible flaws of, each treatment approach, and provide readers with a critical summary of completed and ongoing trials. Conclusions. While immunotherapy with ICIs has already become a standard part of treatment in patients with R/M HNSCC, its efficacy in a non-R/M HNSCC setting is still the subject of extensive clinical testing. Irradiation can overcome some of the cancer%s immune evasive manoeuvres and can lead to a synergistic effect with ICIs, with possible additional benefits of concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy. However, the efficacy of this combination is not robust and details in trial design and treatment delivery seem to be of unprecedented importance.
Ključne besede: head and neck neoplasms, immunoradiotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy
Objavljeno v DiRROS: 16.07.2024; Ogledov: 1095; Prenosov: 340
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