1. Phase I trial of phIL12 plasmid intratumoral gene electrotransfer in patients with basal cell carcinoma in head and neck regionPrimož Strojan, Tanja Jesenko, Maša Omerzel, Črt Jamšek, Aleš Grošelj, Urša Lampreht Tratar, Boštjan Markelc, Gorana Gašljević, Alojz Ihan, Franc Smrekar, Matjaž Peterka, Maja Čemažar, Gregor Serša, 2025, original scientific article Keywords: phase I clinical trial, phIL12 plasmid, interleukin-12, gene electrotransfer, basal cell carcinoma
Published in DiRROS: 13.04.2026; Views: 152; Downloads: 121
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2. Poobsevalna kserostomija in njeno zdravljenje z alogenskimi mezenhimskim stromalnimi matičnimi celicamiPrimož Strojan, Marko Kokalj, Gaber Plavc, Goran Mitrović, Olga Blatnik, Luka Ležaič, Aljaž Sočan, Aljoša Bavec, Nataša Tešić, Katrina Pretnar-Hartman, Urban Švajger, 2025, published scientific conference contribution abstract Keywords: obsevanje, radioterapija, onkologija
Published in DiRROS: 11.03.2026; Views: 246; Downloads: 109
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3. Human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma exhibits enhanced radiosensitivity despite limited activation of cytosolic DNA sensing pathways and innate immune responsesKristina Levpušček, Tanja Jesenko, Tilen Komel, Simona Kranjc Brezar, Gregor Serša, Maja Čemažar, Primož Strojan, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a significant health concern, with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) playing a key role in the etiology of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). HPV16-related OPSCC exhibits enhanced radiosensitivity compared to HPV16-unrelated PSCC, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. As HPV16 oncoproteins E6 and E7 are known to interfere with innate immune signaling, we investigated how modulation of cytosolic DNA sensing pathways and innate immune responses changes after irradiation (IR) and whether this contributes to enhanced radiosensitivity in HPV16-related OPSCC. Materials and methods Using HPV16-related and -unrelated PSCC models, we examined baseline expression levels of DNA sensors and cytokines and assessed the effects of IR on double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) accumulation, activation of cytosolic DNA sensors, cytokines, and immune cell infiltration both in vitro and in vivo. Analyses were performed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescent staining. Results HPV16-related OPSCC exhibited a distinct baseline expression profile of DNA sensors and cytokines, consistent with suppression of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. While IR-induced activation of DNA sensors was dose- and time-dependent across models, HPV16-related OPSCC showed selective activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and STING without significant cytokine upregulation or immune activation. In contrast, HPV16-related and unrelated PSCCs displayed activation of multiple DNA sensors, increased cytokine expression, and enhanced immune cell infiltration following IR. Conclusions The key finding was that the involvement of cytosolic DNA sensing pathways and innate immune system do not increase radiosensitivity of HPV16-related OPSCC. In PSCC models, DNA sensor and cytokine expression varied depending on IR dose and fractionation.
Keywords: human papillomavirus, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, radiosensitivity
Published in DiRROS: 16.01.2026; Views: 310; Downloads: 143
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4. Induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for larynx preservation in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancerPrimož Strojan, Gaber Plavc, Robert Šifrer, Simona Jereb, Boštjan Lanišnik, Marko Kokalj, Aleš Grošelj, Cvetka Grašič-Kuhar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: To test the hypothesis that clinical tumor response after a single cycle of induction chemotherapy (ICT) can reliably differentiate between chemo-/radiosensitive and resistant tumors in the larynx preservation setting. Patients and methods Treatment consisted of docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (TPF) ICT followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT) with weekly cisplatin. The response of the primary tumor was assessed by transnasal endoscopy after the first ICT cycle. Results 37/39 (95%) patients with laryngeal (46%) or hypopharyngeal (54%) carcinoma responded to one cycle of ICT, and two patients were referred for salvage surgery. Laryngectomy-free survival at 2 and 5 years was 87% and 75%, respectively. The corresponding rates for locoregional control (and also for disease-free survival) were 79% and 70% and for overall survival 92% and 82%. Conclusions Clinical assessment of tumor response to one cycle of TPF ICT serves as a valid and easy-to-use predictor of tumor sensitivity to platinum-based cCRT.
Keywords: induction chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, arynx preservation
Published in DiRROS: 16.01.2026; Views: 344; Downloads: 365
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5. Gene therapy of rare diseases as a milestone in medicine : overview of the field and report on initial experiences in SloveniaUrh Grošelj, Marko Kavčič, Ana Drole Torkar, Jan Kafol, Duško Lainšček, Roman Jerala, Matjaž Sever, Samo Zver, Gregor Serša, Maja Čemažar, Primož Strojan, Aleš Grošelj, Mojca Žerjav-Tanšek, Špela Miroševič, Simona Ivančan, Tomaž Prelog, David Gosar, Jasna Oražem, Matej Mlinarič, Sara Bertok, Jernej Kovač, Jana Kodrič, Saba Battelino, Marko Pokorn, Alojz Ihan, Janez Jazbec, Tadej Battelino, Damjan Osredkar, 2025, review article Abstract: Gene therapy has transitioned from a long-awaited promise to a clinical reality, offering transformative treatments for rare congenital diseases and certain cancers, which have a significant impact on patients’ lives. Current approaches focus on gene replacement therapy, either in vivo or ex vivo, mostly utilizing viral vectors to deliver therapeutic genes into target cells. However, refining these techniques is essential to overcome challenges and complications associated with gene therapy to ensure long-term safety and efficacy. Slovenia has witnessed significant advancements in this field since 2018, marked by successful gene therapy trials and treatments for various rare diseases. Significant strides have been made in the field of gene therapy in Slovenia, treating patients with spinal muscular atrophy and rare metabolic disorders, including the pioneering work on CTNNB1 syndrome. Additionally, immune gene therapy, exemplified by IL-12 adjuvant therapy for cancer, has been a focus of research in Slovenia. Through patient-centred initiatives and international collaborations, researchers in Slovenia are advancing preclinical research and clinical trials, paving the way for accessible gene therapies. Establishing clinical infrastructure and genomic diagnostics for rare diseases is crucial for gene therapy implementation. Efforts in this regard in Slovenia, including the establishment of a Centre for Rare Diseases, Centre for the Technologies of Gene and Cell Therapy, and rapid genomic diagnostics, demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care. Despite the promises of gene therapy, challenges remain, including cost, distribution, efficacy, and long-term safety. Collaborative efforts are essential to address these challenges and ensure equitable access to innovative therapies for patients with rare diseases.
Keywords: gene therapy, rare genetic diseases, Slovenia, CAR-T cells, cancer, immune gene therapy
Published in DiRROS: 04.12.2025; Views: 528; Downloads: 328
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6. Temporal variability in the incidence and risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula development after total laryngectomyRobert Šifrer, Maja Dolenc-Novak, Sara Bitenc, Simon Fugina, Luka Jesenko, Primož Strojan, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: The pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a pathologic canal connecting the pharyngeal lumen with the skin of the neck occurring after a total laryngectomy (TLE), the removal of the entire larynx. The incidence of PCF ranges from 0% to 80%. Our study aimed to identify the temporal changes in PCF incidence over an extended period and determine the risk factors for increases in the PCF rate. By reviewing patient data from 2004 to 2022, we discovered a total incidence of 26.7%. This study revealed four high-incidence periods, averaging 37.61%, each followed by lower-incidence periods of 19.38%. The surgical wound infection and a history of head and neck cancer along with its related treatments were identified as independent risk factors during most of the high-incidence periods. The continuous monitoring of patients following TLE can assist providers in the better prediction and, consequently, timely management of PCF, ultimately improving patient outcomes after TLE.
Published in DiRROS: 28.11.2025; Views: 490; Downloads: 285
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8. Melanom : informacije o bolezni in zdravljenjuJanja Ocvirk, Marko Hočevar, Primož Strojan, Borut Žgavec, 2008, dictionary, encyclopaedia, lexicon, manual, atlas, map Published in DiRROS: 02.09.2025; Views: 529; Downloads: 190
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10. Timski pristop k zdravljenju raka glave in vratuPrimož Strojan, Cvetka Grašič-Kuhar, Branko Zakotnik, 2025, dictionary, encyclopaedia, lexicon, manual, atlas, map Keywords: timska obravnava, stranski učinki, bolniki, zdravstveni nasveti
Published in DiRROS: 07.08.2025; Views: 744; Downloads: 257
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