Objective: Preliminary data have demonstrated long-term efficacy of posterior nasal nerve (PNN) cryoablation in reducing rhinitis symptoms for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR). We sought to evaluate the impact of procedural cryoablation of the PNN on quality of life (QOL) in patients with AR and NAR. Methods: Adult patients undergoing PNN cryoablation for AR or NAR after appropriate medical therapy were included for analysis. Demographics, medical therapies, baseline rhinitis symptom (total nasal symptom score [TNSS]), and disease-specific QOL (mini-rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire [mini-RQLQ]) were recorded. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test for significant changes in baseline test scores posttreatment. Absolute and relative improvement in outcomes was determined for each participant. Secondary outcomes were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Fourteen patients were enrolled with a mean follow-up of 16.5 weeks. The TNSS and mini-RQLQ scores significantly improved after PNN cryoablation (median δs [interquartile range]: −4 [3] and −1.61 [1.08], respectively; both P = .0002). The minimal clinically important difference for the TNSS and mini-RQLQ was obtained in 92.9% of patients in each category. Relative mean percentage (%) improvement after PNN cryoablation in the TNSS and mini-RQLQ was 40.7% and 40.5% (standard deviation = 24.9 and 29.5, respectively), respectively, for all patients. Patients with NAR (n = 10) reported mean improvement of 41.3% (29.1) as measured by the TNSS and 49.6% (25.9) by mini-RQLQ. Patients with AR reported mean percentage improvement in TNSS and mini-RQLQ scores of 39.5% (12.1) and 24.6% (28.5), respectively. Patients who had been prescribed a nasal anticholinergic for management prior to PNN cryoablation had statistically significantly increased improvement in mini-RQLQ scores from pre- to post-procedure ( P = .0387). Conclusion: Surgical cryoablation of the PNN significantly improves both symptoms and disease-specific QOL in majority of patients with AR and NAR.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are malignancies that originate in the mucosal lining of the upper aerodigestive tract. Despite advances in therapeutic interventions, survival rates among HNSCC patients have remained static for years. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumor-initiating cells that are highly resistant to treatment, and are hypothesized to contribute to a significant fraction of tumor recurrences. Consequently, further investigations of how CSCs mediate recurrence may provide insights into novel druggable targets. A key element of recurrence involves the tumor's ability to evade immunosurveillance. Recent published reports suggest that CSCs possess immunosuppressive properties, however, the underlying mechanism have yet to be fully elucidated. To date, most groups have focused on the role of CSC-derived secretory proteins, such as cytokines and growth factors. Here, we review the established immunoregulatory role of exosomes derived from mixed tumor cell populations, and propose further study of CSC-derived exosomes may be warranted. Such studies may yield novel insights into new druggable targets, or lay the foundation for future exosome-based diagnostics.

Objective To determine the efficacy of preoperative gabapentin on patient-reported pain levels and postoperative opioid requirements following sinonasal surgery. Study Design Retrospective review. Setting Academic institution. Methods Patients undergoing sinonasal surgery between July 2019 and January 2020 were followed. Groups were divided into those that received 600 mg of oral gabapentin 1 hour preoperatively (gabapentin) and those that did not (control). Postoperatively, each patient was counseled to use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and oxycodone as needed for pain control. Patients completed a daily postoperative pain and medication log. Pain was measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) and opioid use by morphine equivalent dose (MED). Chi-square test and Wilcoxon test were used for data analysis. Results Fifty-seven patients were included (control, n = 28; gabapentin, n = 29). There was no significant difference in age, sex, or baseline Sinonasal Outcome Test–22 scores between the groups. The total MED, postoperative day (POD) 1-2 MED, POD 3-4 MED, and POD 5-6 MED did not differ significantly between the control (17.9, 12.2, 4.6, 1.5) and gabapentin (19.0, 8.9, 7.2, 3.5) groups ( P = .98, .25, .16, .44). The mean daily VAS score did not differ significantly between the control (3.1) and gabapentin (2.8) groups ( P = .81). The mean daily VAS score decreased significantly in both groups with each successive POD ( P = .004). Conclusion Preoperative gabapentin did not significantly reduce postoperative pain or opioid use. Postoperative discomfort following sinonasal surgery is mild, and opioid intake is minimal.

Objective This study sought to determine childbearing patterns and decision making among female otolaryngologists. Study Design Anonymous survey. Setting An anonymous survey was sent in 2020 to female otolaryngologists identified through their membership with the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Methods Data were analyzed concerning individual fertility and childbearing history, reflections regarding decision making, perceptions of workplace support, and estimations of objective childbearing potential. Results There were 398 responses. The mean age at first pregnancy was 32.3 years. Almost one-third of respondents who attempted to conceive (30.4%) were diagnosed with infertility. Of those who had their first pregnancy during training, 55% reported having substantial workplace support, as opposed to 70% of those whose first pregnancies followed completion of training ( P = .01). When asked what they would do differently in retrospect, most women with infertility (65.0%) would have attempted conception earlier; 41 (41.0%) would have used cryopreservation to extend fertility; and 14 (14.0%) would have gone into a different specialty. Conclusion Female otolaryngologist respondents have children later in life than the general population, and a substantial proportion face infertility or have regrets about family planning decisions and career decision making. Increased awareness, further investigation, and targeted programs are needed to support the growing number of female otolaryngologists who desire both a career and a family.

Background: Novel, non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers that facilitate early intervention in head and neck cancer are urgently needed. Polyamine metabolites have been observed to be elevated in numerous cancer types and correlated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of polyamines in the saliva and urine from head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, compared to healthy controls. Methods: Targeted metabolomic analysis was performed on saliva and urine from 39 HNC patient samples and compared to 89 healthy controls using a quantitative, targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry approach. Results: The metabolites N1-acetylspermine (ASP), N8-acetylspermidine (ASD) and N1,N12-diacetylspermine (DAS) were detected at significantly different concentrations in the urine of HNC patients as compared to healthy controls. Only ASP was detected at elevated levels in HNC saliva as compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: These data suggest that assessment of polyamine-based metabolite biomarkers within the saliva and urine warrants further investigation as a potential diagnostic in HNC patients.