Tissue Engineering for Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

Abstract

Tissue regeneration in otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery is a diverse area filled with specialized tissues and functions. Head and neck structures govern many of the 5 senses, swallowing, breathing, communication, facial animation, and aesthetics. Loss of these functions can have a severe negative effect on patient quality of life. Regenerative medicine techniques have the potential to restore these functions while minimizing the risks associated with traditional reconstruction techniques. This article serves as a review and update on some of the regenerative medicine research in this field. A description of the predominant clinical problems is presented, followed by a discussion of some of the most promising research working toward a solution. There are many noteworthy findings appropriate for inclusion, but limitations preclude mention of them all. This article focuses on laryngeal surgery, craniofacial reconstruction and plastic surgery, and otology and hearing.

Advances in regenerative medicine for otolaryngology/head and neck surgery

“…Methods used can generally be grouped into cells, bioactive factors, and scaffolds, as illustrated in figure 1 567. Cells serve a central role in regenerative medicine.…”

“…Transplanted cells can be used to regenerate new tissues, modulate immune response, and modify native cell behavior through paracrine signaling 8. Bioactive factors are used to modify cellular behaviors and include growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and other molecules 5. These factors can be used in vitro as tools to control cell behavior as well as in vivo as therapeutics to modify regenerative processes 910.…”

“…Concepts in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.Cells, scaffolding, and bioactive factors are used in isolation or in complement to regenerative tissue. Reproduced with permission from Lott DG, Janus JR. Mayo Proc 2014;89:1722-335…”

Regenerative Medicine Build-Out

“…2). Of note, the majority of regenerative medicine clinical trials are still at an early stage of development focused on demonstration of feasibility and safety and early indication of efficacy with few reaching at this point the later stages of pivotal clinical trial validation [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45].…”

Hyaluronan Hydrogels for the Local Delivery of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to the Injured Vocal Fold

“…Vibration of the vocal fold (VF) tissue within the larynx is important for voice production, and dependent on neuromuscular activity for gross movement and pliability during phonation (1). VF scarring, due to external trauma, radiation, iatrogenic causes, inflammation or surgical treatment for neoplasms, is considered to be the most common cause of severe voice problems (2).…”