Ingeborg Tinhofer

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This study examined how different doses of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) affect brain tumors in mice. When mice received a high dose of 40 Gy, their tumors significantly slowed down, while a lower dose of 20 Gy resulted in a tumor regrowth in 29% of cases shortly after treatment. The research highlights how certain immune cells, known as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), play a crucial role in how well the treatment works, suggesting that better understanding and targeting these cells may lead to improved outcomes for brain tumor patients. Who this helps: Patients with brain tumors.

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This study looked at 18 specific genes to see if they could predict how well patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer would respond to a treatment involving both chemotherapy and radiation. The researchers found that these genes are linked to how much of a protein called EGFR is present and can help determine which patients are more likely to successfully control their cancer. This matters because personalized treatment plans can improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

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This research studied a DNA marker related to low oxygen levels in tumors, called Hypoxia-M, to see how well it predicts outcomes for patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer after surgery and radiation treatment. They found that patients with high levels of this marker were significantly more likely to experience distant metastasis (the cancer spreading to other parts of the body), with a risk ratio of 4.3, meaning they were over four times more likely to face this issue compared to those with lower levels. This is important as it helps doctors identify patients at higher risk for serious complications, leading to better-targeted follow-up care and treatment strategies. Who this helps: Patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer.

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Researchers studied head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that grows in a unique environment that helps it evade the immune system. They found that this environment creates barriers that make existing therapies less effective. Understanding these barriers can help develop new treatment strategies that target the tumor environment, potentially improving outcomes for patients with this type of cancer.

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This study examined the impact of abdominal scars, particularly from cesarean sections, on the success of breast reconstruction using DIEP flaps in 267 patients. The researchers found that having scars did not increase complications or the need for additional procedures, and the size of the flaps used was slightly larger in patients with scars. Overall, having these scars does not affect the reconstruction process or lead to higher rates of complications. Who this helps: This research benefits patients seeking breast reconstruction after having abdominal surgeries.

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This study looked at the effects of combining two treatments, monalizumab and durvalumab, in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The results showed that among 60 patients, only one had a partial response to the treatment, and the average time before their cancer worsened was 2 months compared to 3.1 months for those receiving standard care. Overall survival was also shorter for those receiving the new treatment, averaging 4.3 months versus 8 months for the control group, indicating that the combination did not provide any benefits. Who this helps: This information is important for doctors treating head and neck cancer patients, especially those who have already received previous treatments.

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This study looked at whether adding radiation therapy after surgery helps patients with early-stage oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers that have spread to one nearby lymph node. Researchers analyzed data from 526 patients and found that those who received radiation therapy after surgery had a 5-year survival rate that was significantly better, and they were less likely to see their cancer return. Specifically, the risk of dying was about half as much (a 51% improvement), and there was a 61% lower risk of the cancer coming back in the same area. Who this helps: This benefits patients with early-stage oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers who have lymph node involvement.

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This study looked at patients with advanced head and neck cancer who do not have HPV, focusing on how certain proteins in their tumor tissues can help predict their response to a specific treatment called chemoradiotherapy. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from 31 patients and found that 20 had either a recurrence or progression of cancer, while 11 remained disease-free. The findings revealed that their method of analyzing protein patterns could accurately identify treatment outcomes about 71% to 72% of the time, which could lead to better tailored treatments for these patients. Who this helps: This research benefits head and neck cancer patients and their doctors by helping forecast treatment success.

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This study looked at how effective different radiation treatments are for older patients with advanced head and neck cancer. They analyzed data from over 84,000 patients in Germany from 2000 to 2022 and found that while more elderly patients are receiving radiation therapy, the combination of radiation with chemotherapy (platinum-based) works well across all ages, with a 5-year overall survival rate that is similar in those older and younger than 70. However, combining radiation with a drug called cetuximab led to worse outcomes for older patients, with a 50% higher risk of death compared to those using platinum-based therapy. Who this helps: This research benefits elderly cancer patients and their doctors by highlighting the effectiveness of certain treatment options.

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This study compared two treatments, pembrolizumab and methotrexate, for elderly and frail patients with advanced head and neck cancer who cannot receive certain chemotherapy. Out of 100 planned participants, only 47 were enrolled before the study was stopped, as neither treatment showed clear benefits: the one-year survival rate was 17.4% for pembrolizumab and 37.5% for methotrexate. Overall, both treatments had similar outcomes in terms of effectiveness, but pembrolizumab had better safety results. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand treatment options for elderly and frail cancer patients.

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Researchers studied head and neck cancer that doesn't have the HPV virus, focusing on two genes known to affect treatment response. They found that a gene called Ano1 is linked to poorer survival rates and makes these cancer cells more resistant to common treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. This is important because understanding how Ano1 drives treatment resistance can help doctors develop better treatment options for patients with this type of cancer.

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Researchers studied the effects of blocking certain proteins, Chk1 and Wee1, on head and neck cancer cells when treated with radiation. They found that using inhibitors of these proteins makes the cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, improving the chances of killing the cancer. This approach could make cancer treatments more effective by combining it with existing radiation therapies.

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Researchers studied why some head and neck cancers stop responding to a type of treatment called PI3Kα inhibitors. They discovered that certain tiny molecules called microRNAs are responsible for lowering the levels of a protein called PTEN, which helps cells respond to the treatment. This finding is important because it points to new ways to overcome resistance to the treatment by targeting PTEN and related proteins, potentially improving outcomes for patients with these cancers.

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This study looked at how well certain genetic factors can predict the success of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer by using mouse models. Researchers found that tumors from a specific genetic subtype required a higher dose of radiation to be controlled and showed worse local control in patients. They developed a new 2-gene signature that can help identify patient risk levels, which could improve treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer by potentially guiding more personalized treatment plans.

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This study looked at how to classify advanced head and neck cancers based on their molecular characteristics and their physical appearance under a microscope. Researchers analyzed 130 tumor samples from 95 patients and identified three main types: basal (45% of samples), inflamed/mesenchymal (30%), and classical (25%). Although the cancer types did not affect survival rates, higher levels of tumor budding, a specific growth pattern, were linked to worse outcomes, highlighting the need for more research on tailoring treatments based on these findings. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors find better ways to manage head and neck cancers.

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This study looked at how tumor cells and their surrounding tissue differ within oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Researchers found significant variations in specific markers between the center and the edges of tumors in 36 samples from 9 patients, with higher levels of certain markers associated with tumor recurrences at the tumor rim. These differences matter because they suggest that evaluating multiple areas of a tumor could lead to more accurate clinical decisions and better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on cancer treatment.

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This study looked at why some patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma do not respond well to standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. The researchers found that specific inflammatory pathways and higher levels of certain immune cells (like regulatory T-cells) were linked to poorer treatment outcomes, with some indicators showing up to a 37% lower chance of successful local control of the cancer. This matters because understanding these resistance mechanisms can lead to better treatment strategies, such as adding new immune therapies to improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma by tailoring their treatments to improve effectiveness.

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This study focused on a patient with a rare tumor called gastrointestinal stroma tumor (GIST) who also had genetic changes linked to two types of cancer: one in the GIST and another from a previous cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The researchers found that these genetic changes did not likely come from the GIST alone, revealing that the CLL cells mixed with the tumor, complicating treatment decisions. The patient started a specific treatment called imatinib and showed positive results, highlighting the importance of careful analysis and collaboration among medical experts in managing complex cancer cases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with rare tumors and their doctors by improving treatment strategies for complicated diagnoses.

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This study focused on a new surgical method for treating lymphatic fistulas, which are leaks that can happen after surgery and slow down healing. The researchers treated 13 patients using a technique that involves guiding surgery with a special dye called indocyanine green, successfully identifying and closing the leaks in all cases. The method showed that in almost all patients, their wounds healed well, pointing to an effective way to treat this complication and potentially speeding up recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients with lymphatic fistulas after surgery.

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Researchers gathered at a conference in Rome to discuss how tiny, laboratory-grown versions of tumors called organoids can help develop new cancer therapies. They found that using these 3D models can improve our understanding of how tumors behave, especially concerning how they resist treatment and spread in the body. This work matters because it could lead to more personalized and effective cancer treatments for patients. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by potentially offering them more targeted therapies.

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Researchers studied how to use small lab-grown versions of tumors, called organoids, taken from patients with advanced head and neck cancer to help select the best treatments for them. They found that nearly 77% of suitable tumor samples could be successfully grown into organoids, which could then be tested for their response to different therapies. This approach could lead to better treatment decisions and potentially improve survival for patients facing this aggressive cancer.

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This study looked at how specific genes related to the immune system affect survival in cancer patients. Researchers analyzed data from 515 patients across 10 cancer types and identified a set of 39 genes that are linked to shorter survival times. Notably, patients with poorer outcomes had more M2 macrophages and fewer immune cells that typically fight cancer, such as CD8+ T cells. This research helps doctors better understand which patients may have a worse prognosis based on their immune system's gene expression. Who this helps: This helps doctors in treating and guiding cancer patients.

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This study explored a specific area behind the ear to see if it could be used in surgery for lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling. Researchers looked at 12 cadavers and found that the area has a reliable blood supply in most cases, with an average of 7.7 lymph nodes present, each about the size of a small marble. This finding is important because it suggests a new option for doctors performing surgeries to help patients with lymphedema. Who this helps: Patients suffering from lymphedema.

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This study looked at using a test called liquid biopsy, which analyzes DNA found in the blood of patients with head and neck cancer, to better monitor their condition and predict recurrences. Researchers found that this test is particularly useful for identifying patients with HPV-related cancers who are at a higher risk of the disease coming back, and it may also help with treatment decisions based on the levels of tumor DNA. This is important because it could lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer, especially those with HPV-related tumors.

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This study looked at how DNA changes in tumors can help identify which patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer are more likely to have their cancer come back after treatment with radiation and chemotherapy. Researchers developed a new test called Hypoxia-M, which showed that patients with higher hypoxia levels had a significantly higher risk of local recurrence (4.3 times higher) and reduced overall survival (2.34 times higher). This is important because it offers a new way to identify which patients need more aggressive monitoring and treatment after initial therapy. Who this helps: This benefits patients with head and neck cancer, especially those who are HPV-negative, by providing better risk assessments for recurrence.

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This study looked at how the number of mutations in tumors (called tumor mutational burden or TMB) affects the success of targeted cancer therapies in patients. Researchers found that patients with a high TMB (more than 1.67 mutations per megabase) had a much shorter overall survival of 4 months compared to 12.8 months for those with low TMB when receiving molecularly matched therapy. This matters because it suggests that patients with high TMB may not respond well to these treatments, indicating a need for different approaches. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand which patients might need alternative treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how advanced computer models, called neural networks, can help predict outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. The researchers found that using a method called multitask learning improved the models' ability to make predictions. Specifically, one of the models was best at grouping patients into low and high-risk categories for disease progression, with a C-index of 0.29, indicating a good level of accuracy (where 1.0 is perfect). Who this helps: This helps cancer patients by providing more accurate predictions about their treatment outcomes.

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This study examined a specific group of patients with head and neck cancer who do not have human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Researchers developed a new test that looks at DNA changes, specifically 38 markers, to predict which of these patients are more likely to experience their cancer returning after treatment. They found that this test accurately identified high-risk patients, which is crucial for guiding personalized treatment plans. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer by improving their treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how effective ultrasound is for locating lymphatic vessels before surgery compared to a technique called ICG lymphography. The researchers found that ultrasound was able to spot 83% of the lymphatic vessels, and 70% of those were only detected by ultrasound, showing that it was significantly better at finding these vessels than ICG, which only identified about 9.9%. This is important because using ultrasound can lead to more successful surgeries by ensuring that surgeons can locate more lymphatic vessels for repair. Who this helps: This helps patients with lymphedema who need lymphovenous anastomosis surgery.

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This study looked at factors that predict outcomes for patients with anal cancer after they received chemoradiotherapy, analyzing data from 605 patients over several years. It found that after three years, 84.9% of patients with early-stage anal cancer were disease-free, compared to just 67.1% of those with more advanced disease. Key factors influencing recovery included the stage of cancer, age, and overall health, with HIV status and elevated platelet counts also affecting early-stage patients' outcomes. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with anal cancer and their doctors by providing better insights for treatment decisions and follow-up care.

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This study looked at different types of head and neck cancers (HNSCC) without HPV and how these types respond to radiation therapy after surgery. Researchers analyzed tumor samples from 128 patients and found that tumors fell into four categories: basal (19.5%), mesenchymal (18.8%), atypical (15.6%), and classical (14.1%), with 32% not fitting any category. They discovered that tumors belonging to the mesenchymal type had worse outcomes, showing lower control of the disease and worse overall survival, which matters because identifying these subtypes can help doctors personalize treatment approaches for better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and patients by providing insights for more tailored treatment plans.

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This study looked at what factors influence elderly patients (aged 70 and older) with head and neck cancer to stick with their treatment plans. Researchers analyzed data from 1,125 patients and found that 86% were compliant with their treatment recommendations. Those who didn't follow their treatments were more likely to be smokers or drinkers, had poorer health, and were younger biologically, as determined by their health status scores. Importantly, patients who adhered to their treatments had a better chance of surviving for five years—45% compared to only 19% for those who did not. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of assessing patients' health and lifestyle to improve treatment adherence among elderly cancer patients.

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This study looked at how a specific protein called AXL affects the resistance of glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer) to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Researchers found that when glioblastoma cells were treated with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide, levels of a particular form of AXL increased, which indicated that the cells were becoming more resistant to the treatment. When AXL was blocked using a specific drug, the effectiveness of the chemotherapy and radiation improved significantly, suggesting that targeting AXL could enhance treatment outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with glioblastoma who are undergoing treatment.

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This study looked at identifying specific biological markers that can help predict how well patients with advanced head and neck cancer will respond to initial treatments combining radiation and chemotherapy. Researchers found that markers like tumor size, p16 status, and certain gene expressions were linked to better control of the tumor and overall survival rates. For instance, these markers can significantly predict outcomes, which makes them valuable for tailoring treatment plans to individual patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced head and neck cancer by providing more personalized treatment options.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new set of six genes that can help predict how well patients with HPV-negative advanced head and neck cancer respond to post-surgery treatments like radiation or chemotherapy. The research involved 128 patients for initial testing and 114 patients for validation, leading to the discovery that these genes could successfully distinguish between low and high-risk patients for treatment outcomes. This finding is significant because it offers a way to tailor treatments more effectively, potentially improving patient care and results. Who this helps: This helps patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancer and their doctors.

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This study explored a new surgical technique called the "double barrel" lymphaticovenous anastomosis, which helps connect lymphatic vessels and veins in patients with lymphedema when their sizes don’t match up. Researchers performed this procedure on 12 patients over four years, achieving a remarkable success rate of 100%, with only minor leakage in four cases that were easily fixed. This method offers a reliable solution for a common problem faced by surgeons treating lymphedema, enhancing the options available for patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with lymphedema who need surgery to alleviate their condition.

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This study looked at how blocking blood flow through arteries and veins affects lymph nodes in rats over time. Researchers found that blocking the artery for 5-6 hours or the vein for 4-5 hours led to serious problems in the lymph nodes, like tissue shrinkage and cell death. Specifically, 2 out of 6 lymph node flaps lost their drainage function after 6 hours of arterial blockage and 5 hours of venous blockage. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand the limits of blood flow interruption to lymph nodes, which can improve patient care in surgeries and treatments involving lymphatic systems.

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This study examined how to better analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which are cells that break away from tumors and can be found in the blood of cancer patients. The researchers tested an advanced imaging system on blood samples from 24 patients (16 with head and neck cancer and 8 with breast cancer) and found it could accurately detect important markers related to treatment response and tumor characteristics. Specifically, they achieved a 73% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting CTCs under certain conditions, showing promise for using this technique in future cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring. Who this helps: This information can benefit cancer patients and their doctors by providing better insights into tumor behavior and treatment effectiveness.

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This study looked at patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are at an intermediate risk of their cancer returning after surgery but are biologically more likely to have issues. Researchers analyzed gene data from 504 patients, finding a two-gene signature that helps identify those at high risk who may benefit from extra chemotherapy along with their treatment. The results showed that patients identified as high-risk by this gene signature had better cancer control after receiving chemotherapy compared to those who only had radiation therapy, with significant statistical support for these findings. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer who are at intermediate risk, potentially improving their treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at a treatment using a special type of collagen material (called BioBridge) to help reduce swelling in the legs of rats caused by lymphedema. After four weeks, the rats that received the BioBridge implant to the lymph node showed a clear improvement, reducing swelling by an average of 2.47%, while those that had the implant to the vein saw increased swelling. This finding is important because it suggests a potential new approach for treating lymphedema, which can help alleviate suffering for patients who experience this condition. Who this helps: Patients with lymphedema.

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This study looked at how well a 24-miRNA test can identify certain types of head and neck cancers that are driven by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and how this information can help doctors better understand patient risk. The researchers found that this test correctly predicted HPV status with over 94% accuracy in one group of patients and about 86% accuracy in another. Combining the test results with existing HPV DNA tests allows doctors to categorize patients more effectively, potentially leading to more personalized treatment plans. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with advanced head and neck cancer to find better ways to classify their tumors and predict how well they might respond to treatment. Researchers analyzed data from 206 patients and found that combining different types of biological data provided a more accurate prediction for treatment outcomes. For instance, their combined approach was able to predict local control of the cancer better than using either imaging or gene data alone (with a success rate of 63%, compared to 60% and 59%, respectively). Who this helps: This research benefits patients by potentially leading to more personalized and effective treatment options.

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This study focused on how well liquid biopsies—tests that analyze blood samples for cancer-related genetic information—can reflect the genetic makeup of tumors in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, and melanoma. Researchers found that liquid biopsies matched tumor tissue mutation profiles best in colorectal cancer (63% agreement) and melanoma (55%), while head and neck cancer had much lower agreement (11%). The study showed that using more cfDNA in tests improves detection of tumor mutations, emphasizing the potential of liquid biopsy in understanding cancer evolution and treatment resistance, which could lead to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with various types of advanced cancer can benefit from improved diagnostic methods.

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This study investigated the effects of a radiation treatment called CyberKnife on brain tumors in mice. Researchers found that a single dose of radiation (20 Gy) reduced the size of the tumors by about 75%, slowed down tumor growth, affected blood vessel formation, and boosted the immune response six days after treatment. This work is important because it shows that this precise radiation method could be a promising approach for treating aggressive brain tumors. Who this helps: Patients with glioblastoma and their doctors.

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Researchers studied immune cells in patients with head and neck cancer who either did or didn't experience a return of their cancer after receiving radiochemotherapy (RCT). They found that patients whose cancer did not come back had lower levels of certain immune cells called CD19B cells before treatment, which dropped even further in the months after RCT but returned to normal by six months. In contrast, patients with recurrent cancer had consistently low levels of helper T cells and showed little improvement in other immune cell types. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with head and neck cancer by providing insights into how their immune systems respond to treatment, which could help in monitoring and managing their disease.

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This study examined how effective a specific treatment called vascularized lymph node transfer is for patients with swelling in their limbs due to lymphedema. Researchers found that patients who received this treatment saw an average decrease in swelling of about 39%, compared to only 13% for those who had other standard therapies. Additionally, the quality of life for patients improved more significantly with the lymph node transfer, boosting their quality-of-life scores from 3.8 to 7.5 out of 10 over three years. Who this helps: This benefits lymphedema patients seeking effective treatment options to reduce swelling and improve their quality of life.

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This study investigated how different doses of radiation affect human bone cells, specifically alveolar osteoblasts, which are important for jawbone health. Researchers found that as the radiation dose increased, the ability of these cells to grow decreased: cells exposed to 6 and 10 Gy of radiation showed permanent growth impairment and changes in their structure. This is important because understanding how radiation affects these cells could lead to better strategies for faster and safer dental reconstruction after cancer treatment, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients undergoing treatment that affects their jawbone health.

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This study looked at how well a treatment called monalizumab works for patients with advanced head and neck cancer that has returned or spread after other treatments. Out of 26 patients, none showed a significant improvement in their condition, but 23% had stable disease for about 3.8 months. Overall, patients lived a median of 6.7 months after starting treatment, but the results showed that monalizumab alone is not very effective. Who this helps: This research is important for patients with recurrent head and neck cancer, as it helps doctors know which treatments may not be effective.

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This study focused on older patients with head and neck cancer, specifically those aged 70 and above, who were receiving radiation treatment. The researchers found that patients aged 70-75 with fewer health issues tended to live longer after treatment, with 2-year and 5-year survival rates at 57.8% and 35.9%, while those receiving palliative care had a median survival of just 4 months. This is important because understanding these factors can help doctors make better treatment decisions for older patients, potentially improving their outcomes. Who this helps: Patients and doctors managing care for older adults with head and neck cancer.

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This study looked at how much oxygen deficiency, or hypoxia, in tumors affects head and neck cancers that come back after treatment with radiation. In 8 patients, researchers measured hypoxia using advanced imaging techniques and found that most tumors did not show significant hypoxia. Specifically, only 2 of the 8 patients had a considerable amount of hypoxic volume, and the average measurements suggested that hypoxia was less common than anticipated. Who this helps: This research helps doctors treating patients with recurring head and neck cancers by improving their understanding of tumor hypoxia.