Setup and characterization of a human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenograft model in nude rats

OBJECTIVE: To develop and characterize a new head and neck cancer animal model. STUDY DESIGN: A human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft model in nude rats was established via subcutaneous inoculation of a human-origin HNSCC cell line, SCC-4. The tumor was evaluated for growth characteristics, pathologic features by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging characteristics were studied too. RESULTS: A new HNSCC animal model was successfully established. Tumor sizes reached about 1 cm3 on day 15 after tumor cell inoculation. HE staining pathology has confirmed that this tumor is a typical SCC. EGFR immunohistochemistry demonstrated this tumor model to be strongly EGFR positive. 18F-FDG PET study has shown that 18F-FDG accumulated in tumors. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that this tumor model is an appropriate HNSCC tumor model for animal studies on HNSCC.     

Living in a state of suspension – a phenomenological approach to the spouse's experience of oral cancer

The consequences of oral cancer may affect not only the patient, but also their spouses, as the mouth is vital for communication, social interaction and nutrition. Treatment is complex, lengthy and involves a large number of medical and dental professionals. During the treatment of oral cancer spouses are often present when the patients meet the treatment team. While nursing and medical staff have experience of meeting both patients and spouses, dental teams may not. The aim of this phenomenological study was to describe oral cancer and its treatment as experienced by the patient's spouses. A purposeful sample of seven spouses was interviewed. The existentials of lived relations, lived body and lived space and time were used as interpretive means in analysing the data to illuminate the spouses' everyday experiences during treatment. The findings reveal that the experience of lived relations changes from being spouse to supportive carer, the lived body is neglected and lived space and time becomes restricted. The essence of their lived experience can be described as living in a state of suspension. This knowledge may be useful in the education and organization of supportive communication for multiprofessional caregivers.     

Oral health knowledge, practices, and status among outpatient veterans at the VA Maryland Health Care System

Poor oral health can have a significant impact on overall health and quality of life. Yet few studies have established the oral health needs of outpatient veterans. The purpose of this study was to assess the oral health knowledge and practices, the dental status, and the periodontal treatment needs of outpatient veterans seeking primary care services at a statewide healthcare system. Veterans were interviewed and received an oral examination by a trained examiner using NIDCR criteria for dental caries detection and the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). The mean age of the study participants' (n = 135) was 57.7 (SD = 14.1) years. Ninety-five percent of the sample was male and 44% African-American. Untreated coronal and root caries was present in 57% and 36% of veterans, respectively. Sixty-nine participants received the periodontal examination, with 29% of them in Category III. An interpretation of these findings shows a high need for preventive and restorative oral health care among outpatient veterans receiving primary services in an integrated and comprehensive VA health care system .