American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sept. 28-Oct. 1

The annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery was held from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 in Miami, drawing participants from around the world, including otolaryngologists, medical experts, allied health professionals, and administrators. The conference highlighted the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

In one study, Jayant Pinto, M.D., of the University of Chicago, and colleagues found that long-term exposure to environmental pollutants increases the risk for head and neck cancers (HNCs), and this risk is further elevated among those with genetic susceptibility.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the interaction between genetic and environmental determinants of HNC. As part of the National Institutes of Health All of Us research program, particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM_2.5) air pollution exposure among adults was determined using validated spatiotemporal models. The authors used logistic regression to test the relationship between the PM_2.5 level and HNC. They also performed genome-wide association studies among 906 adults with HNC and 4,310 healthy controls to identify HNC-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gain insight into the role of these SNPs in the PM_2.5 exposure-HNC relationship. An interaction between higher air pollution exposure and individuals with a genetic predisposition to developing HNC was observed. The researchers believe that interplay between these genes and pollution will help provide insight into oncogenic and targeted pathways.

“This work establishes that environmental exposures in the airway can interact with genetic susceptibility to affect the development of HNC. We need to consider these exposures when looking at cancer mechanisms and try to target pathways involved,” Pinto said. “Clinicians should be aware of these detrimental effects and encourage their patients to reduce their exposures to air pollution. We”ve done this for smoking!”

Abstract

In a retrospective cohort study, Colin T. Huntley, M.D., of the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, and colleagues found that a modified sleep apnea scoring system (mSASI) may offer additional benefits in assessing obstructive sleep apnea risk severity based on cardiovascular risk factors compared with the standard apnea hypopnea index (AHI).