(1) Background: The interaction of the programmed death receptor (PD-1) with its ligand 1 (PD-L1) allows cancer cells to escape from the control of the immune system. Research evaluating the expression of immune checkpoint genes in the tissues of laryngeal tumors may contribute to the introduction of new effective immunotherapeutic methods in this group of neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the gene for the programmed death receptor (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) in laryngeal tumors (T1, T2, T3) in patients without lymph node involvement and distant metastases. (2) Methods: The study included 73 patients: 39 of them were diagnosed with carcinoma planoepiteliale keratodes (study group) and 34 with nasal septal deviation undergoing septoplasty (control group). Biological material for molecular tests (Real time PCR) was collected during surgical procedures. Furthermore, all study participants completed a questionnaire regarding, among others, smoking and body weight. (3) Results: Gene expression for programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) was, statistically, significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in tumor tissue than in unchanged mucosa. Moreover, it was found that the greater the tumor size, the higher the expression level of the tested molecules. (4) Conclusions: Although further research on the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway in laryngeal tumors is necessary, the presented reports are promising and may constitute a contribution to considerations on the introduction of targeted immunotherapy with anti-PD1 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of these tumors.

Inflammation is an etiological factor of various chronic diseases contributing to more than 50% of worldwide deaths. In this study, we focus on the immunosuppressive role of the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligand (PD-L1) in inflammatory-related diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis and head and neck cancers. The study included 304 participants. Of this number, 162 patients had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), 40 patients had head and neck cancer (HNC) and there were 102 healthy subjects. The expression level of the PD-1 and PD-L1 genes in the tissues of the study groups was measured by qPCR and Western blot methods. The associations between the age of the patients and the extent of disease and genes’ expression were evaluated. The study showed a significantly higher mRNA expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the tissues of both the CRSwNP and HNC patient groups compared to the healthy group. The severity of CRSwNP significantly correlated with the mRNA expression of PD-1 and PD-L1. Similarly, the age of the NHC patients influenced PD-L1 expression. In addition, a significantly higher level of PD-L1 protein was noticed also for both the CRSwNP and HNC patient groups. The increased expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 may be a potential biomarker of inflammatory-related diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis and head and neck cancers.

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of subjective tinnitus treatment in patients with cochlear sensorineural hearing loss with magnetic ear stimulation using a prototype device. Since the 1970s, studies have been conducted on the use of electrical stimulation of the ear in the treatment of tinnitus. The available literature contains various hypotheses about the influence of electrical stimulation of the ear on tinnitus. Material and Methods: Preclinical studies were performed for 100 patients, 40 women and 60 men (124 ears in total), aged 38–72 years, treated for tinnitus. A subjective assessment of the loudness of tinnitus was performed, and the frequency and intensity as well as hearing threshold were determined using a prototype device for electro-magnetic stimulation of the ear. The treatment cycle consisted of 10 five-minute stimulations performed daily 5 times a week. Results: Before treatment, persistent tinnitus was found in 100 ears (80.6%) and periodic tinnitus in 24 ears (19.4%). Immediately after treatment, persistent tinnitus was present only in 50 ears (40.3%) and periodic tinnitus in 40 ears (32.3%). Complete resolution of tinnitus was noted in 34 ears (27.4%). On the other hand, the examination performed 3 months after the treatment showed persistent tinnitus in 40 ears (32.3%) and periodic tinnitus in 50 ears (40.3%), and complete resolution of tinnitus was recorded in 34 ears (27.4%). Based on the VAS analog scale, there was an improvement in tinnitus in 98 ears (79.0%) immediately after treatment and no improvement in 26 ears (20.0%). The mean VAS scale before treatment was 4.9 points, after treatment it was 2.1 points and 3 months after treatment it was 1.9 points. Conclusions: The preliminary research results show the high effectiveness of magnetic stimulation in the treatment of tinnitus with the use of a prototype device for electromagnetic stimulation of the ear. There was no negative effect of the stimulation on hearing or tinnitus.