Taking into consideration that the immune system plays a very important role in the development of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, which have a high prevalence in immunosuppressed patients and after prolonged ultraviolet radiation, the interest in developing novel therapies, in particular targeting the inflammation in cancer, has increased in the past years. The latest data suggest that therapies such as imiquimod (IMQ), ingenol mebutate (IM), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), retinoids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used with success in the topical treatment of some cancers. Herein, we review the topical treatment targeting the inflammation in skin cancer and the mechanisms involved in these processes. Currently, various associations have shown a superior success rate than monotherapy, such as systemic acitretin and topical IMQ, topical 5-FU with tretinoin cream, or IMQ with checkpoint inhibitor cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4. Novel therapies targeting Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR-7) with higher selectivity than IMQ are also of great interest.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease with an incompletely understood etiopathogenesis. With a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, AD has attracted the interest of many research studies aiming to investigate the complex cellular and molecular mechanisms and to identify new therapeutic pathways. Various studies have focused on psycho-immunology, emphasizing the involvement of stress, defined as a general response of the body to external or internal challenges to the AD pathology. Factors like lifestyle and leisure activities may change the behavior of immune cells in AD with a strong impact on the evolution of the disease. Moreover, the poor adherence of AD patient to standard treatment approach has led to the necessity to combine different therapies in the field of complementary and alternative medicine. Although there are still not enough data to conclude that adjuvant therapies are effective in a conventional sense, there are already promising results suggesting that alternative therapeutic strategies could be a main subject of further research.

An important function of the immune system is its ability to differentiate between healthy cells in the organism and “foreign” cells, allowing the latest to be attacked and the first ones to be conserved. The most important molecules in this process are considered to be checkpoint inhibitors. This review is focused on the association between cancer and inflammation, underlying the mechanisms of action of monoclonal antibodies that are targeting checkpoint inhibitors: ipilimumab against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and pembrolizumab and nivolumab against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), their indications for treatment, and side effects. Presence of antibodies against checkpoint inhibitors shows promising results in the clinical trials in patients with types of cancer difficult to treat until now such as melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and renal cell carcinoma, offering an increase in the overall survival rate, response rate, and progression-free rate. Resistance is now observed to emerge in patients treated with this therapy, showing the need for more studies in order to design a biomarker that will predict the type of response to immunotherapy.

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers with a sharp rise in incidence in the last decades, especially in young people. Recognized as a significant public health issue, melanoma is studied with increasing interest as new discoveries in molecular signaling and receptor modulation unlock innovative treatment options. Stress exposure is recognized as an important component in the immune-inflammatory interplay that can alter the progression of melanoma by regulating the release of neuroendocrine factors. Various neurotransmitters, such as catecholamines, glutamate, serotonin, or cannabinoids have also been assessed in experimental studies for their involvement in the biology of melanoma. Alpha-MSH and other neurohormones, as well as neuropeptides including substance P, CGRP, enkephalin, beta-endorphin, and even cellular and molecular agents (mast cells and nitric oxide, respectively), have all been implicated as potential factors in the development, growth, invasion, and dissemination of melanoma in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. In this review, we provide an overview of current evidence regarding the intricate effects of neuroendocrine factors in melanoma, including data reported in recent clinical trials, exploring the mechanisms involved, signaling pathways, and the recorded range of effects.

The purpose of this article is to analyse the facial nerve electrophysiological monitoring effective ness in preventing injuries of this nerve during parotid surgery. To achieve this goal we analysed relevant data available in the literature on both the surgical technique and intraoperative continuous monitoring principles. In order to draw the conclusions of this paper we correlated the obtained data with our own experience.

Early detection of the vocal fold malignancies is usually done using the flexible or rigid endoscopic exam. Video stroboscopy can be used to early detect an abnormal vibration of a portion from the vocal fold. Video contact endoscopy is an endoscopic technique that will provide the surgeon to observe histological modifications of the superficial layer and the superficial vascular network of the vocal fold. The authors started to use the contact endoscopy 10 years ago and try to have a critical point of view regarding this method. Observing the abnormal vessel patterns and histological characters will guide the surgeon to perform a targeted biopsy that will be used in early detection and follow up in patients with vocal fold malignancies.

Diagnosis, tratament and follow-up of patients with melanoma during COVID-19 pandemic is quite challenging. These patients are often immunocompromised, but, on the other hand, management of this malignant skin cancer should not be delayed. It is necessary to diagnose and stage the melanoma as soon as possible, in an attempt to provide a better prognosis. There are few data regarding the treatament of melanoma during COVID-19 pandemia. However, the general recommandations suggest testing all cancer patients prior administration of the therapy. The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) provided guidelines regarding therapy of this skin cancer during COVID-19 pandemic. Every patient is different, and it is always important to evaluate the risks and benefi ts.

The objectives of the study: Advanced or recurrent sinonasal malignancies sometimes need, besides an ablative step, a reconstructive step. If this occurs, the reconstructive step may require advanced knowledge of reconstructive surgery because of the complex remnant defects after ablation. The methodology: The authors present a surgical reconstructive solution that can be used in cases of advanced sino nasal tumors which associate the destruction of the malar region. This requires a midfacial flap which will provide a solid support for the paramedial forehead flap. Conclusions: The use of the reversed midfacial flap is an original method that can provide a good mechanical support for any reconstructive flap in the midfacial region.