This initial study using new high-resolution MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry coupled with bead fractionation is suitable for automated protein profiling and has the capability to simultaneously identify potential biomarker proteins for HNSCC. In addition, we were able to show improvement with the MALDI-TOF in identifying groups with HNSCC when compared with our prior data using SELDI-TOF. Using this MALDI-TOF technology as a discovery platform, we anticipate generating biomarker panels for use in more accurate prediction of prognosis and treatment efficacies for HNSCC.

• Five of the 112 (4.5%) patients in the study were given the diagnosis of chondroradionecrosis, of which 2 (40%) showed microscopic evidence of Candidiasis on H&E staining. • Of note, the two patients who exhibited candidiasis on H&E staining had concomitant Hepatitis C infections.• Eighteen percent (9/50) of the persistent tumors had a pathologic report that mentioned evidence of chondroradionecrosis (necrosis, ulceration), with an additional 22% (11/50) showing "post radiation changes" (fibrosis, hyalinization).• None of these pathology reports for persistent tumor mentioned fungal colonization nor invasion on H&E stains. • Of the thirty one previously irradiated larynges with persistent disease, twenty (64.5%) were positive for fungal invasion seen after special staining.• In comparison, none of the primary surgical specimens evidenced invasion, and only two showed non-invasive fungal elements.• A two-tailed unpaired t-test showed no statistical difference between the chondroradionecrosis and persistent disease group regarding time until resection after radiation, t(53) = 0.12, p=0.9.

4. Laryngoscope, 127:E159-E165, 2017.

No abstract