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Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) frequently involves metastasis at diagnosis. Our previous research has demonstrated that CCR7 plays a key role in regulating SCCHN metastasis, and this process involves several molecules, such as PI3K/cdc42, pyk2, and Src. In this study, the goals are to identify whether JAK2/STAT3 also participates in CCR7's signal network, its relationship with other signal pathways, and its role in SCCHN cell invasion and migration. The results showed that stimulation of CCL19 could induce JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation, which can be blocked by Src and pyk2 inhibitors. After activation, STAT3 was able to promote low expression of E-cadherin and had no effect on vimentin. This JAk2/STAT3 pathway not only mediated CCR7-induced cell migration but also mediated invasion speed. The immunohistochemistry results also showed that the phosphorylation of STAT3 was correlated with CCR7 expression in SCCHN, and CCR7 and STAT3 phosphorylation were all associated with lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, JAk2/STAT3 plays a key role in CCR7 regulating SCCHN metastasis.

Objective: To determine the effect of radial forearm free (RFF) flap harvest on patient-reported postoperative upper extremity disability. Methods: Patients undergoing RFF flap reconstruction following resection of head and neck cancer were recruited and matched with similar patients undergoing non-RFF reconstruction. All subjects completed the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire preoperatively and at least 1 year postoperatively. Results: Postoperative DASH scores were significantly higher (more severe disability) in patients undergoing RFF flap reconstruction (6.93 AE 5.54; n ¼ 52) compared with those undergoing non-RFF flap surgeries (2.95 AE 4.42; n ¼ 52). Preoperative DASH score, flap size, patient age and tumour stage were significantly correlated with postoperative DASH score. Conclusion: Excluding the effect of neck dissection, RFF flap reconstruction has a significant deleterious effect on upper extremity function.

BackgroundThe ideal method for buccal defects should provide good outcome of both function and appearance; our goal is to highlight the reliability of radial forearm flap in buccal reconstruction.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted. From 2005 to 2012, 20 radial forearm flaps were used to repair the defects. We analyzed the superiority and reliability of the flap; in addition, we reviewed some related literature and made a comparison between radial forearm flap and platysma flap.ResultsAll radial forearm flaps totally survived, but two flaps suffered venous obstruction, hematoma, respectively. Radial forearm flap preserved the original interincisal distance well. In our follow-up, all patients had sufficient mouth-opening width (mean: 4.3 cm).ConclusionRadial forearm flap is a reliable method for buccal defect reconstruction.