Since in mammals, the hair cells or the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the inner ear do not regenerate, damage to these cells is an irreversible process. Presently the only aid for patients with severe to profound hearing impairment... more
Since in mammals, the hair cells or the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the inner ear do not regenerate, damage to these cells is an irreversible process. Presently the only aid for patients with severe to profound hearing impairment due to damaged hair cells is a cochlear implant (CI). A CI converts sound to electrical signals that stimulate the SGNs via an electrodes that is implanted into the cochlea. Hence, for a successful outcome the CI is dependant on the activation of the auditory nerve. There are several conditions, diseases or even traumatic events that primarily may impair the function of the SGNs in the auditory nerve. It is also known that in the absence of nerve stimuli due to hair cell damage, the SGNs will eventually degenerate. Lately there has been an increasing interest in regenerative medicine and bioengineering. This thesis presents results from in vivo experiments aiming to replace or repair the injured SGNs with the use of transplanted stem cells or neuronal...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Genterapi vid genetiskt orsakad horselnedsattning[Gene therapy in hereditary hearing loss. Future therapeutic possibility--maybe combined with stem cells]
Research Interests:
Abstract Background and aims: Stage II cancer of the tongue is mostly managed surgically both locally and regionally. However, indications for postoperative radiotherapy and reconstructive options vary between centers. This paper aims to... more
Abstract Background and aims: Stage II cancer of the tongue is mostly managed surgically both locally and regionally. However, indications for postoperative radiotherapy and reconstructive options vary between centers. This paper aims to describe differences in treatment in a geographically homogenous cohort. Methods: A retrospective comparison was made between two cohorts of clinical T2N0 tongue cancer from Finland and Sweden. The Finnish cohort included 75 patients and the Swedish 54. All patients had curative intent of treatment and no previous head and neck cancer. Data analyzed consisted of pathological stage, size and thickness of tumor, frequency of reconstruction, radiotherapy delivered, and survival. Results: The Finnish cohort included a higher proportion of patients managed with reconstructive surgery (67%) than the Swedish cohort (0%), p < .00001. More patients were treated with postoperative radiotherapy (84%) in the Swedish cohort than in the Finnish (54%), p < .0002. The Finnish cohort had a higher level of survival and included more frequent downstaging (cTNM to pTNM). Conclusions and significance: Our data indicate a major difference in the management of T2N0 oral tongue cancer. The optimal cut-off size and growth pattern of the tumor warranting reconstruction should be further evaluated in a prospective manner considering both survival and quality of life.