Bitter Taste Receptors in Oropharynx Cancer

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The aim of this work is to investigate the expression of the bitter taste receptors in p16-positive and negative oropharyngeal carcinomas (in comparison to healthy, local tissue).

Detailed Description
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Goal setting The aim of this work is to investigate the expression of the bitter taste receptors in p16-positive and negative oropharyngeal carcinomas (in comparison to healthy, local tissue). The hypothesis is that oropharyngeal carcinomas express TAS2Rs and that their stimulation can induce apoptosis. The lower expression of certain TAS2Rs in the tumor cells could represent protection from apoptosis by stimulation with the bitter ligands. Alternatively, it could polymorphisms of the bitter taste receptors, which can influence their function independently of the expression. In order to address the question of general bitter sensitivity in more detail, the investigators are planning to carry out a bitter taste test on the test subjects. methodology As this is a pilot study, the investigators limit the number of subjects to 10 patients with p-16 positive and negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 10 patients with acute recurrent tonsillitis or other benign pathology in pharynx. The expression analysis is carried out using qPCR and possibly immunohistochemical methods. Taste strips are used for the taste tests. Cognitive interest The results of this study will provide important insight into the pathophysiology of oropharyngeal cancers and possibly all TAS2R-expressing cancers. In addition, this and further studies can create a theoretical basis for new therapeutic methods for this group of diseases.

Official Title
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Expression of Bitter Taste Receptors in Oropharynx Carcinoma

Conditions
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Oropharynx Cancer

Intervention / Treatment
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* Procedure: Biopsy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Oropharynx SCC for the patient group signed informed consent for all Exclusion Criteria: -

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Patients<br>Patients with oropharynx cancer | Procedure: Biopsy<br>* Biopsy of an oropharynx tumor or of a healthy oropharynx mucosa<br>|
| Experimental: Healthy subjects<br>Patients with non malignant pharynx pathology | Procedure: Biopsy<br>* Biopsy of an oropharynx tumor or of a healthy oropharynx mucosa<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Expression of TAS2-Receptors | relative concentration of TAS2Rs in mucosa and tumor | The day of surgery and the day before |