Volume 15 Issue 4 (2025)

The article titled “Relationship between Carotid Body Tumor and Thyroid Papillary Cancer” has been formally retracted.

Following its publication, the publisher received a complaint indicating that the article had significant problems regarding the accuracy of the reported clinical case details and inconsistencies in author contribution attribution. In accordance with our complaints procedure, the editorial office and the Editorial Board conducted an investigation, which confirmed that these problems make the research results unreliable.

Consequently, the Editorial Board has decided to retract the article. This retraction has been approved by the Editor-in-Chief of ENT Updates. All authors have agreed to the retraction.

Original Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.54963/entu.v15i1.889

Retraction Date: 5 December 2025

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Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) poses a major global health challenge, highlighting the demand for reliable biomarkers to enable earlier detection and improve patient survival. This study sought to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of RAD54-like Protein 2 (RAD54L2) in HNSCC. RAD54L2 expression was assessed across multiple cancer types, including HNSCC, using data sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Through R-based analysis of RNA-seq data from TCGA-HNSCC, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between tumors with high and low RAD54L2 expression. RAD54L2 may be a useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HNSCC. Using various statistical methods, we explored the relationship between RAD54L2 levels and immune cell infiltration, DNA methylation patterns and genetic alterations in RAD54L2, RAD54L2 expression with clinicopathological features of HNSCC patients, and the diagnostic and prognostic utility of RAD54L2. Its expression was markedly upregulated in tumor tissues versus controls. RAD54L2 expression exhibited significant correlations with immune infiltration, cell cycle genes, and androgen receptor (AR) in HNSCC. DNA methylation levels at three CpG sites within the RAD54L2 gene were linked to patient prognosis. Furthermore, RAD54L2 expression was associated with multiple clinicopathological variables, including M, N, and T stages, age, gender, race, tumor status, and overall stage. ROC analysis and nomogram model indicated that RAD54L2 effectively discriminated HNSCC from non-tumor tissues. These findings underscore the potential diagnostic and prognostic utility of RAD54L2, supporting its promise as a therapeutic target in HNSCC.

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Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions globally, causing significant morbidity and economic burden. Despite advances in treatment, many patients experience uncontrolled symptoms and exacerbations, particularly those with corticosteroid resistance or neutrophilic inflammation. Roflumilast, an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, may offer additional benefits by targeting inflammatory pathways that are not fully controlled by standard therapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of roflumilast in patients with asthma. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2015 to August 2025. We included randomized controlled trials and pooled analyses evaluating roflumilast in patients with asthma. The primary outcome was the mean difference in the forced expiratory volume in one second between the intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes included risk of exacerbation, symptom control, and adverse events. Six studies met the inclusion criteria, with 2845 participants. Roflumilast showed a modest improvement in forced expiratory volume in one second (Mean difference: +0.04 L; 95% confidence interval: −0.01 to +0.09; heterogeneity = 41%), which was not statistically significant. Exacerbation risk reduction was inconsistent across studies (Risk ratio: 0.96; 95% confidence interval: 0.83–1.12; heterogeneity = 35%). Adverse events, particularly gastrointestinal issues and weight loss, were more frequent with roflumilast, leading to higher rates of discontinuation. Subgroup analysis suggested potential benefits in patients with persistent airway inflammation or corticosteroid resistance, whereas harm was observed in obese patients. The limited number of trials and heterogeneity among studies restricted the conclusiveness of our findings.

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Benralizumab is an interleukin-5 receptor α-directed monoclonal antibody that depletes eosinophils via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of benralizumab in patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) using evidence from randomized controlled trials, post hoc analyses, and real-world studies. Eight studies comprising 1600 patients were included in this review. Benralizumab significantly reduced the risk of severe exacerbations by 52% (Risk Ratio [RR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–0.52) and decreased the maintenance oral corticosteroid (OCS) dose by 11.6 mg/day (95% CI: −13.07 to −10.13). Lung function improved, with a mean increase of 0.22 L in pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (95% CI: 0.18 to 0.26). The asthma control test scores increased by 4.33 points (95% CI: 3.69 to 4.98), surpassing the minimal clinically important difference. These benefits were observed in both randomized controlled trial extensions and real-world studies and were maintained for up to five years, with a favorable safety profile. Subgroup analyses revealed greater improvements in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and those receiving maintenance OCS. Benralizumab efficacy was maintained in obese patients, although improvements in lung function were attenuated. These results support the use of benralizumab as a long-term treatment for SEA, particularly in patients with comorbidities or those requiring maintenance OCS. The integration of benralizumab into personalized management plans based on biomarkers and clinical phenotypes can optimize outcomes in SEA.

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Otitis media is a common childhood condition that affects public health because of its frequency, recurrence, and potential long-term consequences. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of systemic corticosteroids (SCS) in children with acute otitis media and otitis media with an effusion. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified relevant studies published between January 2018 and August 2025. The primary outcomes were effusion resolution, hearing loss, and otitis media recurrence. Secondary outcomes included pain relief, tympanostomy tube placement, speech and language development, quality of life, and adverse events. Four studies, including two Cochrane reviews, one randomized controlled trial, and one meta-analysis, were analyzed. The results showed that SCS provided short-term improvements in effusion clearance and hearing, with risk ratios from 1.08 to 1.20. However, these benefits were temporary, with no significant long-term effects on recurrence rates, persistent effusion, or developmental outcomes. Safety data were limited, with most adverse events being mild and self-resolving. The studies had moderate heterogeneity due to differences in population characteristics, intervention protocols, and outcome definitions. Results suggest that SCS may offer short-term symptom relief in certain cases but cannot be recommended for routine management of pediatric otitis media. Future research should prioritize large-scale multicenter trials with standardized outcomes, extended follow-up periods, and thorough safety assessments to identify the subgroups that might benefit the most from SCS treatment.

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