Nimotuzumab with Concurrent Chemoradiation in Inoperable Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck: An Indian Experience

Background: The prognosis of patients with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) overexpression in inoperable Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck (LASCCHN) remains poor. Nimotuzumab is an Anti EGFR humanized monoclonal antibody approved for treatment of LASCCHN, with concurrent chemoradiation. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab with concurrent chemoradiation in inoperable LASCCHN patients. Methodology: This is a single-centre, single arm, retrospective study evaluating 35 patients with histologically confirmed inoperable LASCCHN (stages III-IV). The patients were administered IV cisplatin 50 mg/m2 and IV nimotuzumab 200 mg for 6 - 7 weeks, along with radiotherapy of 6600 - 7000 cGy over 35 fractions. Patients were evaluated over response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) criteria 12 weeks after the last cycle of chemotherapy. They were also followed up for overall survival and relapse free survival. Results: The median duration of follow-up was 20 months. The most common site of cancer was oropharynx (68.6%). One patient was lost to follow up. Objective Response Rate (ORR) was observed in 97% of the patients with 17 patients (48.6%) achieving complete response (CR) and 17 patients (48.6%) achieving partial response (PR). The median overall survival was 22.7 months (95% CI: 21.30, 34.27). The median relapse free survival was 16.7 months (95% CI: 9.80, 24.50). Nimotuzumab was safe and well tolerated with few mild, self-limiting adverse events. Conclusion: Nimotuzumab with chemoradiation is a safe and efficacious option in patients with LASCCHN. Larger studies are needed to verify the same.

Nimotuzumab with Concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck (LASCCHN)

Background: Head and neck cancers (HNCs) constitute 5% of all cancers globally and are the most common cancers in India. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have not been proved to be effective in advanced cases and the prognosis remains dismal. This underscores the need for newer treatment options in these cases. Nimotuzumab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) monoclonal antibody, was safer when combined with chemo- or radio-therapy. Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of concurrently administered nimotuzumab with chemo-radiotherapy in patients with advanced inoperable squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck (LASCCHN). Methods:?This was an open-label, single arm study evaluating 57 patients with histologically confirmed inoperable LASCCHN (stages III and IV) and eastern co-operative oncology group (ECOG) performance status < 2. Informed consent was obtained from all patients. The patients were administered IV cisplatin 30 mg/m2?and IV nimotuzumab 200 mg weekly for 6 weeks, along with radiotherapy of 6600 cGy over 33 fractions. Patients were evaluated over response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) criteria 24 weeks after the last cycle of chemotherapy. Results: Mean age of patient was 50 years old (29 - 79 years old). The most common site of cancer was oral cavity (56.1%). Forty six patients (80.7%) completed 6 cycles of therapy. Objective response rate (ORR) was 80.7%, with 34 patients (59.6%) achieving complete response (CR), and 12 (21%) achieving partial response (PR). Stable disease (SD) was noted in 8 (14%) patients and progressive disease in 3 (5.2%) patients. Conclusion: Addition of nimotuzumab is a safe and efficacious option in patients with inoperable LASCCHN. Our observations confirm the available Phase II data. The long term survival benefits based on this encouraging response rate need to be further evaluated in this subset of cancer patients.

Concurrent Nimotuzumab with Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Cancers of Oropharynx and Hypopharynx: A Review of 6 Cases

Background: The prevalence of head and neck cancers in the world is around 57% and predominantly occurs in Asian countries. It accounts for 30% of all cancers in India. The cure rate of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has only 30% - 60% even after combined therapeutic approaches. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) antagonists are the most researched targets in the management of head and neck cancers. Claims at superior tumor control and additional survival benefit without any added toxicity make it an attractive option. With this case series we intend to see how nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, fares in difficult cases of head and neck cancers. Case Description: In this case series, total six patients of locally advanced cancer of head and neck region were treated weekly using cisplatin and nimotuzumab concurrently with radiation therapy (RT) for 6 - 7 weeks. Depending upon the disease stage as well as the general condition of the patient, different dose cycles and radiation doses were tailored. Patients were monitored for regular physical examinations and hematological tests followed by pre and post treatment computed tomography (CT) scans, Fludeoxyglucose positive emission tomography (FDG PET-CT) scans, and histopathology. All patients were assessed for toxicities and managed consequently. After completion of radiation and follow-up, 6 weeks later post treatment CT scans were carried out. Conclusion: This case series shows that combination of chemoradiation with nimotuzumab achieved good response rates with no evidence of residual disease/disease progression on follow-up. The patients’ tolerability with combination therapy was good and toxicity was acceptable. Nimotuzumab was found beneficial in combination with chemoradiation for locally advanced head and neck cancers.

ATM is a Prognostic Biomarker of Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

This review examines the role of ATM expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).Analysis revealed significant overexpression of ATM in HNSCC cells compared to normal control samples,suggesting its involvement in cancer proliferation.ATM expression was notably upregulated across various clinical parameters,including different stages of cancer,racial groups,genders,and age groups,highlighting its role in cancer progression.Validation using the GEPIA2 tool confirmed strong ATM expression throughout all four stages of HNSCC,with the highest levels in stage II and the lowest in stage I.Promoter methylation analysis of ATM showed distinct patterns across different demographics and cancer stages,reinforcing its significance.The study also explored the relationship between ATM expression and patient outcomes using the KM plotter tool,finding that high ATM expression was associated with better overall survival(OS),while low ATM expression correlated with better disease-free survival(DFS).Genetic mutation analysis via cBioPortal identified minimal ATM mutations in HNSCC,including in-frame,splice,truncating,and missense mutations,suggesting their role in ATM dysregulation.The STRING tool was used to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network,revealing that the ATM gene interacts with ten key genes(NBN,ATR,CHEK2,MDC1,MSH2,MSH6,MRE11,TP53,TP53BP1,BRCA1),indicating its involvement in various biological functions.Functional annotation of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)through the DAVID web server revealed their participation in critical biological processes,including double-strand break repair,cellular response to DNA damage,and DNA damage checkpoints.KEGG pathway analysis further linked DEGs to cellular senescence,platinum drug resistance,homologous recombination,p53 signaling,and the cell cycle,underscoring ATM’s multifaceted role in HNSCC.

PTEN as a Novel Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This review article explores phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)’s role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)through comprehensive expression and methylation examinations,genetic mutation investigation,and prognostic evaluation.Using the UALCAN informational collection,PTEN expression examination uncovered a critical over-expression in HNSCC cells isolated from normal control samples,proposing its role in HNSCC multiplication.Further,analysis of PTEN expression across various clinical limits has shown critical up-regulation in different cancer development stages,racial groups,gender,and age classes within the context of HNSCC patients,suggesting its major role in cancer duplication.PTEN expression was validated by utilizing the GEPIA2.0 online tool,which showed PTEN expression was particularly significantly expressed in HNSCC cancer improvement when it appeared differently from normal control samples.Accordingly,examining PTEN validation across different phases of cancer advancement showed dysregulation in each of the four phases with the most raised expression in stage I and the least expression in stage IV.Thus,this study investigated the promoter methylation level of PTEN,figuring out a basic relationship between HNSCC samples and normal control samples.Analyzing promoter methylation across various clinical limits uncovered massive variations,with specific methylation patterns seen across malignant growth stages,race groups,gender,and age groups.Overall survival and disease-free survival(OS and DFS)utilizing the KM plotter tool showed a critical relationship between PTEN expression levels in HNSCC patients,showing high PTEN expression exhibited good overall survival when showed up distinctively comparable to low PTEN expression levels.In addition,in disease-free survival(DFS)evaluation HNSCC patients showing low PTEN expression experienced great DFS relative to HNSCC patients with high PTEN expression.Moreover,to validate PTEN expression against survival,the study examined the HNSCC patients into low and high-expression groups of PTEN.In HNSCC,low PTEN expression was connected with great overall survival(OS)when it appeared contrastingly relative to the high PTEN expression.In like manner,the study found that low PTEN expression level was connected with great DFS in HNSCC when it appeared contrastingly related to the high PTEN expression group.Genetic mutation analysis via cBioPortal identifies a minimal proportion of PTEN mutations in HNSCC,predominantly in-frame mutation,missense mutation,splice mutation,truncating mutation,and structural variant,indicating their basal significance in PTEN dysregulation within HNSCC.Further investigation of PTEN molecular components and their exchange inside the HNSCC microenvironment might disclose novel roads for designated treatment and accurate medication approaches in battling this harmful disease.

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) as a prognostic biomarker in multiple tumors and its therapeutic potential in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background:Fibroblast activation protein(FAP),a cell surface serine protease,plays roles in tumor invasion and immune regulation.However,there is currently no pan-cancer analysis of FAP.Objective:We aimed to assess the pan-cancer expression profile of FAP,its molecular function,and its potential role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSC).Methods:We analyzed gene expression,survival status,immune infiltration,and molecular functional pathways of FAP in The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Genotype Tissue Expression(GTEx)tumors.Furthermore,to elucidate the role of FAP in HNSC,we performed proliferation,migration,and invasion assays post-FAP overexpression or knock-down.Results:FAP expression was elevated in nine tumor types and was associated with poor survival in eight of them.In the context of immune infiltration,FAP expression negatively correlated with CD8+T-cell infiltration infive tumor types and positively with regulatory T-cell infiltration in four tumor types.Our enrichment analysis highlighted FAP’s involvement in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.In HNSC cells,FAP overexpression activated the PI3K-Akt pathway,promoting tumor proliferation,migration,and invasion.Conversely,FAP knockdown showed inhibitory effects.Conclusion:Our study unveils the association of FAP with poor tumor prognosis across multiple cancers and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target in HNSC.

PPP1R14A is Associated with Immunotherapy Resistance in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Identified by Single-Cell and Bulk RNA-Sequencing

Objective To identify nivolumab resistance-related genes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)using single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data.Methods The single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing data downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed to screen out differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between nivolumab resistant and nivolumab sensitive patients using R software.The Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator(LASSO)regression and Recursive Feature Elimination(RFE)algorithm were performed to identify key genes associated with nivolumab resistance.Functional enrichment of DEGs was analyzed with Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses.The relationships of key genes with immune cell infiltration,differentation trajectory,dynamic gene expression profiles,and ligand-receptor interaction were explored.Results We found 83 DEGs.They were mainly enriched in T-cell differentiation,PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint,and T-cell receptor pathways.Among six key genes identified using machine learning algorithms,only PPP1R14A gene was differentially expressed between the nivolumab resistant and nivolumab sensitive groups both before and after immunotherapy(P<0.05).The high PPP1R14A gene expression group had lower immune score(P<0.01),higher expression of immunosuppressive factors(such as PDCD1,CTLA4,and PDCD1LG2)(r>0,P<0.05),lower differentiation of infiltrated immune cells(P<0.05),and a higher degree of interaction between HLA and CD4(P<0.05).Conclusions PPP1R14A gene is closely associated with resistance to nivolumab in HNSCC patients.Therefore,PPP1R14A may be a target to ameliorate nivolumab resistance of HNSCC patients.

Nanomaterials for refining tumor microenvironment and enhancing therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a review

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent and lethal solid tumor with a high mortality rate. Conventional cancertreatments, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, primarily target cancer cell eradication. However, uncontrolled proliferation and metabolic activities of these cells result in abnormalities in nutrient levels, hypoxia, and immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These factors constrain the efficacy of traditional treatments by promoting drug resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. Nanomaterials (NMs), such as nanozymes, can exhibit enzymatic activity similar to that of natural enzymes and offer a promising avenuefor the direct modification of the TME through catalytic oxidation-reduction processes. Moreover, they can serve as sensitizers or drug deliverycarriers, enhancing the efficacy of traditional treatment methods. Recently, NMs have garnered significant attention from oncologists. Thisreview begins with an overview of the composition and unique characteristics of the TME. Subsequently, we comprehensively exploredthe application of NMs in the treatment of HNSCC. Finally, we discuss the potential prospects and challenges associated with usingNMs in biomedical research.

Downregulation of iASPP Expression Suppresses Proliferation, Invasion and Increases Chemosensitivity to Paclitaxel of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro

Objective Our previous study has revealed that iASPP is elevated in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)and iASPP overexpression signifcantly correlates with tumor malignant progression and poor survival of HNSCC.This study investigated the function of iASPP playing in proliferation and invasion of HNSCC in vitro.Methods HNSCC cell line Tu686 transfected with Lentiviral vector-mediated iASPP-specific shRNA and control shRNA were named the shRNA-iASPP group and shRNA-NC group,respectively.The non-infected Tu686 cells were named the CON group.CCK-8 assay,flow cytometry,transwell invasion assay were performed to detect the effects of iASPP inhibition in vitro.Results Our results demonstrated that the proliferation of shRNA-iASPP cells at the time of 72 h(F=32.459,P=0.000),96 h(F=51.407,P=0.000),120 h(F=35.125,P=0.000)post-transfection,was significantly lower than that of shRNANC cells and CON cells.The apoptosis ratio of shRNA-iASPP cells was 9.42%±0.39%(F=299.490,P=0.000),which was significantly higher than that of CON cells(2.80%±0.42%)and shRNA-NC cells(3.18%±0.28%).The percentage of shRNA-iASPP cells in G0/G1 phase was 74.65%±1.09%(F=388.901,P=0.000),which was strikingly increased,compared with that of CON cells(55.19%±1.02%)and shRNA-NC cells(54.62%±0.88%).The number of invading cells was 56±4 in the shRNA-iASPP group(F=84.965,P=0.000),which decreased significantly,compared with the CON group(111±3)and the shRNA-NC group(105±8).The survival rate of shRNA-iASPP cells administrated with paclitaxel was highly decreased,compared with CON cells and shRNA-NC cells(F=634.841,P=0.000).Conclusion These results suggest iASPP may play an important role in progression and aggressive behavior of HNSCC and may be an efficient chemotherapeutic target for the treatment of HNSCC.

Classificatory updates in verrucous and cuniculatum carcinomas:Insights from the 5^(th) edition of WHO-IARC head and neck tumor classification

The International Agency for Research on Cancer(IARC)and World Health Organization(WHO)collaboratively produce the'WHO Blue Books'essential tools standardizing the diagnostic process for human cancers.Regular updates in this classification accommodate emerging molecular discoveries,advances in immunohistochemical techniques,and evolving clinical insights.The 5th edition of the WHO/IARC classification of head and neck tumors refines the'Oral Cavity and Mobile Tongue'chapter,including sections for non-neoplastic lesions,epithelial tumors,and tumors of uncertain histogenesis.Notably,the epithelial tumors section is rearranged by tumor behavior,starting with benign squamous papillomas and progressing through potentially malignant oral disorders to oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).The section on OSCC reflects recent information on epidemiology,pathogenesis,and histological prognostic factors.Noteworthy is the specific categorization of verrucous carcinoma(VC)and carcinoma cuniculatum(CC),both associated with the oral cavity and distinct in clinical and histologic characteristics.This classification adjustment emphasizes the oral cavity as their predominant site in the head and neck.Designating specific sections for VC and CC aims to provide comprehensive insights into these unique subtypes,elucidating their clinical features,distinct histological characteristics,prevalence,significance,and clinical relevance.By categorizing these subtypes into specific sections,the 5th edition of the WHO classification aims to provide a more nuanced and detailed account,enhancing our understanding of these specific variants within the broader spectrum of head and neck tumors.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma:A systematic review of phase-3 clinical trials

BACKGROUND The outcomes of patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)who are not candidates for local salvage therapy and of those diagnosed with recurrent or metastatic disease are dismal.A relatively new systemic therapy option that emerged in recent years in the treatment of advanced HNSCC is immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs).The safety profile and anti-tumor activity of these agents demonstrated in early phase clinical trials paved the way to the initiation of several promising phase-3 trials in the field.AIM To evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of ICIs in HNSCC,based on published phase-3 clinical trials.METHODS We searched PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,and Scopus to identify published literature evaluating immunotherapy using ICIs in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC(R/M HNSCC)and locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(LAHNSCC).We used a combination of standardized search terms and keywords including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma,recurrent,metastatic,locally advanced,immunotherapy,immune checkpoint inhibitors,monoclonal antibodies,programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1),programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1),cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4(CTLA-4),and phase-3 clinical trial.A sensitive search filter was used to limit our results to randomized controlled trials.RESULTS Five phase-3 clinical trials have reported the data on the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HNSCC so far:Four in R/M HNSCC and one in LAHNSCC.In patients with R/M HNSCC,anti-PD-1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab demonstrated improved survival benefits in the second-line treatment setting compared to the standard of care(standard singleagent systemic therapy).While the net gain in overall survival(OS)with nivolumab was 2.4 mo[hazard ratio(HR)=0.69,P=0.01],that with pembrolizumab was 1.5 mo(HR=0.80 nominal P=0.0161).The anti-PD-L1 agent durvalumab with or without the anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4 agent tremelimumab did not result in any beneficial outcomes.In the first-line setting,in R/M HNSCC,pembrolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in significant improvement in survival with a net gain in OS of 2.3 mo(HR=0.77,P=0.0034)in the overall population and a net gain in OS of 4.2 mo in the PD-L1 positive(combined positive score>20)population compared to standard of care(EXTREME regime).In patients with PD-L1 positive R/M HNSCC,monotherapy with pembrolizumab also demonstrated statistically significant improvement in survival compared to EXTREME.In LAHNSCC,immunotherapy using avelumab(an anti-PD-L1 agent)along with standard chemoradiation therapy did not result in improved outcomes compared to placebo plus chemoradiation therapy.CONCLUSION Anti-PD-1 agents provide survival benefits in R/M HNSCC in the first and second-line settings,with acceptable toxicity profiles compared to standard therapy.There is no proven efficacy in the curative setting to date.

Clinical impact of surveillance for head and neck cancer in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

To evaluate the clinical impact of surveillance for head and neck (HN) region with narrow band imaging (NBI) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).METHODSSince 2006, we introduced the surveillance for HN region using NBI for all patients with ESCC before treatment, and each follow-up. The patients with newly diagnosed stage I to III ESCC were enrolled and classified into two groups as follows: Group A (no surveillance for HN region); between 1992 and 2000), and Group B (surveillance for HN region with NBI; between 2006 and 2008). We comparatively evaluated the detection rate of superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the serious events due to metachronous advanced HNSCC during the follow-up.RESULTSA total 561 patients (group A: 254, group B: 307) were enrolled. Synchronous superficial HNSCC was detected in 1 patient (0.3%) in group A, and in 12 (3.9%) in group B (P = 0.008). During the follow up period, metachronous HNSCC were detected in 10 patients (3.9%) in group A and in 30 patients (9.8%) in group B (P = 0.008). All metachronous lesions in group B were early stage, and 26 patients underwent local resection, however, 6 of 10 patients (60%) in group A lost their laryngeal function and died with metachronous HNSCC.CONCLUSIONSurveillance for the HN region by using NBI endoscopy increase the detection rate of early HNSCC in patients with ESCC, and led to decrease serious events related to advanced metachronous HNSCC.

The prognostic value of Tiaml proteinexpression in head and neck squamous cellcarcinoma： a retrospective study

Introduction Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma （HNSCC） is a common cancer worldwide and has a poorprognosis. A biomarker predicting the clinical outcome of HNSCC patients could be useful in guiding treatment planning.Overexpression of theT lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 （Tiaml） protein has been implicated in the migrationand invasion of neoplasms. However, its role in HNSCC progression needs to be further validated. We detectedthe expression of Tiaml in normal and tumor tissues and determined its association with clinical outcomes in patientswith HNSCCMethods： We measured the expression of Tiaml in normal and cancerous tissue samples from the patients withHNSCC treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 2001 and 2008. The Tiaml expression was scoredfrom 0 to 12 based on the percentage of positively stained cells and the staining intensity. We then determined thediagnostic performance of this score in predicting overall survival （OS） and disease-free survival （DFS）.Results： Of the 194 evaluable patients, those with advanced disease, lymph node metastasis at diagnosis, and recurrenceor metastasis during follow-up had a highertendency of having high Tiaml expression as compared with theircounterparts （P 〈 0.05）. The proportion of samples with high Tiaml expression was also higher in cancerous tissuesthan in non-cancerous tissues （57.7% vs. 13.9%, P 〈 0.001）. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed thatTiaml expression scores of 5 and greater independently predicted short OS and DFS.Conclusion： TheTiaml expression is shown as a promising biomarker of clinical outcomes in patients with HNSCCand should be evaluated in prospective trials.

Association of microRNA polymorphisms with the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in a Chinese population:a case-control study

Background:MicroRNA(miRNA) polymorphisms may alter miRNA-related processes,and they likely contribute to cancer susceptibility.Various studies have investigated the associations between genetic variants in several key miRNAs and the risk of human cancers;however,few studies have focused on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) risk.This study aimed to evaluate the associations between several key miRNA polymorphisms and HNSCC risk in a Chinese population.Methods:In this study,we genotyped five common single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in several key miRNAs(miR-149 rs2292832,miR-146 a rs2910164,miR-605 rs2043556,miR-608 rs4919510,and miR-196a2 rs11614913) and evaluated the associations between these SNPs and HNSCC risk according to cancer site with a case-control study including 576 cases and 1552 controls,which were matched by age and sex in a Chinese population.Results:The results revealed that miR-605 rs2043556[dominant model:adjusted odds ratio(OR) 0.71,95%confidence interval(CI) 0.58-0.88;additive model:adjusted OR 0.74,95%CI 0.62-0.89]and miR-196a2 rs11614913(dominant model:adjusted OR 1.36,95%C11.08-1.72;additive model:adjusted OR 1.28,95%C11.10-1.48) were significantly associated with the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC).Furthermore,when these two loci were evaluated together based on the number of putative risk alleles(rs2043556 A and rs11614913 G),a significant locus-dosage effect was noted on the risk of OSCC(P_(trend) < 0.001).However,no significant association was detected between the other three SNPs(miR-149 rs2292832,miR- 146 a rs2910164,and miR-608 rs4919510) and HNSCC risk.Conclusion:Our study provided the evidence that miR-605 rs2043556 and miR-196a2 rs11614913 may have an impact on genetic susceptibility to OSCC in Chinese population.

Re-expression of DIRAS3 and P53 induces apoptosis and impaired autophagy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background:p53 and DIRAS3 are tumor suppressors that are frequently silenced in tumors.In this study,we sought to determine whether the concurrent re-expression of p53 and DIRAS3 could effectively induce head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)cell death.Methods:CAL-27 and SCC-25 cells were treated with Ad-DIRAS3 and rAd-p53 to induce re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 respectively.The effects of DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression on the growth and apoptosis of HNSCC cells were examined by TUNEL assay,flow cytometric analysis and MTT.The effects of DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression on Akt phosphorylation,oncogene expression,and the interaction of 4 E-BP1 with eIF4 E were determined by real-time PCR,Western blotting and immunoprecipitation analysis.The ability of DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression to induce autophagy was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy,LC3 fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting.The effects of DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression on HNSCC growth were evaluated by using an orthotopic xenograft mouse model.Results:TUNEL assay and flow cytometric analysis showed that the concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 significantly induced apoptosis(P<0.001).MTT and flow cytometric analysis revealed that DIRAS3 and p53 reexpression significantly inhibited proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest(P<0.001).Mechanistically,the concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 down-regulated signal transducer and activation of transcription 3(STAT3)and upregulated p21WAF1/CIP1 and Bax(P<0.001).DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression also inhibited Akt phosphorylation,increased the interaction of eIF4 E with 4 E-BP1,and reduced the expression of c-Myc,cyclin D1,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),fibroblast growth factor(FGF),epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)and Bcl-2(P<0.001).Moreover,the concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 increased the percentage of cells with GFP-LC3 puncta compared with that in cells treated with control adenovirus(50.00%±4.55%vs.4.67%±1.25%,P<0.001).LC3 fluorescence microscopy and Western blotting further showed that DIRAS3 and p53 re-expression significantly promoted autophagic activity but also inhibited autophagic flux,resulting in overall impaired autophagy.Finally,the concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 significantly decreased the tumor volume compared with the control group in a HNSCC xenograft mouse model[(3.12±0.75)mm^(3) vs.(189.02±17.54)mm^(3),P<0.001].Conclusions:The concurrent re-expression of DIRAS3 and p53 is a more effective approach to HNSCC treatment than current treatment strategies.

Boron neutron capture therapy: moving towards targeted therapy for locally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Locally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)is often unresectable,and a repeat course of radiotherapy is associated with incremental toxicities.Boron neutron capture therapy(BNCT)is a novel targeted radiotherapy modality that can achieve a high dose gradient between cancerous and adjacent normal tissues.However,the relationships among the dose resulting from BNCT,tumor response to BNCT,and survival are not completely understood.Recently,a study published in Radiotherapy and Oncology investigated the efficacy of BNCT in the treatment of patients with locally recurrent HNSCC and the factors associated with favorable treatment response and survival.In this article,the findings,strengths and limitations of this study are discussed in depth,and the significance of the study and motivations for future research are highlighted.

Sustained complete response to erlotinib in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck:A case report

BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck(SCCHN) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling has been shown to be a critical component of therapeutic option. Herein, we report a case of durable complete response to erlotinib.CASE SUMMARY An 81-year-old Caucasian male who presented with metastatic poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of right cervical lymph nodes(levels 2 and 3). Imaging studies including(18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography(CT) and contrast-enhanced CT scan of neck and chest did not reveal any other disease elsewhere. Panendoscopic examination with random biopsy did not reveal malignant lesion in nasopharynx,oropharynx, and larynx. He underwent modified neck dissection and postoperative radiation. Within 2 mo after completion of radiation, he developed local recurrence at right neck, which was surgically removed. Two mo after the salvage surgery, he developed a second recurrence at right neck. Due to suboptimal performance status and his preference, he started erlotinib treatment.He achieved partial response after first 2 mo of erlotinib treatment, then complete response after total 6 mo of erlotinib treatment. He developed sever skin rash and diarrhea including Clostridium difficile infection during the course of erlotinib treatment requiring dose reduction and eventual discontinuation. He remained in complete remission for more than two years after discontinuation of erlotinib.CONCLUSION We report a case of metastatic SCCHN achieving durable complete response from erlotinib. Patient experienced skin rash and diarrhea toxicities which were likely predictors of his treatment response.

Biomarkers of cetuximab resistance in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Objective:In patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC),cetuximab[a monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)]has been shown to improve overall survival when combined with radiotherapy in the locally advanced setting or with chemotherapy in first-line recurrent and/or metastatic(R/M)setting,respectively.While biomarkers of resistance to cetuximab have been identified in metastatic colorectal cancer,no biomarkers of efficacy have been identified in HNSCC.Here,we aimed to identify biomarkers of cetuximab sensitivity/resistance in HNSCC.Methods:HNSCC patients treated with cetuximab at the Curie Institute,for whom complete clinicopathological data and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded(FFPE)tumor tissue collected before cetuximab treatment were available,were included.Immunohistochemistry analyses of PTEN and EGFR were performed to assess protein expression levels.PIK3 CA and H/N/KRAS mutations were analyzed using high-resolution melting(HRM)and Sanger sequencing.We evaluated the predictive value of these alterations in terms of progression-free survival(PFS).Results:Hot spot activating PIK3 CA and KRAS/HRAS mutations were associated with poor PFS among HNSCC patients treated with cetuximab in the first-line R/M setting,but not among HNSCC patients treated with cetuximab in combination with radiotherapy.Loss of PTEN protein expression had a negative predictive value among HNSCC patients treated with cetuximab and radiotherapy.High EGFR expression did not predict cetuximab sensitivity in our patient population.Conclusions:Hot spot activating PIK3 CA and RAS mutations predicted cetuximab resistance among HNSCC patients in the firstline R/M setting,whereas loss of PTEN protein expression predicted resistance to cetuximab when combined to radiotherapy.

Application of single-cell RNA sequencing in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Single-cell RNA sequencing has been broadly applied to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) for characterizing the heterogeneity and genomic mutations of HNSCC benefiting from the advantage of single-cell resolution. We summarized most of the current studies and aimed to explore their research methods and ideas, as well as how to transform them into clinical applications. Through single-cell RNA sequencing, we found the differences in tumor cells’ expression programs and differentiation tracks. The studies of immune microenvironment allowed us to distinguish immune cell subpopulations, the extensive expression of immune checkpoints, and the complex crosstalk network between immune cells and non-immune cells. For cancerassociated fibroblasts(CAFs), single-cell RNA sequencing had made an irreplaceable contribution to the exploration of their differentiation status, specific CAFs markers, and the interaction with tumor cells and immune cells. In addition, we demonstrated in detail how single-cell RNA sequencing explored the HNSCC epithelial-tomesenchymal transition(EMT) model and the mechanism of drug resistance, as well as its clinical value.

Multimodality functional imaging using DW-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT during radiation therapy for human papillomavirus negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Meixoeiro Hospital of Vigo Experience

AIMTo noninvasively investigate tumor cellularity measured using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) and glucose metabolism measured by 18F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) during radiation therapy (RT) for human papillomavirus negative (HPV-) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).METHODSIn this prospective study, 6 HPV- HNSCC patients underwent a total of 34 multimodality imaging examinations DW-MRI at 1.5 T Philips MRI scanner [(n = 24) pre-, during- (2-3 wk), and post-treatment (Tx), and 18F-FDG PET/CT pre- and post-Tx (n = 10)]. All patients received RT. Monoexponential modeling of the DW-MRI data yielded the imaging metric apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the mean of standardized uptake value (SUV) was measured from 18F-FDG PET uptake. All patients had a clinical follow-up as the standard of care and survival status was documented at 1 year.RESULTSThere was a strong negative correlation between the mean of pretreatment ADC (ρ = -0.67, P = 0.01) and the pretreatment 18F-FDG PET SUV. The percentage (%) change in delta (∆) ADC for primary tumors and neck nodal metastases between pre- and Wk2-3 Tx were as follows: 75.4% and 61.6%, respectively, for the patient with no evidence of disease, 27.5% and 32.7%, respectively, for those patients who were alive with disease, and 26.9% and 7.31%, respectively, for those who were dead with disease.CONCLUSIONThese results are preliminary in nature and are indicative, and not definitive, trends rendered by the imaging metrics due to the small sample size of HPV- HNSCC patients in a Meixoeiro Hospital of Vigo Experience.