Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways

Nivolumab resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients and future perspectives

Head and neck cancer (HNC) cases are increasing globally, with resistance to immunotherapies such as nivolumab posing a significant challenge. This systematic review examines the mechanisms of nivolumab resistance in HNC, with a focus on intrinsic tumor factors, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), and immune checkpoint dysregulation. Intrinsic mechanisms, such as mutations that impair antigen presentation and MYC amplification, reshape the TME to promote immune evasion. The tumor microenvironment, enriched with immunosuppressive cells such as tumor-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, further compromises nivolumab's effectiveness. Moreover, cancer cells exploit immune checkpoints, including programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3, and LAG-3, to evade immune surveillance. Identifying predictive biomarkers, such as MYC amplification and PD-L1 expression, is essential for developing personalized treatments. This review underscores the complex nature of nivolumab resistance and the urgent need for comprehensive therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in HNC patients.

Mortality of Head and Neck Cancer in China From 1990 to 2019: A Secondary Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

The rising global incidence of head and neck cancer imposes a growing burden on health systems. However, comprehensive analysis of mortality trends, particularly age, period, and cohort effects, remains limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate head and neck cancer mortality trends in China from 1990 to 2019, with a focus on age, period, and cohort effects.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, focusing on the Chinese population aged 20 years and older. The cancers examined included those of the lip-oral cavity, nasopharynx, other pharynx, larynx, and thyroid. Mortality data, including death numbers and age-standardized rates, were analyzed using joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort analysis to identify trends.

RESULTS

The study revealed that from 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized mortality rate for head and neck cancer in China decreased more significantly than the global average. Although the overall trend in China showed a decrease, there were sporadic increases, especially among males. In contrast, females exhibited a more consistent decline. The age-period-cohort analysis demonstrated increasing mortality with age, decreasing mortality over successive periods, and fluctuating cohort effects, with a marked decrease for cohorts born after 1930.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the mortality rate for head and neck cancer in China is declining, with age being a significant risk factor for mortality, and earlier-born cohorts facing higher risks. Continuous monitoring is essential to understand the impact of evolving clinical practice guidelines on the mortality of head and neck cancer.

Socio-demographic disparities in global trends of lip and oral cavity neoplasms from 1990 to 2021

Oral cancer, the 13th most common globally, is primarily squamous cell carcinoma linked to tobacco, alcohol, and HPV. Despite advances in care, it remains a major health concern due to high mortality and its impact on quality of life. This study analyzed socio-demographic disparities in oral cancer burden using data from 1990 to 2021. We analyzed annual incidence, mortality, and DALYs across 204 countries, using age-standardized rates and the Socio-demographic Index (SDI) to assess development-related impacts. Statistical methods included Kruskal-Wallis tests, linear regression, joinpoint regression for trends, and Exponential Smoothing for forecasts (2022-2030), with analyses conducted in STATA and Python, and p < 0.05 as significant. Incidence was highest in high SDI countries, while mortality and DALYs were highest in low and middle SDI countries (p < 0.001). From 1990 to 2021, incidence increased (AAPC: 0.5-1.0%), while mortality (APC: - 0.5%) and DALYs (APC: - 0.6%) declined in low SDI regions. Significant disparities across SDI categories (p < 0.001) showed incidence rising with socio-demographic development (R2 = 0.102, p < 0.001), with high-middle SDI regions bearing the highest mortality and DALYs. These findings highlight the need for awareness, prevention, early detection, and accessible care, especially in lower SDI regions.

E2F1 Promotes the Occurrence of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Serves as a Prognostic Biomarker

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignant tumor occurring in various sites such as the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and nasal cavity. This study aimed to explore the biological functions and prognostic value of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) in HNSCC. Transcriptome and single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of HNSCC patients were analyzed using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). All samples were divided into high and low expression groups based on the expression levels of E2F1. A risk model was constructed based on Lasso-Cox regression, and the differences between the two groups in terms of prognosis were explored. The scRNA-seq data of HNSCC samples were analyzed using the Seurat package to identify cell types. AUCell was used to score different types of cells, and subsequently, the interaction pathways between the high-scoring cell population and other cell populations were explored using the CellChat package. The expression level of E2F1 in tumor tissues was higher than that in normal tissues, which was confirmed by in vitro experiments. Analysis of transcriptome data from TCGA revealed significant differences in overall survival (OS) between the high and low expression groups. Prognostic genes were selected based on DEGs between the two groups, and a risk model was constructed. Subsequently, a nomogram model was constructed based on clinical factors and risk scores, which exhibited good predictive performance. The expression landscape of prognostic genes in different cell types was explored using scRNA-seq data of HNSCC samples. Dendritic cell populations were identified as high-scoring cell populations, and the pathways of interaction between this cell population and other cell populations were explored. We identified E2F1 as an independent prognostic factor closely associated with the prognosis and immune response of HNSCC.

New Approach as Inhibitor Against Head-Neck Cancer by In silico, DFT, FMOs, Docking, Molecular Dynamic, and ADMET of Euphorbia tirucalli (Pencil Cactus)

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is on the rise worldwide, endangering lives and straining healthcare systems in both developing and developed nations. Despite the availability of a number of therapy options, the success rate for treating and controlling head and neck cancer remains dismal. To combat the aggressiveness and drug resistance of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive Head-Neck cancer cells, this study looks into the potential of Euphorbia tirucalli (pencil cactus) leaf extract.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study is to identify prospective therapeutic candidates from the extract of Euphorbia tirucalli (pencil cactus) leaves, which have the ability to inhibit Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive Head- Neck cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The thirteen most important chemical components found in Euphorbia tirucalli (pencil cactus) leaves were analyzed by means of molecular modeling techniques such as Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET), Quantum Mechanics (QM) calculation, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) model, we assess the potency of these compounds. Important molecular properties such as chemical potential, electronegativity, hardness, and softness can be determined with the use of quantum chemical calculations employing HOMO-LUMO analysis. These drugs' safety and toxicological characteristics are better understood to assessments of their pharmacokinetics and ADMET. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations are employed to verify binding interactions and assess the stability of docked complexes.

RESULTS

The molecular docking analysis identifies ligands (01), (02), and (10) as strong competitors, with strong binding affinity for the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive Head-Neck cancer cell line. Not only do the ligands (01), (02), and (10) match the criteria for a potential new inhibitor of head-neck cancer, but they also outperform the present FDA-approved treatment.

CONCLUSION

Taraxerol, euphol, and ephorginol, three phytochemicals isolated from the leaves of the Euphorbia tirucalli (pencil cactus), have been identified as effective anti-cancer agents with the potential to serve as a foundation for novel head-neck cancer therapies, particularly those targeting the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-overexpressing subtype of this disease. An effective, individualized treatment plan for head-neck cancer is a long way off, but this study is a major step forward that could change the lives of patients and reduce the global burden of this disease.

Trends in head and neck cancer incidence in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam between 1996 and 2015

INTRODUCTION

This study provides an analysis of head and neck cancer (HNC) cases over a 20-year period in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It aims to shed light on HNC's characteristics and trends in this highly populated urban region.

METHODS

The analysis encompasses 8974 HNC cases, emphasising incidence rates, gender distribution, and the prevalence of different subtypes, including oral cavity, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal/pharyngeal cancers. Ho Chi Minh City was chosen due to its extensive cancer reporting systems and its role as a major urban healthcare centre attracting a wide range of patients.

RESULTS

The study reveals an increasing incidence of HNC in Ho Chi Minh City, with a notable predominance of male patients (73 %). The breakdown of HNC cases shows oral cavity cancer at 34 %, nasopharyngeal at 33 %, oropharyngeal at 12 %, and laryngeal/pharyngeal at 21 %. Compared to global averages, Vietnamese patients are diagnosed at an earlier age, with a noticeable trend of decreasing mean age of diagnosis over the study period.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the HNC landscape in Ho Chi Minh City, revealing a slightly lower overall incidence but an earlier age of diagnosis compared to global trends. These findings suggest the need for region-specific public health initiatives and further research to clarify the epidemiological features of HNC in Vietnam.

Association of Unsafe Sexual Behavior with Head and Neck Cancer: A Bibliometric Analysis

Inappropriate sexual practice like oral sex has been linked with head and neck cancer (HNC). The recent data revealed that about 20% oropharyngeal caner among Indians are associated with oral sex. Thus, we aimed to comprehensively assess the trend of research in oral sex associated with HNC and to predict the research frontiers and potential hotspots in the near future. The publications related to oral sex and HNC were retrieved from Scopus database via systematic search strategy (till 15th July 2023). VOSviewer version 1.6.19 and Biblioshiny software were used to identify the trends and research hotspots. A total of 2,179 original articles has been identified of which United States had the highest number of articles (837) followed by United Kingdom (155) and India (140). The number of articles in the area of oral sex and HNC has been increased significantly over decades (highest in 2022: 169 articles) which suggests the trend of the research. Most of the studies were from the National Cancer Institute and most of the studies were published in oral oncology journal (76) along with the 3231 citations. HNC, Human papilloma virus (HPV), oropharyngeal cancer and oral cancer are the enriched keywords which suggests that the individual practicing oral sex are prone to HPV infection which results into HNC. HPV infection mediated via oral sex might be the reason behind the surge of HNC which needs to be addressed via spreading awareness, proper counseling and integrating sex education in study curriculum.

Curcumin: A Potential Weapon in the Prevention and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are aggressive, difficult-to-treat tumors that can be caused by genetic factors but mainly by lifestyle or infection caused by the human papillomavirus. As the sixth most common malignancy, it presents a formidable therapeutic challenge with limited therapeutic modalities. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol, is appearing as a promising multitarget anticancer and antimetastatic agent. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin and its derivatives have the potential to affect signaling pathways (NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and EGFR) and molecular mechanisms that are crucial for the growth and migration of head and neck tumors. Furthermore, its ability to interact with the tumor microenvironment and trigger the immune system may significantly influence the organism's immune response to the tumor. Combining curcumin with conventional therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may improve the efficacy of treatment and reduce the side effects of treatment, thereby increasing its therapeutic potential. This review is a comprehensive overview that discusses both the benefits and limitations of curcumin and its therapeutic effects in the context of tumor biology, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms in the context of HNC. This review also includes possibilities to improve the limiting properties of curcumin both in terms of the development of new derivatives, formulations, or combinations with conventional therapies that have potential as a new type of therapy for the treatment of HNC and subsequent use in clinical practice.

Molecular Targets of Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

With a significant increase in both incidence and mortality, oral cancer-particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)-is one of the main causes of death in developing countries. Even though there is evidence of advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the overall survival rate for patients with OSCC has improved, but by a small percentage. This may be due, on the one hand, to the fact that the disease is diagnosed when it is at a too-advanced stage, when metastases are already present.

METHODS

This review explores the therapeutic potential of natural herbal products and their use as adjuvant therapies in the treatment of oral cancer from online sources in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Scopus, Elsevier).

RESULTS

Even if classic therapies are known to be effective, they often produce many serious side effects and can create resistance. Certain natural plant compounds may offer a complementary approach by inducing apoptosis, suppressing tumor growth, and improving chemotherapy effectiveness. The integration of these compounds with conventional treatments to obtain remarkable synergistic effects represents a major point of interest to many authors. This review highlights the study of molecular mechanisms and their efficiency in in vitro and in vivo models, as well as the strategic ways in which drugs can be administered to optimize their use in real contexts.

CONCLUSIONS

This review may have a significant impact on the oncology community, creating new inspirations for the development of more effective, safer cancer therapies with less toxic potential.

Status quo and influencing factors of readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours after surgery

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the status quo of readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours after surgery and to analyse its influencing factors.

Method

A total of 300 patients with brain tumours who were admitted to the neurosurgery ward of our hospital between September 2020 and December 2022 were selected as the study participants using the convenient sampling method. The readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours after surgery was investigated using a general information questionnaire, the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS), the Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale (QDTS), the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QOL), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and its influencing factors were analysed.

Results

The total RHDS score of patients with brain tumours was (155.02 ± 14.67), which was at a medium level. There was a positive correlation between readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours after surgery and the UW-QOL score (r = 0.459, p = 0.001), SSRS score (r = 0.322, p = 0.000), and QDTS score (r = 0.407, p = 0.001). The influencing factors of readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours included the content actually obtained by patients (health guidance) before discharge (p = 0.001), discharge teaching skills (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.006), swallowing status (p = 0.021), education level (p = 0.016), and objective support (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

The readiness for hospital discharge in patients with brain tumours is at a medium level. Medical staff should give inpatients more targeted knowledge and implement personalised health education according to the patient's age, education level, swallowing status, and objective support to improve the patient's readiness for hospital discharge.

Exploring transitions in care among patients with head and neck CANCER: a multimethod study

BACKGROUND

Patients with head and neck cancers (HNC) experience many transitions in care (TiC), occurring when patients are transferred between healthcare providers and/or settings. TiC can compromise patient safety, decrease patient satisfaction, and increase healthcare costs. The evidence around TiC among patients with HNC is sparse. The objective of this study was to improve our understanding of TiC among patients with HNC to identify ways to improve care.

METHODS

This multimethod study consisted of two phases: Phase I (retrospective population-based cohort study) characterized the number and type of TiC that patients with HNC experienced using deterministically linked, population-based administrative health data in Alberta, Canada (January 1, 2012, to September 1, 2020), and Phase II (qualitative descriptive study) used semi-structured interviews to explore the lived experiences of patients with HNC and their healthcare providers during TiC.

RESULTS

There were 3,752 patients with HNC; most were male (70.8%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 63.3 years (SD 13.1). Patients underwent an average of 1.6 (SD 0.7) treatments, commonly transitioning from surgery to radiotherapy (21.2%). Many patients with HNC were admitted to the hospital during the study period, averaging 3.3 (SD 3.0) hospital admissions and 7.8 (SD 12.6) emergency department visits per patient over the study period. Visits to healthcare providers were also frequent, with the highest number of physician visits being to general practitioners (average = 70.51 per patient). Analysis of sixteen semi-structured interviews (ten patients with HNC and six healthcare providers) revealed three themes: (1) Navigating the healthcare system including challenges with the complexity of HNC care amongst healthcare system pressures, (2) Relational head and neck cancer care which encompasses patient expectations and relationships, and (3) System and individual impact of transitions in care.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified challenges faced by both patients with HNC and their healthcare providers amidst the frequent TiC within cancer care, which was perceived to have an impact on quality of care. These findings provide crucial insights that can inform and guide future research or the development of health interventions aiming to improve the quality of TiC within this patient population.

Neoadjuvant Hyperthermia Combined with Hybrid Nanoarchitectures Enhances Chemoradiotherapy Efficacy in Head and Neck Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are characterized by a high incidence of recurrence, especially in patients with locally advanced disease. Standard treatment strategies can be associated with severe side effects to healthy tissues that can negatively impact the patient's quality of life. Hyperthermia (HT) is a noninvasive treatment modality that has improved the effectiveness of chemotherapy (CT) and/or radiotherapy (RT) for the management of some solid neoplasms. In this context, the association of this approach with rationally designed nanomaterials may further enhance the treatment outcome. In this study, we demonstrate the enhanced effect of neoadjuvant HT in combination with hybrid nanoarchitectures enclosing a cisplatin prodrug (NAs-CisPt) and RT. All the treatments and their combinations have been fully evaluated by employing standardized chorioallantoic membrane tumor models of HPV-negative head and neck carcinoma. An improved tumor-shrinking effect was observed by the administration of the trimodal treatment (HT/NAs-CisPt/RT), which also highlighted a significant increase in apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of HT with nanotechnology-based CT and RT in a certain order enhances the in vivo treatment outcome. On a broader basis, this study paves the way for the next exploration of noninvasive treatment approaches for the clinical management of oral cancer based on innovative strategies.

Assessment of the Dietary Intake Changes in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Radical Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Patients during radiotherapy due to head and neck cancers experience a lot of side effects which may have a considerable impact on the patients' ability to meet individual daily energy demands by means of oral diet.

METHODS

The study included 104 head and neck cancer patients who qualified for radical radiotherapy. Radical treatment takes 6 weeks and every week the patients were assessed for dietary intake. The subjects were covered with the constant care of a dietician, received FSMP (food for special medical purposes), and, if necessary, enteral nutrition.

RESULTS

In the first week of treatment, the patients, from the kitchen diet alone, met 91.5% of the energy demand, while in the last week of treatment, only 40.9%. After introducing the FSMP or enteral nutrition, the patients met 120% of the demand in the first week of therapy and 95% in the last week, respectively. The patients who followed the dietary recommendations were characterized by significantly lower weight loss (3.07 kg) compared to non-adherent patients (5.56 kg).

CONCLUSIONS

The used therapy significantly contributed to decreasing nutritional intake in the subsequent weeks of treatment. On the other hand, incorporating FSMP in the diet and enteral nutrition with industrial diets significantly increased the fulfilled energy demand of patients.

Advances in human papillomavirus detection and molecular understanding in head and neck cancers: Implications for clinical management

Head and neck cancers (HNCs), primarily head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), are associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV), notably HPV16 and HPV18. HPV status guides treatment and predicts outcomes, with distinct molecular pathways in HPV-driven HNSCC influencing survival rates. HNC incidence is rising globally, with regional variations reflecting diverse risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, and HPV infection. Oropharyngeal cancers attributed to HPV have significantly increased, particularly in regions like the United States. The HPV16 genome, characterized by oncoproteins E6 and E7, disrupts crucial cell cycle regulators, including tumor protein p53 (TP53) and retinoblastoma (Rb), contributing to HNSCC pathogenesis. P16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a reliable surrogate marker for HPV16 positivity, while in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, notably reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), offer sensitive HPV detection. Liquid-based RT-qPCR, especially in saliva, shows promise for noninvasive HPV detection, offering simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and patient compliance. These molecular advancements enhance diagnostic accuracy, guide treatment decisions, and improve patient outcomes in HNC management. In conclusion, advances in HPV detection and molecular understanding have significant clinical management implications. Integrating these advancements into routine practice could ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Exploring the Link between Head and Neck Cancer and the Elevated Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction: A National Population-Based Cohort Study

Enhanced screening protocols for cancer detection have increased survival in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), which highlights the need to address the sequelae of therapy-induced cardiovascular complications. This study was conducted to assess the incidence and risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with HNC who have not undergone radiation or chemotherapy using a comprehensive, population-based cohort dataset. A total of 2976 individuals without cancer and 744 individuals with HNC were matched using the propensity score method. The findings indicated that the occurrence rates of AMI were comparable between the HNC (2.19) and non-cancer groups (2.39). Cox regression analysis did not demonstrate a significant increase in the risk of AMI in patients with HNC (hazard ratio: 0.93, 95% confidence interval: 0.50-1.73). No increased risk of AMI was observed in the HNC group compared to the non-cancer group, regardless of the time since the HNC diagnosis. Subgroup analyses showed no notable differences in the AMI risk between the groups when considering sex, age, comorbidities, and cancer type. This study showed that patients with HNC who have not been treated with radiation or chemotherapy did not exhibit an increased incidence or risk of AMI compared to individuals without cancer.

Prevalence of free flap failure in mandibular osteoradionecrosis reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Our study aimed to estimate the prevalence of total free flap failure following free flap reconstruction for mandibular osteoradionecrosis (mORN) and assess the impact of potential moderators on this outcome. A comprehensive systematic literature search was independently conducted by two reviewers using the Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Quality assessment of the selected studies was performed, and prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Outlier and influential analyses were conducted, and meta-regression analyses was employed to investigate the effects of continuous variables on the estimated prevalence. Ultimately, forty-six eligible studies (involving 1292 participants and 1344 free flaps) were included in our meta-analysis. The findings of our study revealed a prevalence of 3.1% (95% CI 1.3-5.4%) for total free flap failure after reconstruction for mORN. No study was identified as critically influential, and meta-regression analysis did not pinpoint any potential sources of heterogeneity. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers and serve as a foundation for future investigations into the management of mandibular osteoradionecrosis and the prevention of free flap failure in this context.

De novo metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Why does locoregional control "always" matter?

De novo metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) constitutes 10% of recurrent/metastatic (RM) cases. Radiotherapy (RT) has a crucial role in the treatment of locally advanced HNSCC, however its application on RM diseases is still limited. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improves the survival of RM HNSCC, however median overall survival is still limited. Integration of locoregional RT with ICIs in de novo metastatic HNSCC represents a promising treatment option. This perspective aims to explore the role of the combination of locoregional and systemic treatment in improving outcomes for synchronous de novo metastatic HNSCC patients and highlights the principal crucial point in decision making.

The causal impact of complement C3d receptor 2 on head and neck cancer microenvironment and its implications for immunotherapy response prediction

This research dives into the intricate immune landscape of head and neck cancer (HNC), with a keen focus on the roles of specific immune cell subpopulations and their linked genes. We used tumour RNA-seq (in-house cohort: n = 192, TCGA-HNSC: n = 546) and Mendelian randomization to pinpoint key SNPs in immune cells that have a causal connection to HNC. Our discoveries unveil a spectrum of tumour immune phenotypes that either offer protection against or increase the risk of HNC. We underscore the therapeutic promise of Complement C3d Receptor 2 (CR2), a gene closely tied to immune cells, with its increased expression in tumour tissues linked to a more favourable prognosis. This is correlated with heightened immune pathway activity, stronger resistance to radiochemotherapy, and improved immunotherapy responses. Our research emphasises the pivotal role of CR2 in immune regulation and the significance of immune cells in tumour progression, highlighting the potential of CR2-targeted therapeutic interventions.

From Ramsay Hunt to Parotid Cancer: A Case Report

Diagnosis of head and neck malignancies remains challenging given the complexity and heterogeneity of the organs and involved anatomical features. Additionally, the presenting symptoms of head and neck cancer may often be vague, mimicking symptoms of less serious illnesses. The following case highlights these challenges. The patient presented to his primary care physician with right facial paralysis involving difficulty closing his eye, as well as intermittent right ear pain. The patient was referred to neurology for a workup to diagnose Lyme Disease or Ramsay Hunt Auricularis. The patient was initially diagnosed with and treated for Ramsay Hunt Auricularis. Despite the treatment, the patient suffered two falls from a loss of consciousness. The cardiologist consulted in the emergency department noted no cardiac etiology. Ultimately, a Computerized Tomography scan and additional imaging revealed a parotid lesion, and the patient was diagnosed with salivary gland carcinoma. The tumor was encircling the internal carotid artery and was subsequently deemed inoperable. No distant metastases were noted. The patient was treated with concurrent chemoradiation using carboplatin and paclitaxel, and leuprolide for androgen receptor-positive cancer. The patient completed this treatment and continues leuprolide every three months. His most recent Positron Emission Tomography scan revealed no evidence of residual disease or recurrent/metastatic disease. The patient still experiences significant long-term treatment effects, such as lymphedema, trismus, and peripheral neuropathy, for which he undergoes rehabilitation services. This unique case is a prime example of the complicated diagnosis and treatment trajectories for patients with head and neck cancer. Frequent follow-up and long-term multidisciplinary care are essential to manage symptoms associated with treatment for all individuals with head and neck cancers.

Implications of oral dysbiosis and HPV infection in head and neck cancer: from molecular and cellular mechanisms to early diagnosis and therapy

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common type of cancer, with more than half a million new cases annually. This review focuses on the role of oral dysbiosis and HPV infection in HNCs, presenting the involved taxons, molecular effectors and pathways, as well as the HPV-associated particularities of genetic and epigenetic changes and of the tumor microenvironment occurred in different stages of tumor development. Oral dysbiosis is associated with the evolution of HNCs, through multiple mechanisms such as inflammation, genotoxins release, modulation of the innate and acquired immune response, carcinogens and anticarcinogens production, generation of oxidative stress, induction of mutations. Thus, novel microbiome-derived biomarkers and interventions could significantly contribute to achieving the desideratum of personalized management of oncologic patients, regarding both early diagnosis and treatment. The results reported by different studies are not always congruent regarding the variations in the abundance of different taxons in HNCs. However, there is a consistent reporting of a higher abundance of Gram-negative species such as Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia, Treponema, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella, Bacteroidetes, Haemophilus, Veillonella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacterales, which are probably responsible of chronic inflammation and modulation of tumor microenvironment. Candida albicans is the dominant fungi found in oral carcinoma being also associated with shorter survival rate. Specific microbial signatures (e.g., F. nucleatum, Bacteroidetes and Peptostreptococcus) have been associated with later stages and larger tumor, suggesting their potential to be used as biomarkers for tumor stratification and prognosis. On the other hand, increased abundance of Corynebacterium, Kingella, Abiotrophia is associated with a reduced risk of HNC. Microbiome could also provide biomarkers for differentiating between oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers as well as between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors. Ongoing clinical trials aim to validate non-invasive tests for microbiome-derived biomarkers detection in oral and throat cancers, especially within high-risk populations. Oro-pharyngeal dysbiosis could also impact the HNCs therapy and associated side-effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. HPV-positive tumors harbor fewer mutations, as well as different DNA methylation pattern and tumor microenvironment. Therefore, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms by which oral microbiota and HPV infection influence the HNC initiation and progression, screening for HPV infection and vaccination against HPV, adopting a good oral hygiene, and preventing oral dysbiosis are important tools for advancing in the battle with this public health global challenge.

Involvement of the OTUB1-YAP1 axis in driving malignant behaviors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is vital for the development of effective treatment strategies. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), which regulate ubiquitin-dependent pathways, are potential targets for cancer therapy because of their structural advantages. Here we aimed to identify a potential target for HNSCC treatment among DUBs.

METHODS

A screening process was conducted using RNA sequencing data and clinical information from HNSCC patients in the TCGA database. A panel of 88 DUBs was analyzed to identify those associated with poor prognosis. Subsequently, HNSCC cells were modified to overexpress specific DUBs, and their effects on cell proliferation and invasion were evaluated. In vivo experiments were performed to validate the findings.

RESULTS

In HNSCC patients, USP10, USP14, OTUB1, and STAMBP among the screened DUBs were associated with a poor prognosis. Among them, OTUB1 showed the most aggressive characteristics in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Additionally, OTUB1 regulated the stability and nuclear localization of YAP1, a substrate involved in cell proliferation and invasion. Notably, OTUB1 expression exhibited a positive correlation with the HNSCC-YAP score in HNSCC cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the critical role of OTUB1 in HNSCC progression via modulating YAP1. Targeting the OTUB1-YAP1 axis holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for HNSCC treatment.

Necroptosis in human cancers with special emphasis on oral squamous cell carcinoma

Necroptosis is a type of caspase independent 'programmed or regulated' necrotic cell death that has a morphological resemblance to necrosis and mechanistic analogy to apoptosis. This type of cell death requires RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL, death receptors, toll like receptors, interferons, and various other proteins. Necroptosis is implicated in plethora of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Crohn's disease, and head and neck cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral carcinomas show dysregulation or mutation of necroptotic proteins, mediate antitumoral immunity, activate immune response and control tumor progression. Necroptosis is known to play a dual role (pro tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic) in cancer progression and targeting this pathway could be an effective approach in cancer therapy. Necroptosis based chemotherapy has been proposed in malignancies, highlighting the importance of necroptotic pathway to overcome apoptosis resistance and serve as a "fail-safe" pathway to modulate cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. However, there is dearth of information regarding the use of necroptotic cell death mechanism in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. In this review, we summarise molecular mechanism of necroptosis, and its protumorigenic and antitumorigenic role in cancers to shed light on the possible therapeutic significance of necroptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma.