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Li H, Wang Z, Liang H, Liu X, Liu H, Zhuang Z, Hou J. Depletion of PHLDB2 Suppresses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Enhances Anti-Tumor Immunity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2024; 14:232. [PMID: 38397469 PMCID: PMC10886581 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of Pleckstrin homology-like domain family B member 2 (PHLDB2) in the regulation of cell migration has been extensively studied. However, the exploration of PHLDB2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still limited in terms of expression, function, and therapeutic potential. In this study, we discovered an upregulation of PHLDB2 expression in HNSCC tissues which was correlated with a negative prognosis in patients with HNSCC. Additionally, we determined that a high level of expression of PHLDB2 is crucial for maintaining cell migration through the regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the ablation of PHLDB2 in tumor cells inhibited tumorigenicity in a C3H syngeneic tumor-bearing mouse model. Mechanistically, PHLDB2 was found to be involved in the regulation of T cell anti-tumor immunity, primarily by enhancing the activation and infiltration of CD8+ T cells. In light of these findings, PHLDB2 emerges as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for interventions in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.L.); (Z.W.); (X.L.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.L.); (Z.W.); (X.L.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Huiting Liang
- Department of Stomatology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China;
| | - Xiaoyong Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.L.); (Z.W.); (X.L.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Haichao Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.L.); (Z.W.); (X.L.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Zehang Zhuang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.L.); (Z.W.); (X.L.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Jinsong Hou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 56 Lingyuan Road West, Guangzhou 510055, China; (H.L.); (Z.W.); (X.L.); (H.L.); (Z.Z.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
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Todoroki K, Abe Y, Matsuo K, Nomura H, Kawahara A, Nakamura Y, Nakamura M, Seki N, Kusukawa J. Prognostic effect of programmed cell death ligand 1/programmed cell death 1 expression in cancer stem cells of human oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:79. [PMID: 38249811 PMCID: PMC10797318 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The relationship between cancer stem cells (CSCs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify the association between the CD44v3high/CD24low immunophenotype of CSCs in OSCC and PD-L1/PD-1 co-expression, and to assess the prognostic effect of CSCs in terms of immune checkpoint molecules. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples and clinicopathological data from 168 patients with OSCC were retrospectively retrieved. Immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction were applied to a tissue microarray of the invasive front of each case. Semi-automated cell counting was used to assess CD44v3, CD24, PD-L1 and PD-1 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using a digital image analysis program. Associations between immunological markers and clinicopathological variables were estimated. Patients with the CSC immunophenotype CD44v3high/CD24low, and patients with a high PD-L1/PD-1-positive cell density in the tumor parenchyma and stroma had significantly lower survival rates. Furthermore, patients with the CSC immunophenotype (CD44v3high/CD24low) and high PD-L1/PD-1 co-expression had even lower survival rates (P<0.01, log-rank test). Notably, there was a positive correlation between CD44v3 and PD-L1 expression (τ=0.1096, P=0.0366, Kendall rank correlation coefficient) and a negative correlation between CD24 and PD-1 expression (τ=-0.1387, P=0.0089, Kendall rank correlation coefficient). Additionally, the high CD44v3 expression group, as determined by IHC, exhibited significantly decreased expression of U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 1 (U2AF1) at the mRNA level compared with that in the low CD44v3 expression group (P<0.001, Mann-Whitney U test), and U2AF1 and PD-L1 mRNA expression exhibited a significant negative correlation (τ=-0.3948, P<0.001, Kendall rank correlation coefficient). In conclusion, CSCs in OSCC may evade host immune mechanisms and maintain CSC stemness via PD-L1/PD-1 co-expression, resulting in unfavorable clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Todoroki
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University, School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
- Department of Dental and Oral Surgery, Takagi Hospital, Kouhoukai Medical Corporation, Okawa, Fukuoka 831-0016, Japan
| | - Yushi Abe
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University, School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
- Department of Dental and Oral Surgery, Takagi Hospital, Kouhoukai Medical Corporation, Okawa, Fukuoka 831-0016, Japan
| | - Katsuhisa Matsuo
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University, School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
- Department of Dental and Oral Surgery, Takagi Hospital, Kouhoukai Medical Corporation, Okawa, Fukuoka 831-0016, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Nomura
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University, School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kawahara
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kurume University Hospital, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nakamura
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Oita Saiseikai Hita Hospital, Hita, Oita 877-1292, Japan
| | - Moriyoshi Nakamura
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University, School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Naoko Seki
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University, School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Jingo Kusukawa
- Dental and Oral Medical Center, Kurume University, School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
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Luo K, Zhao X, Shan Y, Wang X, Xu Y, Chen M, Wang Q, Song Y. GABA regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells by promoting the expression of CCND2 and BCL2L1. Life Sci 2023; 334:122191. [PMID: 37866807 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a multifunctional molecule that is widely present in the nervous system and nonneuronal tissues. It plays pivotal roles in neurotransmission, regulation of secretion, cell differentiation, proliferation, and tumorigenesis. However, the exact mechanisms of GABA in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are unknown. We took advantage of RNA sequencing in this work and uncovered the potential gene expression profiles of the GABA-treated HNSCC cell line HN4-2. We found that the expression of CCND2 and BCL2L1 was significantly upregulated. Furthermore, GABA treatment inhibited the cell apoptosis induced by cisplatin and regulated the cell cycle after treatment with cisplatin in HN4-2 cells. Moreover, we also found that GABA could upregulate the expression of CCND2 and BCL2L1 after treatment with cisplatin. Our results not only reveal the potential pro-tumorigenic effect of GABA on HNSCCs but also provide a novel therapeutic target for HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunliang Luo
- Department of Dentistry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Xiangtong Zhao
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yidan Shan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Affiliate Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuewen Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Yaohan Xu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qingqing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yinjing Song
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China.
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Zhou J, Guo H, Liu L, Jin Z, Zhang W, Tang T. Identification of immune-related hub genes and construction of an immune-related gene prognostic index for low-grade glioma. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:3851-3863. [PMID: 37775993 PMCID: PMC10718158 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Low-grade glioma (LGG) poses significant management challenges and has a dismal prognosis. While immunotherapy has shown significant promise in cancer treatment, its progress in glioma has confronted with challenges. In our study, we aimed to develop an immune-related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) which could be used to evaluate the response and efficacy of LGG patients with immunotherapy. We included a total of 529 LGG samples from TCGA database and 1152 normal brain tissue samples from the GTEx database. Immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Then, we used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify immune-related hub genes in LGG patients and performed Cox regression analysis to construct an IRGPI. The median IRGPI was used as the cut-off value to categorize LGG patients into IRGPI-high and low subgroups, and the molecular and immune mechanism in IRGPI-defined subgroups were analysed. Finally, we explored the relationship between IRGPI-defined subgroups and immunotherapy related indicators in patients after immunotherapy. Three genes (RHOA, NFKBIA and CCL3) were selected to construct the IRGPI. In a survival analysis using TCGA cohort as a training set, patients in the IRGPI-low subgroup had a better OS than those in IRGPI-high subgroup, consistent with the results in CGGA cohort. The comprehensive results showed that IRGPI-low subgroup had a more abundant activated immune cell population and lower TIDE score, higher MSI, higher TMB score, lower T cell dysfunction score, more likely benefit from ICIs therapy. IRGPI is a promising biomarker in the field of LGG ICIs therapy to distinguish the prognosis, the molecular and immunological characteristics of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaiyuanChina
| | - Hao Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyShanxi Provincial People's HospitalTaiyuanChina
| | - Likun Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaiyuanChina
| | - Zengcai Jin
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaiyuanChina
| | - Wencui Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanxi Province Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese MedicineTaiyuanChina
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative MedicineXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaChina
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Ramkumar SP, Bhardwaj A, Patel A, Seetharaman K, Christman A, Amondikar N, Abouelella DK, Hussaini AS, Barnes JM, Adjei Boakye E, Watts TL, Osazuwa-Peters N. Differences in Receipt of Immunotherapy Treatment Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 149:912-918. [PMID: 37651149 PMCID: PMC10472266 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.2420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Importance The US Food and Drug Administration approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (immunotherapy) for select cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in 2016. However, it is unclear whether there are clinical or sociodemographic differences among patients receiving immunotherapy as part of their care. Given the known disparities in head and neck cancer care, we hypothesized that there are differences in receipt of immunotherapy among patients with HNSCC based on clinical and nonclinical characteristics. Objective To characterize clinical and nonclinical factors associated with receipt of immunotherapy among older patients with HNSCC. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included patients 65 years or older diagnosed with HNSCC (n = 4860) in a community oncology care setting. Electronic health records from Navigating Cancer were assessed from January 1, 2017, to April 30, 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Multivariable logistic regression was used to characterize clinical (tumor stage [localized vs advanced] and anatomical subsite [oropharyngeal vs nonoropharyngeal]) and nonclinical (age, smoking history, race and ethnicity, sex, and marital status) factors associated with receipt of immunotherapy. Results In the study cohort of 4860 patients, 3593 (73.9%) were men; 4230 (87.0%) were White and 630 (13.0%) were of other races. A total of 552 patients (11.4%) had received immunotherapy. After adjusting for covariates, in the final model, White patients with HNSCC had 80% increased odds of receiving immunotherapy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.80 [95% CI, 1.30-2.48]) compared with patients of other races. There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of receiving immunotherapy based on age, sex, or smoking history. Patients with nonoropharyngeal disease were significantly more likely to receive immunotherapy than those with oropharyngeal cancer (AOR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.05-1.59]), as were those with advanced compared with local disease (AOR, 2.39 [95% CI, 1.71-3.34]). Conclusions and Relevance The findings of this cohort study suggest that among older patients with HNSCC, White patients may be more likely to receive immunotherapy as part of their care. Equitable access to immunotherapy and other treatment options will reduce cancer-related health disparities and improve survival of patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya P. Ramkumar
- currently a medical student at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dina K. Abouelella
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Adnan S. Hussaini
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Justin M. Barnes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Eric Adjei Boakye
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Tammara L. Watts
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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Pellet A, Bertolus C, Saintigny P, Foy JP. Reliability of gene-expression profiling from tumor biopsy for refining neoadjuvant strategies in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2023; 138:106310. [PMID: 36702014 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
While recent clinical trials evaluating neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors showed promising results in a subset of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), there is a need for the identification of robust biomarkers in tumor biopsies to improve patient selection. This context suggests unravelling transcriptomic heterogeneity between untreated paired samples from same patient with HNSCC. Based on previous studies and the analysis of publicly available gene expression profiles of paired tumor biopsies and surgical resection specimens, we discuss the reliability of tumor biopsy to capture the overall activation of targetable biological pathways in patients with HNSCC. Further studies investigating intratumor transcriptomic heterogeneity as well as the effect of sampling methods on gene expression are needed in patients with HNSCC, in order to develop innovative and relevant biomarker-driven neoadjuvant strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Pellet
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Bertolus
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Saintigny
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Foy
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon, 69008 Lyon, France.
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FAM3D as a Prognostic Indicator of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Associated with Immune Infiltration. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5851755. [PMID: 36510584 PMCID: PMC9741545 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5851755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Globally, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Hence, it is important to find effective biomarkers for the diagnosis and prediction of the prognosis of patients with HNSCC. FAM3D had been proven to be vital in other cancers. However, its predictive and therapeutic value in HNSCC is unclear. Therefore, it is valuable to explore the association between the expression level of FAM3D and its impacts on the prognosis and tumor microenvironment in HNSCC. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) dataset, the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) dataset, and The Human Protein Atlas (THPA) website were used to assess HNSCC expressions in tumor and nontumor tissues. Then, we further conducted immunohistochemistry experiment as internal cohort to validate the same results. The Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and nomograms were performed to find the predictive prognostic value of FAM3D in HNSCC patients and its relationship with the clinicopathological features in HNSCC. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset was utilized to externally verify the prognosis value of FAM3D in HNSCC. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GESA) was applied to search the molecular and biological functions of FAM3D. The association between FAM3D and immune cell infiltration was investigated with the Tumor Immune Estimating Resource, version 2 (TIMER2). The relationships between FAM3D expression and tumor microenvironment (TME) scores, immune checkpoints, and antitumor compound half-maximal inhibitory concentration predictions were also explored. Results In different datasets, FAM3D mRNA and protein levels were all significantly lower in HNSCC tissues than in normal tissues, and they were strongly inversely associated with tumor grade, stage, lymph node metastasis, and T stage. Patients with high-FAM3D-expression displayed better prognosis than those with low-FAM3D-expression. FAM3D was also determined to be a suitable biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with HNSCC. This was externally validated in the GEO dataset. As for gene and protein level, the functional and pathway research results of FAM3D indicated that it was enriched in alteration of immune-related pathways in HNSCC. The low-expression group had higher stromal and ESTIMATE scores by convention than the high-expression group. FAM3D expression were found to be positively correlated with immune infiltrating cells, such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, macrophage cells, T cell CD8+ cells, regulatory T cells, and T cell follicular helper cells. FAM3D's relationships with immune checkpoints and sensitivity to antitumor drugs were also investigated. Conclusion Our study explored the impact of FAM3D as a favorable prognostic marker for HNSCC on the tumor immune microenvironment from multiple perspectives. The results may provide new insights into HNSCC-targeted immunotherapy.
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Liu ZQ, OuYang PY, Zhang BY, Chen EN, Xiao SM, Yang SS, Yang ZY, Xie FY. Role of postoperative chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer without positive margins or extracapsular extension: a propensity score-matching analysis. Radiat Oncol 2022; 17:180. [DOI: 10.1186/s13014-022-02152-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The aim of this work was to determine whether patients with intermediate-risk head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can benefit from postoperative chemoradiotherapy (POCRT).
Methods
Patients without extracapsular extension (ECE) or positive margins (PMs) who received POCRT or postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) at our center were retrospectively (December 2009 to October 2018) included for analysis, in particular, using a propensity score-matching method.
Results
After matching, 264 patients were enrolled, including 142 (41.2%) patients with pT3-4, 136 (38.3%) patients with pN2-3, 68 (21.1%) patients with perineural invasion, and 45 (12.8%) patients with lymphatic/vascular space invasion. With a median follow-up of 52 months, 3-year overall survival (OS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 72.4%, 79.3%, 83.5% and 62.5%, respectively. pN2-3 was an independent risk factor for OS (p < 0.001), DFS (p < 0.001), LRFS (p < 0.001) and DMFS (p = 0.002), while pT3-4 was a poor prognostic factor for DMFS (p = 0.005). Overall, patients receiving POCRT had no significant differences from those receiving PORT in OS (p = 0.062), DFS (p = 0.288), LRFS (p = 0.076) or DMFS (p = 0.692). But notably, patients with pN2-3 achieved better outcomes from POCRT than PORT in 3-year OS (p = 0.050, 63.9% vs. 47.9%) and LRFS (p = 0.019, 74.6% vs. 54.9%). And patients with pT3-4 also had higher 3-year LRFS (p = 0.014, 88.5% vs. 69.1%) if receiving POCRT.
Conclusions
Among all intermediate-risk pathological features, pN2-3 and pT3-4 were independent unfavorable prognostic factors for patients with HNSCC without PMs or ECE. POCRT can improve the survival outcomes of patients with pN2-3 or pT3-4.
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Zhang M, Wang G, Ma Z, Xiong G, Wang W, Huang Z, Wan Y, Xu X, Hoyle RG, Yi C, Hou J, Liu X, Chen D, Li J, Wang C. BET inhibition triggers antitumor immunity by enhancing MHC class I expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3394-3413. [PMID: 35923111 PMCID: PMC9637808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BET inhibition has been shown to have a promising antitumor effect in multiple tumors. However, the impact of BET inhibition on antitumor immunity was still not well documented in HNSCC. In this study, we aim to assess the functional role of BET inhibition in antitumor immunity and clarify its mechanism. We show that BRD4 is highly expressed in HNSCC and inversely correlated with the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. BET inhibition potentiates CD8+ T cell-based antitumor immunity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, BRD4 acts as a transcriptional suppressor and represses the expression of MHC class I molecules by recruiting G9a. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic depletion of BRD4 potently increases the expression of MHC class I molecules in the absence and presence of IFN-γ. Moreover, compared to PD-1 blocking antibody treatment or JQ1 treatment individually, the combination of BET inhibition with anti-PD-1 antibody treatment significantly enhances the antitumor response in HNSCC. Taken together, our data unveil a novel mechanism by which BET inhibition potentiates antitumor immunity via promoting the expression of MHC class I molecules and provides a rationale for the combination of ICBs with BET inhibitors for HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Ganping Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Zhikun Ma
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery, and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA
| | - Gan Xiong
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Wenjin Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Zhengxian Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Yuehan Wan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Xiuyun Xu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Rosalie G Hoyle
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery, and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA
| | - Chen Yi
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Jinsong Hou
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China
| | - Xiqiang Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Demeng Chen
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery, and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Department of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA; Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0540, USA.
| | - Cheng Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 51055, China.
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10
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Guan J, Liu X, Wang K, Jia Y, Yang B. Identification of a novel necroptosis-associated miRNA signature for predicting the prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:1682-1698. [PMID: 36349193 PMCID: PMC9601379 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies that have a poor prognosis. Necroptosis has been demonstrated in recent years to be a form of inflammatory cell death occurring in multicellular organism, which plays complex roles in cancer. However, the expression of necroptosis-related miRNAs and genes in HNSCC and their correlations with prognosis remain unclear. In this study, R software was used to screen differentially expressed miRNAs downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A prognostic model containing six necroptosis-related miRNAs (miR-141-3p, miR-148a-3p, miR-331-3p, miR-543, miR-425-5p, and miR-7-5p) was generated, whose risk score was validated as an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC. Target genes of the key miRNAs were obtained from TargetScan, miRDB, and miRTarBase, and 193 genes in the intersection of the three databases were defined as consensus genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology analyses indicated that the composition of the tumor microenvironment as well as specific pathways may be closely related to necroptosis in HNSCC. Nine key genes were also obtained by the MCODE and cytoHubba plug-ins of Cytoscape: PIK3CD, NRAS, PTK2, IRS2, IRS1, PARP1, KLF4, SMAD2, and DNMT1. A prognostic model formed by the key gene was also established, which can efficiently predict the overall survival of HNSCC patients. In conclusion, necroptosis-related miRNAs and genes play important roles in tumor development and metastasis and can be used to predict the prognosis of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhong Guan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kang Wang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiqun Jia
- Stomatology Center, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Prosthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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11
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Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Immune Cells in Head-and-Neck Tumor Microenvironments. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091521. [PMID: 36143308 PMCID: PMC9506052 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head-and-neck cancers constitute a heterogeneous group of aggressive tumors with high incidence and low survival rates, collectively being the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. About 90% of head-and-neck cancers are classified as squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The innate and adaptive immune systems, indispensable for anti-cancer immune surveillance, largely define the rates of HNSCC emergence and progression. HNSCC microenvironments harbor multiple cell types that infiltrate the tumors and interact both with tumor cells and among themselves. Gradually, tumor cells learn to manipulate the immune system, either by adapting their own immunogenicity or through the release of immunosuppressive molecules. These interactions continuously evolve and shape the tumor microenvironment, both structurally and functionally, facilitating angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. Our understanding of this evolution is directly related to success in the development of advanced therapies. This review focuses on the key mechanisms that rule HNSCC infiltration, featuring particular immune cell types and their roles in the pathogenesis. A close focus on the tumor-immunity interactions will help identify new immunotherapeutic targets in patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-9254258360
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Department of Histology, Cytology and Embryology, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
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12
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Pereira D, Martins D, Mendes F. Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer When, How, and Why? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092151. [PMID: 36140252 PMCID: PMC9495940 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Alcohol and tobacco consumption, besides viral infections, are the main risk factors associated with this cancer. When diagnosed in advanced stages, HNC patients present a higher probability of recurrence or metastasising. The complexity of therapeutic options and post-treatment surveillance is associated with poor prognosis and reduced overall survival (OS). This review aims to explore immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), therapeutic vaccines, and oncolytic viruses) in HNC patients’ treatment, and to explore when, how, and why patients can benefit from it. The monotherapy with ICI or in combination with chemotherapy (QT) shows the most promising results. Compared to standard therapy, ICI are able to increase OS and patients’ quality of life. QT in combination with ICI demonstrates significant response rates and considerable long-term clinical benefits. However, the toxicity associated with this approach is still a hurdle to overcome. In parallel, the therapeutic vaccines directed to the Human Papilloma Virus are also efficient in increasing the antitumour response, inducing cellular and humoral immunity. Although these results demonstrate clinical benefits compared to standard therapy, it is also important to unravel the resistance mechanisms in order to predict the clinical benefit of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pereira
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diana Martins
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório de Investigação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde (LabinSaúde), Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fernando Mendes
- Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTeSC, UCPCBL, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratório de Investigação em Ciências Aplicadas à Saúde (LabinSaúde), Politécnico de Coimbra, ESTESC, Rua 5 de Outubro–SM Bispo, Apartado 7006, 3046-854 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR) Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Biophysics Institute of Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- European Association for Professions in Biomedical Sciences, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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13
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Zhang C, Liu H, Tan Y, Xu Y, Li Y, Tong S, Qiu S, Chen Q, Su Z, Tian D, Zhou W, Zhong C. MS4A6A is a new prognostic biomarker produced by macrophages in glioma patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865020. [PMID: 36119086 PMCID: PMC9472524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MS4A6A has been recognized as being associated with aging and the onset of neurodegenerative disease. However, the mechanisms of MS4A6A in glioma biology and prognosis are ill-defined. Here, we show that MS4A6A is upregulated in glioma tissues, resulting in unfavorable clinical outcomes and poor responses to adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that MS4A6A expression can act as a strong and independent predictor for glioma outcomes (CGGA1: HR: 1.765, p < 0.001; CGGA2: HR: 2.626, p < 0.001; TCGA: HR: 1.415, p < 0.001; Rembrandt: HR: 1.809, p < 0.001; Gravendeel: HR: 1.613, p < 0.001). A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network revealed that MS4A6A might be coexpressed with CD68, CD163, and macrophage-specific signatures. Enrichment analysis showed the innate immune response and inflammatory response to be markedly enriched in the high MS4A6A expression group. Additionally, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed distinctive expression features for MS4A6A in macrophages in the glioma immune microenvironment (GIME). Immunofluorescence staining confirmed colocalization of CD68/MS4A6A and CD163/MS4A6A in macrophages. Correlation analysis revealed that MS4A6A expression is positively related to the tumor mutation burden (TMB) of glioma, displaying the high potential of applying MS4A6A to evaluate responsiveness to immunotherapy. Altogether, our research indicates that MS4A6A upregulation may be used as a promising and effective indicator for adjuvant therapy and prognosis assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou Normal University, Huzhou, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jiaxing University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yinqiu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuntao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiao Tong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou Normal University, Huzhou, China
| | - Qianxue Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongzhou Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou Normal University, Huzhou, China
| | - Daofeng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Daofeng Tian, ; Chunlong Zhong, ; Wei Zhou,
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Anesthesia, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou Normal University, Huzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Daofeng Tian, ; Chunlong Zhong, ; Wei Zhou,
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Daofeng Tian, ; Chunlong Zhong, ; Wei Zhou,
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14
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Identification of Critical miRNAs as Novel Diagnostic Markers for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:6858411. [PMID: 35909889 PMCID: PMC9329032 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6858411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients remains poor, and early diagnosis can distinctly improve the long-term survival of LSCC patients. MicroRNAs (miRs) are a group of endogenous, noncoding, 18-24 nucleotide length single-strand RNAs and have been demonstrated to regulate the expression of many genes, thus modulating various cellular biological processes. In this study, we aimed to identify critical diagnostic miRNAs based on two machine learning algorithms. The GSE133632 dataset was acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, comprising LSCC tissular samples (57 specimens) and matched neighboring healthy mucosa tissular samples (57 specimens). Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were screened between 57 LSCC specimens and 57 normal specimens. The LASSO regression model and SVM-RFE analysis were carried out for the identification of critical miRNAs. ROC assays were applied to evaluate discriminatory ability. We identified 32 DEMs between LSCC specimens and normal specimens. Two machine learning algorithms confirmed that hsa-miR-615-3p, hsa-miR-4652-5p, hsa-miR-450a-5p, hsa-miR-196a-5p, hsa-miR-21-3p, hsa-miR-139-5p, and hsa-miR-424-5p were critical diagnostic factors. According to the ROC assays, seven miRNAs had an AUC value of >0.85 for LSCC. Taken together, our findings identified seven critical miRNAs in LSCC patients which can be used to diagnose LSCC patients with high sensitivity and specificity. These results must be verified by large-scale prospective studies.
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15
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Affolter A, Kern J, Bieback K, Scherl C, Rotter N, Lammert A. Biomarkers and 3D models predicting response to immune checkpoint blockade in head and neck cancer (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 61:88. [PMID: 35642667 PMCID: PMC9183766 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has evolved into a powerful tool in the fight against a number of types of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Although checkpoint inhibition (CPI) has definitely enriched the treatment options for advanced stage HNSCC during the past decade, the percentage of patients responding to treatment is widely varying between 14-32% in second-line setting in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with a sporadic durability. Clinical response and, consecutively, treatment success remain unpredictable in most of the cases. One potential factor is the expression of target molecules of the tumor allowing cancer cells to acquire therapy resistance mechanisms. Accordingly, analyzing and modeling the complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is key to i) stratify subgroups of patients most likely to respond to CPI and ii) to define new combinatorial treatment regimens. Particularly in a heterogeneous disease such as HNSCC, thoroughly studying the interactions and crosstalking between tumor and TME cells is one of the biggest challenges. Sophisticated 3D models are therefore urgently needed to be able to validate such basic science hypotheses and to test novel immuno-oncologic treatment regimens in consideration of the individual biology of each tumor. The present review will first summarize recent findings on immunotherapy, predictive biomarkers, the role of the TME and signaling cascades eliciting during CPI. Second, it will highlight the significance of current promising approaches to establish HNSCC 3D models for new immunotherapies. The results are encouraging and indicate that data obtained from patient-specific tumors in a dish might be finally translated into personalized immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Affolter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, D‑68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johann Kern
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, D‑68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Karen Bieback
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, German Red Cross Blood Donor Service Baden‑Württemberg‑Hessen, D‑68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Claudia Scherl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, D‑68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nicole Rotter
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, D‑68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Lammert
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University, D‑68167 Mannheim, Germany
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16
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Cai Z, Tang B, Chen L, Lei W. Mast cell marker gene signature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:577. [PMID: 35610596 PMCID: PMC9128261 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09673-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mast cells can reshape the tumour immune microenvironment and greatly affect tumour occurrence and development. However, mast cell gene prognostic and predictive value in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. This study was conducted to identify and establish a prognostic mast cell gene signature (MCS) for assessing the prognosis and immunotherapy response of patients with HNSCC. METHODS Mast cell marker genes in HNSCC were identified using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. A dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas was divided into a training cohort to construct the MCS model and a testing cohort to validate the model. Fluorescence in-situ hybridisation was used to evaluate the MCS model gene expression in tissue sections from patients with HNSCC who had been treated with programmed cell death-1 inhibitors and further validate the MCS. RESULTS A prognostic MCS comprising nine genes (KIT, RAB32, CATSPER1, SMYD3, LINC00996, SOCS1, AP2M1, LAT, and HSP90B1) was generated by comprehensively analysing clinical features and 47 mast cell-related genes. The MCS effectively distinguished survival outcomes across the training, testing, and entire cohorts as an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, we identified patients with favourable immune cell infiltration status and immunotherapy responses. Fluorescence in-situ hybridisation supported the MCS immunotherapy response of patients with HNSCC prediction, showing increased high-risk gene expression and reduced low-risk gene expression in immunotherapy-insensitive patients. CONCLUSIONS Our MCS provides insight into the roles of mast cells in HNSCC prognosis and may have applications as an immunotherapy response predictive indicator in patients with HNSCC and a reference for immunotherapy decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimou Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Bingjie Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Wenbin Lei
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan Er Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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17
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Deng W, Meng Y, Wang B, Wang CX, Hou CX, Zhu QH, Tang YT, Ye JH. In vitro experimental study on the formation of microRNA-34a loaded exosomes and their inhibitory effect in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1775-1783. [PMID: 35485349 PMCID: PMC9302529 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2070832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown the inhibitory effect of microRNA-34a on proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the lack of a safe and effective delivery system limits the clinical application of microRNA-34a in oral cancer treatment. An exosome is a small extracellular vesicle that mediates intercellular communication by delivering proteins, nucleic acids, and other contents, and functions as a natural drug delivery carrier. Here, we aimed to explore whether exosomes could be used to load microRNA-34a via co-incubation and further used to treat OSCC. Ultracentrifugation was used to obtain exosomes derived from HEK293T cells and the extracted exosomes were analyzed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blotting. Subsequently, we loaded cholesterol-modified microRNA-34a into HEK293T cell exosomes by co-incubation. Then, PKH67 and Cy3 co-labeled exo-microRNA-34a were co-incubated with HN6 cells and exosome entry into the HN6 cells was observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed by CCK-8 and Transwell assay analysis. SATB2 expression in HN6 cells was analyzed via western blotting. In this study, cholesterol-modified microRNA-34a was loaded into exosomes of HEK293T cells by co-incubation. The microRNA-34a-loaded exosomes were secreted from HEK293T cells and were absorbed by HN6 oral squamous carcinoma cells. Further, microRNA-34a-loaded exosomes led to a significant inhibition of HN6 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by down regulating SATB2 expression. These results report a new delivery method for microRNA-34a, providing a new approach for the treatment of oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Deng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Meng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Wuxi Stomatological Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen-Xing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen-Xing Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing-Hai Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Ting Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Hai Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease,Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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18
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Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: NT5E Could Be a Prognostic Biomarker. Appl Bionics Biomech 2022; 2022:3051907. [PMID: 35510041 PMCID: PMC9061055 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3051907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a type of tumour with a relatively poor prognosis. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitors, have improved the treatment status of advanced tumours. However, the emergence of drug resistance has brought difficulties to clinical treatment, and new immune checkpoint research is imminent. The hypoxia-adenosine pathway, in which CD73 encoded by the NT5E gene is a key enzyme for adenosine production, has been identified as an immune checkpoint of great potential. Therefore, NT5E may play an important role in HNSCC. We performed a detailed bioinformatics analysis of NT5E in HNSCC, and the results showed that the overexpression of NT5E in HNSCC was associated with poor prognosis. Our further investigation of the coexpression pattern of HNSCC could provide a reference for drug resistance and immunotherapy studies.
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19
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Economopoulou P, Kotsantis I, Psyrri A. Radiotherapy and immunotherapy combination in head and neck cancer: Does current failure qualify as an ending or is it a key to future success? Oral Oncol 2022; 125:105717. [PMID: 35034851 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Economopoulou
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kotsantis
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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20
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Chakrabarti S, Dasgupta S, Deb A. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma – Evaluation and clinical impact. J Cancer Res Ther 2022; 18:49-54. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_830_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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21
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Fan C, Wu J, Shen Y, Hu H, Wang Q, Mao Y, Ye B, Xiang M. Hypoxia promotes the tolerogenic phenotype of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 11:922-930. [PMID: 34964283 PMCID: PMC8855917 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We aim to review the roles of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and explore the effects of hypoxia on the tolerogenic transformation of pDCs. Background pDCs, best known as professional type I interferon‐secreting cells, play key roles in immune surveillance and antitumor immunity. Recently, pDCs have been shown to be tolerogenic and correlate with poor prognosis in a variety of cancers, including HNSCC. However, it remains unclear what drives the tolerogenic transformation of pDCs in the HNSCC microenvironment. Hypoxia, a prominent hallmark of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC, can interfere with multiple immune cells and establish an immunosuppressive TME. Methods In this review, we summarize the antitumor and protumor functions of pDCs, explore the effects of hypoxia on the migration and maturation of pDCs, and discuss related mechanisms in HNSCC. Conclusions pDCs mainly display protumor functions in HNSCC. The hypoxic TME in HNSCC can enhance the migration of pDCs and inhibit the differentiation and maturation of pDCs, promoting the tolerogenic phenotype of pDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jichang Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilin Shen
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haixia Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Mao
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ye
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingliang Xiang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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22
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Wang X, Wu S, Liu F, Ke D, Wang X, Pan D, Xu W, Zhou L, He W. An Immunogenic Cell Death-Related Classification Predicts Prognosis and Response to Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:781466. [PMID: 34868055 PMCID: PMC8640500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.781466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) has been classified as a form of regulated cell death (RCD) that is sufficient to activate an adaptive immune response. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the ability of ICD to reshape the tumor immune microenvironment through the emission of danger signals or DAMPs, which may contribute to the immunotherapy. Currently, identification of ICD-associated biomarkers that stratify patients according to their benefit from ICD immunotherapy would be of great advantage. Here, we identified two ICD-associated subtypes by consensus clustering. ICD-high subtype was associated with the favorable clinical outcomes, abundant immune cell infiltration, and high activity of immune response signaling. Besides, we established and validated an ICD-related prognostic model that predicted the survival of HNSCC and was associated with tumor immune microenvironment. In conclusion, we established a new classification system of HNSCC based on ICD signatures. This stratification had significant clinical outcomes for estimating prognosis, as well as the immunotherapy of HNSCC patients
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwen Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Jiangmen, Jiangmen, China
| | - Shouwu Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Dianshan Ke
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Jiangmen, Jiangmen, China
| | - Xinwu Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Putian City, Putian, China
| | - Dinglong Pan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Weifeng Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dongguan People's Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Weidong He
- Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Jiangmen, Jiangmen, China
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23
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Zhang C, Guo L, Su Z, Luo N, Tan Y, Xu P, Ye L, Tong S, Liu H, Li X, Chen Q, Tian D. Tumor Immune Microenvironment Landscape in Glioma Identifies a Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Signature. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:717601. [PMID: 34650972 PMCID: PMC8507498 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.717601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been recognized to be associated with sensitivity to immunotherapy and patient prognosis. Recent research demonstrates that assessing the TIME patterns on large-scale samples will expand insights into TIME and will provide guidance to formulate immunotherapy strategies for tumors. However, until now, thorough research has not yet been reported on the immune infiltration landscape of glioma. Herein, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to unveil the TIME landscape of 1,975 glioma observations. Three TIME subtypes were established, and the TIMEscore was calculated by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)–Cox analysis. The high TIMEscore was distinguished by an elevated tumor mutation burden (TMB) and activation of immune-related biological process, such as IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) response, which may demonstrate that the patients with high TIMEscore were more sensitive to immunotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that the TIMEscore could strongly and independently predict the prognosis of gliomas [Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) cohort: hazard ratio (HR): 2.134, p < 0.001; Gravendeel cohort: HR: 1.872, p < 0.001; Kamoun cohort: HR: 1.705, p < 0.001; The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort: HR: 2.033, p < 0.001; the combined cohort: HR: 1.626, p < 0.001], and survival advantage was evident among those who received chemotherapy. Finally, we validated the performance of the signature in human tissues from Wuhan University (WHU) dataset (HR: 15.090, p = 0.008). Our research suggested that the TIMEscore could be applied as an effective predictor for adjuvant therapy and prognosis assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lirui Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongzhou Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Na Luo
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yinqiu Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Sun Yat-sen University, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liguo Ye
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiao Tong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jiaxing University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xiaobin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Central Hospital Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Qianxue Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Daofeng Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wuhan University, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan, China
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24
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De-Escalating Strategies in HPV-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091787. [PMID: 34578368 PMCID: PMC8473011 DOI: 10.3390/v13091787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
HPV-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has emerged as a diverse clinical and biological disease entity, mainly in young patients with oropharyngeal tumors who are nonsmokers and nondrinkers. Indeed, during the past few years, the pendulum has shifted towards a new epidemiological reality, the “HPV pandemic”, where the majority of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) are attributed to HPV. The oncogenic potential of the virus is associated to its capacity of integrating oncogenes E6 and E7 into the host cell, leading to the inactivation of several tumor suppressor genes, such as Rb. HPV status can affect prognosis in OPSCC, but its role as a predictive biomarker remains to be elucidated. Given the favorable prognosis associated with HPV-positive disease, the concept of de-escalation treatment strategies has been developed with the primary intent being the reduction of treatment-related long-term toxicities. In this review, we aim to depict current data regarding treatment de-escalation in HPV-associated OPSCC and discuss ongoing clinical trials.
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25
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Cavaliere M, Bisogno A, Scarpa A, D'Urso A, Marra P, Colacurcio V, De Luca P, Ralli M, Cassandro E, Cassandro C. Biomarkers of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a review. Ann Diagn Pathol 2021; 54:151787. [PMID: 34242969 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2021.151787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Laryngeal carcinoma is the second common malignancy of the upper aerodigestive tract after lung cancer; in most cases is a squamous cell carcinoma, whose risk factors include tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. Despite therapeutic progress, the five-year overall survival rate for this malignancy has remained nearly 50% and many patients already present metastasis at the time of diagnosis. To date, there are no tools that predict the evolution of laryngeal carcinoma: in this light, during the last years, many studies were planned with the aim to investigate the role played by different biomarkers expressed by larynx cancer, which can help make an early diagnosis, predict disease evolution and direct therapeutic choice. This review aims to summarize these markers and correlating them with disease evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Cavaliere
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonella Bisogno
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Alfonso Scarpa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Alessia D'Urso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pasquale Marra
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Vito Colacurcio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro De Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Ettore Cassandro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Via Salvador Allende 43, 84081 Baronissi, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Claudia Cassandro
- Surgical Sciences Department, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10124 Turin, Italy
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26
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Zhang Y, Chen P, Zhou Q, Wang H, Hua Q, Wang J, Zhong H. A Novel Immune-Related Prognostic Signature in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Genet 2021; 12:570336. [PMID: 34220923 PMCID: PMC8249947 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.570336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune response within the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in tumorigenesis and determines the clinical outcomes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, to date, very limited robust and reliable immunological biomarkers have been developed that are capable of estimating prognosis in HNSCC patients. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of novel immune-related gene signatures (IRGs) that can predict HNSCC prognosis. Based on gene expression profiles and clinical data of HNSCC patient cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, a total of 439 highly variable expressed immune-related genes (including 239 upregulated and 200 downregulated genes) were identified by using differential gene expression analysis. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these immune-related differentially expressed genes were enriched in inflammatory functions. After process screening in the training TCGA cohort, six immune-related genes (PLAU, STC2, TNFRSF4, PDGFA, DKK1, and CHGB) were significantly associated with overall survival (OS) based on the LASSO Cox regression model. Integrating these genes with clinicopathological features, a multivariable model was built and suggested better performance in determining patients’ OS in the testing cohort, and the independent validation cohort. In conclusion, a well-established model encompassing both immune-related gene signatures and clinicopathological factors would serve as a promising tool for the prognostic prediction of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingquan Hua
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongliang Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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27
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Wei T, Leisegang M, Xia M, Kiyotani K, Li N, Zeng C, Deng C, Jiang J, Harada M, Agrawal N, Li L, Qi H, Nakamura Y, Ren L. Generation of neoantigen-specific T cells for adoptive cell transfer for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1929726. [PMID: 34104546 PMCID: PMC8158031 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1929726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy using TCR-engineered T cells (TCR-T cells) represents a promising strategy for treating relapsed and metastatic cancers. We previously established methods to identify neoantigen-specific TCRs based on patients’ PBMCs. However, in clinical practice isolation of PBMCs from advanced-stage cancer patients proves to be difficult. In this study, we substituted blood-derived T cells for tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and used an HLA-matched cell line of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to replace autologous dendritic cells. Somatic mutations were determined in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma resected from two patients. HLA-A*02:01-restricted neoantigen libraries were constructed and transferred into HLA-matched APCs for stimulation of patient TILs. TCRs were isolated from reactive TIL cultures and functionality was tested using TCR- T cells in vitro and in vivo. To exemplify the screening approach, we identified the targeted neoantigen leading to recognition of the minigene construct that stimulated the strongest TIL response. Neoantigen peptides were used to load MHC-tetramers for T cell isolation and a TCR was identified targeting the KIAA1429D1358E mutation. TCR-T cells were activated, exhibited cytotoxicity, and secreted cytokines in a dose-dependent manner, and only when stimulated with the mutant peptide. Furthermore, comparable to a neoantigen-specific TCR that was isolated from the patient’s PBMCs, KIAA1429D1358E-specific TCR T cells destroyed human tumors in mice. The established protocol provides the required flexibility to methods striving to identify neoantigen-specific TCRs. By using an MHC-matched APC cell line and neoantigen-encoding minigene libraries, autologous TILs can be stimulated and screened when patient PBMCs and/or tumor material are not available anymore. Abbreviations: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); adoptive T cell therapy (ACT); T cell receptor (TCR); tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL); cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL); peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC); dendritic cell (DC); antigen-presenting cells (APC)
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wei
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen Guangdong, China.,Institute of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Matthias Leisegang
- Institute of Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,David and Etta Jonas Center for Cellular Therapy, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ming Xia
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen Guangdong, China
| | - Kazuma Kiyotani
- Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ning Li
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen Guangdong, China
| | - Chenquan Zeng
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen Guangdong, China
| | - Chunyan Deng
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen Guangdong, China
| | - Jinxing Jiang
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen Guangdong, China
| | - Makiko Harada
- Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nishant Agrawal
- Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Liangping Li
- Institute of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Qi
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen Guangdong, China
| | - Yusuke Nakamura
- Cancer Precision Medicine Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lili Ren
- Cytotherapy Laboratory, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen Guangdong, China
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28
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Magnes T, Wagner S, Kiem D, Weiss L, Rinnerthaler G, Greil R, Melchardt T. Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4981. [PMID: 34067112 PMCID: PMC8125786 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous disease arising from the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract. Despite multimodality treatments approximately half of all patients with locally advanced disease relapse and the prognosis of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC is dismal. The introduction of checkpoint inhibitors improved the treatment options for these patients and pembrolizumab alone or in combination with a platinum and fluorouracil is now the standard of care for first-line therapy. However, approximately only one third of unselected patients respond to this combination and the response rate to checkpoint inhibitors alone is even lower. This shows that there is an urgent need to improve prognostication and prediction of treatment benefits in patients with HNSCC. In this review, we summarize the most relevant risk factors in the field and discuss their roles and limitations. The human papilloma virus (HPV) status for patients with oropharyngeal cancer and the combined positive score are the only biomarkers consistently used in clinical routine. Other factors, such as the tumor mutational burden and the immune microenvironment have been highly studied and are promising but need validation in prospective trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Magnes
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (T.M.); (S.W.); (D.K.); (L.W.); (G.R.); (R.G.)
| | - Sandro Wagner
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (T.M.); (S.W.); (D.K.); (L.W.); (G.R.); (R.G.)
| | - Dominik Kiem
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (T.M.); (S.W.); (D.K.); (L.W.); (G.R.); (R.G.)
| | - Lukas Weiss
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (T.M.); (S.W.); (D.K.); (L.W.); (G.R.); (R.G.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gabriel Rinnerthaler
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (T.M.); (S.W.); (D.K.); (L.W.); (G.R.); (R.G.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (T.M.); (S.W.); (D.K.); (L.W.); (G.R.); (R.G.)
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Melchardt
- Oncologic Center, Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (T.M.); (S.W.); (D.K.); (L.W.); (G.R.); (R.G.)
- Salzburg Cancer Research Institute-Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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29
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de Kort WWB, Spelier S, Devriese LA, van Es RJJ, Willems SM. Predictive Value of EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-Pathway Inhibitor Biomarkers for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:123-136. [PMID: 33686517 PMCID: PMC7956931 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00518-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding molecular pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) has considerably improved in the last decades. As a result, novel therapeutic strategies have evolved, amongst which are epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies. With the exception of cetuximab, targeted therapies for HNSCC have not yet been introduced into clinical practice. One important aspect of new treatment regimes in clinical practice is presence of robust biomarkers predictive for therapy response. METHODS We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library. Articles were included if they investigated a biomarker for targeted therapy in the EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-pathway. RESULTS Of 83 included articles, 52 were preclinical and 33 were clinical studies (two studies contained both a preclinical and a clinical part). We classified EGFR pathway inhibitor types and investigated the type of biomarker (biomarker on epigenetic, DNA, mRNA or protein level). CONCLUSION Several EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR-pathway inhibitor biomarkers have been researched for HNSCC but few of the investigated biomarkers have been adequately confirmed in clinical trials. A more systematic approach is needed to discover proper biomarkers as stratifying patients is essential to prevent unnecessary costs and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- W W B de Kort
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - S Spelier
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L A Devriese
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R J J van Es
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S M Willems
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, PO Box 885500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Guan Y, Guan A, Chen L, Gong A. LINC00461 facilitates HNSCC development and reduces chemosensitivity by impairing miR-195-mediated inhibition of HOXA10. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 21:74-86. [PMID: 33869744 PMCID: PMC8027536 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox A10 (HOXA10) has been regarded to serve as an oncogene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study was intended to explore the interaction among the long intergenic noncoding RNA 00461 (LINC00461), microRNA (miR)-195, and HOXA10, and to investigate its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemoresistance in HNSCC. The effects of LINC00461, miR-195, and HOXA10 on the EMT and chemoresistance of HNSCC cells were analyzed by comprehensive analysis of gain- and loss-of-function techniques. The intimate relationships among LINC00461, miR-195, and HOXA10 were investigated by several procedures such as RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. A xenotransplantation tumor model in nude mice was established for the assessment of the tumorigenic ability of the cells in vivo. Our findings indicated that LINC00461 was highly expressed in HNSCC and its overexpression induced EMT and precipitated the chemoresistance of HNSCC cells to cisplatin. The LINC00461 could bind to miR-195 while miR-195 targeted HOXA10 independently. Moreover, LINC00461 impaired miR-195-mediated inhibition of HOXA10 to induce EMT and increase the chemoresistance in HNSCC. Tumor weight and volume were reduced by lentivirus-mediated elevation of miR-195 by inhibition of HOXA10, which could be annulled by LINC00461 overexpression. LINC00461 downregulates the expression of miR-195 to subsequently upregulate the expression of HOXA10, thereby promoting EMT and enhancing chemoresistance in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifang Guan
- Department of Stomatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Aizhong Guan
- Department of Stomatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Aimei Gong
- Department of Stomatology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi 276000, Shandong, P.R. China
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Economopoulou P, Anastasiou M, Papaxoinis G, Spathas N, Spathis A, Oikonomopoulos N, Kotsantis I, Tsavaris O, Gkotzamanidou M, Gavrielatou N, Vagia E, Kyrodimos E, Gagari E, Giotakis E, Delides A, Psyrri A. Patterns of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Association with Genomic and Clinical Features in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020286. [PMID: 33466719 PMCID: PMC7828787 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), act through different mechanisms compared to conventional chemotherapy and are characterized by unique patterns of response, such as hyperprogression (HPD), which refers to the paradoxical acceleration of tumor growth kinetics (TGK). In this regard, we sought to compare patterns of response to ICIs with respect to clinical and genomic features in a cohort of patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In our cohort, HPD was observed in 15.4% of patients. We report for the first time an association of HPD with both shorter progression free survival and overall survival in HNSCC. Importantly, in a multivariate Cox analysis, the presence of HPD remained an independent prognostic factor for survival. Primary site in the oral cavity and administration of ICI in the second/third setting were significant predictors of HPD in multivariate analysis. Genomic profiling revealed that gene amplification was more common in HPD patients. Abstract Background: We sought to compare patterns of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) with respect to clinical and genomic features in a retrospective cohort of patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: One hundred seventeen patients with R/M HNSCC treated with ICI were included in this study. Tumor growth kinetics (TGK) prior to and TGK upon immunotherapy (IO) was available for 49 patients. The TGK ratio (TGKR, the ratio of tumor growth velocity before and upon treatment) was calculated. Hyperprogression (HPD) was defined as TGKR ≥ 2. Results: HPD was documented in 18 patients (15.4% of the whole cohort). Patients with HPD had statistically significant shorter progression free survival (PFS) (median PFS 1.8 months (95% CI, 1.03–2.69) vs. 6.1 months for patients with non-HPD (95% CI, 4.78–7.47), p = 0.0001) and overall survival (OS) (median OS 6.53 months (95% CI, 0–13.39) vs. 15 months in patients with non HPD (95% CI, 7.1–22.8), p = 0.0018). In a multivariate Cox analysis, the presence of HPD remained an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.049). Primary site in the oral cavity and administration of ICI in the second/third setting were significant predictors of HPD in multivariate analysis (p = 0.028 and p = 0.012, respectively). Genomic profiling revealed that gene amplification was more common in HPD patients. EGFR gene amplification was only observed in HPD patients, but the number of events was inadequate for the analysis to reach statistical significance. The previously described MDM2 amplification was not identified. Conclusions: HPD was observed in 15.4 % of patients with R/M HNSCC treated with IO and was associated with worse PFS and OS. EGFR amplification was identified in patients with HPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Economopoulou
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
| | - Maria Anastasiou
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
| | - George Papaxoinis
- Second Department of Medical Oncology, Agios Savas Anticancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Spathas
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
| | - Aris Spathis
- Second Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (N.O.)
| | - Nikolaos Oikonomopoulos
- Second Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.S.); (N.O.)
| | - Ioannis Kotsantis
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
| | - Onoufrios Tsavaris
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
| | - Maria Gkotzamanidou
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
| | - Niki Gavrielatou
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
| | - Elena Vagia
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
| | - Efthymios Kyrodimos
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eleni Gagari
- Oral Medicine Clinics, A. Syggros Hospital of Dermatologic and Venereal Diseases, Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, 16121 Athens, Greece;
| | - Evangelos Giotakis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany;
| | - Alexander Delides
- Second Otolaryngology Department, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (M.A.); (N.S.); (I.K.); (O.T.); (M.G.); (N.G.); (E.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2105831664
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Zhu SW, Wang S, Wu ZZ, Yang QC, Chen DR, Wan SC, Sun ZJ. Overexpression of CD168 is related to poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Dis 2021; 28:364-372. [PMID: 33386685 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA)-mediated motility (RHAMM) is also known as CD168. This study proposed to elucidate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of CD168 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Immune staining of a human tissue microarray and Western blot were used to reveal the expression level of CD168 in OSCC. Correlations between clinicopathological indexes and CD168 expression in OSCC patients were assessed. RESULTS Increased expression of CD168 was detected in OSCC tissues. High expression of CD168 indicated worse survival of patients (p < .05). Furthermore, high expression of CD168 was related to pathological grade in OSCC (p < .05). CD168 expression was positively related to programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing protein 6 (CMTM6), B7 homology 4 protein (B7-H4), CD44, CD133, and Slug expression in OSCC. CONCLUSION This study revealed the overexpression of CD168 in OSCC and shed light on the prognostic significance of CD168 expression in OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Wen Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Zhong Wu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi-Chao Yang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - De-Run Chen
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Cheng Wan
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Head Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Ji Y, Xue Y. Identification and Clinical Validation of 4-lncRNA Signature for Predicting Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8395-8411. [PMID: 32904613 PMCID: PMC7457573 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s257200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still poor due to the lack of effective prognostic biomarkers. lncRNA is an important survival prognostic indicator and has important biological functions in tumorigenesis. Methods RNA-seq was re-annotated, and comprehensive clinical information was obtained from the GEO database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to construct the lncRNA prognosis signature. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) enrichment analysis method is used to explore the possible mechanism of the selected lncRNA influencing HNSCC development. The rms package was used to calculate the C-index to evaluate the overall prediction performance between different signature. PCR is used to detect the expression of selected lncRNA in cancer and adjacent tissues. Results In the GSE65858 training cohort, 124 probes significantly related to prognosis were identified, 11 significant lncRNAs were further selected by rbsurv dimensionality reduction analysis. Finally, 4-lncRNA signature was constructed by multivariate Cox analysis. This signature was associated with tumor-associated pathway and is an independent factor of the patient’s prognosis. 4-lncRNA signature has strong robustness and can exert stable prediction performance in different cohorts. A nomogram comprising the prognostic model to predict the overall survival was established. The 4-lncRNA signature was significantly upregulated in HNSCC samples. Conclusion The predictive model and nomogram will enable patients to be more accurately managed in trials and clinical practices and could be applied as a new prognostic model for predicting survival of HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Ji
- Department of Pathology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of General Surgery, Pudong Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Wolf GT, Liu S, Bellile E, Sartor M, Rozek L, Thomas D, Nguyen A, Zarins K, McHugh JB. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes after neoadjuvant IRX-2 immunotherapy in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Interim findings from the INSPIRE trial. Oral Oncol 2020; 111:104928. [PMID: 32738599 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES IRX-2 is a primary-cell-derived immune-restorative consisting of multiple human cytokines that act to overcome tumor-mediated immunosuppression and provide an in vivo tumor vaccination to increase tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). A randomized phase II trial was conducted of the IRX regimen 3 weeks prior to surgery consisting of an initial dose of cyclophosphamide followed by 10 days of regional perilymphatic IRX-2 cytokine injections and daily oral indomethacin, zinc and omeprazole (Regimen 1) compared to the identical regimen without IRX-2 cytokines (Regimen 2). METHODS A total of 96 patients with previously untreated, stage II-IV oral cavity SCC were randomized 2:1 to experimental (1) or control (2) regimens (64:32). Paired biopsy and resection specimens from 62 patients were available for creation of tissue microarray (n = 39), and multiplex immunohistology (n = 54). Increases in CD8+ TIL infiltrate scores of at least 10 cells/mm2 were used to characterize immune responders (IR). RESULTS Regimen 1 was associated with significant increases in CD8+ infiltrates (p = 0.01) compared to Regimen 2. In p16 negative cancers (n = 26), significant increases in CD8+ and overall TILs were evident in Regimen 1 (p = 0.004, and 0.04 respectively). IRs were more frequent in Regimen 1 (74% vs 31%, p = 0.01). Multiplex immunohistology for PD-L1 expression confirmed an increase in PD-L1 H score for Regimen 1 compared to Regimen 2 (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate significant increases in TILs after perilymphatic IRX-2 injections. Three quarters of patients showed significant immune responses to IRX-2. (NCT02609386).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory T Wolf
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
| | - Siyu Liu
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Emily Bellile
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Maureen Sartor
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Laura Rozek
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Dafydd Thomas
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Ariane Nguyen
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Katie Zarins
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Jonathan B McHugh
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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Yu X, Wang Z, Zeng T. Essential gene expression pattern of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma revealed by tumor-specific expression rule based on single-cell RNA sequencing. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165791. [PMID: 32234410 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been widely reported and considered as one of the most threatening diseases to human health. Derived from complicated tissue subtypes, HNSCC has diverse symptoms and pathogenesis. They make the identification of the core carcinogenic factors of such diseases at the multi-cell level difficult. With the development of single-cell sequencing technologies, the effects of non-malignant cells on traditional bulk sequencing data can be eliminated directly. On the basis of fresh single-cell RNA-seq data, we set up a computational filtering strategy for tumor cell identification in an expression rule manner. This strategy can reveal the accurate expression distinction between tumor cells and adjacent tumor microenvironment, which are all supported by literature reports. Validated by several independent datasets, these rule genes can further group HNSCC patients with significant difference on survival risks. Thus, the establishment of our computational approach may not only provide an efficient tool to identify malignant cells in the tumor ecosystem but also deepen our understanding of tumor heterogeneity and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangtian Yu
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhenjia Wang
- Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Tao Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China.
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Cetuximab-induced natural killer cell cytotoxicity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines: investigation of the role of cetuximab sensitivity and HPV status. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:752-761. [PMID: 32541873 PMCID: PMC7462851 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0934-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed by 80–90% of squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC). In addition to inhibiting EGFR signal transduction, cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting EGFR can also bind to fragment crystallisable domain of immunoglobulins G1 present on natural killer (NK), causing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, presence of cetuximab resistance limits effective clinical management of HNSCC. Methods In this study, differences in induction of ADCC were investigated in a panel of ten HNSCC cell lines. Tumour cells were co-cultured with NK cells and monitored using the xCELLigence RTCA. Results While ADCC was not influenced by HPV status, hypoxia and cetuximab resistance did affect ADCC differentially. Intrinsic cetuximab-resistant cell lines showed an increased ADCC induction, whereas exposure to hypoxia reduced ADCC. Baseline EGFR expression was not correlated with ADCC. In contrast, EGFR internalisation following cetuximab treatment was positively correlated with ADCC. Conclusion These findings support the possibility that resistance against cetuximab can be overcome by NK cell-based immune reactions. As such, it provides an incentive to combine cetuximab with immunotherapeutic approaches, thereby possibly enhancing the anti-tumoural immune responses and achieving greater clinical effectiveness of EGFR-targeting agents.
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Alessandrini L, Franz L, Ottaviano G, Ghi MG, Lanza C, Blandamura S, Marioni G. Prognostic role of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and the immune microenvironment in laryngeal carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2020; 108:104836. [PMID: 32512470 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The immune system is crucial in the evolution of head and neck cancer. Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) seems to rely on close relations between neoplastic cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. The main aim of this study was to apply univariate/multivariate analysis to investigate the prognostic significance of PD-L1, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in laryngeal carcinoma (LSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS PD-L1 (in terms of combined positive score [CPS]), TILs and TLS were assessed at pathology on 70 consecutive samples of LSCC. RESULTS A CPS ≥ 1 coincided with a lower recurrence rate (RR) (p = 0.007) and longer disease-free survival (DFS) than a CPS < 1 (p = 0.0027). Cases with higher TIL counts showed a lower RR (p = 0.036) and longer DFS than those with lower TIL counts (p = 0.0062). Cases revealing TLS had a lower RR (p = 0.004) and longer DFS (p = 0.0034) than those with no TLS. On multivariate analysis, the presence of TLS retained its positive prognostic value (p = 0.024), while CPS remained significant as regards disease recurrence (p = 0.050). CONCLUSIONS PD-L1 seems to be an indirect marker of effective anti-tumor response in LSCC, possibly being expressed as a result of a greater immune pressure on cancer cells. The presence of TLS emerged as a positive prognostic factor. Further prospective studies are needed to characterize the role of PD-L1 as a marker of anti-tumor immune response and prognostic factor in LSCC, also with regard to the effectiveness of immunotherapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Franz
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ottaviano
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ghi
- Oncology Unit 2, Istituto Oncologico Veneto-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristiano Lanza
- Department of Medicine DIMED, Padova University, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Gino Marioni
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Otolaryngology Section, Padova University, Padova, Italy.
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El-Bayoumy K, Christensen ND, Hu J, Viscidi R, Stairs DB, Walter V, Chen KM, Sun YW, Muscat JE, Richie JP. An Integrated Approach for Preventing Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers: Two Etiologies with Distinct and Shared Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res (Phila) 2020; 13:649-660. [PMID: 32434808 DOI: 10.1158/1940-6207.capr-20-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was the 7th most common malignancy worldwide in 2018 and despite therapeutic advances, the overall survival rate for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC; ∼50%) has remained unchanged for decades. The most common types are OSCC and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC, survival rate ∼85%). Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor of HNSCC. In the developed world, the incidence of OSCC is declining as a result of tobacco cessation programs. However, OPSCC, which is also linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, is on the rise and now ranks as the most common HPV-related cancer. The current state of knowledge indicates that HPV-associated disease differs substantially from other types of HNSCC and distinct biological differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC have been identified. Although risk factors have been extensively discussed in the literature, there are multiple clinically relevant questions that remain unanswered and even unexplored. Moreover, existing approaches (e.g., tobacco cessation, vaccination, and chemoprevention) to manage and control this disease remain a challenge. Thus, in this review, we discuss potential future basic research that can assist in a better understanding of disease pathogenesis which may lead to novel and more effective preventive strategies for OSCC and OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam El-Bayoumy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
| | - Neil D Christensen
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiafen Hu
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Raphael Viscidi
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Douglas B Stairs
- Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Vonn Walter
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Kun-Ming Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Yuan-Wan Sun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Joshua E Muscat
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - John P Richie
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
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39
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Brcic I, Gallob M, Schwantzer G, Zrnc T, Weiland T, Thurnher D, Wolf A, Brcic L. Concordance of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, PD-L1 and p16 expression in small biopsies, resection and lymph node metastases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2020; 106:104719. [PMID: 32335324 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.104719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), especially human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated, is increasing worldwide. Immunotherapy become available for patients with carcinomas in the head and neck region, however without ideal biomarker. Markers like PD-L1 vary in the clone of the antibody used, and the method of evaluation. Adequate and reliable immune cells characterization and evaluation is still not found. Furthermore, studies analyzing representativeness of different tissue samples are scarce. We analyzed small biopsy, lymph node (LN) metastasis and resected OPSCC, in regards of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) density, PD-L1 and p16 expression. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with OPSCC diagnosed from 2000 to 2016, with small biopsy, resection specimen and LN metastasis samples were selected. We analyzed TILs on hematoxylin-eosin stain, and PD-L1 and p16 expression in tumor cells. Concordance between different tumor locations was evaluated. RESULTS 93 patients, with 65 small biopsies, 72 resection specimens, and 70 LN metastases were included. TILs, p16 and PD-L1 demonstrated very high concordance. Additionally, PD-L1 expression in the small biopsies was more representative of the PD-L1 expression in the resection specimens, than the LN samples. CONCLUSION TILs density can be reliably assessed using hematoxylin-eosin stain with high concordance between the small biopsy, resection specimen and LN metastasis. Evaluation of concordance of p16 expression is very high, nevertheless some cases might be misdiagnosed on a small biopsy or lymph node metastasis. Evaluation of PD-L1 expression is very reliable on the biopsy specimen. Different PD-L1 clones and methods of evaluation still remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Gallob
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gerold Schwantzer
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 2, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Tomislav Zrnc
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Weiland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Dietmar Thurnher
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Axel Wolf
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 26, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria.
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40
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Li L, Wang XL, Lei Q, Sun CZ, Xi Y, Chen R, He YW. Comprehensive immunogenomic landscape analysis of prognosis-related genes in head and neck cancer. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6395. [PMID: 32286381 PMCID: PMC7156482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63148-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy around the world, and 90% of cases are squamous cell carcinomas. In this study, we performed a systematic investigation of the immunogenomic landscape to identify prognostic biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We analyzed the expression profiles of immune-related genes (IRGs) and clinical characteristics by interrogating RNA-seq data from 527 HNSCC patients in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) dataset, including 41 HPV+ and 486 HPV- samples. We found that differentially expressed immune genes were closely associated with patient prognosis in HNSCC by comparing the differences in gene expression between cancer and normal samples and performing survival analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to annotate the biological functions of the differentially expressed immunogenomic prognosis-related genes. Two additional cohorts from the Oncomine database were used for validation. 65, 56 differentially expressed IRGs was associated with clinical prognosis in total and HPV- samples, respectively. Furthermore, we extracted 10, 11 prognosis-related IRGs from 65, 56 differentially expressed IRGs, respectively. They were significantly correlated with clinical prognosis and used to construct the prognosis prediction models. The multivariable ROC curves (specifically, the AUC) were used to measure the accuracy of the prognostic models. These genes were mainly enriched in several gene ontology (GO) terms related to immunocyte migration and receptor and ligand activity. KEGG pathway analysis revealed enrichment of pathways related to cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, which are primarily involved in biological processes. In addition, we identified 63 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) from 4784 differentially expressed genes, and 16 edges involving 18 nodes were formed in the regulatory network between differentially expressed TFs and the high-risk survival-associated IRGs. B cell and CD4 T cell infiltration levels were significantly negatively correlated with the expression of prognosis-related immune genes regardless of HPV status. In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis identified the prognostic IRGs as potential biomarkers, and the model generated in this study may enable an accurate prediction of survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery Section II, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, China
| | - Xiao-Li Wang
- Radiation Therapy Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, China
| | - Qian Lei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery Section II, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, China
| | - Chuan-Zheng Sun
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery Section II, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Xi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery Section II, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery Section II, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, China
| | - Yong-Wen He
- Department of Dental Research, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, China.
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41
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The glucocorticoids prednisone and dexamethasone differentially modulate T cell function in response to anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 immune checkpoint blockade. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:1423-1436. [PMID: 32246174 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02555-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
On-treatment steroids for countering immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced inflammatory responses (irAEs) are a hallmark of cancer immunotherapy. However, the suppressive nature of steroids has raised questions regarding their ability to compromise the function of the 'proliferative burst' of effector T cells induced by immune checkpoint antibodies. We investigated the effector functions and the co-inhibitory receptor profile of stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) pre-treated with prednisone and dexamethasone alone or in the presence of anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 antibodies. Also, clinical analysis of a patient who exhibited irAEs following combination (anti-PD-1/CTLA-4) in the presence of glucocorticoids was done. We found that prednisone in contrast to dexamethasone did not compromise T cell cytokine production (IL-2, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and proliferation in the absence or presence of anti-PD-1/CTLA-4 antibodies, when a physiological concentration was used. Neither single prednisone treatment nor co-treatment with checkpoint inhibitors impacted the expression of co-inhibitory receptors PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3 and LAG-3. In contrast, dexamethasone treatment promoted downregulation of LAG-3 expression by T cells. In addition, co-treatment of PD-1 + Jurkat cells with prednisone and/or dexamethasone with anti-PD-1 before stimulation significantly reduced SHP-2 phosphorylation, indicative of increased T cell function. Our findings hereby demonstrate a differential steroid effect on T cell function, which should be taken into consideration for patients undergoing immunotherapy. Also, the clinical analysis of a patient who exhibited irAEs following combination (anti-PD-1/CTLA-4) therapy indicated complete metabolic response in the presence of glucocorticoids. Therefore, concomitant use of prednisone does not appear to interfere with the function of immune checkpoint blockade.
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42
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Pisani P, Airoldi M, Allais A, Aluffi Valletti P, Battista M, Benazzo M, Briatore R, Cacciola S, Cocuzza S, Colombo A, Conti B, Costanzo A, della Vecchia L, Denaro N, Fantozzi C, Galizia D, Garzaro M, Genta I, Iasi GA, Krengli M, Landolfo V, Lanza GV, Magnano M, Mancuso M, Maroldi R, Masini L, Merlano MC, Piemonte M, Pisani S, Prina-Mello A, Prioglio L, Rugiu MG, Scasso F, Serra A, Valente G, Zannetti M, Zigliani A. Metastatic disease in head & neck oncology. ACTA OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGICA ITALICA : ORGANO UFFICIALE DELLA SOCIETA ITALIANA DI OTORINOLARINGOLOGIA E CHIRURGIA CERVICO-FACCIALE 2020; 40:S1-S86. [PMID: 32469009 PMCID: PMC7263073 DOI: 10.14639/0392-100x-suppl.1-40-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The head and neck district represents one of the most frequent sites of cancer, and the percentage of metastases is very high in both loco-regional and distant areas. Prognosis refers to several factors: a) stage of disease; b) loco-regional relapses; c) distant metastasis. At diagnosis, distant metastases of head and neck cancers are present in about 10% of cases with an additional 20-30% developing metastases during the course of their disease. Diagnosis of distant metastases is associated with unfavorable prognosis, with a median survival of about 10 months. The aim of the present review is to provide an update on distant metastasis in head and neck oncology. Recent achievements in molecular profiling, interaction between neoplastic tissue and the tumor microenvironment, oligometastatic disease concepts, and the role of immunotherapy have all deeply changed the therapeutic approach and disease control. Firstly, we approach topics such as natural history, epidemiology of distant metastases and relevant pathological and radiological aspects. Focus is then placed on the most relevant clinical aspects; particular attention is reserved to tumours with distant metastasis and positive for EBV and HPV, and the oligometastatic concept. A substantial part of the review is dedicated to different therapeutic approaches. We highlight the role of immunotherapy and the potential effects of innovative technologies. Lastly, we present ethical and clinical perspectives related to frailty in oncological patients and emerging difficulties in sustainable socio-economical governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pisani
- ENT Unit, ASL AT, “Cardinal Massaja” Hospital, Asti, Italy
| | - Mario Airoldi
- Medical Oncology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Aluffi Valletti
- SCDU Otorinolaringoiatria, AOU Maggiore della Carità di Novara, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Italy
| | | | - Marco Benazzo
- SC Otorinolaringoiatria, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico “S. Matteo”, Università di Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Salvatore Cocuzza
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Colombo
- ENT Unit, ASL AT, “Cardinal Massaja” Hospital, Asti, Italy
| | - Bice Conti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
- Polymerix S.r.L., Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Laura della Vecchia
- Unit of Otorhinolaryngology General Hospital “Macchi”, ASST dei Settelaghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Nerina Denaro
- Oncology Department A.O.S. Croce & Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | - Danilo Galizia
- Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo,Italy
| | - Massimiliano Garzaro
- SCDU Otorinolaringoiatria, AOU Maggiore della Carità di Novara, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Italy
| | - Ida Genta
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Italy
- Polymerix S.r.L., Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Marco Krengli
- Dipartimento Medico Specialistico ed Oncologico, SC Radioterapia Oncologica, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Vittorio Lanza
- S.O.C. Chirurgia Toracica, Azienda Ospedaliera Nazionale “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, Alessandria, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Mancuso
- S.O.C. Chirurgia Toracica, Azienda Ospedaliera Nazionale “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Roberto Maroldi
- Department of Radiology, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Masini
- Dipartimento Medico Specialistico ed Oncologico, SC Radioterapia Oncologica, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Carlo Merlano
- Oncology Department A.O.S. Croce & Carle, Cuneo, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo,Italy
| | - Marco Piemonte
- ENT Unit, University Hospital “Santa Maria della Misericordia”, Udine, Italy
| | - Silvia Pisani
- Immunology and Transplantation Laboratory Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico “S. Matteo”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- LBCAM, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Luca Prioglio
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ASL 3 “Genovese”, “Padre Antero Micone” Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Felice Scasso
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ASL 3 “Genovese”, “Padre Antero Micone” Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Agostino Serra
- University of Catania, Italy
- G.B. Morgagni Foundation, Catania, Italy
| | - Guido Valente
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Micol Zannetti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Angelo Zigliani
- Department of Radiology, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Italy
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43
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London M, Gallo E. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involvement in epithelial-derived cancers and its current antibody-based immunotherapies. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:1267-1282. [PMID: 32162758 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is part of the family of tyrosine kinase receptors. The binding of EGFR to its cognate ligands leads to its autophosphorylation and subsequent activation of the signal transduction pathways involved in regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Accordingly, this receptor carries out both redundant and restricted functions in the germline development of mammals and in the maintenance of various adult tissues. Correspondingly, the loss of EGFR regulation results in many human diseases, with the most notable cancer. This receptor is overexpressed and/or mutated in multiple epithelial-derived tumors, and associated with poor prognosis and survival in cancer patients. Here, we discuss in detail the role of EGFR in specific epithelial-derived cancer pathologies; these include lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and squamous cell carcinomas. The development of multiple anticancer agents against EGFR diminished the progression and metastasis of tumors. Some of the most versatile therapeutic anti-EGFR agents include the monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), demonstrating success in clinical settings when used in combination with cytotoxic treatments, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation. We thus discuss the development and application of two of the most notable therapeutic mAbs, cetuximab, and panitumumab, currently utilized in various EGFR-related epithelial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max London
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Eugenio Gallo
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
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44
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van der Heijden M, Essers PBM, de Jong MC, de Roest RH, Sanduleanu S, Verhagen CVM, Hamming-Vrieze O, Hoebers F, Lambin P, Bartelink H, Leemans CR, Verheij M, Brakenhoff RH, van den Brekel MWM, Vens C. Biological Determinants of Chemo-Radiotherapy Response in HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer: A Multicentric External Validation. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1470. [PMID: 31998639 PMCID: PMC6966332 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Tumor markers that are related to hypoxia, proliferation, DNA damage repair and stem cell-ness, have a prognostic value in advanced stage HNSCC patients when assessed individually. Here we aimed to evaluate and validate this in a multifactorial context and assess interrelation and the combined role of these biological factors in determining chemo-radiotherapy response in HPV-negative advanced HNSCC. Methods: RNA sequencing data of pre-treatment biopsy material from 197 HPV-negative advanced stage HNSCC patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy was analyzed. Biological parameter scores were assigned to patient samples using previously generated and described gene expression signatures. Locoregional control rates were used to assess the role of these biological parameters in radiation response and compared to distant metastasis data. Biological factors were ranked according to their clinical impact using bootstrapping methods and multivariate Cox regression analyses that included clinical variables. Multivariate Cox regression analyses comprising all biological variables were used to define their relative role among all factors when combined. Results: Only few biomarker scores correlate with each other, underscoring their independence. The different biological factors do not correlate or cluster, except for the two stem cell markers CD44 and SLC3A2 (r = 0.4, p < 0.001) and acute hypoxia prediction scores which correlated with T-cell infiltration score, CD8+ T cell abundance and proliferation scores (r = 0.52, 0.56, and 0.6, respectively with p < 0.001). Locoregional control association analyses revealed that chronic (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 3.9) and acute hypoxia (HR = 1.9), followed by stem cell-ness (CD44/SLC3A2; HR = 2.2/2.3), were the strongest and most robust determinants of radiation response. Furthermore, multivariable analysis, considering other biological and clinical factors, reveal a significant role for EGFR expression (HR = 2.9, p < 0.05) and T-cell infiltration (CD8+T-cells: HR = 2.2, p < 0.05; CD8+T-cells/Treg: HR = 2.6, p < 0.01) signatures in locoregional control of chemoradiotherapy-treated HNSCC. Conclusion: Tumor acute and chronic hypoxia, stem cell-ness, and CD8+ T-cell parameters are relevant and largely independent biological factors that together contribute to locoregional control. The combined analyses illustrate the additive value of multifactorial analyses and support a role for EGFR expression analysis and immune cell markers in addition to previously validated biomarkers. This external validation underscores the relevance of biological factors in determining chemoradiotherapy outcome in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn van der Heijden
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Paul B M Essers
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Monique C de Jong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Reinout H de Roest
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sebastian Sanduleanu
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Caroline V M Verhagen
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Olga Hamming-Vrieze
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frank Hoebers
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The D-Lab and The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Harry Bartelink
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marcel Verheij
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ruud H Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michiel W M van den Brekel
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Conchita Vens
- Division of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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45
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Young RJ, Bressel M, Porceddu S, Cernelc J, Savas P, Liu H, Urban D, Thai AA, Cooper C, Fua T, Neeson P, Rischin D, Solomon B. Validation and characterisation of prognostically significant PD-L1 + immune cells in HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2019; 101:104516. [PMID: 31838340 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.104516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We previously showed in human papillomavirus positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+OPSCC) that the presence of intratumoral (IT) PD-L1+ immune cells (ICs) or CD8+ infiltrating ICs are of prognostic value. Here we report the prognostic significance of these immune biomarkers in an independent validation cohort of 177 HPV+OPSCC patients. IT and stromal (S) localisation of PD-L1+ and CD8+ ICs were scored. High abundance (≥5%) of PD-L1+ IT ICs was found in 51/167 patients (30.5%) and was associated with improved overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.05-0.91; P = 0. 012) validating our previous results. High abundance (≥30%) of CD8+ IT or S ICs, found in 77/167 patients (46.1%) provided a HR of 0.45 for OS however the confidence interval was wide (95% CI 0.16-1.25, p = 0.105). Multiplex immunohistochemistry revealed CD68+ macrophages and CD3+CD8+ T cells to be the most common ICs expressing PD-L1. Gene expression analysis showed tumors with high abundance of PD-L1+ IT ICs exhibit gene signatures associated with responses to PD1 or PD-L1 inhibitors pembrolizumab and atezolizumab. These data support the role of immune biomarkers such as PD-L1+ ICs to identify subgroups of HPV+OPSCC patients with an excellent outcome that may be suitable for trials evaluating de-intensification of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Young
- Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mathias Bressel
- Centre for Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sandro Porceddu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Peter Savas
- Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Howard Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Damien Urban
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Israel
| | - Alesha A Thai
- Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline Cooper
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Anatomical Pathology, Pathology Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tsien Fua
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Neeson
- Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danny Rischin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Benjamin Solomon
- Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
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46
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Cramer JD, Burtness B, Ferris RL. Immunotherapy for head and neck cancer: Recent advances and future directions. Oral Oncol 2019; 99:104460. [PMID: 31683169 PMCID: PMC7749717 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.104460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Three randomized phase III trials have now conclusively proven that exposure to a PD-1 inhibitor prolongs survival in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC, and it is clear that such agents should be used in the management of all patients who do not have contraindications to their use. Two of these phase III randomized trials showed that the anti-PD1 antibodies nivolumab and pembrolizumab were superior to investigators' choice chemotherapy in second-line platinum-refractory R/M HNSCC. Recently, a third phase III randomized trial, KEYNOTE-048, showed that pembrolizumab with chemotherapy was superior to the EXTREME regimen (cis- or carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cetuximab) in all patients, and pembrolizumab monotherapy was superior in patients whose tumors express PD-L1 in first-line R/M HNSCC. Pembrolizumab is now approved as monotherapy in PD-L1 expressing disease (combined positive score ≥1) or in combination with chemotherapy for all patients with R/M HNSCC. Thus, PD-L1 biomarker testing will be routinely used in R/M HNSCC, and this employs a scoring system that incorporates immune cell staining, referred to as the combined positive score (CPS). Additionally, for the 85% of patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥1, clinical judgment will guide the choice of pembrolizumab monotherapy or pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy, until more detailed clinical data are forthcoming to better inform this decision. In this article we discuss the clinical trials leading to these therapeutic advances and we will review initial results from clinical trials in previously untreated, locally advanced disease, and those using novel combinations of checkpoint inhibitors, co-stimulatory agonists, and therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Cramer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Barbara Burtness
- Department of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Management of metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) can be challenging. This review gives an insight of current treatment options for patients with synchronous metastatic HNSCC and suggests a therapeutic algorithm. RECENT FINDINGS With the rise of novel therapeutic techniques and medications, many treatment options for both locoregional and distant metastatic disease have become available. The evolving paradigm of metastatic disease now integrates the concept of oligometastatic disease. On top of systemic treatments, patients with low metastatic burden can benefit from curative approaches such as local therapies (surgery, radiotherapy) directed to either primary tumour and distant metastasis. However, data integrating these considerations in the management of metastatic HNSCC is still lacking. Based on this algorithm, we can provide a tailored treatment to each patient with synchronous metastatic HNSCC, according to their age, general condition and metastatic burden.
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Subramaniam SS, Paterson C, McCaul JA. Immunotherapy in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2019; 57:957-966. [PMID: 31653434 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite many advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments, only modest improvements in survival, function, and quality of life have been achieved after treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. With a better understanding of the biology and genetics of tumours, the emergence of a paradigm shift towards the further development of non-surgical treatments may result in less morbidity and better outcomes than are seen currently. SCC of the head and neck is known to be a complex disease that has a sophisticated interaction with the human immune system. At the forefront of emerging treatments is immunotherapy, which has already been established in many other areas of oncology. The rapidly evolving nature of immunotherapeutic agents and, sometimes, their complex mechanisms can make the understanding of these concepts challenging, and could discourage clinicians from engaging in clinical trials. The aim of this paper therefore was to review the current premise for immunotherapeutic approaches, and to provide a contemporary evidence-based rationale for their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Subramaniam
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow, UK.
| | - C Paterson
- Beaston West of Scotland Cancer Centre, 1053 Great Western Rd, Glasgow, UK.
| | - J A McCaul
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Rd, Glasgow, UK.
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49
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Current Perspectives in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101472. [PMID: 31575023 PMCID: PMC6826426 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different immunotherapeutic approaches have proved to be of significant clinical value to many patients with different types of advanced cancer. However, we need more precise immunotherapies and predictive biomarkers to increase the successful response rates. The advent of next generation sequencing technologies and their applications in immuno-oncology has helped us tremendously towards this aim. We are now moving towards the realization of personalized medicine, thus, significantly increasing our expectations for a more successful management of the disease. Here, we discuss the current immunotherapeutic approaches against cancer, including immune checkpoint blockade with an emphasis on anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies. We also analyze a growing list of other co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory markers and emphasize the mechanism of action of the principal pathway for each of these, as well as on drugs that either have been FDA-approved or are under clinical investigation. We further discuss recent advances in other immunotherapies, including cytokine therapy, adoptive cell transfer therapy and therapeutic vaccines. We finally discuss the modulation of gut microbiota composition and response to immunotherapy, as well as how tumor-intrinsic factors and immunological processes influence the mutational and epigenetic landscape of progressing tumors and response to immunotherapy but also how immunotherapeutic intervention influences the landscape of cancer neoepitopes and tumor immunoediting.
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50
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Economopoulou P, de Bree R, Kotsantis I, Psyrri A. Diagnostic Tumor Markers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) in the Clinical Setting. Front Oncol 2019; 9:827. [PMID: 31555588 PMCID: PMC6727245 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a group of tumors arising in the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx. Although HNSCC is traditionally associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption, a growing proportion of head and neck tumors, mainly of the oropharynx, are associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Recurrent/metastatic disease is characterized by dismal prognosis and there is an unmet need for the development of biomarkers for detection of early disease, accurate prediction of prognosis, and appropriate selection of therapy. Based on the REMARK guidelines, a variety of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are being evaluated in clinical trials but their clinical significance is doubtful. Herein, we will focus on biomarkers in HNSCC used in the clinical setting and we will illustrate their clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiota Economopoulou
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Remco de Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Kotsantis
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
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