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Iancu D, Fulga A, Vesa D, Zenovia A, Fulga I, Sarbu MI, Tatu AL. Metastatic patterns and treatment options for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2024; 20:40. [PMID: 38756868 PMCID: PMC11097132 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2024.2739] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
According to current predictions, one-fifth of all Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) most commonly occurs in the head and neck region, which is the area of the body with the highest level of sun exposure. High-risk head and neck cSCC (HNcSCC) is a broad category with numerous high-risk factors that are associated with unfavorable results. In cSCC staging systems, clinical and tumor traits that are likely to result in poor outcomes are identified. Metastasis occurs in ~2.5% of patients with cSCC, most often in the local lymph nodes, and there is some indication that lymph node metastasis has a distinct pattern based on the tumor site. Current findings on tumor molecular targets have suggested the use of systemic treatments, particularly immunotherapy (such as cemiplimab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab), over radiotherapy or chemotherapy for this type of metastasis. However, when used simultaneously with immunotherapy, radiotherapy may be beneficial in the treatment of metastatic HNcSCC by improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. The present review aims to assess the existing literature on metastatic HNcSCC pathways and treatment options, in order to define current and future directions. Notably, there is an urgent need to identify patients who may benefit from local or systemic cancer treatments. The treatment of lymph node metastasis presents a therapeutic challenge and requires comprehensive management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriana Iancu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Ana Fulga
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Doina Vesa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Andrei Zenovia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, ‘Cai Ferate’ General Hospital, 800223 Galati, Romania
| | - Iuliu Fulga
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
- Department of Forensic Medicine, ‘Sfantul Andrei’ Emergency Clinical Hospital of Galati, 800578 Galati, Romania
| | - Mihaela Ionela Sarbu
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
| | - Alin Laurentiu Tatu
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, ‘Dunarea de Jos’ University of Galati, 800010 Galati, Romania
- Department of Dermatology, ‘Sfanta Cuvioasa Parascheva’ Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 800179 Galati, Romania
- Multidisciplinary Integrative Center for Dermatologic Interface Research, 800179 Galati, Romania
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2
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Tay SH, Oh CC. Liquid Biopsies in Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:722-726. [PMID: 37739339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Choon Chiat Oh
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Dermatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
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3
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Sinclair R, Wong XL, Shumack S, Baker C, MacMahon B. The role of micrometastasis in high-risk skin cancers. Australas J Dermatol 2024; 65:143-152. [PMID: 38156714 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14206] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The propensity to metastasize is the most important prognostic indicator for solid cancers. New insights into the mechanisms of early carcinogenesis have revealed micrometastases are generated far earlier than previously thought. Evidence supports a synergistic relationship between vascular and lymphatic seeding which can occur before there is clinical evidence of a primary tumour. Early vascular seeding prepares distal sites for colonisation while regional lymphatics are co-opted to promote facilitative cancer cell mutations. In response, the host mounts a global inflammatory and immunomodulatory response towards these cells supporting the concept that cancer is a systemic disease. Cancer staging systems should be refined to better reflect cancer cell loads in various tissue compartments while clinical perspectives should be broadened to encompass this view when approaching high-risk cancers. Measured adjunctive therapies implemented earlier for low-volume, in-transit cancer offers the prospect of preventing advanced disease and the need for heroic therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to re-appraise how we view the metastatic process for solid cancers. It will explore in-transit metastasis in the context of high-risk skin cancer and how it dictates disease progression. It will also discuss how these implications will influence our current staging systems and its consequences on management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Sinclair
- Queensland Institute of Dermatology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Xin Lin Wong
- St George Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centre, New South Wales, Kogarah, Australia
| | - Stephen Shumack
- St George Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centre, New South Wales, Kogarah, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Royal North Shore Hospital, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christopher Baker
- Department of Dermatology, St Vincents Hospital, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
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Aktar S, Baghaie H, Islam F, Gopalan V, Lam AKY. Current Status of Circulating Tumor Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 168:988-1005. [PMID: 36939466 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.186] [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: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are found in the blood of patients with cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). The aim is to review the most up-to-date status of CTCs for applications in patients with HNSCC. DATA SOURCES English articles in PubMed. REVIEW METHODS All the studies on CTCs in HNSCCs in the literature were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS There is emerging information on the diagnostic and prognostic value of CTCs in HNSCCs. Evidence also highlights the advantages of various downstream analysis approaches over circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), such as single-CTC analysis, ex vivo, and in vivo expansion of CTCs. Multiple phenotypic surface markers (cytokeratins, EpCAM, vimentin, etc.), used for CTCs characterization using different immunoassays, could predict disease progression as well as patients' response to treatment efficacy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors' status in CTCs could also provide better insight into treatment. Clonal expansion of CTCs and single-cell analysis of CTCs are the most emerging fields nowadays which may offer an understanding of the mechanism of tumor evolution as well as therapeutic efficacy. Although several clinical trials are ongoing, limitations still exist in the detection and characterization of CTCs. Due to the lack of a gold standard protocol, the sensitivity and specificity of CTC enumeration methods vary. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Prospective clinical trials are still needed before CTCs can be employed as diagnostic and prognostic markers in the clinical management of patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Aktar
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Hooman Baghaie
- School of Dentistry, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Alfred King-Yin Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.,Pathology Queensland, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Australia
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Dobre EG, Constantin C, Neagu M. Skin Cancer Research Goes Digital: Looking for Biomarkers within the Droplets. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071136. [PMID: 35887633 PMCID: PMC9323323 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071136] [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: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer, which includes the most frequent malignant non-melanoma carcinomas (basal cell carcinoma, BCC, and squamous cell carcinoma, SCC), along with the difficult to treat cutaneous melanoma (CM), pose important worldwide issues for the health care system. Despite the improved anti-cancer armamentarium and the latest scientific achievements, many skin cancer patients fail to respond to therapies, due to the remarkable heterogeneity of cutaneous tumors, calling for even more sophisticated biomarker discovery and patient monitoring approaches. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), a robust method for detecting and quantifying low-abundance nucleic acids, has recently emerged as a powerful technology for skin cancer analysis in tissue and liquid biopsies (LBs). The ddPCR method, being capable of analyzing various biological samples, has proved to be efficient in studying variations in gene sequences, including copy number variations (CNVs) and point mutations, DNA methylation, circulatory miRNome, and transcriptome dynamics. Moreover, ddPCR can be designed as a dynamic platform for individualized cancer detection and monitoring therapy efficacy. Here, we present the latest scientific studies applying ddPCR in dermato-oncology, highlighting the potential of this technology for skin cancer biomarker discovery and validation in the context of personalized medicine. The benefits and challenges associated with ddPCR implementation in the clinical setting, mainly when analyzing LBs, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Carolina Constantin
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 91–95, 050095 Bucharest, Romania;
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania;
- Pathology Department, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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Emerging precision diagnostics in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:17. [PMID: 35322182 PMCID: PMC8943023 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00261-z] [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: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) encompasses unresectable and metastatic disease. Although immune checkpoint inhibition has been approved for this entity recently, a considerable proportion of cases is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Clinical, histopathological, and radiological criteria are used for current diagnostics, classification, and therapeutic decision-making. The identification of complex molecular biomarkers to accurately stratify patients is a not yet accomplished requirement to further shift current diagnostics and care to a personalized precision medicine. This article highlights new insights into the mutational profile of cSCC, summarizes current diagnostic and therapeutic standards, and discusses emerging diagnostic approaches with emphasis on liquid biopsy and tumor tissue-based analyses.
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Perumal V, Corica T, Dharmarajan AM, Sun Z, Dhaliwal SS, Dass CR, Dass J. Circulating Tumour Cells (CTC), Head and Neck Cancer and Radiotherapy; Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E367. [PMID: 30875950 PMCID: PMC6468366 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer in Australia and globally. Despite the current improved treatment modalities, there is still up to 50⁻60% local regional recurrence and or distant metastasis. High-resolution medical imaging technologies such as PET/CT and MRI do not currently detect the early spread of tumour cells, thus limiting the potential for effective minimal residual detection and early diagnosis. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are a rare subset of cells that escape from the primary tumour and enter into the bloodstream to form metastatic deposits or even re-establish themselves in the primary site of the cancer. These cells are more aggressive and accumulate gene alterations by somatic mutations that are the same or even greater than the primary tumour because of additional features acquired in the circulation. The potential application of CTC in clinical use is to acquire a liquid biopsy, by taking a reliable minimally invasive venous blood sample, for cell genotyping during radiotherapy treatment to monitor the decline in CTC detectability, and mutational changes in response to radiation resistance and radiation sensitivity. Currently, very little has been published on radiation therapy, CTC, and circulating cancer stem cells (CCSCs). The prognostic value of CTC in cancer management and personalised medicine for head and neck cancer radiotherapy patients requires a deeper understanding at the cellular level, along with other advanced technologies. With this goal, this review summarises the current research of head and neck cancer CTC, CCSC and the molecular targets for personalised radiotherapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanathi Perumal
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
- Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Cancer Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Tammy Corica
- Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Cancer Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
| | - Arun M Dharmarajan
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Satvinder S Dhaliwal
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Crispin R Dass
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia.
| | - Joshua Dass
- Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Cancer Centre, Nedlands, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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Kulasinghe A, Schmidt H, Perry C, Whitfield B, Kenny L, Nelson C, Warkiani ME, Punyadeera C. A Collective Route to Head and Neck Cancer Metastasis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:746. [PMID: 29335441 PMCID: PMC5768780 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19117-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis (DM) from head and neck cancers (HNC) portends a poor patient prognosis. Despite its important biological role, little is known about the cells which seed these DM. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) represent a transient cancer cell population, which circulate in HNC patients’ peripheral blood and seed at distant sites. Capture and analysis of CTCs offers insights into tumour metastasis and can facilitate treatment strategies. Whilst the data on singular CTCs have shown clinical significance, the role of CTC clusters in metastasis remains limited. In this pilot study, we assessed 60 treatment naïve HNC patients for CTCs with disease ranging from early to advanced stages, for CTC clusters utilizing spiral CTC enrichment technology. Single CTCs were isolated in 18/60–30% (Ranging from Stage I-IV), CTC clusters in 15/60–25% (exclusively Stage IV) with 3/15–20% of CTC clusters also containing leukocytes. The presence of CTC clusters associated with the development of distant metastatic disease(P = 0.0313). This study demonstrates that CTC clusters are found in locally advanced patients, and this may be an important prognostic marker. In vivo and in vitro studies are warranted to determine the role of these CTC clusters, in particular, whether leukocyte involvement in CTC clusters has clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arutha Kulasinghe
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Tranlsational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Henri Schmidt
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Tranlsational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chris Perry
- Department of Otolaryngology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Tranlsational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Bernard Whitfield
- Department of Otolaryngology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Liz Kenny
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.,Central Integrated Regional Cancer Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Colleen Nelson
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Tranlsational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- The School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia. .,Tranlsational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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