P4HA1 Promotes Cell Migration and Colonization in Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study aimed to identify key molecules associated with the survival of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HpSCC) by combining in silico and in vitro analyses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. For DEGs, we performed functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analyses to identify potential biological functions and hub genes. Functional analysis of HpSCC cell lines verified the critical roles of the hub genes.

RESULTS

DEGs were associated with the extracellular matrix. Among the hub genes, high expression of prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) was significantly associated with shorter survival. In addition, P4HA1 knockdown inhibited cell migration and colonization. Suppression of cell proliferation was demonstrated using P4HA1-selective inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

P4HA1 may be a useful therapeutic target for the treatment of HpSCC.

Fibrinogen-to-lymphocyte Ratio Predicts the Outcomes of Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Definitive Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND/AIM

Previous studies have identified several inflammatory biomarkers that are useful as prognostic biomarkers for various cancer types. However, the fibrinogen-to-lymphocyte ratio (FLR) has not been addressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we aimed to examine the value of pretreatment FLR as a prognostic marker in patients who received definitive radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HpSCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 95 patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for HpSCC between 2013 and 2020. The prognostic factors for progression-free (PFS) and overall (OS) survival were identified.

RESULTS

The optimal cut-off value of pretreatment FLR for discriminating PFS was 2.46. Based on this value, 57 and 38 patients were classified into groups with high and low FLR, respectively. A high FLR was significantly associated with advanced local disease and overall stage, and with the development of synchronous second primary cancer compared with a low FLR. The high FLR group had significantly lower PFS and OS rates than the low FLR group. Multivariate analysis showed that having a high pretreatment FLR was an independent prognostic factor for poorer PFS and OS [PFS: hazard ratio (HR)=2.14, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.09-4.19, p=0.026; OS: HR=2.86, 95% CI=1.14-7.20, p=0.024].

CONCLUSION

The FLR has a clinical effect on PFS and OS in patients with HpSCC, suggesting that it has potential application as a prognostic factor for patients with HpSCC.

Establishment of experimental salivary gland cancer models using organoid culture and patient-derived xenografting

Purpose

Depending on its histological subtype, salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) may have a poor prognosis. Due to the scarcity of preclinical experimental models, its molecular biology has so far remained largely unknown, hampering the development of new treatment modalities for patients with these malignancies. The aim of this study was to generate experimental human SGC models of multiple histological subtypes using patient-derived xenograft (PDX) and organoid culture techniques.

Methods

Tumor specimens from surgically resected SGCs were processed for the preparation of PDXs and patient-derived organoids (PDOs). Specimens from SGC PDXs were also processed for PDX-derived organoid (PDXO) generation. In vivo tumorigenicity was assessed using orthotopic transplantation of SGC organoids. The pathological characteristics of each model were compared to those of the original tumors using immunohistochemistry. RNA-seq was used to analyze the genetic traits of our models.

Results

Three series of PDOs, PDXs and PDXOs of salivary duct carcinomas, one series of PDOs, PDXs and PDXOs of mucoepidermoid carcinomas and PDXs of myoepithelial carcinomas were successfully generated. We found that PDXs and orthotopic transplants from PDOs/PDXOs showed similar histological features as the original tumors. Our models also retained their genetic traits, i.e., transcription profiles, genomic variants and fusion genes of the corresponding histological subtypes.

Conclusion

We report the generation of SGC PDOs, PDXs and PDXOs of multiple histological subtypes, recapitulating the histological and genetical characteristics of the original tumors. These experimental SGC models may serve as a useful resource for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of these malignancies.

Botulinum toxin injection into the intrinsic laryngeal muscles to treat spasmodic dysphonia: A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group comparison/open-label clinical trial

Background and purpose

Botulinum toxin (BT) injection into the laryngeal muscles has been a standard treatment for spasmodic dysphonia (SD). However, few high‐quality clinical studies have appeared, and BT is used off‐label in most countries.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, placebo‐controlled, randomized, double‐blinded, parallel‐group comparison/open‐label clinical trial to obtain approval for BT (Botox) therapy in Japan. Twenty‐four patients (22 with adductor SD and two with abductor SD) were enrolled. The primary end point was the change in the number of aberrant morae (phonemes) at 4 weeks after drug injection. The secondary end points included the change in the number of aberrant morae, GRBAS scale, Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and visual analog scale (VAS) over the entire study period.

Results

In the adductor SD group, the number of aberrant morae at 4 weeks after injection was reduced by 7.0 ± 2.30 (mean ± SE) in the BT group and 0.2 ± 0.46 in the placebo group (p = 0.0148). The improvement persisted for 12 weeks following BT injections. The strain element in GRBAS scale significantly reduced at 2 weeks after BT treatment. The VHI and VAS scores as subjective parameters also improved. In the abductor SD group, one patient responded to treatment. Adverse events included breathy hoarseness (77.3%) and aspiration when drinking (40.9%) but were mild and resolved in 4 weeks.

Conclusions

Botulinum toxin injection was safe and efficacious for the treatment of SD. Based on these results, BT injection therapy was approved as an SD treatment in Japan.

Intraductal Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland Presenting as Parapharyngeal Mass

Intraductal carcinomas are rare, malignant tumors that arise from the salivary glands. They commonly grow from the parotid gland and no cases growing from the parapharyngeal space have been reported to date. We report a 76-year-old man who was inadvertently found to have a parapharyngeal lesion by CT scans and MR imaging. The tumor was resected through an upper neck approach and diagnosed histopathologically as intraductal carcinoma. As far as we are aware, this is the first case of intraductal carcinoma arising from the parapharyngeal space. Here, we describe the management of this disease together with a review of the relevant literature.

Primary Lymphangiosarcoma of the Urinary Bladder in a Dog

Abdominal ultrasonographical and computed tomography examinations of a 12-year-old neutered female toy poodle revealed a protruding mass, approximately 2 cm in diameter, at the apex of the bladder. The mass was firm and haemorrhagic with a homogeneously brownish-yellow cut surface. Microscopically, it was unencapsulated and located in the muscle layer with invasion of the extra-muscular layer. It was composed of spindloid to oval neoplastic cells that formed irregular clefts and diffuse sheets that dissected bundles of collagen. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 antigens, but negative for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, factor VIII-related antigen, CD31, CD34, Prox-1, S100, desmin, α-smooth muscle actin and MyoD1. Negative immunolabelling for laminin antigen supported the absence of evidence of a basal lamina on ultrastructural examination. Based on these findings, this tumour was identified as a lymphangiosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first report of lymphangiosarcoma arising from the bladder in a dog.

Diffuse Pulmonary Meningotheliomatosis with Sarcomatous Transformation in a Shiba Dog

A 2-year-old neutered female Shiba dog exhibited laboured breathing for 1 month. Computed tomography of the thoracic cavity revealed multiple nodules (2-5 mm diameter) in the lungs. Grossly, the lungs were firm and normal in shape. The nodules were grey-white in colour. Microscopically, the nodules were non-encapsulated and exhibited an irregular shape. They were composed of polygonal or spindle cells with indistinct cell borders arranged in sheets. The cells had large, round, hyperchromatic nuclei and abundant pale eosinophilic cytoplasm with no atypia. Intrapulmonary arterial emboli and infiltration into the bronchioles were observed. Immunohistochemically, the cells were positive for vimentin and negative for cytokeratin, glial fibrillary acidic protein and α-smooth muscle actin. Ultrastructurally, the cells displayed cytoplasmic processes, desmosomes and intermediate filaments. These findings led to a diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis with sarcomatous transformation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of diffuse pulmonary meningotheliomatosis in a dog.

Changes in Bradykinin and Prostaglandins Plasma Levels during Dextran-sulfate Low-density-lipoprotein Apheresis

The negative charges of dextran-sulfate (DS) used for low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis initiate the intrinsic coagulation pathway in which plasma kallikrein acts on the high-molecular-weight kininogen to produce large amounts of bradykinin. This study was undertaken to assess whether bradykinin generated during DS LDL apheresis has any physiologic effects in vivo. The plasma levels of bradykinin, prostaglandins and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were compared, when either of two anticoagulants, heparin or nafamostat mesilate (NM), was used during DS LDL apheresis. Although anticoagulative action by NM depends on the inhibition of thrombin activity, this substance also inhibits the activity of plasma kallikrein. During apheresis using heparin, the plasma levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased significantly (5.6 ± 1.2 (mean ± SE, n=4) pg/ml before apheresis and 33.4 ± 13.2 after apheresis, p < 0.05) in association with an increase in bradykinin levels (17.9 ± 2.6 pg/ml before apheresis and 470 ± 135 after apheresis, p < 0.01). Interestingly, these changes were suppressed during apheresis using NM. There were no appreciable changes in cGMP during DS LDL apheresis with either of the anticoagulants. This finding suggests that bradykinin generated during apheresis has some pathophysiological effects via activation of the prostaglandin system. Our results support the view that in patients taking angiotensin-convertingenzyme inhibitors, the anaphylactoid reaction occurring during apheresis may be caused by an excessive rise in the bradykinin levels.

Postoperative Bio-Chemoradiotherapy Using Cetuximab and Docetaxel in Patients With Cis-Platinum-Intolerant Core High-Risk Head and Neck Cancer: Protocol of a Phase 2 Nonrandomized Clinical Trial

Background

We confirmed the safety of postoperative bio-chemoradiotherapy using cetuximab and docetaxel in a small number of patients with cis-platinum–intolerant core high-risk head and neck cancer.

Objective

To assess treatment efficacy, we planned a phase 2 study of postoperative bio-chemoradiotherapy for patients with cis-platinum–intolerant core high-risk head and neck cancer and will compare the results to those of previously collected radiotherapy data.

Methods

Patients who underwent definitive surgery for oral cavity, laryngeal, oropharyngeal, or hypopharyngeal advanced cancer, whose postoperative pathological results indicated core high risk for recurrence (eg, positive margin in the primary site or extranodal extension) and who were cis-platinum–intolerant, will undergo postoperative bio-chemoradiotherapy. The primary end point is 2-year disease-free survival.

Results

The expected 2-year disease-free survival is set at 55%, and the calculated sample size is 35 patients, according to a statistical analysis based on previous reports.

Conclusions

This treatment method is expected to improve the survival rate of patients with severe head and neck cancer.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000031835; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000036355 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71fejVjMr)

Genetic mutation analysis of the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma by targeted amplicon sequencing

BACKGROUND

The mechanism underlying the malignant transformation of inverted papilloma (IP) has not yet been elucidated.

METHODS

To clarify the genes responsible for the malignant transformation, we analyzed 10 cases of IP, 8 of IP with dysplasia, and 11 of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by targeted amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS

The number of mutant genes increased in the order of IP < dysplasia < SCC. Significant differences were observed in the mutation rates of three genes (KRAS, APC and STK11) in particular. TP53 was altered frequently in each group and might be involved in malignant transformation based on to the site of the mutation. A comparison of the genetic variants by region of IP tissue among patients with IP alone, and those with dysplasia or SCC revealed significant differences in the mutation rate of the KRAS gene.

CONCLUSION

Identification of genetic mutations in KRAS is effective for predicting the malignant transformation of IP.

Osteoradionecrosis of the hyoid bone after intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer: MR imaging findings

Background

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the hyoid bone sometimes induces severe front neck infection and can cause laryngeal stenosis and carotid rupture. Although ORN of the hyoid bone is known to be a complication of chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer, there has been no basis for its evaluation. Our purpose is to present the clinical and MR imaging features of ORN of the hyoid bone.

Methods

The study group comprised patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer treated with targeted intra-arterial cisplatin infusion with concomitant radiotherapy. ORN of the hyoid bone was identified on the basis of decreased signal intensity of the bone marrow on T1WI images. Signal intensity on T2WI images was used to distinguish between inflammation and fibrosis.

Results

A total of 39 pre-treatment MR images and follow-up MR images were reviewed. ORN of the hyoid bone were detected in 30% of patients after treatment, with 23% of them showing inflammation and 7.7% fibrosis. Two patients developed severe neck infection and received antibiotics and underwent surgical intervention by tracheostomy and resection of the hyoid bone.

Conclusion

Our MR imaging study showed that ORN of the hyoid bone is not particularly rare in patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy. Clinicians should evaluate images carefully to prevent the development of severe complication due to infection associated with ORN of the hyoid bone.

Abstract 4662: Expression of PLAG1 in salivary duct carcinomas: its efficacy of the distinction of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma type and de novo type

Salivary gland duct carcinoma (SDC) is one of the high-grade salivary gland carcinoma, classified into two patterns; i) carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (Ca-ex-PA) type, which is derived from benign pleomorphic adenoma (PA), ii) de novo type, which is generated from normal salivary gland tissue. According to current WHO classification, Ca-ex-PA is diagnosed when pathological examination proves as follows, a) the mixture of the component of cancer cells and that of pre-existing PA cells, b) the existence of malignant cells after the resection of PA.

However, current criteria cannot entirely be accurate from the viewpoint of disease onset. For example, i) if a benign component of PA is replaced completely by Ca-ex-PA, the Ca-ex-PA type can be misdiagnosed as de novo type because histopathological examination cannot clarify the existence of PA in its surgery specimen. Moreover, ii) if a de novo type SDC, arising from normal salivary tissue, is growing and infiltrate to the preexisting PA, the de novo type can be misdiagnosed as Ca-ex-PA type.

Recently, Pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) has been identified as the gene associated with tumorigenesis of PA. Subsequently, the overexpression of PLAG1 protein has been reported to be observed in both PAs and Ca-ex-PAs and useful for diagnosis of them.

Thus, we considered that PLAG1 immunohistochemistry can enable us to distinguish Ca-ex-PA type and de novo type in SDCs more definitively.

In this study, 23 SDC patients who underwent primary surgery for cancer at our institution were enrolled, including 14 Ca-ex-PA types and 9 de novo types. In each case, we had its formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded tissue sample stained for PLAG1-antibodies (clone 3B7, Mouse mAb, 1:100, Abnova) and evaluated PLAG1 protein expression in the component of glandular-epithelial component and that of non-glandular-epithelial, respectively. PLAG1 immunostaining was scored as positive when the more than 10% nuclear staining of tumor cells are observed.

In all 23 SDCs, there was no PLAG1 protein overexpression in glandular-epithelial component, irrespective of benign or malignant. In all 14 Ca-ex-PA types, positive findings of PLAG1 overexpression were observed in non-glandular-epithelial component. In all 9 de novo types, no non-glandular-epithelial component showed any signs of PLAG1 protein overexpression. There was no discrepancy of conventional criteria and the status of PLAG1, which are the cases; i) Ca-ex-PA which is misdiagnosed as de novo type, ii) de novo type which is misdiagnosed as Ca-ex-PA type.

Conclusions : There is no difference between conventional criteria and PLAG1-based criteria in our cases. However, in the cases with obscure characteristics of PA morphologically, such as mucoid/myxoid or cartilaginous-like materials, findings of PLAG1-positive cells can help us to distinguish Ca-ex-PA type from de novo type more definitively.

Citation Format: Takayoshi Suzuki, Satoshi Kano, Kanako Hatanaka, Yutaka Hatanaka, Tomohiro Sakashita, Takatsugu Mizumachi, Hiromitsu Hatakeyama, Akihiro Homma, Yoshihiro Matsuno, Satoshi Fukuda. Expression of PLAG1 in salivary duct carcinomas: its efficacy of the distinction of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma type and de novo type [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4662. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4662

Impact of combined modality treatment with radiotherapy and S-1 on T2N0 laryngeal cancer: Possible improvement in survival through the prevention of second primary cancer and distant metastasis

BACKGROUND

In patients with head and neck cancer, the management of second primary cancer (SPC) is particularly important for improving survival because of its high incidence and associated mortality. We evaluated the impact of combination chemotherapy on survival and SPC.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed data from 49 patients treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT) for T2N0M0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2003 and 2011. Among them, 22 patients received combined modality treatment with radiotherapy and S-1 (RT+CT group).

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 71months (32-111months). A significant difference in overall survival (OS, P<0.01) was observed between the RT+CT group (n=22) and the RT alone group (n=27) though no significant differences were observed in local control and disease specific survival. Univariate analyses showed that an older age (P<0.05) and a higher grade (P<0.05) were associated with OS. Multivariate analysis identified chemotherapy as the most significant predictor of survival (OR, 0.056; 95% CI, 0.008-0.353, P<0.01). A significantly lower incidence of distant metastasis (DM)+SPC (5-year incidence: 5% vs. 19%, P<0.05) and fewer deaths from these causes (1 vs. 8: P<0.05) were observed in the RT+CT group. Multivariate analysis showed that chemotherapy was the most significant factor for the incidence of DM+SPC (OR, 0.074; 95% CI, 0.0065-0.84; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest the possibility that combined modality treatment with radiotherapy and S-1 improve survival by preventing distant metastasis and second primary cancer.

Atypical adenoma of the thyroid diagnosed as anaplastic cancer by cytopathology

Atypical adenoma of the thyroid is a rare form of tumor, and its accurate diagnosis prior to surgical resection is difficult as the histological and pathological morphologies are very similar to those of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), and its anaplastic transformation remains to be elucidated. We reported a case of a 75-year-old female with a thyroid isthmus nodule diagnosed repeatedly by FNAC as anaplastic carcinoma. Both the first and second FNAC specimen slides showed a large number of scattered or aggregated atypical cells consisting of large, pleomorphic nuclei with irregular membranes, chromatin clumps and prominent nucleoli. The morphology of the surgical specimen was similar to that of an anaplastic carcinoma and although it showed signs of transition from a normal follicular epithelium, there was no invasive growth or mitosis. This lesion was diagnosed as an atypical adenoma, and a papillary carcinoma was also present in the right lobe of the thyroid. Here we evaluate the molecular features of atypical adenomas in comparison with 9 ATC samples, and discuss whether or not atypical adenomas represent a form of premalignant lesion. Ki-67 expression was found to be very low in atypical adenomas whereas all ATC samples showed high levels of Ki-67 expression. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression suggested that atypical adenomas maintain their epithelial phenotype to a higher degree than do ATCs. Differential diagnosis between ATC and atypical adenoma is difficult by cytological and histological methods alone, and Ki-67 and EMT marker expression may support the diagnosis.

Role of microRNA-296-3p in the malignant transformation of sinonasal inverted papilloma

Inverted papilloma (IP) is a benign tumor occurring in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It is reported that 5-15% of IPs undergo malignant transformation into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the role of microRNAs (miRNA/miR) in this process remains to be elucidated. In the present study, whole miRNA profiles using samples of IP and SCC were investigated, in order to detect the function of miRNA in the carcinogenesis of IP. Samples from IPs (n=5) and SCC lesions (n=5), which arose from IPs, were used for miRNA analysis. A total of 200 miRNAs exhibited a >2-fold differential expression between IP and SCC. miR-296-3p was markedly upregulated in SCC with a 23-fold difference. Computational analysis indicated that miR-296-3p targeted PTEN, which regulates the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway and PTEN is involved in the carcinogenesis of SCC. miR-296-3p directly regulated PTEN expression in head and neck cancer cells, with PTEN protein levels decreased in 4/19 the SCCs (21.0%), as compared with those in the IPs (76.4%). Positive p21 staining was observed in 64.7% of IPs; this was a significantly increased rate compared with that for SCCs (26.3%, P=0.0086). The results of the present study indicated that there were marked changes in the miRNA expression signature during the malignant transition. miR-296-3p may serve an important role in the malignant transformation of IPs via the regulation of PTEN, combined with the subsequent inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and may be a novel agent for cancer prevention.

Confirmation of the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system for HPV-mediated oropharyngeal cancer in Japan

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated that the seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC/UICC) TNM staging system does not consistently distinguish between prognostic subgroups for human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system came into effect for use with HPV-mediated OPSCC on or after 1 January 2017. This study confirms that the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system for HPV-mediated OPSCC accurately reflects disease outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 195 patients with OPSCC treated at Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan between 1998 and 2015. HPV status was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of p16.

RESULTS

Of the 195 OPSCC patients evaluated, 111 (56.9%) were p16 positive and 84 (43.1%) were p16 negative. The 3-year overall survival rate (OS) was significantly lower in the p16-negative patients with stage III-IV in comparison with those with stage I-II (55.0 vs. 93.1%, respectively; p < 0.01). The 3-year OS did not differ significantly between stage I-II and stage III-IV in the p16-positive patients (86.7 vs 87.7%). According to the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system, stage I-II and stage III can be differentiated on the basis of the 3-year OS in the p16-positive patients (90.9 vs 70.2%, respectively; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The seventh edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system is suitable for use with p16-negative patients; however, it does not effectively discriminate between p16-positive patients. Therefore, the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system is more suitable for HPV-mediated OPSCC in Japan.

Pretreatment lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio as an independent prognostic factor for head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between pretreatment inflammatory markers and the prognosis of patients with oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers.

METHODS

The data for 285 patients treated with curative intent by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) were obtained and their pretreatment inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were calculated.

RESULTS

Significant relationships were observed between a high NLR and oropharyngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer, T3 to T4, N2b to N3, and clinical stage III to IV, whereas significant relationships were observed between a high LMR and laryngeal cancer, T1 to T2, and clinical stage I to II. With regard to survival outcomes, a high NLR, a high PLR, and a low LMR were all significantly associated with decreases in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that LMR was an independent prognostic factor.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment LMR was found to be an independent prognostic factor for patients with head and neck cancers treated by concurrent CRT. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 247-253, 2017.

A Retrospective Study of G-Tube Use in Japanese Patients Treated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Late toxicity after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), such as dysphagia, in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck has received a good deal of attention recently. The gastrostomy tube (G-tube) dependence rate 1 year after CCRT was reported to be 16.7-42.9% in Western countries. We evaluated swallowing outcomes after CCRT in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treated in our hospital and compared them with previous reports.

METHODS

We reviewed 96 consecutive patients with a HPC treated by radiotherapy with intravenous or intra-arterial chemotherapy between 2006 and 2013 at Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.

RESULTS

At 1 month after CCRT, 13 patients (13.7%) used a G-tube, whereas 5/91 (5.5%) and 4/81 (4.9%) used a G-tube at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Two patients used a G-tube at 12 and 24 months after CCRT (G-tube use rate: 2.8% at 12 months, and 3.2% at 24 months). The variables female, posterior wall primary, stage IV, ECOG performance status of 2, and smoking status were significantly associated with G-tube use at 12 months after CCRT, whereas the route of cisplatin administration was not related to G-tube use (p = 0.303).

CONCLUSIONS

The G-tube use rate up to 1year could be lower in Japanese patients than in Western patients according to previous reports. In particular, Japanese patients resume oral intake sooner than Western patients. Further study of the incidence of dysphagia after CCRT by ethnicity is required to clarify the differences in dysphagia after CCRT.

Expression of p53, p16, cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor receptor and Notch1 in patients with temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of p53, p16, cyclin D1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Notch1 in temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC) tissue samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and to evaluate the association between these biomarkers and clinicopathological features.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, single-institution review of 30 TBSCC patients treated with curative intent between April 2006 and March 2015. All tissue samples were obtained from pretreatment biopsy specimens or surgical specimens and using IHC staining.

RESULTS

Ten patients were categorized as T1, seven as T2, five as T3 and eight as T4. Nine patients had clinically positive lymph node metastasis. The positive expression of p53 and EGFR was significantly associated with T classification (P = 0.042 and P = 0.0039). EGFR expression was significantly more frequent in patients with positive lymph node metastasis compared with patients without node involvement (P = 0.017). In the analysis of the association between protein expression by IHC staining and prognosis, the positive expression of EGFR and Notch1 was significantly correlated with poor survival outcomes in TBSCC (P = 0.015 and P = 0.025) CONCLUSION: Overexpression of p53 and EGFR may be valuable biomarkers for identifying individuals at high risk of developing tumors in TBSCC. Furthermore, the positive expression of EGFR was significantly associated with poor survival outcome. Anti-EGFR therapy has potential for use as the treatment modality of choice for advanced-stage TBSCC as well as other head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

The role of prophylactic neck dissection and tumor thickness evaluation for patients with cN0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Prophylactic neck dissection (PND) for patients with clinically N0 (cN0) tongue carcinoma remains controversial. We assessed the efficacy of PND for patients with cN0 tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and investigated the prognostic role of tumor thickness as assessed by diagnostic imaging in predicting the risk of nodal micrometastasis or late nodal recurrence. Eighty-eight patients with cN0 tongue carcinomas underwent surgical treatment. Tumor thickness was measured from magnetic resonance (MR) images or computed tomography (CT) scans. The overall survival rates of patients with or without PND were 94 and 81 %, respectively (p = 0.2857). MR images or CT scans were available for 68 patients. A tumor thickness ≥10 mm or ≥5 mm did not increase the probability of nodal metastasis, with late nodal metastasis observed in 15 % of patients with graphically undetected small tumors. PND appears to have the potential to improve overall survival for patients with cN0 tongue SCC. Careful follow-up management or PND is considered to be needed regardless of tumor thickness in the pre-treatment evaluation.

Comparison of hearing outcomes after treatment for early-stage external auditory canal cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the hearing outcomes after surgery with reconstruction of the external auditory canal in combination with tympanoplasty, radiotherapy (RT) alone, and surgery followed by postoperative RT for T1 to 2N0M0 external auditory canal cancer.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, single-institution review of consecutive patients with early-stage external auditory canal cancer treated with surgery and/or RT between April 1997 and August 2013. Audiological data included the pretreatment hearing thresholds and those obtained at 12 months after the completion of therapy.

RESULTS

When we compared the functional gains for air-conduction pure-tone average thresholds and mean air-bone gaps, those in the surgery group (n = 10) were significantly higher than those in the RT (n = 13) and surgery + RT (n = 5) groups.

CONCLUSION

Adequate techniques for reconstruction of the external auditory canal in combination with tympanoplasty after complete surgical resection is useful for hearing preservation in addition to good survival outcomes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1110-E1116, 2016.

The efficacy of superselective intra-arterial infusion with concomitant radiotherapy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck

CONCLUSIONS

Superselective intra-arterial cisplatin infusion with concomitant radiotherapy (RADPLAT) is considered to be one of the treatments of choice for patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) who prefer not to undergo radical surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of RADPLAT for patients with ACC of the head and neck.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2001-2010, nine patients with untreated ACC were given superselective intra-arterial infusion of cisplatin (100-120 mg/m(2)/week) with simultaneous intravenous infusion of thiosulfate to neutralize cisplatin toxicity and radiotherapy (65-70 Gy).

RESULTS

Five patients had tumors arising in the base of the tongue, two in the maxillary sinus, and the remaining two in the nasopharynx. The median follow-up period was 9 years 7 months (9;7) (range = 4;6-12;5), and the 5-year local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival rates were 88.9%, 88.9%, and 55.6%, respectively. The 10-year OS rate was 57.1%, but all patients who remained alive for over 10 years are still alive with disease. Primary tumor recurrence was observed in five of the nine patients, with the median time to recurrence being 6 years (range = 4-9 years). Five of the nine patients had distant metastasis, and of these three patients also had primary recurrence.

Comparison of acute toxicities associated with cetuximab-based bioradiotherapy and platinum-based chemoradiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: A single-institution retrospective study in Japan

CONCLUSION

Grade ≥ 3 mucositis/stomatitis and inability to feed orally were problematic for patients undergoing cetuximab-based bioradiotherapy (BRT) as well as platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Severe mucositis/stomatitis and radiation dermatitis should be addressed carefully in patients undergoing cetuximab-based BRT as well.

OBJECTIVES

The efficacy of cetuximab-based BRT in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas has been established. However, the safety of cetuximab-based BRT in comparison with platinum-based CRT is currently under investigation.

METHOD

This study retrospectively analyzed 14 patients undergoing cetuximab-based BRT and 29 patients undergoing platinum-based CRT to compare the incidence of acute toxicities. In the BRT group, an initial cetuximab loading dose of 400 mg/m(2) was delivered 1 week before the start of radiotherapy. Seven weekly infusions of 250 mg/m(2) of cetuximab followed during the definitive radiotherapy. In the CRT group, cisplatin was administered at a dose of 40 mg/m(2) weekly during the definitive radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The BRT group had a higher incidence of Grade ≥ 3 radiation dermatitis than did the CRT group (43% vs 3%, respectively, p < 0.01). The incidence rate of Grade ≥ 3 mucositis/stomatitis was 64.3% and 41.4% in the BRT and CRT group, respectively (p = 0.1484), while the incidence rate of the inability to feed orally was 38.5% and 55.2%, respectively (p = 0.2053).

Decreased SMAD4 expression is associated with induction of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cetuximab resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting this receptor, is widely used to treat these patients. In the following investigation, we examined the role of SMAD4 down-regulation in mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cetuximab resistance in HNSCC. We determined that SMAD4 downregulation was significantly associated with increased cell motility, increased expression of vimentin, and cetuximab resistance in HNSCC cell lines. In the HNSCC genomic dataset obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas, SMAD4 was altered in 20/279 (7%) of HNSCC via homozygous deletion, and nonsense, missense, and silent mutations. When SMAD4 expression was compared with respect to human papillomavirus (HPV) status, HPV-positive tumors had higher expression compared to HPV-negative tumors. Furthermore, higher SMAD4 expression also correlated with higher CDKN2A (p16) expression. Our data suggest that SMAD4 down-regulation plays an important role in the induction of EMT and cetuximab resistance. Patients with higher SMAD4 expression may benefit from cetuximab use in the clinic.

[A clinical study of cases diagnosed as being oropharyngeal carcinoma after cervical mass extirpation/biopsy]

In the case of oropharyngeal carcinoma, patients may present with symptoms similar to cervical lymphadenopathy, and the primary lesion may only be diagnosed after cervical mass extirpation/biopsy. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course in 11 oropharyngeal carcinoma patients that were diagnosed after cervical mass extirpation/biopsy between 1998 and 2013. Before the diagnosis was made of oropharyngeal carcinoma, a cervical lymph node biopsy was performed in six patients; the lymph node was extirpated due to an initial diagnosis of lateral cervical cyst in four patients; and neck dissection was performed due to an initial diagnosis of primary unknown carcinoma in one patient. The primary tumor site in the oropharynx was the palatine tonsil in six patients and the lingual tonsil in five patients. Five of six patients with palatine tonsil carcinoma and three of five patients with lingual tonsil carcinoma were found to be positive for human papillomavirus (HPV). The duration from cervical lymph node extirpation/biopsy to final diagnosis was 1 to 13 months. All patients finally underwent radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy, and they had no recurrence or metastasis. As the incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma increases, the number of oropharyngeal carcinomas assumed to be cervical lymphadenopathy due to the presenting symptoms may increase. It is important to investigate the oropharynx thoroughly so as to adequately differentiate the possibility of oropharyngeal carcinoma from that of cervical lymphadenopathy. Metastatic lymph nodes might present as cysts in cases of oropharyngeal carcinoma, it is therefore necessary to take the potential for metastatic lymph nodes in the oropharyngeal cancer into consideration when differentiating this disease from cervical cyst-shaped lesions.

Olfactory neuroblastoma: the long-term outcome and late toxicity of multimodal therapy including radiotherapy based on treatment planning using computed tomography

Background

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare tumor originating from olfactory epithelium. Here we retrospectively analyzed the long-term treatment outcomes and toxicity of radiotherapy for ONB patients for whom computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional treatment planning was conducted to reappraise the role of radiotherapy in the light of recent advanced technology and chemotherapy.

Methods

Seventeen patients with ONB treated between July 1992 and June 2013 were included. Three patients were Kadish stage B and 14 were stage C. All patients were treated with radiotherapy with or without surgery or chemotherapy. The radiation dose was distributed from 50 Gy to 66 Gy except for one patient who received 40 Gy preoperatively.

Results

The median follow-up time was 95 months (range 8–173 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) rates were estimated at 88% and 74%, respectively. Five patients with stage C disease had recurrence with the median time to recurrence of 59 months (range 7–115 months). Late adverse events equal to or above Grade 2 in CTCAE v4.03 were observed in three patients.

Conclusion

Multimodal therapy including radiotherapy with precise treatment planning based on CT simulation achieved an excellent local control rate with acceptable toxicity and reasonable overall survival for patients with ONB.

Hangeshashinto improves the completion rate of chemoradiotherapy and the nutritional status in patients with head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

Severe oral and pharyngeal mucositis is one of the most critical toxicities known to lead to the discontinuation of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). Hangeshashinto (TJ-14) is a Kampo medicine that relieves chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. We investigated the effect of TJ-14 on mucositis, nutritional status, and the completion rate of CRT.

METHODS

The study group comprised patients with advanced HNC who were treated with concomitant weekly cisplatin and 70 Gy of radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of chemotherapy, and the secondary endpoints were the grade of mucositis and the nutritional status.

RESULTS

A total of 57 patients were included in this study. The completion rate of CRT among patients who were treated with TJ-14 was 91.4%. There was a significant difference in the completion rate of CRT between the groups treated with and without TJ-14 (p = 0.0452). The reduction in body weight was significantly improved from 10.89 to 5.89% with TJ-14 administration (p = 0.003), and the reduction in serum albumin was also significantly decreased from 17.37 to 8.73%. (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

This therapy allowed a high completion rate of CRT as well as significant benefits in terms of nutritional status. We plan to carry out a further large-scale study of TJ-14.

Management for squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus: A single institution experience

OBJECTIVE

Here we report our experience of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal cavity and ethmoid sinus (NC&ES) together with an analysis of treatment outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed using data from 25 consecutive patients treated between 2000 and 2012. Four patients were diagnosed with T1, 3 with T2, 4 with T3, 7 with T4a, and 7 with T4b disease. No patient had lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were treated with surgery with/without radiotherapy and with/without chemotherapy. Of these, 4 underwent endoscopic surgery without an open approach and 3 required an anterior skull base approach. Thirteen were treated with radiotherapy; 1 with radiotherapy alone, and 4 and 8 with intravenous and intra-arterial chemotherapy, respectively. The 5-yr overall survival for T1-3, T4a, and T4b disease was 53.9%, 71.4%, and 29.0%, respectively. The 5-yr disease-specific survival for T1-3, T4a, and T4b disease was 74.1%, 71.4%, and 29.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our treatment policy for patients with SCC of NC&ES, which basically follows the NCCN guideline, was considered to be appropriate. However, several points in terms of surgery and non-surgical approach remain to be solved through further research.

Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mammary gland in a dog

A 10-year-old female border collie was presented with a mass (2 cm diameter) in the fifth mammary gland. The mass was located in the subcutis and the cut surface was grey-white in colour. Microscopically, the mass was composed of tumour cells arranged in nests of various sizes separated by delicate fibrovascular stroma. The tumour cells had small, round hypochromatic nuclei and abundant cytoplasm. Metastases were observed in the inguinal lymph node. Immunohistochemically, most tumour cells expressed cytokeratin (CK) 20, chromogranin A, neuron-specific enolase, synaptophysin and oestrogen receptor-β, but not low molecular weight CK (CAM5.2), p63 and insulin. Ultrastructurally, the tumour cells contained a large number of electron-dense granules corresponding to neuroendocrine granules. Based on these findings, this case was diagnosed as a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the mammary gland.

The potential diagnostic role of the number of ultrasonographic characteristics for patients with thyroid nodules evaluated as bethesda I-v

Objective: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is considered to be the most reliable method of examination for thyroid nodules. However, when thyroid nodules are evaluated as Bethesda I–V, the role of ultrasonography is considered to be enhanced. We investigated the association between a number of ultrasonographic (US) characteristics and the risk of thyroid malignancy, and assessed the optimal compromise on the number of US characteristics for predicting thyroid malignancy.

Methods: Seventy-three patients, whose thyroid nodules were evaluated as Bethesda I–V by FNAC prior to surgery, were treated surgically. A number of US characteristics, such as microcalcification, irregular margins, hypoechogenicity, a taller-than-wide shape, and the absence of halo sign, were assessed before surgery. The optimal compromise on the number of US characteristics was analyzed using a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) represents the overall discriminatory ability of a test.

Results: The risk of malignancy was 11.8% in patients without any US characteristics, 44.4% in those with one characteristic, 61.5% in those with two characteristics, 75% in those with three characteristics, 90% in those with four characteristics, and 100% in those with five characteristics. The AUC was favorable (0.81599). At least two US characteristics were revealed to be the optimal compromise on the number of US characteristics based on the ROC curve.

Conclusion: We proved the role of the number of US characteristics in predicting thyroid malignancy. It was thought that a surgical approach should be considered for patients with at least two US characteristics.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human papillomavirus-positive and -negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with carcinogenesis in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and patients with HPV-positive tumors have a significantly favorable prognosis. However, the underlying mechanism of this favorable clinical outcome remains unclear. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) causes aggressiveness of cancer cells and we investigated the expression of the EMT markers and analyzed their correlation with HPV status and prognosis in order to examine the treatment response of HPV-positive OPSCCs. A total of 79 patients with OPSCC were examined in the present study. All high-risk HPV infections were determined with the multiplex PCR kit from each formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sample. We performed immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin and vimentin. Expression of the markers was graded and we statistically analyzed the correlation between tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stages and prognosis. High-risk HPV-positive tumors were detected in 23 cases. The five‑year survival rate in HPV-positive and -negative tumors was 82.7 and 48.3%, respectively. High E-cadherin expression rate in HPV-negative samples was 76.7% and 43.4% in HPV-positive samples (p=0.007). Vimentin expression did not show a difference between HPV-positive and -negative tumors. HPV-negative patients presented significantly greater heterogeneity of E-cadherin expression compared to HPV-positive patients (p=0.0349). HPV-positive OPSCCs originally lost their epithelial cell phenotype compared with HPV-negative tumors. Therefore, the paradoxical favorable prognosis of HPV-positive OPSCC may be due to the intratumor homogeneity in EMT.

High level expression of AMAP1 protein correlates with poor prognosis and survival after surgery of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients

Background

Despite recent advances in cancer therapeutics in general, the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) has not improved substantially over the past few decades. HNSCC cells often exhibit invasive and metastatic phenotypes, and expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cortactin has been highly implicated in the development of malignancy in HNSCCs. We have shown previously that an Arf6 pathway, in which Arf6 is activated by GEP100 and employs AMAP1 (also called DDEF1 or ASAP1) as its downstream effector, is pivotal for the invasion and metastasis of different breast cancer cells. This pathway is activated by receptor tyrosine kinases, including EGFR; and moreover, AMAP1 physically associates with cortactin, in which inhibition of this binding effectively blocks invasion and metastasis. We here investigated whether the expression of Arf6 pathway components correlates with the poor prognosis of HNSCC patients. We have shown previously that AMAP1 protein levels are not correlated with its mRNA levels, and hence we here employed immunohistochemical staining of HNSCC clinical specimens to investigate AMAP1 protein levels.

Results

We found that high levels of AMAP1 protein expression on its own, as well as its co-overexpression with EGFR statistically correlates with poor disease-free survival and poor overall survival, while high levels of cortactin expression or its co-expression with EGFR did not.

Conclusion

Our identification of predictive biomarkers, together with our previous findings on the coherent signaling pathway that these biomarkers ultimately generate should be powerful information for the further development of HNSCC therapeutics.

Salvage operations for patients with persistent or recurrent cancer of the maxillary sinus after superselective intra-arterial infusion of cisplatin with concurrent radiotherapy

Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of salvage operations for patients with persistent or recurrent cancer of the maxillary sinus after superselective intra-arterial infusion of cisplatin with concurrent radiotherapy. We retrospectively analysed the records of 61 patients with cancer of the maxillary sinus who were treated in this way. Chemotherapy comprised 100-120 mg/m(2) superselective intra-arterial infusions of cisplatin given a median of 4 times weekly (range 2-5). Concurrent radiotherapy was given in a median dose of 65 Gy (range 24-70 Gy). Persistent or recurrent cancer of the maxillary sinus was found in 17 patients, of whom 11 had salvage surgery. The disease was controlled in 8 of the 11, and 7 of the 11 survived with no evidence of disease. Their 5-year overall survival was 61%. Two of the 11 developed serious operative complications. Salvage surgery for patients with persistent or recurrent cancer of the maxillary sinus treated by superselective chemoradiotherapy is both safe and successful. Salvage surgery is a good option when this sort of persistent or recurrent cancer is followed up after the regimen of chemoradiotherapy described.

The incidence of late neck recurrence in N0 maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinomas after superselective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy without prophylactic neck irradiation

The efficacy of elective neck irradiation (ENI) for patients with N0 carcinoma of the maxillary sinus has been controversial. The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence of late neck recurrence and the mortality rate from regional disease in patients with N0 maxillary sinus cancer after superselective cisplatin infusion and concomitant radiotherapy (RADPLAT) without ENI. We retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with N0 maxillary sinus cancer who underwent RADPLAT. Chemotherapy consisted of 100-120 mg/m(2) superselective intra-arterial cisplatin administered at a median rate of four times weekly. Concurrent radiation therapy was administered at a median dose of 65 Gy without ENI. Late neck recurrence was observed in 8.3% (4/48). Three patients underwent salvage neck dissection and survived without any evidence of disease. The remaining patient did not undergo neck dissection due to coexistence with distant metastasis, and he died of regional disease. The mortality rate from regional disease was calculated to be 2% (1/48). The incidence of late neck recurrence was not frequent, and the mortality rate from regional disease was low. Salvage neck dissection was considered to be feasible for patients with late neck recurrence. When definitive radiotherapy and concomitant chemotherapy are applied, it is considered that ENI is not required for cases of N0 maxillary sinus cancer.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in HPV-Positive and -Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives:

High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is associated with carcinogenesis in oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma (OSCC), and patients with HPV (+) tumors have significantly favorable prognosis. However, the reason for this good clinical outcome has not been revealed. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) causes aggressiveness of cancer cells. We investigated the expression of the EMT markers and analyzed their correlation with HPV status and prognosis to detect the reason HPV (+) OSCCs respond to treatment.

Methods:

Eighty patients with OSCC were examined in this study. All high-risk HPV infection were determined with the multiplex PCR kit from each formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded pre-treatment sample. We performed immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin and vimentin and evaluated the results. Expressions of the markers were graded, and the correlation with TNM stages and prognosis was correlated.

Results:

Twenty-three of the 80 OSCC tissues were shown to be HPV(+). The 5-year survival rate for patients with HPV (+) tumors (79.1%) was higher than for those with HPV (-) tumors (50.7%). Low e-cadherin expression rate was 56.5% in HPV (+) and 19.2 % in HPV (-).( P = 0.019) E-cadherin expression was not correlated with survival rate in either HPV (+) or (-). Vimentin expression was correlated with N-stage in HPV (-).

Conclusions:

HPV(+) OSCC originally lost their epithelial cell phenotype compared with HPV(-). The EMT enhances aggressive behavior in HPV (-) OSCC but not in HPV (+).

Concomitant Weekly Cisplatin and Radiotherapy for HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Japan

Objectives:

The most common chemoradiotherapy regimen is high-dose (100mg/m2) three-weekly cisplatin with concomitant radiotherapy; however, this protocol is associated with acute and late toxicities. Recent study demonstrated that human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients showed good prognosis. We reviewed the efficacy for concomitant weekly cisplatin and radiotherapy in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC.

Methods:

Twenty-two patients with untreated OPSCC were enrolled and evaluated at our institution from July 2006 to June 2012. Weekly cisplatin (40mg/m2) was given on weeks 1,2,3,5,6 and 7 with radiotherapy, which comprised a standard dose of 70 Gy delivered in 35 daily fractions over 7 weeks. The presence of HPV was analyzed using multiplex PCR method. Median follow-up time was 26 months for surviving patients.

Results:

Of the 22 oropharyngeal carcinomas, 13 (59%) were HPV-positive. Twenty-one patients (95.4%) received the full dose of radiotherapy. Over the course of the chemotherapy, 14 patients (63.6%) received more than 200 mg/m2 cisplatin. The acute and late toxicity was manageable in all cases. HPV-positive patients had better two-year-overall survival rates (90.0% vs 66.7%) than HPV-negative patients. For patients who were HPV-positive, 1 of 13 died of distant metastasis, but those who were HPV-negative, 1 of 9 died of local recurrence and 2 of 9 died of distant metastasis.

Conclusions:

Because of its favorable outcome and less toxicity, concomitant weekly cisplatin and radiotherapy appears to be suitable treatment for HPV-positive OPSCC.

Prognostic value of cyclin D1 expression in tumor-free surgical margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

CONCLUSION

It was proved that cyclin D1-positive status in surgical margins was an independent prognostic indicator of local recurrence. The expression of cyclin D1 in tumor-free surgical margins may better predict local recurrence in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) after surgical treatment with curative intent.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aimed to determine the prognostic indicators for local recurrence in HNSCC.

METHODS

A total of 116 HNSCC patients who underwent surgical treatment with curative intent and had histopathologically tumor-free margins were eligible for this study. The expression of p53 and cyclin D1 was assessed by immunohistochemical staining in surgical margins as well as in tumor specimens.

RESULTS

In all, 63 patients (54.3%) had p53-positive tumor specimens and 34 patients (29.3%) had p53-positive margins. Seventy-six patients (65.6%) had cyclin D1-positive tumor specimens and 54 patients (46.6%) had cyclin D1-positive margins. A significant difference in local control rates was observed between patients with cyclin D1-positive and -negative margins (77.2% vs 91.5%, log rank test, p = 0.0139). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards testing indicated that the hazard ratio of cyclin D1-positive margins for local recurrence was 4.58 (95% confidence interval 1.14-21.69, p = 0.0304).

Platinum concentration in sentinel lymph nodes after preoperative intra-arterial cisplatin chemotherapy targeting primary tongue cancer

CONCLUSION

We conclude that intra-arterially injected cisplatin passed via lymph flow into sentinel nodes (SNs) as the platinum concentration in the SNs was higher than that in the non-sentinel nodes (NSNs). It is possible that preoperative intra-arterial chemotherapy targeting primary cancer also has a therapeutic effect on subclinical metastatic SNs.

OBJECTIVES

Intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy has been reported to be effective against not only primary tumors but also nodal metastases. We considered the hypothesis that intra-arterially injected cisplatin passed via lymph flow into regional nodes. This study aimed to investigate intra-arterially injected cisplatin distribution to regional nodes by comparing platinum concentrations in SNs and NSNs.

METHODS

Five patients with T1-2 N0 tongue cancer were treated with preoperative intra-arterial chemotherapy (cisplatin, 100 mg/m(2)) targeting primary cancer. Partial glossectomy together with SN biopsy and elective neck dissection were performed 2 weeks after intra-arterial chemotherapy. Platinum concentrations in the lymph nodes were measured using a Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometer.

RESULTS

Thirteen SNs were harvested together with eight NSNs from the areas adjacent to the SNs. Platinum concentrations were then measured, revealing a significant difference in platinum concentration between the SNs and the NSNs (mean ± SD, 0.682 ± 0.246 µg/g vs 0.506 ± 0.274 µg/g; p = 0.049).