Clinical analysis of 314 patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion who underwent total hysterectomy directly: a multi-center, retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL) complicated with occult cervical cancer and standardize the management of initial treatment for HSIL. METHOD: The clinical data of patients who underwent total hysterectomy directly due to HSIL in the obstetrics and gynecology department of two tertiary hospitals and three secondary hospitals from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Their general characteristics, pathological parameters and survival status were analyzed. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between clinical parameters and postoperative pathological upgrading. RESULT: 1. Among the 314 patients with HSIL who underwent total hysterectomy directly, 73.2% were from primary hospitals. 2. 25 patients (7.9%) were pathologically upgraded to cervical cancer, all of which were early invasive cancer. 3. Up to now, there was no recurrence or death in the 25 patients with early-stage invasive cancer, and the median follow-up period was 21 months(range 2-59 months). 4. Glandular involvement(OR 3.968; 95%CI 1.244-12.662) and lesion range ≥ 3 quadrants (OR 6.527; 95% CI 1.78-23.931), HPV 16/18 infection (OR 5.382; 95%CI 1.947-14.872), TCT ≥ ASC-H (OR 4.719; 95%CI 1.892-11.766) were independent risk factors that affected the upgrading of postoperative pathology. 5. The area under the curve (AUC) calculated by the Logistic regression model was 0.840, indicating that the predictive value was good. CONCLUSION: There is a risk of occult cervical cancer in patients with HSIL. Glandular involvement, Lesion range ≥ 3 quadrants, HPV 16/18 infection and TCT ≥ ASC-H are independent risk factors for HSIL combined with occult cervical cancer. The prognosis of biopsy-proved HSIL patients who underwent extrafascial hysterectomy and unexpected early invasive cancer was later identified on specimen may be good.

The effects of HIV and oncogenic human papillomavirus on the tumor immune microenvironment of penile squamous cell carcinoma.

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) occurs more frequently in some developing countries compared to developed countries. Infection with HIV and/or high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) are risk factors for penile cancer development. The tumor microenvironment of PSCC may predict prognosis and may inform on the best targets for immunotherapy. We evaluated the immune microenvironment of penile tumors histologically, and determined whether and/or how HIV and/or hrHPV infections affect this tumor microenvironment. We conducted a prospective analytical cross-sectional study in which penile cancer tumors from 35 patients presenting at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia were histologically staged and assessed for presence of tumor infiltrating immune cells and expression of immune checkpoints. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate immune checkpoints and infiltrating immune cells, while multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for hrHPV genotyping. The median age of all participants was 55 years. About 24% had advanced histological stage, 83% were HIV+, and 63% had hrHPV detected in their tumors using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. PDL1 expression was significantly higher in HIV- participants than HIV+ participants (p = 0.02). Tumors with multiple hrHPV infections had a significantly higher number of cells expressing TIM3 than those with one hrHPV (p = 0.04). High grade tumors had a significantly higher infiltrate of FoxP3+ cells (p = 0.02), CD68+ cells (p = 0.01), CD163+ cells (p = 0.01), LAG3+ cells (p = 0.01), PD1+ cells (p = 0.01) and TIM3+ cells (p = 0.03) when compared with low grade tumours. There was significant moderate to strong positive correlation of cells expressing PD1 and LAG3 (⍴ = 0.69; p = 0.0001), PD1 and TIM3 (⍴ = 0.49; p = 0.017) and TIM3 and LAG3 PDL1 (⍴ = 0.61; p = 0.001). In conclusion, the tumor microenvironment of penile squamous cell carcinoma seems to be affected by both HIV and HPV infections. TIM3 appears to be a potential therapeutic target in PSCC patients with hrHPV infections.

Tobacco Smoke Condensate Induces Morphologic Changes in Human Papillomavirus-Positive Cervical Epithelial Cells Consistent with Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) with Activation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases and Regulation of TGFB.

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV; HPV-16) and cigarette smoking are associated with cervical cancer (CC); however, the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. Additionally, the carcinogenic components of tobacco have been found in the cervical mucus of women smokers. Here, we determined the effects of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC; 3R4F) on human ectocervical cells (HPV-16 Ect/E6E7) exposed to CSC at various concentrations (10-6-100 µg/mL). We found CSC (10-3 or 10 µg/mL)-induced proliferation, enhanced migration, and histologic and electron microscopic changes consistent with EMT in ectocervical cells with a significant reduction in E-cadherin and an increase in the vimentin expression compared to controls at 72 h. There was increased phosphorylation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), including Eph receptors, FGFR, PDGFRA/B, and DDR2, with downstream Ras/MAPK/ERK1/2 activation and upregulation of common EMT-related genes, TGFB SNAI2, PDGFRB, and SMAD2. Our study demonstrated that CSC induces EMT in ectocervical cells with the upregulation of EMT-related genes, expression of protein biomarkers, and activation of RTKs that regulate TGFB expression, and other EMT-related genes. Understanding the molecular pathways and environmental factors that initiate EMT in ectocervical cells will help delineate molecular targets for intervention and define the role of EMT in the initiation and progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and CC.

miR-129-5p inhibits anchorage-independent growth through silencing of ACTN1 and the ELK4/c-FOS axis in HPV-transformed keratinocytes.

A persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) can induce precancerous lesions of the cervix that may ultimately develop into cancer. Cervical cancer development has been linked to altered microRNA (miRNA) expression, with miRNAs regulating anchorage-independent growth being particularly important for the progression of precancerous lesions to cancer. In this study, we set out to identify and validate targets of miR-129-5p, a previously identified tumor suppressive miRNA involved in anchorage-independent growth and HPV-induced carcinogenesis. We predicted 26 potential miR-129-5p targets using online databases, followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. RT-qPCR and luciferase assays confirmed that 3'UTR regions of six genes (ACTN1, BMPR2, CAMK4, ELK4, EP300, and GNAQ) were targeted by miR-129-5p. Expressions of ACTN1, CAMK4, and ELK4 were inversely correlated to miR-129-5p expression in HPV-transformed keratinocytes, and their silencing reduced anchorage-independent growth. Concordantly, miR-129-5p overexpression decreased protein levels of ACTN1, BMPR2, CAMK4 and ELK4 in anchorage-independent conditions. Additionally, c-FOS, a downstream target of ELK4, was downregulated upon miR-129-5p overexpression, suggesting regulation through the ELK4/c-FOS axis. ACTN1 and ELK4 expression was also upregulated in high-grade precancerous lesions and cervical cancers, supporting their clinical relevance. In conclusion, we identified six targets of miR-129-5p involved in the regulation of anchorage-independent growth, with ACTN1, BMPR2, ELK4, EP300, and GNAQ representing novel targets for miR-129-5p. For both ACTN1 and ELK4 functional and clinical relevance was confirmed, indicating that miR-129-5p-regulated ACTN1 and ELK4 expression contributes to HPV-induced carcinogenesis.

N6-methyladenosine methylation on FSCN1 mediated by METTL14/IGF2BP3 contributes to human papillomavirus type 16-infected cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been reported to be associated with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in cancers. However, the underlying mechanism by which m6A methylation participates in HPV-related cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) remains largely unclear. In this study, we observed that m6A regulators methyltransferase like protein (METTL14) and insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) were upregulated in HPV-positive CSCC tissues and cell lines, and their high expression predicted poor prognosis for HPV-infected CSCC patients. Cellular functional experiments verified that HPV16 oncogenes E6/E7 upregulated the expression of METTL14 and IGF2BP3 to promote cell proliferation and epithelial mesenchymal transition of CSCC cells. Next, we found that E6/E7 stabilized fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) mRNA and elevated FSCN1 expression in CSCC cells through upregulating METTL14/IGF2BP3-mediated m6A modification, and FSCN1 expression was also validated to be positively associated with worse outcomes of HPV-positive CSCC patients. Finally, HPV16-positive CSCC cell lines SiHa and CaSki were transfected with knockdown vector for E6/E7 or METTL14/IGF2BP3 and overexpressing vector for FSCN1, and functional verification experiments were performed through using MTT assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and tumour formation assay. Results indicated that knockdown of E6/E7 or METTL14/IGF2BP3 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and tumorigenesis, and accelerated cell apoptosis of HPV-positive CSCC cells. Their tumour-suppressive effects were abolished through overexpressing FSCN1. Overall, HPV E6/E7 advanced CSCC development through upregulating METTL14/IGF2BP3-mediated FSCN1 m6A modification.

The Silva pattern-based classification for HPV-associated endocervical adenocarcinoma: A single institution concordance study of trainees and gynecologic pathologists.

The Silva pattern-based classification of HPV-associated endocervical adenocarcinoma has become an integral part of the histologic assessment of these tumors. Unfortunately, the Silva system reproducibility has had mixed results in past studies, and clinical practice still favors the FIGO stage assessment in directing therapeutic interventions for patients. In our study, we aimed to assess our institution's concordance including not only gynecologic pathologists, but also pathology trainees through a series of 69 cases. The grouped total kappa concordance from all participants was 0.439 (Moderate), with an overall trainee kappa of 0.417 (moderate) and an overall pathologist kappa of 0.460 (moderate). Perfect concordance among all 10 study participants was seen in 8/69 cases (11.6 %), corresponding to 5/22 Pattern A cases (22.7 %), 0/16 Pattern B cases (0 %), and 3/31 Pattern C cases (9.7 %), with similar findings between trainees and pathologists when compared within their own cohorts. Recurrence was identified in 2 Pattern A cases, indicating a potential issue with limited excisional specimens which may not fully appreciate the true biologic aggressiveness of the lesions.

Reappraisal of p16 for Determining HPV Status of Head and Neck Carcinomas Arising in HPV Hotspots.

In an era of head and neck oncology where HPV status will soon dictate patient management, reliable HPV detection is critical. P16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is currently recommended as the test of choice for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs). The purpose of this study was to determine the performance characteristics of p16 IHC based on a large clinical experience of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) arising from HPV hot-spot regions of the head and neck. Consecutive OPSCCs, sinonasal SCCs, and metastatic SCCs of unknown primary sites were evaluated for the presence of HPV by p16 IHC and PCR-based HPV DNA testing as part of clinical care. For discrepant cases, high-risk HPV E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and, when possible, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MassArray) genotyping were performed. 746 cancers underwent HPV testing by p16 IHC and DNA PCR genotyping. There was a 95.6% concordance between the 2 assays. Of the 33 discrepant cases, 32 cases (4.3%) were p16 positive but HPV DNA negative. In these cases, 68% were positive for mRNA ISH, invariably related to a non-16 HPV genotype. P16 IHC had an overall accuracy of 98.8%, a sensitivity of 99.8%, and a specificity of 92.1%. P16 IHC is a sensitive and specific assay for determining HPV status. HPV DNA PCR appears vulnerable to HPV genotype diversity and is prone to missing rare non-16 genotypes. HPV mRNA ISH is a practical and reliable direct measure of HPV that may help eliminate the small number of false-positive p16 cases and avoid potential patient harm related to erroneous HPV classification.

Recommendations for Use of p16/Ki67 Dual Stain for Management of Individuals Testing Positive for Human Papillomavirus.

OBJECTIVES: The Enduring Consensus Cervical Cancer Screening and Management Guidelines Committee developed recommendations for dual stain (DS) testing with CINtec PLUS Cytology for use of DS to triage high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive results. METHODS: Risks of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse were calculated according to DS results among individuals testing HPV-positive using data from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California cohort and the STudying Risk to Improve DisparitiES study in Mississippi. Management recommendations were based on clinical action thresholds developed for the 2019 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Risk-Based Management Consensus Guidelines. Resource usage metrics were calculated to support decision-making. Risk estimates in relation to clinical action thresholds were reviewed and used as the basis for draft recommendations. After an open comment period, recommendations were finalized and ratified through a vote by the Consensus Stakeholder Group. RESULTS: For triage of positive HPV results from screening with primary HPV testing (with or without genotyping) or with cytology cotesting, colposcopy is recommended for individuals testing DS-positive. One-year follow-up with HPV-based testing is recommended for individuals testing DS-negative, except for HPV16- and HPV18-positive results, or high-grade cytology in cotesting, where immediate colposcopy referral is recommended. Risk estimates were similar between the Kaiser Permanente Northern California and STudying Risk to Improve DisparitiES populations. In general, resource usage metrics suggest that compared with cytology, DS requires fewer colposcopies and detects cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse earlier. CONCLUSIONS: Dual stain testing with CINtec PLUS Cytology is acceptable for triage of HPV-positive test results. Risk estimates are portable across different populations.

Clinical and prognostic differences in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in USA and Denmark, two HPV high-prevalence areas.

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty persists regarding clinical and treatment variations crucial to consider when comparing high human papillomavirus (HPV)-prevalence oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) cohorts for accurate patient stratification and replicability of clinical trials across different geographical areas. METHODS: OPSCC patients were included from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC), USA and from The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark from 2015-2020, (n = 2484). Outcomes were 3-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free interval (RFI). Subgroup analyses were made for low-risk OPSCC patients (T1-2N0M0) and high-risk patients (UICC8 III-IV). RESULTS: There were significantly more HPV-positive (88.2 % vs. 63.1 %), males (89.4 % vs. 74.1 %), never-smokers (52.1 % vs. 23.7 %), lower UICC8-stage (I/II: 79.3 % vs. 68 %), and fewer patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone (14.8 % vs. 30.3 %) in the UTMDACC cohort. No difference in the adjusted OS was observed (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, p = 0.23), but a significantly increased RFI HR was observed for the Copenhagen cohort (HR: 1.74, p = 0.003). Subgroup analyses of low- and high-risk patients revealed significant clinical and treatment differences. No difference in prognosis was observed for low-risk patients, but the prognosis for high-risk patients in the Copenhagen cohort was worse (OS HR 2.20, p = 0.004, RFI HR 2.80, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: We identified significant differences in clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and prognosis between a Northern European and Northern American OPSCC population. These differences are important to consider when comparing outcomes and for patient stratification in clinical trials, as reproducibility might be challenging.

Neovaginal Human Papilloma Virus-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Transgender Woman.

This case series discusses a human papilloma virus (HPV)­related neovaginal squamous cell carcinoma in a transgender woman and the need for formal gynecologic screening recommendations.

Advances in testing for human papillomavirus -mediated head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: New evidence has recently emerged regarding the utility and benefits of dual p16 INKa (p16) and Human papillomavirus (HPV) status testing when determining the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with oropharyngeal cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: HPV RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most accurate diagnostic test. The other assays (HPV DNA PCR, HPV DNA/RNA in-situ hybridization (ISH) and p16) applied to formalin fixed tumour tissue have varying but high sensitivities and specificities. Dual p16 and HPV testing identifies discordant (p16+/HPV- or p16-/HPV+) results in 9.2% of cases, who have significantly poorer prognoses than p16+/HPV+, particularly in smokers. The proportion of discordant cases varies by region, and appears to be highest in regions with lowest attributable (p16+/HPV+) fractions. Dual testing improves prognostication for oropharyngeal cancer cases by identifying discordant cases and improving the prognostic power of the Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM) classification, especially in regions with high discordant rates. SUMMARY: Dual testing is essential when considering patients for clinical trials of treatment de-escalation, and may be important when counselling patients on prognosis, especially in regions with high discordant rates and in smokers.

Advancements in mRNA Vaccines: A Promising Approach for Combating Human Papillomavirus-Related Cancers.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a typical sexually transmitted disease that affects different epithelial cells and can cause a number of health problems. HPV is mainly spread through sexual contact and is extremely contagious, even in the absence of obvious symptoms. It is linked to a number of malignancies, such as oropharyngeal, cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and cutaneous as well as anogenital and cutaneous warts. Different vaccines targeting various HPV virus strains have been produced to prevent HPV infections. Vaccines can help prevent HPV-related illnesses, but they cannot cure malignancies that have already been caused by HPV. But new developments in mRNA vaccines have shown potential in combating malignancies linked to HPV. mRNA vaccines stimulate the immune system to identify and attack particular proteins present in viruses or tumour cells. The efficacy of mRNA vaccines in preventing HPV-related malignancies has been shown in preliminary experiments in mice. Additionally, in clinical trials aimed at individuals with HPV-related head and neck malignancies, personalised mRNA vaccines in combination with immune checkpoint drugs have demonstrated encouraging results. Even though mRNA vaccines have drawbacks and restrictions such as immunogenicity and instability, further research and development in this area has a great deal of promise for developing effective therapies for HPV-related malignancies.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) load is higher in HPVDNA/p16 positive than in HPVDNA positive/p16 negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma but does not differ significantly between various subsites or correlate to survival.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with human papillomavirus DNA positive (HPVDNA+) and p16ink4a overexpressing (p16+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), especially those with cancer in the tonsillar and base of tongue subsites as compared to other OPSCC subsites have a better outcome than those with only HPVDNA+ or only p16+ cancer. Likewise having a high viral load has been suggested to be a positive prognostic factor. We therefore hypothesized, that HPV viral load could vary depending on OPSCC subsite, as well as with regard to whether the cancer was HPVDNA+ and p16+, or only HPVDNA+, or only p16+ and that this affected outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To address these issues HPV viral load was determined by HPV digital droplet (dd) PCR in tumor biopsies with previously known HPVDNA/p16 status from 270 OPSCC patients diagnosed 2000-2016 in Stockholm, Sweden. More specifically, of these patients 235 had HPVDNA+/p16+, 10 had HPVDNA+/p16-, 13 had HPVDNA-/p16+ and 12 had HPVDNA-/p16- cancer. RESULTS: We found that HPVDNA+/p16+ OPSCC had a significantly higher viral load than HPVDNA+/p16- OPSCC. Moreover, there was a tendency for a higher viral load in the tonsillar and base of tongue OPSCC subsites compared to the other subsites and for a low viral load to correlate to a better clinical outcome but none of these tendencies reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION: To conclude, the mean viral load in HPVDNA+/p16+ OPSCC was higher than in HPVDNA+/p16- OPSCC, but there was no statistically significant difference in viral load depending on OPSCC subsite or on clinical outcome.

Atypical glandular cells in Pap tests: cytology-histology correlation and risk assessment with human papillopmavirus (HPV) testing.

INTRODUCTION: Atypical glandular cells (AGC) represent less than 1% of Pap test cases and include a variety of lesions in both the cervix and endometrium. The study aimed to investigate the cytology-histology correlation in AGC patients and to evaluate the clinical utility of hrHPV testing in this diagnostic context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 491 atypical glandular cells (AGC) cases in our quality analysis (QA) database of 336,064 Pap tests interpreted between March 1, 2013 and July 12, 2016. Of these, 251 cases had follow-up biopsies with hrHPV tests in 148 cases. RESULTS: The most common histologic diagnosis associated with AGC was normal/benign or low-grade lesions, comprising 55% of cervical biopsies and 24% of endometrial biopsies. High-grade lesions were identified in 21% of follow-up biopsies. In patients with AGC cytology, a positive hrHPV test significantly increased the likelihood of cervical HSIL or above lesions on biopsy by 26.4 times (OR = 26.4, 95% CI: 5.8-119.4, P < 0.0001). A positive genotyping result for HPV 16 dramatically increased the likelihood of cervical HSIL or above lesions on biopsy (OR = 84, 95% CI: 12.0-590.5, P < 0.0001). The HPV test had a negative predictive value of 97% (CI: 85%-100%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that AGC is a significant diagnosis with an overall risk for high-grade cervical or endometrial lesions as high as 21%. hrHPV testing with genotyping is an effective tool for identifying high-risk individuals within the AGC population, with excellent positive and negative predictive values. This approach is valuable for clinical risk stratification and differential diagnosis in patients with AGC cytology.

Circular RNAs and cervical cancer: friends or foes? A landscape on circRNA-mediated regulation of key signaling pathways involved in the onset and progression of HPV-related cervical neoplasms.

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynecologic malignancy, accounting for a significant proportion of women death worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the major etiological causes leading to CC onset; however, genetic, and epigenetic factors are also responsible for disease expansion. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), which are known as a particular subset of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) superfamily, with covalently closed loop structures, have been reported to be involved in the progression of diverse diseases, especially neoplasms. In this framework, abnormally expressed circRNAs are in strong correlation with CC pathogenesis through regulating substantial signaling pathways. Also, these RNA molecules can be considered as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CC diagnosis/prognosis and treatment, respectively. Herein, we first review key molecular mechanisms, including Wnt/ß-catenin, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways, as well as angiogenesis and metastasis, by which circRNAs interfere with CC development. Then, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potentials of these ncRNA molecules will be highlighted in depth.

TM4SF19 controls GABP-dependent YAP transcription in head and neck cancer under oxidative stress conditions.

Tobacco and alcohol are risk factors for human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV- HNSCC), which arises from the mucosal epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract. Notably, despite the mutagenic potential of smoking, HPV- HNSCC exhibits a low mutational load directly attributed to smoking, which implies an undefined role of smoking in HPV- HNSCC. Elevated YAP (Yes-associated protein) mRNA is prevalent in HPV- HNSCC, irrespective of the YAP gene amplification status, and the mechanism behind this upregulation remains elusive. Here, we report that oxidative stress, induced by major risk factors for HPV- HNSCC such as tobacco and alcohol, promotes YAP transcription via TM4SF19 (transmembrane 4 L six family member 19). TM4SF19 modulates YAP transcription by interacting with the GABP (Guanine and adenine-binding protein) transcription factor complex. Mechanistically, oxidative stress induces TM4SF19 dimerization and topology inversion in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, which in turn protects the GABPß1 subunit from proteasomal degradation. Conversely, depletion of TM4SF19 impairs the survival, proliferation, and migration of HPV- HNSCC cells, highlighting the potential therapeutic relevance of targeting TM4SF19. Our findings reveal the roles of the key risk factors of HPV- HNSCC in tumor development via oxidative stress, offering implications for upcoming therapeutic approaches in HPV- HNSCC.

Treatment package time < 14 weeks improves recurrence free and disease specific survival in HPV positive OPC with high-risk features.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend treatment package time < 85 days and time from surgery to radiation initiation < 6 weeks in head and neck cancer patients. However, HPV positive primaries treated with TORS and adjuvant radiotherapy traditionally demonstrate favorable outcomes. METHODS: Single center retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with HPV positive treatment naïve primary squamous cell carcinoma treated with TORS and postoperative radiation therapy with or without Chemotherapy from 2012 to 2022 with data collection from December 2022-April 2023. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with log-rank testing assessed the impact of time intervalsbetween diagnosis, TORS, radiation initiation and radiation completion on recurrence free and disease specific survival. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with recurrence free and disease specific survival. Subgroup analysis was done with high risk (positive lymph nodes > 5, >1mm extracapsular extension, positive margins) patients who underwent concurrent Chemotherapy. RESULTS: Of 255 patients (225 males [89 %], average age 58 years, 163 [64 %] high-risk, median follow-up 4.3 years), 22 (8.6 %) had recurrence and 14 died due after disease recurrence.Only radiation length of 5-7 weeks prolonged survival in the entire population. In the high-risk cohort, time from TORS to radiation initiation < 6 weeks improvedrecurrence free survival, while total package time < 14 weeks wasassociated with greater recurrence free and disease specific survival.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of cervical exfoliated cells reveals potential biomarkers and cellular pathogenesis in cervical carcinogenesis.

Cervical cancer (CC) is a common gynecological malignancy. Despite the current screening methods have been proved effectively and significantly decreased CC morbidity and mortality, deficiencies still exist. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approach can identify the complex and rare cell populations at single-cell resolution. By scRNA-seq, the heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment across cervical carcinogenesis has been mapped and described. Whether these alterations could be detected and applied to CC screening is unclear. Herein, we performed scRNA-seq of 56,173 cervical exfoliated cells from 15 samples, including normal cervix, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and malignancy. The present study delineated the alteration of immune and epithelial cells derived during the cervical lesion progression. A subset of lipid-associated macrophage was identified as a tumor-promoting element and could serve as a biomarker for predicting the progression of LSIL into HSIL, which was then verified by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, cell-cell communication analysis indicated the SPP1-CD44 axis might exhibit a protumor interaction between epithelial cell and macrophage. In this study, we investigated the cervical multicellular ecosystem in cervical carcinogenesis and identified potential biomarkers for early detection.

The dual role of autophagy in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) displays distinct epidemiological, clinical, and molecular characteristics compared to the negative counterpart. Alterations in autophagy play an important role in cancer, and emerging evidence indicates an interplay of autophagy in HNSCC carcinogenesis and tumor promotion. However, the influence of HPV infection on autophagy in HNSCC has received less attention and has not been previously reviewed. Therefore, we here aimed to systematically review the role of autophagy explicitly in HPV+ HNSCC. METHODS: Studies accessible in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science investigating HNSCC, highlighting the molecular biological differences between HPV- and HPV+ HNSCC and its influences on autophagy in HNSCC were analyzed according to the PRISMA statement. A total of 10 articles were identified, included, and summarized. RESULTS: The HPV16 E7 oncoprotein was reported to be involved in the degradation of AMBRA1 and STING, and to enhance chemotherapy-induced cell death via lethal mitophagy in HNSCC cells. Autophagy-associated gene signatures correlated with HPV-subtype and overall survival. Additionally, immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses indicate that high LC3B expression correlates with poor overall survival in oropharyngeal HNSCC patients. CONCLUSION: HPV may dampen general bulk autophagic flux via degradation of AMBRA1 but may promote selective autophagic degradation of STING and mitochondria. Interpretations of correlations between autophagy-associated gene expressions or IHC analyses of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins in paraffin embedded tissue with clinicopathological features without biological validation need to be taken with caution.