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1.
Anticancer Res ; 44(6): 2545-2554, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38821599

BACKGROUND/AIM: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) over-expression is commonly observed in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and is correlated with poor patient outcomes. However, the role of dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) in EGFR-associated HNSCC progression remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between DUSP6 expression and EGFR signaling in malignant HNSCC tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data mining and in vitro assays were employed to assess DUSP6 expression levels in HNSCC tissues compared to normal tissues. Additionally, the correlation between DUSP6 and EGFR expression was examined. Functional assays were conducted to investigate the modulation of DUSP6 expression by EGFR signaling and its involvement in EGF-induced cell migration and anoikis resistance. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed a significant elevation in DUSP6 expression in HNSCC tissues compared to normal tissues and a strong correlation between DUSP6 and EGFR expression. EGFR signaling modulated DUSP6 expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner, primarily through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Knockdown experiments demonstrated the functional role of DUSP6 in EGF-induced cell migration and anoikis resistance. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study elucidate the intricate signaling networks governing DUSP6 expression and its interplay with EGFR signaling in HNSCC. Moreover, the results provide insights into the potential role of DUSP6 as a therapeutic target and highlight the importance of personalized treatment strategies in HNSCC management.


Cell Movement , Disease Progression , Dual Specificity Phosphatase 6 , ErbB Receptors , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Humans , Dual Specificity Phosphatase 6/genetics , Dual Specificity Phosphatase 6/metabolism , ErbB Receptors/metabolism , ErbB Receptors/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/metabolism , Cell Movement/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Anoikis/genetics , Signal Transduction , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
2.
PLoS One ; 19(5): e0300446, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38820302

In cancer cells, the nuclear transport system is often disrupted, leading to abnormal localization of nuclear proteins and altered gene expression. This disruption can arise from various mechanisms such as mutations in genes that regulate nuclear transport, altered expression of transport proteins, and changes in nuclear envelope structure. Oncogenic protein build-up in the nucleus due to the disturbance in nuclear transport can also boost tumor growth and cell proliferation. In this study, we performed bioinformatic analyses of 23 key nuclear transport receptors using genomic and transcriptomic data from pancancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and found that the total alteration frequency of 23 nuclear transport receptors in 2691 samples of the PCAWG Consortium was 42.1% and a high levels of genetic alterations was significantly associated with poor overall survival. Amplification was the most common type of genetic alterations, and results in the overexpression of nuclear transport receptors in HNSCC compared to normal tissues. Furthermore, our study revealed that seven out of eight cell cycle genes (CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, CCNA1, CCNB1, and CCNE2) were significantly and positively correlated with nuclear transport receptor genes in TCGA pancancer and CCLE datasets. Additionally, functional enrichment analysis showed that nuclear transport receptor genes were mainly enriched in the adhesion junction, cell cycle, ERBB, MAPK, MTOR and WNT signaling pathways.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Humans , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics , Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/metabolism , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Active Transport, Cell Nucleus , Cell Line, Tumor
3.
Life Sci ; 349: 122719, 2024 Jul 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38759866

In the vast landscape of human health, head and neck cancer (HNC) poses a significant health burden globally, necessitating the exploration of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. Metabolic alterations occurring within tumor microenvironment are crucial to understand the foundational cause of HNC. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) have recently emerged as a silent foe exerting a significantly heightened influence on various aspects of the biological processes associated with the onset and advancement of cancer, particularly in the context of HNC. There are numerous targets involved in HNC but recently, the enzyme pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has come out as a hot target due to its involvement in glycolysis resulting in metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Various PTMs have been reported to affect the structure and function of PKM2 by modulating its activity. This review aims to investigate the impact of PTMs on the interaction between PKM2 and several signaling pathways and transcription factors in the context of HNC. These interactions possess significant ramification for cellular proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis. This review primarily explores the role of PTMs influencing PKM2 and its involvement in tumor development. While acknowledging the significance of PKM2 interactions with other tumor regulators, the emphasis lies on dissecting PTM-related mechanisms rather than solely scrutinizing individual regulators. It lays the framework for the development of more sophisticated diagnostic tools and uncovers exciting possibilities for precision medicine essential for effectively addressing the complexity of this malignancy in a precise and focused manner.


Carrier Proteins , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Membrane Proteins , Protein Processing, Post-Translational , Thyroid Hormone-Binding Proteins , Thyroid Hormones , Humans , Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Thyroid Hormones/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Carrier Proteins/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment , Animals , Signal Transduction
4.
Praxis (Bern 1994) ; 113(4): 103-105, 2024 Apr.
Article De | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38779794

INTRODUCTION: A 30-year-old female patient presented with a swelling of a cervical left lymph node measuring 1x3 cm, which had been presenting for three weeks. Lymph node excision revealed a metastasis of a malignant melanoma, but the primary tumor was not found. The guidelines recommend neck dissection and adjuvant systemic or immunotherapy. The patient opted for immunotherapy with pembrolizumab and was tumor-free one year later.


Melanoma , Humans , Female , Adult , Melanoma/pathology , Melanoma/surgery , Diagnosis, Differential , Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Neck Dissection , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/surgery , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Neck , Neoplasms, Unknown Primary/pathology
5.
J Physiol Pharmacol ; 75(2): 205-213, 2024 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38736267

Camptothecin (CPT), a naturally occurring alkaloid derived from the Camptotheca acuminate plant, exerts anti-tumor properties. However, its specific impact on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains uncertain. The study was to explore the action and mechanism of CPT on HNSCC cells. First, two HNSCC cell lines (FaDu and TU686) and a normal immortalized keratinocyte (HEK001) cell line, were exposed to a spectrum of CPT concentrations (ranging from 10 to 50 µM) for durations of 24 h and 48 h. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were assessed by CCK-8 assay, EdU incorporation assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay. Subsequently, si-RAB27A or negative control (NC) was introduced into FaDu and TU686 cells through transfection, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway was manipulated with L740Y-P, an activator of this pathway. The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), E-cadherin, PI3K/AKT signaling factors and RAB27A were determined by Western blot analysis. RAB27A was detected by immunofluorescence assay. It was found that CPT significantly hindered the viability, proliferation (p<0.01), migration (p<0.001), and invasion (p<0.001) of FaDu and TU686 cells. At the molecular level, administration of CPT caused a decline in the expression of PCNA, P-PI3K, P-AKT, and RAB27A, alongside an elevation in E-cadherin levels within HNSCC cells (p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001). Reducing RAB27A expression enhanced the suppressive impacts of CPT on HNSCC cell viability (p<0.05 and p<0.01), migration (p<0.001) and invasion (p<0.01), these effects that were reversed upon treatment with L740Y-P in HNSCC cells (p<0.001). In summary, our study highlights the efficacy of CPT in HNSCC, demonstrating its influence on cell processes via the RAB27A-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt , Signal Transduction , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , rab27 GTP-Binding Proteins , Humans , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism , rab27 GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Signal Transduction/drug effects , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/metabolism
7.
J Med Case Rep ; 18(1): 254, 2024 May 17.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38755694

INTRODUCTION: Cervical teratomas are rare congenital neoplasms that can cause neonatal airway obstruction if large. CASE PRESENTATION: The female Persian neonate displayed respiratory distress at birth, with a 7 cm × 8 cm cystic solid mass identified on the left side of the neck. Antenatal ultrasonography revealed polyhydramnios. Despite initial stabilization, the infant required intubation and mechanical ventilation due to persistent respiratory distress. Imaging confirmed a cystic mass compressing the trachea, ruling out cystic hygroma. Surgical resection on postnatal day 17 revealed a 10 cm × 10 cm solid cystic structure, histologically identified as an immature teratoma. CONCLUSION: Despite risks of poor fetal and postnatal outcome from large cervical teratomas, early surgical resection after airway stabilization can result in recovery. Proper multidisciplinary management of respiratory distress from such tumors is paramount.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Teratoma , Ultrasonography, Prenatal , Humans , Teratoma/surgery , Teratoma/diagnostic imaging , Teratoma/diagnosis , Teratoma/congenital , Female , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnosis , Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Head and Neck Neoplasms/congenital , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Airway Obstruction/etiology , Airway Obstruction/surgery , Airway Obstruction/diagnostic imaging , Polyhydramnios
8.
Med Oncol ; 41(6): 133, 2024 May 04.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38703250

Head and neck cancer accounts for about one-fifth of all malignant tumors, and the incidence is increasing year by year. The overall mortality rate was high and the 5-year survival rate was low. At present, the combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy is the main treatment in clinical practice, but the treatment of recurrent or metastatic advanced head and neck cancer is still a challenge. With the rise of immunotherapy, more and more studies on immune checkpoint inhibitors have been conducted. This review summarizes the mechanism, clinical application and safety of immunotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors , Immunotherapy , Humans , Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/immunology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Immunotherapy/methods , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
9.
Recenti Prog Med ; 115(5): 1e-6e, 2024 May.
Article It | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38708539

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-Hnscc) is a true therapeutical challenge in the modern era and the scientific community is trying to face this challenge with new therapeutical strategies, including combinations of monoclonal antibodies and radiation therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes in LA-Hnscc patients unfit to receive platinum-based chemotherapy, treated with concurrent simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiotherapy (Sib-Imrt) + cetuximab (Ctx) in daily clinical practice. METHODS: LA-Hnscc patients not included in other prospective studies treated in 4 Italian radiotherapy units (2 Messina, 1 Rome, and 1 Lecce) using Sib-Imrt and Ctx were included in this study. Acute and late toxicities and overall survival (OS) have been evaluated. RESULTS: Data regarding 27 patients with squamous tumour were collected and reviewed. The primary tumour sites were oropharynx in 14 patients (51.9%), oral cavity in 7 (25.9%), larynx in 3 (11%) and other sites in 3(11%). There were 20 (74%) patients had stage IV (16 IVa and 4 IVb). Complete remission was observed in 18 patients (66.7%), a partial remission in 4 (14.8%) whilst 4 had a progression disease (14.8%). After 3 year of follow-up 7/27 patients were deaths. The OS was 95.5%, 62.5% and 52.9% respectively at 1,2 and 3 years. Acute toxicities were observed in all treated patients (mucositis, dermatitis and dysphagia) while 66.7% of patients developed late toxicities. All observed toxicities were grade 1 to 3 and just 1 patient developed a G4 toxicity. CONCLUSION: The concurrent bio-radiotherapy of Sib-Imrt and cetuximab is feasible in real-life daily clinical practice for LA-Hnscc patients unfit for platinum-based chemoradiotherapy.


Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological , Cetuximab , Chemoradiotherapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Humans , Cetuximab/administration & dosage , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Head and Neck Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/radiotherapy , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/therapy , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Chemoradiotherapy/methods , Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/administration & dosage , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated/methods , Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated/adverse effects , Italy , Survival Rate , Adult , Treatment Outcome , Neoplasm Staging , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/therapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/radiotherapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies
10.
J Transl Med ; 22(1): 418, 2024 May 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38702756

The onerous health and economic burden associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a global predicament. Despite the advent of novel surgical techniques and therapeutic protocols, there is an incessant need for efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic targets to monitor the invasion, metastasis and recurrence of HNSCC due to its substantial morbidity and mortality. The differential expression patterns of histone deacetylases (HDACs), a group of enzymes responsible for modifying histones and regulating gene expression, have been demonstrated in neoplastic tissues. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the role of HDACs in HNSCC. Consequently, this review aims to summarize the existing research findings and explore the potential association between HDACs and HNSCC, offering fresh perspectives on therapeutic approaches targeting HDACs that could potentially enhance the efficacy of HNSCC treatment. Additionally, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, CPTAC, HPA, OmicShare, GeneMANIA and STRING databases are utilized to provide supplementary evidence on the differential expression of HDACs, their prognostic significance and predicting functions in HNSCC patients.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors , Histone Deacetylases , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Humans , Histone Deacetylases/metabolism , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/enzymology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/enzymology , Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
11.
BMC Med Genomics ; 17(1): 137, 2024 May 22.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38778403

BACKGROUND: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer with a poor survival rate due to anatomical limitations of the head and a lack of reliable biomarkers. Cuproptosis represents a novel cellular regulated death pathway, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common internal RNA modification in mRNA. They are intricately connected to tumor formation, progression, and prognosis. This study aimed to construct a risk model for HNSCC using a set of mRNAs associated with m6A regulators and cuproptosis genes (mcrmRNA). METHODS: RNA-seq and clinical data of HNSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed to develop a risk model through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. Survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed for the high- and low-risk groups. Additionally, the model was validated using the GSE41613 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GSEA and CIBERSORT were applied to investigate the immune microenvironment of HNSCC. RESULTS: A risk model consisting of 32 mcrmRNA was developed using the LASSO analysis. The risk score of patients was confirmed to be an independent prognostic indicator by multivariate Cox analysis. The high-risk group exhibited a higher tumor mutation burden. Additionally, CIBERSORT analysis indicated varying levels of immune cell infiltration between the two groups. Significant disparities in drug sensitivity to common medications were also observed. Enrichment analysis further unveiled significant differences in metabolic pathways and RNA processing between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our risk model can predict outcomes for HNSCC patients and offers valuable insights for personalized therapeutic approaches.


Adenosine , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Humans , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Adenosine/analogs & derivatives , Adenosine/metabolism , Male , RNA, Messenger/genetics , RNA, Messenger/metabolism , Prognosis , Female , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Risk Assessment , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Middle Aged , Tumor Microenvironment
12.
Cell Mol Life Sci ; 81(1): 233, 2024 May 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38780775

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at a high risk of developing recurrence and secondary cancers. This study evaluates the prognostic and surveillance utilities of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in HNSCC. A total of 154 HNSCC patients were recruited and followed up for 4.5 years. Blood samples were collected at baseline and follow-up. CTCs were isolated using a spiral microfluid device. Recurrence and death due to cancer were assessed during the follow-up period. In patients with HNSCC, the presence of CTCs at baseline was a predictor of recurrence (OR = 8.40, p < 0.0001) and death (OR= ∞, p < 0.0001). Patients with CTCs at baseline had poor survival outcomes (p < 0.0001). Additionally, our study found that patients with CTCs in a follow-up appointment were 2.5 times more likely to experience recurrence or death from HNSCC (p < 0.05) prior to their next clinical visit. Our study highlights the prognostic and monitoring utilities of CTCs' in HNSCC patients. Early identification of CTCs facilitates precise risk assessment, guiding treatment choices and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.


Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Neoplastic Cells, Circulating , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Humans , Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/pathology , Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/metabolism , Male , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/mortality , Head and Neck Neoplasms/blood , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnosis , Female , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/mortality , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/blood , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/diagnosis , Aged , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/mortality , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnosis , Prognosis , Adult , Follow-Up Studies
13.
BMJ Case Rep ; 17(5)2024 May 24.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38789269

Tumours of adipose tissue origin are relatively rare in the head and neck. Here, we report a case of an unfamiliar lipomatous lesion that involved the neck and mediastinum. A nil-comorbid man in his 40s presented with a slowly progressive anterior neck swelling of 3 years, which was diagnosed as lipoma by histopathological sampling. Computed tomography demonstrated the lesion to be involving parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces with mediastinal extension. The lesion was removed by the transcervical approach. The final histology of the excised specimen, with immunohistochemistry for mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) and p16, suggested an atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT). This report accentuates the occurrence of this rare neoplasm in the neck, which often mimics lipoma clinically. Although radiology can demonstrate suggestive features, histology with MDM2 and/or p16 positivity can confirm the diagnosis of ALT as against the lipoma. A successful transcervical excision, despite the deeper extension of the lesion between the critical structures of the neck and mediastinum, demonstrates the non-infiltrating nature of the tumour.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Lipoma , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Humans , Male , Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnosis , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Lipoma/surgery , Lipoma/diagnostic imaging , Lipoma/pathology , Lipoma/diagnosis , Adult , Mediastinal Neoplasms/surgery , Mediastinal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Mediastinal Neoplasms/pathology , Mediastinal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neck/pathology , Neck/diagnostic imaging , Diagnosis, Differential , Mediastinum/pathology , Mediastinum/diagnostic imaging
14.
PeerJ ; 12: e17296, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38756442

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancers. Chemotherapy remains one dominant therapeutic strategy, while a substantial proportion of patients may develop chemotherapeutic resistance; therefore, it is particularly significant to identify the patients who could achieve maximum benefits from chemotherapy. Presently, four pyroptosis genes are reported to correlate with the chemotherapeutic response or prognosis of HNSCC, while no study has assessed the combinatorial predicting efficacy of these four genes. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the predictive value of a multi-gene pyroptosis model regarding the prognosis and chemotherapeutic responsiveness in HNSCC. Methods: By utilizing RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the Gene Expression Omnibus database, the pyroptosis-related gene score (PRGscore) was computed for each HNSCC sample by performing a Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) based on four genes (Caspase-1, Caspase-3, Gasdermin D, Gasdermin E). The prognostic significance of the PRGscore was assessed through Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. Additionally, chemotherapy sensitivity stratified by high and low PRGscore was examined to determine the potential association between pyroptosis activity and chemosensitivity. Furthermore, chemotherapy sensitivity assays were conducted in HNSCC cell lines in vitro. Results: As a result, our study successfully formulated a PRGscore reflective of pyroptotic activity in HNSCC. Higher PRGscore correlates with worse prognosis. However, patients with higher PRGscore were remarkably more responsive to chemotherapy. In agreement, chemotherapy sensitivity tests on HNSCC cell lines indicated a positive association between overall pyroptosis levels and chemosensitivity to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil; in addition, patients with higher PRGscore may benefit from the immunotherapy. Overall, our study suggests that HNSCC patients with higher PRGscore, though may have a less favorable prognosis, chemotherapy and immunotherapy may exhibit better benefits in this population.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Pyroptosis , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Humans , Pyroptosis/drug effects , Pyroptosis/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/mortality , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Prognosis , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Caspase 1/genetics , Caspase 1/metabolism , Male , Female , Caspase 3/genetics , Caspase 3/metabolism , Phosphate-Binding Proteins/genetics , Phosphate-Binding Proteins/metabolism , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics , Middle Aged , Cisplatin/pharmacology , Cisplatin/therapeutic use , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Kaplan-Meier Estimate , Fluorouracil/pharmacology , Fluorouracil/therapeutic use , Aged , Gasdermins
16.
Oral Oncol ; 153: 106799, 2024 Jun.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38729036

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the predictive and prognostic role of PD-L1 expression in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recognizing the importance of PD-L1 in patient response to treatment, the main objective was to assess its impact on overall survival and progression-free survival in HNSCC patients. A thorough search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from 2010 to 2022, along with relevant articles and references, yielded 120 studies. Of these, 7 met the criteria focusing on HNSCC patients, PD-L1 expression evaluation, and treatment with PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors. Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines and involved independent review and consensus for discrepancies. The primary outcomes analyzed were overall survival and progression-free survival in relation to PD-L1 expression levels in patients undergoing immunotherapy.Theseven randomized controlled trials selected had a total of 4,477 participants. Results showed that patients with positive PD-L1 expression experienced improved overall survival when treated with PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors, particularly those with high PD-L1 expression. However, PD-L1 expression did not significantly affect progression-free survival. These findings suggest that PD-L1 expression can be a predictive marker for better overall survival in HNSCC patients treated with immunotherapy. However, its influence on progression-free survival remains unclear, indicating the need for further research.


B7-H1 Antigen , Head and Neck Neoplasms , Humans , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism , Head and Neck Neoplasms/mortality , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/mortality , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/metabolism , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Prognosis , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
17.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 11006, 2024 05 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38744944

With cancer immunotherapy and precision medicine dynamically evolving, there is greater need for pre-clinical models that can better replicate the intact tumor and its complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Precision-cut tumor slices (PCTS) have recently emerged as an ex vivo human tumor model, offering the opportunity to study individual patient responses to targeted therapies, including immunotherapies. However, little is known about the physiologic status of PCTS and how culture conditions alter gene expression. In this study, we generated PCTS from head and neck cancers (HNC) and mesothelioma tumors (Meso) and undertook transcriptomic analyses to understand the changes that occur in the timeframe between PCTS generation and up to 72 h (hrs) in culture. Our findings showed major changes occurring during the first 24 h culture period of PCTS, involving genes related to wound healing, extracellular matrix, hypoxia, and IFNγ-dependent pathways in both tumor types, as well as tumor-specific changes. Collectively, our data provides an insight into PCTS physiology, which should be taken into consideration when designing PCTS studies, especially in the context of immunology and immunotherapy.


Gene Expression Profiling , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Tumor Microenvironment/genetics , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy , Transcriptome , Precision Medicine/methods , Immunotherapy/methods
18.
J Cell Mol Med ; 28(9): e18394, 2024 May.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38751024

This study aims to enhance the prognosis prediction of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) by employing artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse CDKN2A gene expression from pathology images, directly correlating with patient outcomes. Our approach introduces a novel AI-driven pathomics framework, delineating a more precise relationship between CDKN2A expression and survival rates compared to previous studies. Utilizing 475 HNSCC cases from the TCGA database, we stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups based on CDKN2A expression thresholds. Through pathomics analysis of 271 cases with available slides, we extracted 465 distinctive features to construct a Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) model. This model was then employed to compute Pathomics scores (PS), predicting CDKN2A expression levels with validation for accuracy and pathway association analysis. Our study demonstrates a significant correlation between higher CDKN2A expression and improved median overall survival (66.73 months for high expression vs. 42.97 months for low expression, p = 0.013), establishing CDKN2A's prognostic value. The pathomic model exhibited exceptional predictive accuracy (training AUC: 0.806; validation AUC: 0.710) and identified a strong link between higher Pathomics scores and cell cycle activation pathways. Validation through tissue microarray corroborated the predictive capacity of our model. Confirming CDKN2A as a crucial prognostic marker in HNSCC, this study advances the existing literature by implementing an AI-driven pathomics analysis for gene expression evaluation. This innovative methodology offers a cost-efficient and non-invasive alternative to traditional diagnostic procedures, potentially revolutionizing personalized medicine in oncology.


Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 , Machine Learning , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Humans , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16/genetics , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16/metabolism , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/diagnosis , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/mortality , Prognosis , Male , Female , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/diagnosis , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Middle Aged , Aged
19.
BMC Cancer ; 24(1): 656, 2024 May 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38811899

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the impact of parotid lymph nodes (LNs) on the prognosis of patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNcSCC), and to develop an alternative LN assessment method to enhance locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) stratification. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled patients with surgically treated HNcSCC. Primary outcome variables were LRC and OS. The influence of parotid LNs and different LN assessment methods on prognosis was analyzed using Cox models, and comparisons were made using the C-index, Akaike Information Criterion, and Bayesian Information Criterion. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were included. Both intraparotid and periparotid LN statuses significantly linked with prognosis. The presence of extranodal extension (ENE) in cervical LNs, rather than parotid LNs, was predictive of decreased LRC and OS. In the Cox analysis, only N3 of the AJCC N classification, when compared to N0, showed reduced LRC and OS. In comparison to N0P1, only N0P3/N1P1 and N2P2/N2P3 of the O'Brien staging system tended to predict poorer LRC, with no subgroup emerging as an independent predictor for OS. The proposed LN assessment method, based on the number of metastatic LNs and ENE status in cervical LNs, demonstrated superior performance in terms of C-index, Akaike Information Criterion, and Bayesian Information Criterion compared to other systems. CONCLUSION: Parotid LNs were significant determinants of prognosis in metastatic HNcSCC. The novel LN assessment method proposed (1-2 vs. 3-4 vs. 5 + or ENE) displayed similar survival stratification to the AJCC N and O'Brien staging systems.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Lymph Nodes , Lymphatic Metastasis , Neoplasm Staging , Skin Neoplasms , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck , Humans , Male , Female , Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology , Aged , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/mortality , Lymph Nodes/pathology , Lymph Nodes/surgery , Prognosis , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/mortality , Head and Neck Neoplasms/surgery , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/pathology , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/mortality , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/surgery , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/mortality , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/surgery
20.
Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) ; 36(7): 409-419, 2024 Jul.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38744596

AIMS: Sarcomas constitute a group of rare malignant neoplasms, commonly subcategorized into soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and bone sarcomas. This study aims to describe the treatment modalities and outcome of head and neck sarcoma (HNS) patients in western Denmark and to identify prognostic factors for overall survival and recurrence in HNS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Aarhus sarcoma registry, The National Danish Sarcoma Database, and the Danish National Pathology Registry were used to identify HNS adult patients diagnosed between 1979 and 2022. RESULTS: Altogether, 291 patients were included in this study. The prevalent histological subtypes were undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (16%; 48/291) and leiomyosarcoma (15%; 44/291) for STS patients (n = 230) and chondrosarcoma (10%; 28/291) and osteosarcoma (7%; 19/291) for bone sarcoma patients (n = 61). Surgery with curative intent was performed in 71% (164/230) and 70% (43/61) of STS and bone sarcoma patients, respectively. Clear resection was achieved in 59% (97/164) of STS patients and 44% (19/43) of bone sarcoma patients. Eighty-nine patients relapsed (STS n = 66, bone sarcoma n = 23) after a median time of 2.7/5.5 years for STS/bone sarcoma patients. The five-year overall survival rates were 45% for STS patients and 66% for bone sarcoma patients. The following factors were significantly, negatively associated with overall survival in STS patients: Age (hazard ratio (HR)) = 1.02, p < 0.001), tumour size ≥5 cm (HR = 1.75, p = 0.003), metastatic disease (HR = 3.17, p < 0.001), high grade tumour (HR = 2.24, p = 0.004), previous cancer (HR = 2.84, p < 0.001), and high Aarhus composite biomarker score (ACBS) (HR = 4.56, p = 0.001). For relapse in STS patients, higher tumour grade (HR = 3.19, p = 0.014), intralesional margins (HR = 2.84, p < 0.001), ≥2 previous cancers (HR = 3.00, p = 0.004), and high ACBS (HR = 3.29, p = 0.047), were negatively associated. For bone sarcomas only higher age (HR = 1.02, p = 0.049) and intralesional margins (HR = 2.91, p = 0.042) were significant negative factors for overall survival. CONCLUSION: Multiple prognostic factors for overall survival and relapse were identified, especially for STS patients.


Head and Neck Neoplasms , Sarcoma , Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Sarcoma/therapy , Sarcoma/pathology , Sarcoma/mortality , Prognosis , Adult , Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy , Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology , Head and Neck Neoplasms/mortality , Aged , Young Adult , Adolescent , Aged, 80 and over , Denmark/epidemiology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/epidemiology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology , Treatment Outcome , Survival Rate
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