MedWorm: HNSCC

Narrowband Imaging for Early Detection of Malignant Tumors and Radiation Effect After Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:50:56 +0100

Conclusion We found that NBI-assisted endoscopy is highly useful for the detection of precancerous lesions in the oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal mucosa and is not affected by a history of radiotherapy in patients with HNSCC. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Overexpression of dicer as a result of reduced let-7 MicroRNA levels contributes to increased cell proliferation of oral cancer cells

Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Recent reports have demonstrated that Dicer, an RNase III endonuclease required for microRNA (miRNA) maturation, is aberrantly expressed in different types of cancer. Furthermore, Dicer has been reported to be regulated by the let-7 family of miRNA genes. We hypothesize that Dicer is aberrantly expressed in oral cancer cells due to altered expressions of let-7 and that Dicer contributes to the development and progression of the disease. Western blot examination of Dicer protein levels in four head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines, including two oral cancer cell lines, demonstrated that Dicer had between 4- and 24-fold higher expression levels when compared to normal human primary gingival epithelial cells. Furthermore, five of six oral cancer tissues analyzed by indirect...

LIMD1 is more frequently altered than RB1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and prognostic implications

Molecular Cancer — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study suggests LIMD1 inactivation as primary event than inactivation of RB1 in HNSCC development. (Source: Molecular Cancer)

Pharmacodynamic evaluation of temsirolimus in patients with newly diagnosed advanced-stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in surgical margins of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a predictor of recurrence and patients with minimal residual disease may benefit from adjuvant therapy with temsirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor.The effects of 3 weekly doses of 25 mg of temsirolimus on Akt/mTOR pathway biomarkers were evaluated in tumor and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with HNSCC. Adverse events were assessed.Temsirolimus significantly decreased pS6 and p4E-BP1 in tumors, and pS6 and pAkt in PBMCs (p < .05). There was no significant upregulation of pAkt(Ser473) in tumor tissue. Side effects were minimal and reversible.Significant inhibition of the mTOR pathway was noted in both tumors and PBMCs of HNSCC with minimal si...

Differential effects between cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors and siRNA on vascular endothelial growth factor production in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Head and Neck — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Several researchers have observed that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors display anticancer effects only at higher concentrations than doses that block COX-2 activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells.To better understand the exact anticancer mechanism of COX-2-inhibitors, we compared the effects of pharmacologic inhibitors to those of small-interfering RNA against COX-2 on cell-growth, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, and intracellular signaling in HNSCC cell lines.We observed in HNSCC cells, that COX-2-siRNA induced an inhibitory effect on intracellular signaling, but unlike the pharmacologic inhibitors, did not affect cell proliferation. Whereas the chemical inhibitors increased VEGF synthesis even at low doses, COX-2-siRNA showed differential...

Cetuximab-Based Immunotherapy and Radioimmunotherapy of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Cetuximab has an agonistic effect on the growth of UM-SCC-22B tumors, indicating that tumor response to cetuximab treatment is not necessarily related to EGFR expression and antibody delivery efficiency, as determined by PET imaging. Although PET imaging with antibodies as tracers has limited function in patient screening, it can provide guidance for targeted therapy using antibodies as delivery vehicles. Clin Cancer Res; 16(7); OF1-11. PMID: 20215534 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Effect of tumour-cell-derived or recombinant keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) on proliferation and radioresponse of human epithelial tumour cells (HNSCC) and normal keratinocytes in vitro.

Radiation and Environmental Biophysics — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hille A, Grüger S, Christiansen H, Wolff HA, Volkmer B, Lehmann J, Dörr W, Rave-Fränk M Purpose of this work was to test the effect of tumour-cell-derived keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) or recombinant KGF (palifermin) on cell proliferation and radiation response of human HNSCC cells and normal keratinocytes in vitro. Four tumour cell cultures derived from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, primary keratinocytes, and immortalized keratinocytes were analysed. Fibroblasts, the natural source of KGF protein, served as controls. KGF expression was observed in primary and immortalized keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and in tumour cells, while significant KGF receptor expression was only found in keratinocytes. Recombinant KGF as well as tumour-cell-derived KGF caus...

MHNCS: PET May Predict Cancer Aggression (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:06:52 +0100

PHOENIX (MedPage Today) -- Pretreatment PET imaging results predicted survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, a retrospective analysis of data from a clinical series showed. (Source: MedPage Today Hematology/Oncology)

Overexpression of the novel human gene, UBE2Q2, in breast cancer

Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The ubiquitin–proteasome pathway facilitates the degradation of damaged proteins and regulates growth and stress response. This pathway is activated in various cancers, including breast cancer. We have previously reported that the novel human gene, UBE2Q2, is a putative ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that is located on chromosome 15 and is overexpressed in tumor mass and invasive epithelium in head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma. Here, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the expression levels of UBE2Q2 gene in a collection of 21 breast cancer tissues matched with normal adjacent counterparts. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot testing were also performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections by using a rabbit polyclonal antibody that we...

MHNCS: Pre-treatment SUV predicts treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer

Health Imaging News — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:20:47 +0100

Pre-treatment maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) from FDG PET imaging of the primary tumor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients is a strong predictor of prognosis, while pre-treatment SUVmax of the lymphadenopathy is significantly associated with distant metastasis, according to a study presented on Feb. 26 at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium in Chandler, Ariz.. (Source: Health Imaging News)

MHNCS: Pre-treatment SUV predicts treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer

Health Imaging News — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:20:47 +0100

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Pretreatment SUV Associated With Head And Neck Cancer Treatment Outcomes, May Help Decide Treatment Plans

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The maximal standardized uptake value (called SUVmax) measured from FDG PET readings taken from the primary tumor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients before treatment is a strong predictor of disease-specific survival, overall survival and disease-free survival, while pretreatment SUVmax for lymphodenopathy is strongly associated with distant metastasis, according... (Source: Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today)

Pretreatment SUV Associated With Head And Neck Cancer Treatment Outcomes, May Help Decide Treatment Plans

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The maximal standardized uptake value (called SUVmax) measured from FDG PET readings taken from the primary tumor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients before treatment is a strong predictor of disease-specific survival, overall survival and disease-free survival, while pretreatment SUVmax for lymphodenopathy is strongly associated with distant metastasis, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Decreased nuclear expression and increased cytoplasmic expression of ING5 may be linked to tumorigenesis and progression in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:53:02 +0100

Conclusions Our results suggest that a decrease in nuclear ING5 localization and cytoplasmic translocation are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor differentiation in HNSCC. Nuclear ING5 may modulate the transactivation of target genes, and may promote apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by interacting with the p300 and p21 proteins. ING5 may function as a tumor suppressor gene or oncogene tightly linked with p53 status, and may play an important role in the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Therefore, we propose that ING5 represents a novel potential molecular therapeutic target for HNSCC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00432-010-0815-xAuthors Xiaohan Li, University of Toyama Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine a...

Pretreatment SUV associated with head and neck cancer treatment outcomes, may help decide treatment plans

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) The maximal standardized uptake value (called SUVmax) measured from FDG PET readings taken from the primary tumor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients before treatment is a strong predictor of disease-specific survival, overall survival and disease-free survival, while pretreatment SUVmax for lymphodenopathy is strongly associated with distant metastasis, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Positron Emission Tomography With [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Improves Staging and Patient Management in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multicenter Prospective Study [Head and Neck Cancer]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:01:03 +0100

Conclusion Adding whole-body PET-FDG to the pretherapeutic conventional staging of HNSCC improved the TNM classification of the disease and altered the management of 13.7% of patients. These findings support the implementation of PET-FDG in the routine imaging work-up of HNSCC. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Predictive value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging during chemoradiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

European Radiology — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:47:55 +0100

Conclusion DWI during CRT for HNC allows more accurate response prediction than anatomical imaging, correlating significantly with 2-year LRC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Head and NeckDOI 10.1007/s00330-010-1734-6Authors Vincent Vandecaveye, University Hospitals Leuven Department of Radiology Herestraat 49 3000 Leuven BelgiumPiet Dirix, University Hospitals Leuven Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute Leuven BelgiumFrederik De Keyzer, University Hospitals Leuven Department of Radiology Herestraat 49 3000 Leuven BelgiumKatya Op de Beeck, University Hospitals Leuven Department of Radiology Herestraat 49 3000 Leuven BelgiumVincent Vander Poorten, University Hospitals Leuven Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Leuven Belg...

hsa-miR-210 is a marker of tumor hypoxia and a prognostic factor in head and neck cancer

Cancer — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Hypoxia is an important mechanism of treatment resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MicroRNAs are short noncoding RNAs that regulate multiple mRNAs and are frequently dysregulated in cancer. The authors have investigated the role of 3 microRNAs, including the hypoxia-induced hsa-miR-210, as potential markers of hypoxia or prognosis.Three hypoxia-related microRNAs, hsa-miR-210, hsa-miR-21, and hsa-miR-10b, were measured in 46 samples from patients with HNSCC. Expression levels were correlated with clinicopathological variables and other markers of hypoxia: a published 99-gene hypoxia metagene, individual hypoxia-related genes such as TWIST1, and immunohistochemical expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and its target gene carbonic anhydrase 9. We then performed su...

c-MYC depletion potentiates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: involvement of TSP-1 up-regulation

Annals of Oncology — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:25:37 +0100

(Source: Annals of Oncology)

Effects of upstaging from PET scan on survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Stage migration occurs when new diagnostic modalities provide additional information, leading to reclassification of disease stage. Our objective was to examine whether stage migration occurs with inclusion of positron emission tomography (PET) scans in staging head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).In a retrospective cohort study, subjects were identified through university hospital and Veterans Affairs Medical Center cancer registries with incident HNSCC from 2000 to 2003. American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC 6th edition) criteria were used for TNM staging with and without PET scan results. Five-year survival data were acquired from medical records and the Social Security Death Index.Addition of PET changed TNM classification in 13/65 patients (20%) with stage reclassification...

Identification of increased NBS1 expression as a prognostic marker of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Cancer Science — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we enrolled 148 OSCC for immunohistochemical (IHC) and clinical analysis. Data from 58 advanced non-oral-cavity HNSCC (NO-HNSCC) cases were also included for comparison due to the biological and clinical discrepancy between OSCC and HNSCC originated from the other sites (e.g. pharynx or larynx). First, we validated the NBS1 IHC results by real-time RT-PCR analysis, and an excellent correlation between the results of these two assays confirmed the reliability and robustness of IHC procedures and interpretation. NBS1 overexpression was an independent prognostic marker in both OSCC and NO-HNSCC cases. In OSCC, the prognostic significance of NBS1 was shown regardless of T stage and lymph node status. Increased NBS1 expression correlated with advanced T stage and recurrence/metas...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Cetuximab-induced hypertrichosis of the scalp and eyelashes

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:09:40 +0100

To the Editor: Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for metastatic colorectal carcinoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. More recently, a few authors have reported good responses with cetuximab in the treatment of recurrent squamous cell skin cancer in a palliative setting. The safety profile for these drugs is unique, with virtually no hematologic toxicity but frequent cutaneous side effects, which may cause serious discomfort and be disabling. (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Oncolysis Using Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Engineered to Express Cytosine Deaminase and a Fusogenic Glycoprotein for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:50:39 +0100

Conclusions OncoVEXGALV/CD efficiently infects, replicates within, and lyses head and neck squamous cell carcinoma at relatively low viral doses. Prodrug conversion by cytosine deaminase did not enhance therapy at viral doses that cause efficient cytotoxicity but may have beneficial effects in less-sensitive cell lines at low viral doses. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

JCO: PET-FTG improves staging, management of head, neck cancer patients

Health Imaging News — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:30:01 +0100

Adding whole-body PET-FDG to the pre-therapeutic conventional staging of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma improved the TNM [tumor, node and metastasis] classification of the disease and altered the management of 13.7 percent of patients, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. (Source: Health Imaging News)

JCO: PET-FTG improves staging, management of head, neck cancer patients

Health Imaging News — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:30:01 +0100

Prediction of Response to Chemoradiation Therapy in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck Using Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging [HEAD AND NECK]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:01:13 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that pretreatment DCE-MR imaging can be potentially used for prediction of response to chemoradiation therapy of HNSCC. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Incidence and prediction of major cardiovascular complications in head and neck surgery

Head and Neck — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) usually have a history of tobacco and alcohol abuse. These 2 intoxications not only are main oncologic risk factors but also show a strong causal relationship with certain comorbid conditions. Examples are coronary artery disease, stroke, renal dysfunction, and heart failure, which are all proven major risk factors for an adverse postoperative outcome after stressful noncardiac surgery. Preoperative identification of these conditions could lead to preventive measures in patients with HNSCC that undergo extensive surgery. Preventing morbidity and mortality is of medical and economical importance.All comorbidity of 135 consecutive patients with HNSCC that underwent extensive oncologic and reconstructive surgery as the first form of ...

Comprehensive MicroRNA Profiling for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: We have identified a group of aberrantly expressed miRNAs in HNSCC and showed that underexpression of miR-375 and overexpression of miR-106b-25 cluster might play oncogenic roles in this disease. Further detailed examinations of miRNAs will provide opportunities to dissect the complex molecular abnormalities driving HNSCC progression. Clin Cancer Res; 16(4); 1129-9. PMID: 20145181 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Cytogenetic characterization of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines as model systems for the functional analyses of tumor-associated genes

Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a solid malignant neoplasm exhibiting aggressive phenotypes and high recurrence rates. To improve its clinical management, understanding the molecular basis of HNSCC development is of critical importance. For the investigation of tumor-associated genes, functional analyses in well-characterized tumor cell systems are required. To establish an experimental platform, a set of 20 HNSCC cell lines was screened for genetic imbalances by chromosomal comparative genomic hybridization (cCGH). Frequent DNA copy number gains were detected on 3q26.3-qter, 5p, 7p11-p13, 8q23-qter, 9p11-p13, 9q31-qter, 11q13 and 20q13.1, whereas copy number losses were found on 3p, 4p, 4q32.1-qter, 8p11-p12 and 18q22 in agreement with previous ob...

Gene alterations in head and neck carcinomas and their role in promoting malignant behavior (Review).

International Journal of Oncology — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:23:12 +0100

This article reviews literature on the current understanding of molecular HNSCC carcinogenesis, and highlights the most promising therapeutic approaches. PMID: 20126971 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Oncology)

Protein biomarker discovery for head and neck cancer.

Journal of Proteomics — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schaaij-Visser TB, Brakenhoff RH, Leemans CR, Heck AJ, Slijper M Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer world-wide. Despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, the five-year-survival rate of advanced HNSCC has only moderately increased, which is largely due to the high proportion of patients that present with advanced disease stage and the frequent development of relapse and second primary tumors. Protein biomarkers allowing early detection of primary HNSCC or relapse may aid to improve clinical outcome. Screening for precursor changes in the mucosal linings preceding the development of invasive tumors and for accurate prediction of risk of malignant transformation, may be propitious opportunities, which are as yet difficult. ...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

AC480, formerly BMS-599626, a pan Her inhibitor, enhances radiosensitivity and radioresponse of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo

Investigational New Drugs — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 06:46:32 +0100

Conclusion: AC480 significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of HN-5 cells, expressing both EGFR and Her2. The mechanisms involved in the enhancement included cell cycle redistribution and inhibition of DNA repair. Both in vitro and in vivo data from our study suggest that AC480 has potential to increase tumor response to radiotherapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory PRECLINICAL STUDIESDOI 10.1007/s10637-010-9389-3Authors Mylin A. Torres, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University Department of Radiation Oncology Atlanta GA USAUma Raju, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology Houston TX USADavid Molkentine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology Houston TX USAOliv...

Diagnosis of lymph node metastases of head and neck cancer and evaluation of effects of chemoradiotherapy using ultrasonography

International Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:00:33 +0100

Conclusion Ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria for cervical metastatic lymph nodes enabled accurate diagnosis. Ultrasonographic evaluation of therapeutic effects on cervical lymph node metastases revealed not only the control of metastasis in the cervical region but also the clinical course and control of the primary site. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10147-009-0017-1Authors Madoka K. Furukawa, Kanagawa Cancer Center Department of Head and Neck Surgery 1-1-2 Nakao, Asahi-ku Yokohama Kanagawa 241-0815 JapanMasaki Furukawa, Yokohama City University Medical Center Division of Medical Informatics Yokohama Japan Journal International Journal of Clinical OncologyOnline ISSN 1437-7772Print ISSN 1341-9625 (Source: International Journ...

TKTL1 Is Activated by Promoter Hypomethylation and Contributes to Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Carcinogenesis through Increased Aerobic Glycolysis and HIF1{alpha} Stabilization.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: TKTL1 is a novel candidate oncogene that is epigenetically activated by aberrant hypomethlation and contributes to a malignant phenotype through altered glycolytic metabolism and HIF1alpha accumulation. Clin Cancer Res; 16(3); 857-66. PMID: 20103683 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Anticancer Effects of Withaferin A in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas through Modulation of Heat Shock Protein Expression

Journal of Surgical Research — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:39:53 +0100

Background: Heat shock chaperone proteins (HSPs) play a major role in the folding and activation of their client proteins. Cancer cells require higher levels of heat shock protein expression than normal cells in order to address the hypoxic and acidic environments they are often exposed to as well as the greater demand for proper folding of mutated oncogenes. Many pro-survival proteins are clients of heat shock chaperone proteins and are upregulated in many cancer cells, making inhibition of HSPs a favorable target for cancer therapy. The present study investigates the role of HSP modulation in the anti-cancer effect observed with Withaferin A (WA) treatment of head and neck squamous carcinoma cells (HNSCC) in vitro. Methods: Antiproliferative effects of WA on HNSCC cells in vitro were ana...

Fibronectin supports TNF-α-induced osteopontin expression through β1 integrin and ERK in HN-22 cells

Archives of Oral Biology — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:57:29 +0100

Abstract: The extracellular matrix (ECM), in collaboration with intracellular signal, plays a critical role in the modulation of cellular behavior and function. Herein, we investigated the influence of fibronectin (FN) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on OPN expression in HN-22, a human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell line. The data showed that TNF-α significantly increased OPN expression only in the FN-coated condition. Application of function-blocking antibody directed against β1 integrin abolished this OPN induction. Moreover, TNF-α when added together with activating β1 integrin antibody is sufficient to induced OPN expression. The combination effect of FN and TNF-α was significantly deteriorated by a MEK inhibitor, but not NF-κB inhibitor. We further d...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Genetic alterations between primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and recurrence after radiotherapy

Cancer — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In the attempt to characterize the genetic bases of recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) after radiotherapy (RT), the authors compared the molecular profiles of primary tumors and recurrences.TP53 gene status and instability at 10 microsatellite markers were determined in pre-RT lesions and corresponding local recurrences in a series of 16 HNSCCs.Eight (50%) HNSCCs showed both TP53 and microsatellite instability (MSI) status concordance in pre- and postirradiation biopsies; 3 (18.7%) showed discordance of both TP53 and MSI status; and finally 5 (31.2%) had discordance at only 1 genetic test. Accordingly, the authors interpreted as true recurrence the 8 concordant cases, and as true second primary malignancies the 3 discordant ones. In the remaining 5 cases with partial D...

Standardized uptake value is of prognostic value for outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Acta Oto-Laryngologica — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The literature-based meta-analysis confirmed that increased standardized uptake value (SUV) of the primary tumor is a poor prognostic factor in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which should be further confirmed in a meta-analysis based on individual patient data. Objectives: Primary tumor SUV, as measured by positron emission tomography (PET), has been studied as a potential prognostic factor for local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival. However, the limited sample sizes of the studies in the past led us to conduct a meta-analysis to improve the precision in estimating the effect of SUV on the prognosis of HNSCC. Methods: Eight articles were identified by searching electronic databases. Statistical analysis was performed with RevMa...

Squamous Carcinoma Cells Influence Monocyte Phenotype and Suppress Lipopolysaccharide-Induced TNF-alpha in Monocytes

Inflammation — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:48:14 +0100

This study provides novel observations that HNSCC cells affect monocyte phenotype and function, which are relevant to the regulation of the HNSCC microenvironment. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10753-009-9175-6Authors Aroonwan Lam-ubol, NYU College of Dentistry Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Medicine 345 E. 24th St., Rm 837S (office), 1010S (lab) New York NY 10010 USADustin Hopkin, Indiana University Oral Surgery Bloomington IN USAElena M. Letuchy, University of Iowa Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health Iowa City IA USAZoya B. Kurago, NYU College of Dentistry Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Medicine 345 E. 24th St., Rm 837S (office), 1010S (lab) New York NY 10010 USA Journal InflammationOnline ISSN 1573-2576Print ISS...

TrkB induces EMT and has a key role in invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Oncogene — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: M E Kupferman, T Jiffar, A El-Naggar, T Yilmaz, G Zhou, T Xie, L Feng, J Wang, F C Holsinger, D Yu & J N Myers (Source: Oncogene)

Inostamycin prevents malignant phenotype of cancer: inhibition of phosphatidylinositol synthesis provides a therapeutic advantage for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Cell Biology International — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 01:44:05 +0100

Authors: Baba Y, Kato Y, Ogawa K Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth most common type of neoplasm worldwide, but its prognosis has not improved significantly in recent years. Therefore, efforts need to be intensified to gain a better understanding of this disease and develop novel treatment strategies. Inhibition of cytidine 5'-diphosphate 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol: inositol transferase by inostamycin, an antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces sp. MH816-AF15, induces G1 cell cycle arrest accompanied by a decrease in cyclin D1 and phosphorylated RB protein levels, along with suppression of in vitro invasive ability through reduced production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and cell motility in head and neck cancer cell lines. Furthermore, inostamycin abrogated ...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Data From Ohio State University Advance Knowledge In Head And Neck Cancer

Cancercompass News: Other Cancer — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

RhoC protein, a known marker of metastases in aggressive breast cancers and melanoma, has also been found to be overexpressed in certain head and neck cancers, thus we investigated the correlation between RhoC expression and the metastatic behavior of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. (Source: Cancercompass News: Other Cancer)

Single-marker identification of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cells with aldehyde dehydrogenase

Head and Neck — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In accord with the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory, only a small subset of cancer cells are capable of forming tumors. We previously reported that CD44 isolates tumorigenic cells from head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Recent studies indicate that aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity may represent a more specific marker of CSCs.Six primary HNSCCs were collected. Cells with high and low ALDH activity (ALDHhigh/ALDHlow) were isolated. ALDHhigh and ALDHlow populations were implanted into NOD/SCID mice and monitored for tumor development.ALDHhigh cells represented a small percentage of the tumor cells (1% to 7.8%). ALDHhigh cells formed tumors from as few as 500 cells in 24/45 implantations, whereas only 3/37 implantations of ALDHlow cells formed tumors.ALDHhigh cells comprise a subpo...

Se-methylselenocysteine sensitizes hypoxic tumor cells to irinotecan by targeting hypoxia-inducible factor 1α

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:19:40 +0100

Conclusions Our results show that HIF-1α is a critical target for MSC and its inhibition was associated with enhanced antitumor activity of irinotecan. Inhibition of HIF-1α appeared to be mediated through stabilization of PHD2, 3 and downregulation of ROS by MSC. Thus, our findings support the development of MSC as a HIF-1α inhibitor in combination chemotherapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-009-1238-8Authors Sreenivasulu Chintala, Roswell Park Cancer Institute Department of Cancer Biology Buffalo NY 14263 USAKároly Tόth, Roswell Park Cancer Institute Department of Cancer Biology Buffalo NY 14263 USAShousong Cao, Roswell Park Cancer Institute Department of Cancer Biology Buffalo NY 14263 USAFarukh A. Durrani, Roswell Park...

Twenty-four new members join DF/HCC

DF/HCC: Latest News — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:53:00 +0100

Twenty-four individuals have recently joined DF/HCC. See below to learn more about these scientists and their research interests. Tracy Balboni, MD, MPH (DFCI) Head and Neck Cancer; Palliative Care Research focus: palliative care, including the psychosocial aspects of advanced cancer and radiotherapy for palliation with a particular focus on the role of religion and spirituality in the experience of cancer including its impact on coping and end-of-life medical care and the medical setting for patient end-of-life outcomes. Elisabeth Battinelli, MD (BWH) Angiogenesis, Invasion, and Metastasis Research focus: understanding the cellular and molecular basis by which platelets regulate angiogenesis. The specific aims of the lab are to explore how tumor ce...

Mechanisms of Resistance to HER Family Targeting Antibodies.

Experimental Cell Research — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kruser TJ, Wheeler DL The epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of receptor tyrosine kinases consists of four members: EGFR (HER1/ErbB1), HER2/neu (ErbB2), HER3 (ErbB3) and HER4 (ErbB4). Receptor activation via ligand binding leads to downstream signaling that influence cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Aberrant expression or activity of EGFR and HER2 have been strongly linked to the etiology of several human epithelial cancers including but not limited to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and breast cancer. With this, intense efforts have been made to inhibit the activity of the EGFR and HER2 by designing antibodies against the ligand binding domains (cetuximab, panitumumab and t...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Predictors of functional decline in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients from South Brazil

Head and Neck — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study identified symptoms that require systematic intervention and randomized trials with functional independence as the outcome. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010 (Source: Head and Neck)

Assay-based response evaluation in head and neck oncology: requirements for better decision making

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:58:26 +0100

This article gives an overview on different current strategies of assay-based response evaluation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and critically summarizes their role and needs for future clinical evaluation. Due to a growing amount of data of phase III clinical trials of multimodality treatment options for HNSCC, treatment planning in regard to optimal outcome is becoming an interdisciplinary challenge. New concepts such as induction chemotherapy with bi- or ternary combinations of chemotherapeutics, integration of targeted therapies, concurrent and sequential chemoradiation concepts, and multimodality-based organ preservation strategies strongly compete with traditional definitive surgical procedures. Moreover, the outcome is difficult to predict due to heterogene...

Oral health and risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: the Carolina Head and Neck Cancer Study

Cancer Causes and Control — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:22:13 +0100

Conclusions These data provide support for a possible modest association of periodontal disease, as measured by self-reported tooth loss indicators, but not tooth loss per se, with SCCHN risk. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s10552-009-9486-9Authors Kimon Divaris, University of North Carolina Department of Epidemiology, CB#7435, Gillings School of Global Public Health Chapel Hill NC 27599-7435 USAAndrew F. Olshan, University of North Carolina Department of Epidemiology, CB#7435, Gillings School of Global Public Health Chapel Hill NC 27599-7435 USAJoanna Smith, University of North Carolina Department of Epidemiology, CB#7435, Gillings School of Global Public Health Chapel Hill NC 27599-7435 USAMary E. Bell, University of North Carolina Dep...

Immunotherapy for head and neck cancer

Articles of Advances in Head and Neck Surgery - TERMEDIA publishing house — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:17:27 +0100

Immunotherapy is a new approach to treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which is most effective in patients with minimal residual disease. Only 50% of these patients treated with conventional therapies achieve five-year survival. Further, HNSCC patients are immunosuppressed and thus unable to control tumor progression. The goal of immunotherapy is to reverse the suppressive effects induced by the tumor, and to activate anti-tumor response directed against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) expressed by tumor cells. Current immunotherapies for head and neck cancer utilize many strategies to achieve these goals, i.e., transfer of autologous dendritic cells, adoptive transfer of T cells or NK cells, gene therapy, tumor derived proteins, cytokines and mono- c...

Cetuximab: From Bench to Bedside.

Current Cancer Drug Targets — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vincenzi B, Zoccoli A, Pantano F, Venditti O, Galluzzo S Cetuximab (IMC-C225, Erbitux ImClone Systems Inc, New York, NY) is a recombinant, human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody (MAb) that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on both normal and tumor cells, and competitively inhibits the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) as well as other ligands. Cetuximab binding to the EGFR blocks phosphorylation and activation of receptor-associated kinases and their associated downstream signalling (MAPK, PI3K/Akt, Jak/Stat pathways) resulting in inhibition of many cellular processes such as induction of apoptosis, cell growth, decreased Matrix Metallo-Proteinase (MMPs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pro...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Stat3 Orchestrates Tumor Development and Progression: the Achilles' Heel of Head and Neck Cancers?

Current Cancer Drug Targets — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Masuda M, Suzui M, Toh S, Joe AK, Weinstein IB Despite recent advancements in treatment modalities, the overall survival and quality of life of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have not improved significantly over the past decade. With the increasing emergency of new biological agents, the development of novel treatment schemes based on cancer cell biology may be promising for this group of patients. We previously introduced the "oncogene addiction" concept as a rationale for molecular targeting in cancer therapy and prevention. In this context, an increasing number of preclinical studies have demonstrated that the Signal Transducers and Activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) transcription factor plays critical roles in the development and progression...

Glycolytic metabolism and tumour response to fractionated irradiation

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our data support the hypothesis that the antioxidative capacity of lactate may contribute to radioresistance in malignant tumours. Non-invasive imaging of lactate to monitor radiation response and testing inhibitors of glycolysis to improve outcome after fractionated radiotherapy warrant further investigations. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

Moderate predictive value of demographic and behavioral characteristics for a diagnosis of HPV16-positive and HPV16-negative head and neck cancer

Oral Oncology — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Patients with HPV-positive and HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are significantly different with regard to sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics that clinicians may use to assume tumor HPV status.Machine learning methods were used to evaluate the predictive value of patient characteristics and laboratory biomarkers of HPV exposure for a diagnosis of HPV16-positive HNSCC compared to in situ hybridization, the current gold-standard.Models that used a combination of demographic characteristics such as age, tobacco use, gender, and race had only moderate predictive value for tumor HPV status among all patients with HNSCC (positive predictive value [PPV]=75%, negative predictive value [NPV]=68%) or when limited to oropharynx cancer patients (PPV=55%,...

A basal-cell-like compartment in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas represents the invasive front of the tumor and is expressing MMP-9

Oral Oncology — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the most frequent malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract. The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis concludes that CSCs constitute the dangerous tumor cell population due to their ability of self-renewal and being associated with relapse of tumor disease, invasiveness and resistance to chemo(radio)therapy. The aim of this study was to look for CSC candidates and expression of MMP-9 that previously was implicated in HNSCC invasiveness.Immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis were performed on HNSCC tumor specimens using antibodies specific for MMP-9, CD44, ALDH1 and CK14. Gelatinolytic activity was assessed by zymography. Pearson correlation analysis was used for statistical comparison.Immunohistochemic...

Inhibition of tumorigenicity and enhancement of radiochemosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell cancer-derived ALDH1-positive cells by knockdown of Bmi-1

Oral Oncology — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we demonstrated that HNSCC-ALDH1+ cells possess tumor initiating properties, are capable of self-renewal, and express higher levels of Bmi-1 as compared to HNSCC-ALDH1− cells. To further explore the functional role of Bmi-1 in HNSCC-ALDH1+ cells, we used a lentiviral vector expressing shRNA to knock down Bmi-1 expression (sh-Bmi-1) in HNSCC-ALDH1+ cells. Silencing of Bmi-1 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of HNSCC-ALDH1+ cells to chemoradiation and increased the degree of chemoradiation-mediated apoptosis that occurred. Importantly, knockdown of Bmi-1 increased the effectiveness of radiotherapy and led to the inhibition of tumor growth in nude mice transplanted with HNSCC-ALDH1+ cells. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that the mean survival rate of HNSCC-AL...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Current potential and limitations of molecular diagnostic methods in head and neck cancer

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:47:11 +0100

Abstract Traditional diagnostic methods such as clinical assessment, histopathological examination and imaging techniques are limited in their capacity to provide information on prognosis and treatment choice of head and neck cancer. In recent years, molecular techniques have been developed that enabled us to get more insight into the molecular biological cellular pathways underlying tumor progression and metastasis. Correlation of these molecular changes with clinical events has been explored. However, consistently useful markers have not been identified yet, although many promising developments are in progress. It may be expected that in the near future, molecular markers will be useful for clinical purposes. In this paper, an overview will be given of the several molecu...

Glycolytic metabolism and tumour response to fractionated irradiation.

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis that the antioxidative capacity of lactate may contribute to radioresistance in malignant tumours. Non-invasive imaging of lactate to monitor radiation response and testing inhibitors of glycolysis to improve outcome after fractionated radiotherapy warrant further investigations. PMID: 20036432 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

HPV status-independent association of alcohol and tobacco exposure or prior radiation therapy with promoter methylation of FUSSEL18, EBF3, IRX1, and SEPT9, but not SLC5A8, in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we verify these genes as valid methylation markers in two separate sets of HNSCC specimens. By using the available clinical information linked to the patient specimens, we found a strong association between promoter methylation of FUSSEL18, IRX1, and EBF3 and prior radiation therapy (P < 0.0001) irrespective of HPV status. Also, promoter methylation of FUSSEL18 and SEPTIN9 was found to correlate significantly with exposure to alcohol and tobacco (P = 0.021). Importantly, in this study, we preliminarily show a trend between HPV16 positivity and specific target gene hypermethylation of IRX1, EBF3, SLC5A8, and SEPT9. If replicated in a larger study, the HPV status may be a patient selection biomarker when determining the most efficacious treatment modality for these different s...

Intrinsic differences in cisplatin sensitivity of head and neck cancer cell lines: Correlation to lysosomal pH

Head and Neck — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Cisplatin treatment is beneficial for approximately 20% of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Tools to predict the clinical outcome and evaluate intrinsic cisplatin sensitivity are, therefore, required.Cisplatin sensitivity, lysosomal pH, and cell death pathway was studied in 5 HNSCC lines and compared with normal oral keratinocytes.We identified a linear relationship between lysosomal pH and cisplatin sensitivity. Reduced lysosomal acidification was correlated to decreased expression of the V0V1-ATPase B2 subunit, which is part of the lysosomal acidifying complex. Cisplatin caused apoptosis accompanied by lysosomal membrane permeabilization, and inhibition of lysosomal proteases (cathepsins) partly prevented cell death.Cisplatin-induced apoptosis of HNSCC is more...

Rap1 Stabilizes {beta}-Catenin and Enhances {beta}-Catenin-Dependent Transcription and Invasion in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that Rap1 enhances beta-catenin stability and nuclear localization. In addition to indicating that Rap1 has a significant role in regulating beta-catenin and beta-catenin-dependent progression to more advanced N-stage lesions, these data highlight Rap1 as a potential therapeutic target in HNSCC.Clin Cancer Res; 16(1); 65-76. PMID: 20028760 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Inhibitor of Differentiation 1 Contributes to Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Survival via the NF-{kappa}B/Survivin and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathways.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The above data, taken together, suggest that Id1 and its downstream effectors are potential targets for treatment of HNSCC because of their contribution to apoptosis resistance. Clin Cancer Res; 16(1); 77-87. PMID: 20028744 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Pre-radiotherapy plasma carotenoids and markers of oxidative stress are associated with survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients: a prospective study

BioMed Central — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Biomarkers of antioxidants and oxidative stress are unfavourable in HNSCC patients compared to healthy controls, and radiotherapy affects many of these biomarkers. Increasing levels of antioxidant biomarkers before radiotherapy and increasing oxidative stress during radiotherapy may improve survival indicating that different factors/mechanisms may be important for survival before and during radiotherapy in HNSCC patients. Thus, the therapeutic potential of optimizing antioxidant status and oxidative stress should be explored further in these patients. (Source: BioMed Central)

18F-FDG PET in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx: A Study on Inter- and Intraobserver Agreement

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:17:42 +0100

Conclusions: Good inter- and intraobserver agreement in SCC in the oral cavity or oropharynx with 18F-FDG PET was found. Observer experience had limited influence on observer agreement. However, the agreement level decreased when a more precise anatomic tumor localization was required. (Source: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)

Combined Cetuximab and Reirradiation for Locoregional Recurrent and Inoperable Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:04:57 +0100

Conclusion: A second course of RT combined with cetuximab in patients with inoperable, recurrent HNSCC proved to be feasible with mild or moderate toxicity and encouraging response to treatment. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Current DiscussionDOI 10.1007/s00066-009-2092-7Authors Panagiotis Balermpas, Goethe University Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology Frankfurt/Main GermanyMarkus Hambek, Goethe University Department of Otorhinolaryngology Frankfurt/Main GermanyOliver Seitz, Goethe University Department of Oral Maxillofacial and Plastic Facial Surgery Frankfurt/Main GermanyClaus Rödel, Goethe University Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology Frankfurt/Main GermanyChristian Weiss, Goethe University Department of Radiation Therapy and Oncology F...

Disruption of Transforming Growth Factor-{beta} Signaling by Five Frequently Methylated Genes Leads to Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Pathogenesis

Cancer Research — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:07:48 +0100

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is an aggressive cancer with low survival rates in advanced stages. To facilitate timely diagnosis and improve outcome, early detection markers (e.g., DNA methylation) are crucial for timely cancer diagnosis. In a recent publication, an epigenome-wide screen revealed a set of genes that are commonly methylated and downregulated in head and neck cancers (SEPT9, SLC5A8, FUSSEL18, EBF3, and IRX1). Interestingly, these candidates are potentially involved in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, which is often disrupted in HNSCC. Therefore, we sought to determine coordinated epigenetic silencing of these candidate genes in HNSCC as potential key disruptors of TGF-β signaling, which could ultimately result in HNSC...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Multimodal approach using oncolytic adenovirus, cetuximab, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in HNSCC low passage tumour cell cultures

European Journal of Cancer — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common and often devastating disease without curative treatment when advanced or recurrent. The aim of this study was to assess whether capsid-modified oncolytic adenoviruses have therapeutic efficacy in HNSCC low passage tumour cell cultures and if it could be further improved by combination with cetuximab, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We investigated which adenoviral capsid modifications allow best gene transfer and cell killing of HNSCC substrates. Gene transfer was assessed using replication-deficient adenoviruses expressing luciferase. Cell killing was studied in vitro and in vivo using oncolytic adenoviruses, which kill tumour cell by viral replication. The most effective capsid-modified oncolytic adenoviruses were combin...

Understanding and Targeting the Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor eIF4E in Head and Neck Cancer

Journal of Oncology — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 13:46:57 +0100

We describe several strategies that have been suggested for eIF4E targeting in the clinic: the use of a small molecule antagonist of eIF4E (ribavirin), siRNA or antisense oligonucleotide strategies, suicide gene therapy, and the use of a tissue-targeting 4EBP fusion peptide. The first clinical trial targeting eIF4E indicates that ribavirin effectively targets eIF4E in poor prognosis leukemia patients and more importantly leads to striking clinical responses including complete and partial remissions. Finally, we discuss the relevance of these findings to HNSCC. (Source: Journal of Oncology)

MicroRNA expression in head and neck cancer associates with alcohol consumption and survival

Carcinogenesis — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:01:01 +0100

The contribution of microRNAs (miRNAs) to carcinogenesis in many tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), is clear, but the etiology and clinical significance of their alteration remain important questions. Our previous work has identified four miRNAs as differentially expressed HNSCCs compared with non-diseased epithelia and showed that there is potential diagnostic utility in examining their expression. Here, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to determine the relative expression of these miRNAs in a larger independent case series of HNSCC tumors (n = 169), examining associations of miRNA expression with exposures and clinical features associated with HNSCC. In multivariate analyses, expression of miR-375 was shown to increase with alcohol ...

Parents siblings with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma significantly increase risk of developing a like cancer

Advances in Anatomic Pathology — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:50:15 +0100

No abstract available (Source: Advances in Anatomic Pathology)

Outcomes of salvage surgery with free flap reconstruction for recurrent oral and oropharyngeal cancer

The Laryngoscope — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

To evaluate outcomes of salvage surgery with free flap reconstruction for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and oral cavity with increased use of chemoradiotherapy.Retrospective patient review.All patients undergoing salvage surgery with free flap reconstruction for oropharynx (n = 36) and oral cavity (n = 36) squamous cell carcinomas between January 2001 and January 2008 were obtained. Mean follow-up was 14 months. Previous chemoradiotherapy was used in 40% and radiotherapy alone in 60%.Complications were more frequent in oropharynx than oral cavity tumors (36% and 14%, respectively; P = .05) requiring more secondary procedures (15 for oropharynx vs. six for oral cavity). Few patients returned to a normal diet (8%), and a majority retained an enterogastric feeding tube (...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

The Ligamp TP53 Assay for Detection of Minimal Residual Disease in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Surgical Margins.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Ligamp provides quantifiable, sensitive detection of mutant DNA in histologically normal margins. Detection of mutant species in margins may identify patients at risk of local recurrence. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7658-65). PMID: 19996217 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Differential Proteomics Identifies Protein Biomarkers That Predict Local Relapse of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemical assessment of keratin 4 and cornulin expression in surgical margins of HNSCC patients outperforms histopathologic grading in predicting the risk for local relapse. These markers can be used to initiate more frequent and lifelong surveillance of patients at high risk of local relapse, and enable selection for adjuvant treatment or tertiary prevention trials. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(24):7666-75). PMID: 19996216 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Long term survival following the detection of circulating tumour cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

BMC Cancer — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: For the first time, we show that almost all patients with advanced head and neck cancers have circulating cells at the time of surgery. The clinical application of techniques for detection of spreading disease, such as the immunomagnetic enrichment RT-PCR analysis used in this study, should be explored further. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Mononuclear phagocytes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:14:52 +0100

Abstract The head and neck squamous cell carcinoma microenvironments contain many immune cells and their secretory products. Many of these cells belong to the mononuclear phagocyte system. The aim of this review is to study the interactions between mononuclear phagocytes and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tissue. The role of inflammation in tumours and the cytokine interleukin-6 will be highlighted. Future therapy strategies in the treatment of head and neck cancer might be directed towards mononuclear phagocytes and their cytokine production. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00405-009-1153-yAuthors Kenneth Wilfried Kross, Maastricht University Medical Centre Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery PP Box 5800 6202 AZ Ma...

Abstract C73: Dendritic cell-carcinoma interactions and the impact on their chemokine receptor expression and migration

Cancer Research — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:15:37 +0100

Previous studies of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) samples in our laboratory have often shown numerous dendritic cells (DC) and their precursors throughout the tumor parenchyma and stroma and in contact with HNSCC cells in both primary tumors and their lymph node metastases. We hypothesized that monocytes and DC contribute to the pathogenesis of HNSCC. Preliminary long-term video-microscopic experiments with co-cultures of HNSCC cell lines and monocyte-derived DC revealed that DC can physically interact with HNSCC cells and can influence their directional migration. The directional migration of leukocytes, including DC, is regulated by chemokines. For example, when immature DC in the periphery are exposed to microbial products or certain cytokines, they begin maturation and ...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Abstract C77: A mesenchymal-like subpopulation within squamous cell carcinomas with chemotherapy resistance and phenotypic plasticity

Cancer Research — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:15:37 +0100

A major barrier to curative therapy for most malignancies is intrinsic drug resistance within discrete tumor cell subpopulations, which are presently ill-defined. Previous studies show that carcinoma cell lines abundantly expressing mesenchymal markers have increased resistance to both conventional chemotherapy and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted agents. However it is unclear whether small mesenchymal-like subpopulations contribute to therapy resistance in individual carcinomas with predominantly epithelial features. Here we identified a mesenchymallike subset expressing low E-cadherin (Ecad lo) and high vimentin (Vim hi) within human squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus (ESCC) and head and neck (HNSCC). This minority subset was readily isolated from two HNSCC lines (...

Abstract C58: IL-1 receptor regulates calprotectin-dependent accumulation of pathogenic bacteria in oral carcinoma

Cancer Research — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:15:36 +0100

The oral epithelium represents the mucosal immune system's initial line of defense against invasive bacterial and viral pathogens. Invasion of bacterial pathogens into oral epithelial cells increases expression of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1 (IL-1). Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) express more IL-1 and have greater numbers of colonizing bacteria than normal oral tissues. Previously, we showed that exogenous IL-1 induces expression of antimicrobial proteins (AMP), including calprotectin, a heterodimer of S100A8 and S100A9 and increases IL-1 receptor-dependent resistance of buccal carcinoma cells to the invasive bacterial pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. Since S100A9 is down-regulated in HNSCC, we knocked down calprotectin using siRNA against S100A8 and S1...

Abstract B19: An integrative in vivo analysis of PIK3CA, PTEN and AKT alterations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer Research — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 04:15:28 +0100

In conclusion, our data demonstrate an oncogenic role of PIK3CA and AKT, and a tumor suppressive role of PTEN in head and neck tumorigenesis in vivo. Our inducible head and neck specific mouse models are powerful tools to evaluate the roles of PIK3CA, PTEN, and AKT during each stage and site involved in head and neck tumorigenesis, and to test novel therapeutics targeting this important signaling pathway.Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):B19. (Source: Cancer Research)

The use of an immunohistochemical diagnostic panel to determine the primary site of cervical lymph node metastases of occult squamous cell carcinoma

Human Pathology — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Summary: Cervical lymph node metastases from unknown primary sites account for approximately 3% to 9% of all head and neck malignant lesions. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cervical metastatic carcinoma. Our aim was to investigate the possibility of determining the site of primary tumors using an immunohistochemical diagnostic panel in metastatic cervical lymph nodes. Expression profiles of cytokeratins, 5/6; 8/18; 10; 13; 14; and 19, p16, and pRb were evaluated in 101 consecutive patients with cervical nodal metastasis who had undergone neck dissection to treat known head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (primary sites: 16, oral cavity; 38, oropharynx; 26, hypopharynx; 21, larynx). Cytokeratin 10 was more frequently expressed in oral cavity primary tumors, whereas cyto...

Epigenetic Silencing of CRABP2 and MX1 in Head and Neck Tumors.

Neoplasia — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we combined rapid subtractive hybridization and microarray analysis in a hierarchical manner to select genes that are putatively reactivated by the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5Aza-dC) in HNSCC cell lines (FaDu, UM-SCC-14A, UM-SCC-17A, UM-SCC-38A). This combined analysis identified 78 genes, 35 of which were reactivated in at least 2 cell lines and harbored a CpG island at their 5' region. Reactivation of 3 of these 35 genes (CRABP2, MX1, and SLC15A3) was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR; fold change, >/=3). Bisulfite sequencing of their CpG islands revealed that they are indeed differentially methylated in the HNSCC cell lines. Using methylation-specific PCR, we detected a higher frequency of CRABP2 (58.1% for region 1) a...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Dual EGFR and COX-2 Inhibition as a Novel Approach to Targeting Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Current Cancer Drug Targets — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kao J, Sikora AT, Fu S Epidermal growth factor inhibition (EGFR) is emerging as an important treatment modality in several epithelial malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite some notable successes, less than 20% of patients respond to EGFR inhibition due to intrinsic and acquired resistance. Since EGFR inhibition is already used for lung, colorectal, breast and pancreas cancers in addition to HNSCC, overcoming treatment resistance would have a major impact on outcome. When the mechanisms of intrinsic resistance are identified, including mutations in the EGFR receptor, alternative therapeutic approaches should be employed. Mechanisms of acquired resistance that may be amenable to pharmacological therapies include dysregulation of EGFR degr...

Guggulsterone enhances head and neck cancer therapies via inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3

Carcinogenesis — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:49:47 +0100

Treatment of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines with guggulsterone, a widely available, well-tolerated nutraceutical, demonstrated dose-dependent decreases in cell viability with EC50s ranging from 5 to 8 µM. Guggulsterone induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, inhibited invasion and enhanced the efficacy of erlotinib, cetuximab and cisplatin in HNSCC cell lines. Guggulsterone induced decreased expression of both phosphotyrosine and total signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, which contributed to guggulsterone's growth inhibitory effect. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 was also decreased in response to guggulsterone treatment. In a xenograft model of HNSCC, guggulsterone treatment resulted in increased apoptosis and decreased expres...

Conditionally replicating adenovirus improves gene replication efficiency and anticancer effect of E1-deleted adenovirus carrying TRAIL in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer Science — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, this combined strategy using CRAd and adenovirus carrying a therapeutic gene increased the gene transfer rate and enhanced antitumor effects. We expect that this combination strategy could be extended to a multitarget cancer gene therapy by combining multiple adenoviruses and CRAd. (Cancer Sci 2009) (Source: Cancer Science)

Moderate marijuana use may tamp risk of H&N cancer

Cancer Network — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Cannabinoids, which are a byproduct of marijuana smoke, have been recognized to have potential antitumor properties, but evidence of a relationship between marijuana use and the induction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has been inconsistent. (Source: Cancer Network)

Error in Text in: Comparison of Clinical and Pathological Staging in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Results From Intergroup Study ECOG 4393/RTOG 9614 [Correction]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:51:31 +0100

(Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Immune Response During Therapy With Cisplatin or Radiation for Human Papillomavirus-Related Head and Neck Cancer [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:51:31 +0100

Conclusions The HPV-positive tumors are not more curable based on increased epithelial sensitivity to cisplatin or radiation therapy. Instead, radiation and cisplatin induce an immune response to this antigenic cancer. The implications of these results may lead to novel therapies that enhance tumor eradication for HPV-positive cancers. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Postoperative Reirradiation for Mucosal Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:51:31 +0100

Conclusions Reirradiation represents the only chance for cure in patients with unresectable disease. After surgery, reirradiation is performed in patients at high risk of locoregional recurrence and may increase acute toxic effects. However, free-flap reconstruction may reduce toxic effects. Functional outcomes have declined since 2000 likely because of the addition of concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy. Future research may define the subpopulation of postoperative patients for whom survival benefits most outweigh reirradiation toxic effects. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Distinct population of highly malignant cells in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line established by xenograft model

BioMed Central — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The progression and metastasis of solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), have been related to the behavior of a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells. Here, we have established a highly malignant HNSCC cell line, SASVO3, from primary tumors using three sequential rounds of xenotransplantation. SASVO3 possesses enhanced tumorigenic ability both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, SASVO3 exhibits properties of cancer stem cells, including that increased the abilities of sphere-forming, the number of side population cells, the potential of transplanted tumor growth and elevated expression of the stem cell marker Bmi1. Injection of SASVO3 into the tail vein of nude mice resulted in lung metastases. These results are consistent with the postulate that the malignan...

Clinicopathologic risk factors for distant metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

European Journal of Surgical Oncology — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:46:41 +0100

Conclusions: The number of levels with pathologic lymph node, the site of primary tumor and the level of tumor invasion are decisive risk factors in determining the development of DM in head and neck SCC patients. Patients with multilevel nodal involvement in neck, with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas, and patients with primary tumor invasion into muscular, bone or cartilage have the highest risk of developing DM. (Source: European Journal of Surgical Oncology)

HPV-associated p16-expression and response to hypoxic modification of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: HPV/p16-expression significantly improved outcome after radiotherapy in HNSCC. Hypoxic modification improved outcome in HPV/p16-negative tumours but was of no significant benefit in HPV/p16-positive tumours, suggesting that hypoxic radioresistance may not be clinically relevant in these tumours. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

HPV-associated p16-expression and response to hypoxic modification of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: HPV/p16-expression significantly improved outcome after radiotherapy in HNSCC. Hypoxic modification improved outcome in HPV/p16-negative tumours but was of no significant benefit in HPV/p16-positive tumours, suggesting that hypoxic radioresistance may not be clinically relevant in these tumours. PMID: 19910068 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Advances in Imaging in the Work-Up of Head and Neck Cancer Patients

OncologySTAT Journal Scans — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 13:48:11 +0100

Current roles of CT and MRI in diagnosing HNSCC are discussed, along with the value of FDG-PET-CT in detecting occult LN metastases. Accurate staging at the time of the diagnosis of head and neck squamous... (Source: OncologySTAT Journal Scans)

Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1-mediated Regulation of Semaphorin 4D Affects Tumor Growth and Vascularity [Molecular Basis Of Cell and Developmental Biology]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:36:39 +0100

Tumor progression and metastasis depend on the ability of cancer cells to initiate angiogenesis to ensure delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to tumor cells and provide access to the systemic circulation. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) can activate expression of a broad range of genes that mediate many of the adaptive responses to decreased oxygen concentration, such as enhanced glucose uptake and formation of new blood vessels. Acting through Plexin-B1 on endothelial cells, Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) has been shown to promote angiogenesis and enhance invasive growth and proliferation in some tumors. Here we show that the gene for Sema4D, the product of which is elevated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells, contains upstream hypoxia response elements (HRE) ...

Altered fractionation and adjuvant chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this review was to discuss the role of altered fractionation and adjuvant chemotherapy for patients treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).This review explores the pertinent literature and discusses the optimal management of previously untreated patients with stage III-stage IVA and/or -B HNSCCs.Depending on the schedule, altered fractionation improves locoregional control and survival. Both hyperfractionation and concomitant boost RT improve locoregional control and are associated with improved overall survival (OS). Adjuvant chemotherapy improves OS; the greatest impact is observed after concomitant versus induction or maintenance chemotherapy. Monochemotherapy appears to be equivalent to polychemotherapy. Drugs associated w...

Research Results From University Of Texas Update Understanding Of Head And Neck Cancer

Cancercompass News: Other Cancer — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We sought to improve outcomes for patients with high-risk head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) after surgical resection by testing the feasibility and safety of early postoperative chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Eligible patients had resected, stages III to IV HNSCC with positive margins, extracapsular nodal extension, or multiple positive nodes, investigators in the United States report. (Source: Cancercompass News: Other Cancer)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Localization of telomerase hTERT protein in frozen sections of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and tumor margin tissues.

International Journal of Oncology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:16:40 +0100

This study was supplemented with antibodies against Ki-67, nucleolin, common leucocyte antigen CD45 and mutated p53. The immunoreactive scores were determined and included the comparison with telomerase activity. The investigation of hTERT expression was performed in the tissues of 41 patients with BCC and control tissues of 14 patients without tumor. Eleven commercial antibodies were used for a nuclear staining of hTERT expression. With the anti-hTERT antibodies we looked for both satisfactory distribution and intensity of immunohistochemical labeling in the carcinomas and in the squamous epithelia of the tumor centers, of the tumor-free margins and of the control tissues. The hTERT expression in the BCC was distributed heterogeneously. The score values established by the anti-hTERT antib...

High p16 Antibody Levels May Signal HPV Infection in Head and Neck Cancer

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:48:59 +0100

In patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, high p16 antibody expression might serve as a marker for infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Accelerated fractionation radiotherapy and late intensification with 2 intra-arterial cisplatin infusions for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study was established to determine the maximum tolerated dose of intra-arterial cisplatin (IAC) concurrent with accelerated fractionation radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).We conducted a phase I study. Treatment consisted of 70 Gy/35 fractions/5.8 weeks and 2 weekly IAC infusions during the last 2 weeks.Ten patients were recruited. Two patients had stage III, 1 had stage IVa, and 7 had stage IVb disease. Three patients received IAC at 100 mg/m2, 3 at 125 mg/m2, and 4 at 150 mg/m2. Nine patients received both planned infusions. Dose-limiting toxicity occurred at 150 mg/m2 as transient grade 4 leukopenia and prolonged grade 3 acute skin reactions. The maximum tolerated dose was 125 mg/m2. Six patients survived disease-free at 39 to 67 months...

Detection of metachronous esophageal squamous carcinoma in patients with head and neck cancer with use of transnasal esophagoscopy

Head and Neck — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The use of transnasal esophagoscopy was examined for detecting metachronous esophageal squamous carcinoma in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).In all, 398 transnasal esophagoscopies were performed in 293 previously treated patients with HNSCC between December 2007 and January 2009.Metachronous esophageal squamous carcinoma was detected in 15 (5.1%) patients. The prevalence rate was 15.9% (7/44) in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, significantly higher than the 8.3% (2/24) with laryngeal, 7.1% (3/42) with oropharyngeal, and 1.6% (3/183) with oral cancer (p = .001). The stage distributions of esophageal squamous carcinoma were I-II in 12 (80%) and III-IV in 3 (20%) patients. Subsequently, curative strategies were performed in 13 (87%) patients.Transnasal esophago...

Association of cystic neck metastases and human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: McHugh JB Human papillomavirus is an established cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Similar to cervical cancer, these cancers are usually caused by high-risk human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 and are associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma typically affects the palatine and lingual tonsils and frequently results in cystic neck metastases. The histopathology of this subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is unique and typically characterized by poorly differentiated, nonkeratinizing morphology with a basaloid appearance. These tumors occur in younger patients and are more often seen in nonsmokers compared with conventional oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. Th...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS2/3) expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in correlation with clinical patterns.

Onkologie — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: HNSCCs are able to express both NOS protein isoforms in relevant amounts, and we presume that synthesized NO is able to support angiogenetic patterns and facilitate tumor progression and lymphatic spread. PMID: 19887869 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Onkologie)

Curcumin inhibits cancers of the head and neck

NaturalNews.com — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) The yellowish orange Indian spice turmeric, used to flavor curries, contains a remarkable phytochemical known as curcumin -- and this natural substance is the target of feverish research across a spectrum of medical disciplines. The reason? Curcumin has shown remarkable promise in helping the human body in a wide variety of ways. For example, as NaturalNews has previously reported, it may prevent Alzheimer's Disease (http://www.naturalnews.com/026861_curcumin_vitamin_D3_disease.html) and type 2 diabetes (http://www.naturalnews.com/024644.html) as well as fight breast and colorectal malignancies (http://www.naturalnews.com/020527_cancer_curcumin_brst_cancer.html). Now research just released at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HN...

Apoptin Enhances Radiation-Induced Cell Death in Poorly Responding Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells

Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We examined whether chicken anaemia virus-derived apoptin protein would have a beneficial effect on irradiation of radiosensitive SCC61 and radioresistant SQD9 human head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines. In both cell lines, concurrent exposure to irradiation and apoptin resulted in analysed mitochondrial cytochrome c release and in cleavage of caspase-3, whereas irradiation alone of SQD9 cells under identical conditions did not. Moreover, in comparison with the irradiation, only the synchronized treatment of apoptin and irradiation resulted in increased cell death in especially the radioresistant SQD9 cells, as measured by means of a colony survival assay. Our data reveal that apoptin treatment represents an effective way for enhancing radiotherapy of tumours responding poorly to ra...

Studies From Emory University Describe New Findings In Head And Neck Cancer

Cancercompass News: Other Cancer — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

According to a study from the United States, Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathways may have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). COX-2 is overexpressed in both premalignant lesions and invasive HNSCC. (Source: Cancercompass News: Other Cancer)

2D-DIGE proteomic characterization of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:15:58 +0100

Conclusions: Downregulation of cornulin is a prominent feature of the molecular signature of HNSCC identified by comparative proteomics. Cornulin may represent a link between HNSCC and other pathologies arising in stratified squamous epithelium. (Source: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Additional diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET-CT in detecting retropharyngeal nodal metastases

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:15:58 +0100

Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET-CT, when used in combination with CT/MRI, increases diagnostic efficacy in the detection of RPLN metastases and may therefore be useful in screening high-risk patients. (Source: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)

Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Cancer: Its Role in Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications.

Clinical Cancer Research — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chung CH, Gillison ML Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer with an annual incidence of approximately 400,000 worldwide. Although the principal risk factors for head and neck cancer remain tobacco and alcohol use, human papillomavirus (HPV) has recently been found to be etiologically associated with 20 to 25% of HNSCC, mostly in the oropharynx. HPV causes human cancers by expressing two viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7. These oncoproteins degrade and destabilize two major tumor suppressor proteins, p53 and pRb, through ubiquitination. Additional studies have shown that E6 and E7 can directly bind to multiple host proteins other than p53 and pRb (e.g., Bak and p21(Cip1)), further contributing to genetic instability. However, expression of E6...

Smad4 loss in mice causes spontaneous head and neck cancer with increased genomic instability and inflammation

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:12:37 +0100

In this study, we found that Smad4 was frequently downregulated not only in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) malignant lesions, but also in grossly normal adjacent buccal mucosa. To gain insight into the importance of this observation, we generated mice in which Smad4 was deleted in head and neck epithelia (referred to herein as HN-Smad4–/– mice) and found that they developed spontaneous HNSCC. Interestingly, both normal head and neck tissue and HNSCC from HN-Smad4–/– mice exhibited increased genomic instability, which correlated with downregulated expression and function of genes encoding proteins in the Fanconi anemia/Brca (Fanc/Brca) DNA repair pathway linked to HNSCC susceptibility in humans. Consistent with this, further analysis reve...

Smad4: gatekeeper gene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:12:37 +0100

Unchecked cell growth is a hallmark of cancer. During oncogenesis, cancerous cells become resistant to the TGF-β signaling pathway that usually keeps cell growth in check. The role of a critical mediator of this pathway, Smad4, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. In this issue of the JCI, Bornstein and colleagues report that Smad4 expression is decreased in malignant HNSCC and, surprisingly, also in normal-appearing buccal mucosa adjacent to HNSCC (see the related article, doi:10.1172/JCI38854). They also show that targeted conditional deletion of Smad4 in the head and neck epithelium of mice is alone sufficient to initiate spontaneous HNSCC, in conjunction with DNA repair gene dysregulation, genetic instability, and inflammation. These findings point ...

Nuclear factor-kappa B pathway and response in a phase II trial of bortezomib and docetaxel in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Ann Oncol — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Further understanding of treatment resistance and interactions between bortezomib and docetaxel may provide novel approaches in managing HNSCC. PMID: 19850643 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Ann Oncol)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Clinical relevance of nine transcriptional molecular markers for the diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in tissue and saliva rinse

BMC Cancer — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IL1RN, MAL and MMP1 are prospective tumor diagnostic markers for HNSCC. MMP1 overexpression is the most promising marker, and its detection could help identify tumor cells in tissue or saliva. (Source: BMC Cancer)

Establishment and characterization of patient tumor-derived head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenografts.

Cancer Biology and Therapy — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:44:05 +0100

Authors: Seshadri M, Merzianu M, Tang H, Rigual NR, Sullivan M, Loree TR, Popat SR, Repasky EA, Hylander BL The overall purpose of this study was to establish human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenografts in mice by transplantation of surgical tumor tissue and to characterize the growth, histologic and vascular properties of these xenografts. Primary surgical specimens of HNSCC were xenografted into eight-to-twelve week old severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Histologic features of primary HNSCC specimens, initial and established xenografts were compared for tumors established from three different head and neck subsites, namely, oral cavity, larynx and base of tongue (one tumor per site). Growth rates of xenografts were compared along with magnetic resonance ...

Impact of comorbidity on short-term mortality and overall survival of head and neck cancer patients

Head and Neck — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In 2001, we presented a Cox regression model that is able to predict survival of the newly diagnosed patient with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This model is based on the TNM classification and other important clinical variables such as age at diagnosis, sex, primary tumor site, and prior malignancies. We aim to improve this model by including comorbidity as an extra prognostic variable. Accurate prediction of the prognosis of the newly diagnosed patient with head and neck cancer can assist the physician in patient counseling, clinical decision-making, and quality maintenance.All patients with HNSCC of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx diagnosed in the Leiden University Medical Centre between 1981 and 1998 were included. From these 1371 patients, data on primary tumor s...

Increased Ectonucleotidase Expression and Activity in Regulatory T Cells of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.

Clinical Cancer Research — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: CD39(+) Treg frequency and adenosine-mediated suppression are significantly increased in HNSCC patients. The adenosinergic pathway is involved in Treg-mediated immunosuppression in cancer and its attenuation could be a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for patients with HNSCC. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(20):6348-57). PMID: 19825957 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Cross-Talk between Estrogen Receptor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Clinical Cancer Research — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: ERalpha and ERbeta were expressed in HNSCC, and stimulation with estrogen receptor ligands resulted in both cytoplasmic signal transduction and transcriptional activation. Estrogen receptor and EGFR cross-talk was observed. Collectively, these studies indicate that estrogen receptor and EGFR together may contribute to HNSCC development and disease progression. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(21):OF1-12). PMID: 19825947 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Prolonged facial edema is an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Supportive Care in Cancer — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 06:26:01 +0100

Conclusions Prolonged facial edema may reflect the underlying disease status, and it can be applied as a prognostic marker in patients with HNSCC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00520-009-0754-8Authors Ming-Huang Chen, National Yang-Ming University Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine Taipei TaiwanPeter Mu-Hsin Chang, National Yang-Ming University Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine Taipei TaiwanPo-Min Chen, National Yang-Ming University Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine Taipei TaiwanCheng-Hwai Tzeng, National Yang-Ming University Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine Taipei TaiwanPen-Yuan Chu, National Yang-Ming University Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine Taipei TaiwanShyue-Yih Chang, National Yang-Ming Universi...

Transcriptional Activity of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family and Angiogenesis Effectors in Locoregionally Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Correlation with Patient Outcome

Journal of Oncology — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:04:46 +0100

Locoregional recurrence is the most common failure pattern in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We retrospectively identified 41 HNSCC patients with locoregional relapse and used kinetic reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (kRT-PCR) in order to study fresh-frozen tumour messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of the Human Epidermal growth factor family members HER1-4, the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) A, B, C, D, and their receptors VEGFR1, 2, 3. High VEGF-C and VEGFR3 tumour mRNA expression correlated with relapse beyond the primary locus (neck nodes or soft tissues, P<.05). Tumours with regional nodal involvement at diagnosis more often exhibited high transcriptional activity of VEGFR1 and VEGFR3 at the time of relapse (P<.05). At a ...

The prognostic utility of haptoglobin genotypes in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:49:59 +0100

Conclusions: The present data show that the Hp genotype is closely related to recurrence rate in patients with HNSCC. Patients with Hp 2-2 or 2-0 have greater locoregional recurrence and significantly increased HRs in multivariate analysis. The Hp genotype may be a prognostic factor in patients with HNSCC. Clin Chem Lab Med 2009;47:1277–83. (Source: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)

Nicotine-Induced Activation Of Head And Neck Cancers May Be Inhibited By Curcumin

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Curcumin, the compound that gives curry powder its yellow/orange color, may inhibit the adverse effects of nicotine in patients with head and neck cancer who continue to smoke. In a paper presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in San Diego, researchers examined the effects of curcumin on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) growths. (Source: Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today)

Does the expression of HPV16/18 E6/E7 in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas relate to their clinicopathological characteristics?

International Journal of Oncology — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:53:16 +0100

We examined the expression of HPV16/18 E6/E7 in 71 cases of HNSCCs and investigated abnormalities of the p53 gene in 62 of these 71 cases. Expression of HPV16 E6/E7 was observed in 11 of the 71 cases (15.5%), while expression of HPV18 E6/E7 was not observed in any of the cases. Most of the HPV16 E6/E7-positive cases were histopathologically characterized by their verrucous or papillary structure and koilocytosis of the adjacent mucosa. There was no clear relationship between expression of HPV16 E6/E7 and tumor stage, prognosis or the positive rate of p53 abnormality. These results suggest that approximately 15% of HNSCCs are caused by HPV16 infection and the subsequent constitutive expression of E6 and E7, and that some HPV-initiated tumors lose their original characteristics during tumor ...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Impaired T lymphocyte function increases tumorigenicity and decreases tumor latency in a mouse model of head and neck cancer.

International Journal of Oncology — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:52:08 +0100

Authors: Ku TK, Crowe DL Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is the sixth most frequent cancer worldwide. SCC is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity with over 35,000 cases and 8,000 deaths reported in the United States each year. Previous case studies have reported increased incidence of HNSCC in patients on immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantation. The results of these studies indicate that effective immune surveillance is important for preventing emergence of HNSCC. HNSCC may also inhibit immune response to tumor cells, which may be responsible for progression. We previously reported induction of metastatic HNSCC in p53 null mutant mice. Despite induction with the potent carcinogen dimethylbenzanthracene, each mouse developed only 1-2 primar...

Diagnosis of second head and neck tumors in primary laryngeal SCC is an indicator of overall survival and not associated with poorer overall survival: A single centre study in 987 patients

Journal of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study assessed the incidence of SPTs; the SPT diagnostic time lag; the impact on OS; and the mean annual risk.Nine hundred eighty seven consecutive patients treated for primary larynx SCC (1967-2004) were analyzed in this study. 96.3% and 91.4% of patients reached a minimum follow-up period of 3 and 5 years.Two hundred eight (21.1%) patients were diagnosed with SPTs. One hundred forty three (14.5%) patients developed upper aero-digestive tract (UAD)-SPTs, 83 (8.4%) were HNSCCs, 56 (5.7%) were lung, and 4 (0.41%) were esophageal-SPTs. Survival analysis demonstrated clear superior OS rates for the UAD-SPT (P < 0.008) and HNSCC-SPT (P < 0.001) groups. A comparison of survival of subgroups showed lung/esophagus to have a poorer survival when compared to all other subgroups. OS after diagn...

Biological and clinical relevance of transcriptionally active human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma

International Journal of Cancer — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, this study highlights important criteria required to predict clinically active HPV infection, identifies new biological pathways implicated in HPV tumorigenesis and increases the understanding of HPV-HNSCC physiopathology that is required to develop new targets for therapy. (Source: International Journal of Cancer)

Radiotherapy: IMRT reduces xerostomia and potentially improves QoL

Nature Clinical Practice Oncology — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:10:38 +0100

This article discusses outcomes after intensity-modulated radiation therapy and three-dimensional conventional radiotherapy among patients with head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma. (Source: Nature Clinical Practice Oncology)

Dendritic cells pulsed with GST-EGFR fusion protein: Effect in antitumor immunity against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is common in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Targeting EGFR is an effective approach to treat EGFR-positive HNSCC. However, the clinical benefits of the present EGFR-targeting agents are still limited in HNSCC patients.Recombinant glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-EGFR fusion protein was produced and purified. Dendritic cells (DCs) of C3H mice were pulsed with fusion protein. Mice were challenged with HNSCC cells before or after vaccination with these DCs, and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response, interferon-[gamma] (IFN-[gamma]) secretion, tumor growth, and survival of mice were assessed.Significant in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities were observed for mice immunized with DCs pulsed with GST-EGFR fusion prot...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Hyperphosphorylation of replication protein A in cisplatin-resistant and -sensitive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Head and Neck — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Resistance to chemotherapy is a major limitation in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), accounting for high mortality rates in patients. Here, we investigated the role of replication protein A (RPA) in cisplatin and etoposide resistance.We used 6 parental HNSCC cell lines. We also generated 1 cisplatin-resistant progeny subline from a parental cisplatin-sensitive cell line, to examine cisplatin resistance and sensitivity with respect to RPA2 hyperphosphorylation and cell-cycle response.Cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell levels of hyperphosphorylated RPA2 in response to cisplatin were 80% to 90% greater compared with cisplatin-sensitive cell lines. RPA2 hyperphosphorylation could be induced in the cisplatin-resistant HNSCC subline. The absence of RPA2 hyperphosphor...

Early Postoperative Paclitaxel Followed by Concurrent Paclitaxel and Cisplatin With Radiation Therapy for Patients With Resected High-Risk Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Report of the Phase II Trial RTOG 0024 [Head and Neck Cancer]

Journal of Clinical Oncology — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Chemotherapy soon after surgery followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy therapy was feasible; tolerance was in line with standard postoperative chemoradiotherapy; and this regimen led to excellent rates of locoregional control and disease-free survival. (Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Proinflammatory Mediators Upregulate Snail in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Clinical Cancer Research — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: IL-1beta modulates Snail and thereby regulates COX-2-dependent E-cadherin expression in HNSCC. This is the first report indicating the role of Snail in the inflammation-induced promotion of EMT in HNSCC. This newly defined pathway for transcriptional regulation of E-cadherin in HNSCC has important implications for targeted chemoprevention and therapy. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(19):6018-27). PMID: 19789323 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Nuclear NF-{kappa}B p65 Phosphorylation at Serine 276 by Protein Kinase A Contributes to the Malignant Phenotype of Head and Neck Cancer.

Clinical Cancer Research — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: NF-kappaB p65 (Ser276) phosphorylation by PKA promotes the malignant phenotype and holds potential as a therapeutic target in HNSCC. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(19):5974-84). PMID: 19789307 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

HER2 expression predicts improved survival in patients with cervical node–positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:37:44 +0100

Conclusion: HER2 may be associated with longer survival in node-positive patients with HNSCC. (Source: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Increased microsatellite instability and epigenetic inactivation of the hMLH1 gene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:37:44 +0100

Conclusions: Promoter hypermethylation of the hMLH1 gene could be detected early in head and neck squamous carcinogenesis and may be associated with increased MSI and poor survival in HNSCC. (Source: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery)

Human papilloma virus in head and neck cancer: The need for a standardised assay to assess the full clinical importance

European Journal of Cancer — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Recent studies have revealed an important and intriguing role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). There are indications that the prevalence of HPV-positive HNSCC has recently increased, and genetic analyses point to a completely distinct class of HNSCCs. Most studies suggest that patients with this type of tumour have a better prognosis and some argue that an adjusted therapeutic approach is needed. One crucial point in the research of HNSCC–HPV involvement has often been neglected, which is the lack of a standardised assay to detect HPV. This has resulted in a considerable variation in the frequency of HPV-positive tumours between studies reported thus far. Especially for PCR-based tests, the risk exists that the assay is too sensit...

Incidence of isolated regional recurrence after definitive (chemo-) radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Isolated nodal recurrences are uncommon and recurrences in the electively treated neck are extremely uncommon. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor Binding Protein in Head and Neck Cancer [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:51:29 +0100

Conclusion The expression of FGF-BP is statistically linked to the angiogenesis of HNSCC, suggesting that FGF-BP participates in the angiogenesis of HNSCC. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Comparison of Clinical and Pathological Staging in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Results From Intergroup Study ECOG 4393/RTOG 9614 [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:51:28 +0100

Conclusions Both staging methods are useful in predicting survival, whereas information gained at neck dissection regarding nodal metastases provides some refinement in prognostic results. These findings demonstrate the need for enhanced methods of tumor assessment and apparent benefit of data gathered at neck dissection for accurate disease assessment and stratification. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Prediction of Simultaneous Esophageal Lesions in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multivariate Analysis [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:51:28 +0100

Conclusions Clinically important esophageal lesions rarely coexists with oral cavity SCC, for which the benefit of routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy is questionable. Chromoendoscopy enhances the identification of early but clinically important esophageal abnormalities if esophagoscopy is performed for SCC in the larynx, hypopharynx, and oropharynx. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Heterogeneity of epithelial and stromal cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in ex vivo chemoresponse

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:03:40 +0100

Conclusions The ex vivo chemoresponse of EC and SC of HNSCC must be analyzed separately. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00280-009-1124-4Authors Iris-Susanne Horn, University Hospital Leipzig Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Liebigstraße 10-14 04103 Leipzig GermanyGunnar Wichmann, University Hospital Leipzig Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Liebigstraße 10-14 04103 Leipzig GermanyChristian Mozet, University Hospital Leipzig Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Liebigstraße 10-14 04103 Leipzig GermanyAndreas Dietz, University Hospital Leipzig Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Liebigstraße 10-14 04103 Leipzig GermanyRalph Dollner, University Hos...

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Comparison of Clinical and Pathological Staging in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Results From Intergroup Study ECOG 4393/RTOG 9614

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Prediction of Simultaneous Esophageal Lesions in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multivariate Analysis

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor Binding Protein in Head and Neck Cancer

Archives of Otolaryngology — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The expression of FGF-BP is statistically linked to the angiogenesis of HNSCC, suggesting that FGF-BP participates in the angiogenesis of HNSCC. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Cancer: What You Need to Know in 2009

Current Treatment Options in Oncology — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 05:52:59 +0100

Opinion statement Oropharyngeal cancer has demonstrated a steady increase in incidence over the past 20 years in contrast to declining numbers of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) overall. Recent evidence has found that high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) are the likely cause of the changing epidemiology of oropharyngeal cancer. HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer has a molecular, epidemiological, and clinical profile that is distinct from non-HPV HNSCC. Clinicians managing oropharyngeal HNSCC need to be aware of differences in the HPV HNSCC population which may impact treatment outcomes. Testing of HNSCC tumor tissue for HPV using validated and precise techniques should be performed when feasible. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Head an...

Human Papillomavirus and Oropharyngeal Cancer: What You Need to Know in 2009

Current Treatment Options in Oncology — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 05:52:59 +0100

[Potential place of FDG-PET for the GTV delineation in head and neck and lung cancers.]

Cancer Radiotherapie — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Geets X, Lee JA, Castadot P, Bol A, Grégoire V The recent progresses performed in imaging, computational and technological fields bring new opportunities to achieve high precision radiation dose delivery. However, IMRT requires a particular attention at the target delineation step to avoid inadequate dosage to TVs/OARs. In this context, the biological information provided by PET might advantageously complete CT-Scan to refine the target delineation in HNSCC and lung cancer. Integrating PET into the treatment planning however requires the use and validation of accurate and reproducible segmentation methods, which adequately integrate the PET image properties such as the blur effect and the high level of noise. In this context, we developed specific tools, i.e. edge-preserv...

Incidence of isolated regional recurrence after definitive (chemo-) radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Isolated nodal recurrences are uncommon and recurrences in the electively treated neck are extremely uncommon. PMID: 19766340 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Limitations of PET/CT in Determining Need for Neck Dissection after Primary Chemoradiation for Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Karger Publishers — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

ORL 2009;71:251-256 (DOI:10.1159/000237737) (Source: Karger Publishers)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Comprehensive IMRT plus weekly cisplatin for advanced head and neck cancer: The University of Wisconsin experience

Head and Neck — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We retrospectively examined the treatment efficacy and toxicity profile of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plus concurrent weekly cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).A total of 57 patients with stage III or IV HNSCC were treated with IMRT and concurrent weekly cisplatin (dosed at 30 mg/m2) between November 2001 and May 2007. The median prescription dose to the gross tumor volume was 70 Gy (using 2.0-2.2 Gy daily fractions).In-field tumor control at 2 years was 89.1%, locoregional control was 85.5%, and overall survival was 86.9%. The median radiation dose delivered was 70 Gy. The mean dose intensity of cisplatin administered was 25.7 mg/m2/week.Comprehensive head and neck IMRT to 70 Gy delivered with weekly c...

Genotyping of 73 UM-SCC head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Head and Neck — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions.These results will be posted on the UM Head and Neck SPORE Tissue Core website for other investigators to confirm that the UM-SCC cells used in their laboratories have the correct features. Publications using UM-SCC cell lines should confirm the genotype. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009 (Source: Head and Neck)

Ultrasound scan +/− fine-needle aspiration cytology assessment of neck lymphadenopathy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:31:44 +0100

Background: USS +/− FNAC has become an important tool to assess the presence of neck metastasis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC.) Neck lymphadenopathy is of paramount importance for the overall outcome, whilst the management of the neck depends on the presence of neck metastasis. (Source: The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery)

CT Perfusion of the Neck: Internal Carotid Artery versus External Carotid Artery as the Reference Artery [HEAD AND NECK]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study of 11 patients with confirmed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma demonstrates significant correlation (range, r = 0.85–0.95) between perfusion parameter values derived with internal carotid artery (ICA) as compared to an external carotid artery reference, supporting the use of the ICA as arterial reference in PCT studies of the neck. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)