MedWorm: HNSCC

Acquisition of EMT phenotype in the gefitinib-resistant cells of a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line through Akt/GSK-3β/snail signalling pathway

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Acquisition of EMT phenotype in the gefitinib-resistant cells of a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line through Akt/GSK-3β/snail signalling pathway British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, February 7, 2012. doi:10.1038/bjc.2012.24 Authors: S Maseki, K Ijichi, H Tanaka, M Fujii, Y Hasegawa, T Ogawa, S Murakami, E Kondo & H Nakanishi (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

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Antitumor effect of vandetanib through EGFR inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsWe demonstrated that vandetanib inhibits the growth of head and neck cancer cell lines. The antitumor effects of vandetanib appear to be exerted via the EGFR inhibitory effect of the compound. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Application of microfluidic systems in management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMicrofluidics is an emerging multidisciplinary field that has the potential to provide solutions to many of the current challenges in managing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Treatment strategies for this disease are often complex and associated with significant morbidity and mortality; furthermore, prediction of response to treatment remains inaccurate. Microfluidic technology allows a small sample of tumor to be maintained alive ex vivo within a microenvironment that mimics the in vivo milieu; the response of this tumor biopsy to treatment regimens can subsequently be investigated. Microfluidics is the science and technology of systems that process or manipulate microliter to nanoliter volumes of fluids in purpose‐built devices fabricated from glass or other bioc...

Novel Findings for Molecular Profiling of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Presented at the 2012 Multidisciplinary Head & Neck Cancer Symposium

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:30:00 +0100

This study retrospectively reviewed data aggregated from tumors molecularly profiled with Caris Target Now. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))

Comparison of Acute Toxicities in Two Primary Chemoradiation Regimens in the Treatment of Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:11:02 +0100

Conclusions With concurrent radiotherapy, low-dose, single-agent, weekly cisplatin is less likely than higher-dose daily cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil provided at the beginning and end of treatment to be associated with ototoxicity. The preliminary data suggest at least equivalent efficacy, but longer follow-up is required. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Head and Neck OncologyPages 1-8DOI 10.1245/s10434-012-2219-4Authors Katherine Y. Fan, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAHrishikesh Gogineni, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USADavid Zaboli, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USASpencer Lake, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USAMarianna L. Zahurak...

Prediction of Neck Dissection Requirement After Definitive Radiotherapy for Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:33:53 +0100

Conclusions: With 92% 5-year neck control rate without neck dissection after CR, there is little justification for systematic neck dissection. The addition of a neck dissection resulted in higher neck control after partial response though patients with viable tumor on pathology specimens had poorer outcomes. The identification of that subgroup that benefits from additional treatment remains a challenge. (Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics)

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Head And Neck Cancer Cells Destroyed By Grape Seed Extract, But Healthy Cells Are Unharmed

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Nearly 12,000 people will die of head and neck cancer in the United States this year and worldwide cases will exceed half a million. A study published in the journal Carcinogenesisshows that in both cell lines and mouse models, grape seed extract (GSE) kills head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. "It's a rather dramatic effect," says Rajesh Agarwal, PhD, investigator at the University of Colorado Cancer Center and professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmaceutical Sciences... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Grape seed extract kills head and neck cancer cells, leaves healthy cells unharmed

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:09:09 +0100

In both cell lines and mouse models, grape seed extract kills head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed, new research shows. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Alterations of Smad expression and activation in defining 2 subtypes of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:33:28 +0100

ConclusionOur results indicate that HNSCC in which Smad2/3 are inactivated or in which Smad4 expression is lost represent 2 distinct tumor subtypes with different clinical outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

mTOR Inhibitors and its Role in the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Current Treatment Options in Oncology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:44:15 +0100

Opinion statement Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) represent 6% of all cancers diagnosed each year in the United States, affecting approximately 43,000 new patients and resulting in approximately 12,000 deaths. Currently, three main rapalogs exist for the treatment of cancer: CCI-779 (temsirolimus), RAD001 (everolimus), and AP235373 (deforolimus). Clinicians managing HNSCC need to be aware of the three rapalogs. Extensive evidence has shown rapamycin-analogs to be effective agents in the treatment of a number of solid tumors. While extensive preclinical data suggests that HNSCC would be an appropriate tumor type to benefit from inhibition of the mTOR pathway, limited clinical data is yet available to support this. Numerous phase II trials evaluating mTOR inhi...

Grape seed extract kills head and neck cancer cells, leaves healthy cells unharmed

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Colorado Denver) A study published this week in the journal Carcinogenesis shows that in both cell lines and mouse models, grape seed extract kills head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Single Sample Expression-Anchored Mechanisms Predict Survival in Head and Neck Cancer

PLoS Computational Biology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

by Xinan Yang, Kelly Regan, Yong Huang, Qingbei Zhang, Jianrong Li, Tanguy Y. Seiwert, Ezra E. W. Cohen, H. Rosie Xing, Yves A. Lussier Gene expression signatures that are predictive of therapeutic response or prognosis are increasingly useful in clinical care; however, mechanistic (and intuitive) interpretation of expression arrays remains an unmet challenge. Additionally, there is surprisingly little gene overlap among distinct clinically validated expression signatures. These “causality challenges” hinder the adoption of signatures as compared to functionally well-characterized single gene biomarkers. To increase the utility of multi-gene signatures in survival studies, we developed a novel approach to generate “personal mechanism signatures” of molecular pathways and funct...

DNA repair gene expression level in peripheral blood and tumour tissue from non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell cancer patients.

DNA Repair — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The existence of a significant correlation between blood and tumour tissue expression of some genes of clinical interest, such as ERCC1 in NSCLC and HNSCC, could allow the introduction in clinical practice of a simple test that would measure mRNA levels of DNA repair genes in peripheral blood samples instead of tissue samples to determine prognostic and predictive factors in NSCLC and HNSCC patients. PMID: 22284908 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: DNA Repair)

IRX-2, a novel immunotherapeutic, enhances and protects NK-cell functions in cancer patients

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:48:04 +0100

Conclusions IRX-2 was more effective than IL-2 in enhancing NK-cell cytotoxicity and protecting NK-cell function of HNSCC patients in vitro, emphasizing the potential advantage of IRX-2 as a component of future therapies for HNSCC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s00262-011-1197-xAuthors B. Schilling, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAE. S. Halstead, Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, Hershey, PA, USAP. Schuler, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAM. Harasymczuk, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAJ. E. Egan, IRX Therapeutics Inc., Farmingdale, NY, USAT. L. Whiteside, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsbur...

Phase III study finds acceleration of radiotherapy of no benefit in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck carcinoma

NeLM - News — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Oncology Area: News According to the results of a Phase III study published early online in Lancet Oncology, the use of accelerated radiotherapy, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, does not improve outcomes over standard chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The authors note that concomitant chemotherapy and radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy) is the standard of care in locally advanced HNSCC. Accelerated radiotherapy has been shown to improve locoregional control in this setting compared to conventional radiotherapy. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining the two. The study included patients with locally advanced...

A Phase I Trial of Erlotinib and Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy (CCR) for Stage III and IV (M0) Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Clinical Cancer Research — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Erlotinib plus low dose daily cisplatin and radiotherapy is well tolerated. Evidence of biological effect was noted within 14 days of erlotinib alone. PMID: 22271880 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

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Efficient growth suppression and apoptosis in human laryngeal carcinoma cell line HEP‐2 induced by an adeno‐associated virus expressing human FAS ligand

Head and Neck — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionOur findings suggest that the introduction of FasL into head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may induce significant apoptosis, and adeno‐associated virus may be a useful vehicle for gene therapy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Molecular targeting agents in the context of primary chemoradiation strategies

Head and Neck — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionEncouraging results from recent trials need to be confirmed in larger patient cohorts and cost‐effectiveness analyses have to be undertaken. Phase III studies need to confirm these results before, time and again, new phase II studies are initiated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Current Treatment Options for Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

Current Treatment Options in Oncology — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:59:01 +0100

Opinion statement Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is now the 8th most common cancer affecting men in the United States largely due to a rising epidemic of oropharynx cancer (tonsil and tongue base) associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The median overall survival for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (R/M HNSCC) remains less than 1 year despite modern chemotherapy and targeted agents. Palliative chemotherapy and the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, cetuximab, constitute the backbone of treatment for patients with R/M HNSCC. Platinum doublets studied in phase III trials include cisplatin/5-FU, cisplatin/paclitaxel, and cisplatin/pemetrexed. Platinum chemotherapy in combination with 5-fluorouracil and cetuximab has resulted in the longest...

The value of PET/CT to assess clinically negative necks

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:18:53 +0100

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the efficacy of [18F]-2-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in evaluating metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) to the cervical lymph nodes, with specific attention to the efficacy in regard to clinically negative necks. This was a retrospective review of 243 patients with HNSCC between years 2005 and 2007 treated at a comprehensive cancer care institution who underwent pre-operative PET/CT and neck dissection with either an N0 (112 patients) or N+ (131 patients) clinical nodal status. PET/CT findings were correlated with histopathological results of surgical specimens. A majority of the primary sites were oral cavity and oropharynx (70%), followed by larynx, unknown primary and ...

Mechanisms of Cyst Formation in Metastatic Lymph Nodes of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Diagnostic Pathology — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Cystic change in metastatic lymph nodes occurs in certain types of tumors and mostly in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In the majority of cases, psuedocystic change is the mechanism of cyst formation. However, sometimes a true cyst cavity is formed. This occurrence is unexplained and some theories are introduced to explain it. In this paper, related articles and introduced concepts are reviewed and the best conclusions of present hypotheses are provided. Cystic SCC in cervical lymph node is now considered as a typical presentation of metastatic SCC arising in the oro/nasopharynx. True cystic cavities have eosinophilic fluid content and present active transport mechanism across the epithelium; Cytokeratin7 is also expressed in the lining of these cysts, which is an accepted m...

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Concomitantly elevated serum matrix metalloproteinases 3 and 9 can predict survival of synchronous squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aero‐digestive tract

Molecular Carcinogenesis — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:40:26 +0100

This study tested if serum MMP levels correlate with clinical features and predict survival for HNSCC, ESCC, and synchronous SCC. One hundred and thirty patients with SCCs in upper aero‐digestive tract (70 ESCC, 20 HNSCC, and 40 synchronous SCC) and 74 healthy controls were assessed for serum MMP‐3, ‐7, and ‐9 titers by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The titers were validated to their correlations to clinical features and survival rates of the different SCC groups. Patients with SCCs had significantly higher serum MMP‐3, ‐7, and ‐9 titers than the controls (P < 0.001) but there was no difference among the three SCC groups. Based on the optimal MMP cut‐off values by ROC curve, elevated MMP‐3 and MMP‐9, but not MMP‐7, correlated with distant metastasis and ...

Downregulation of SMG-1 in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma due to promoter hypermethylation correlates with improved survival.

Clinical Cancer Research — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Levels of SMG-1 expression negatively correlated with HPV status in cancer cell lines and tumors. Diminished SMG-1 expression may contribute to the enhanced response to therapy exhibited by HPV- positive HNSCCs. PMID: 22247495 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapy for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis

European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:39:45 +0100

Conclusions Anti-EGFR Mabs are effective for both LA and RM HNSCC. In contrast, TKIs were unsuitable for treatment of advanced HNSCC. During anti-EGFR therapy, rash and some gastrointestinal reactions, such as diarrhea and anorexia, should be carefully monitored. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Clinical TrialPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00228-011-1194-1Authors Shoude Zhang, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 People’s Republic of ChinaJia Chen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000 People’s Republic of ChinaHua Jiang, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, ...

Low-Level Expression of miR-375 Correlates with Poor Outcome and Metastasis While Altering the Invasive Properties of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas.

The American Journal of Pathology — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Harris T, Jimenez L, Kawachi N, Fan JB, Chen J, Belbin T, Ramnauth A, Loudig O, Keller CE, Smith R, Prystowsky MB, Schlecht NF, Segall JE, Childs G Abstract Small, noncoding microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to be abnormally expressed in every tumor type examined. We used comparisons of global miRNA expression profiles of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) samples and adjacent normal tissue to rank those miRNAs that were most significantly altered in our patient population. Rank Consistency Score analysis revealed miR-375 to have the most significantly lowered miRNA levels in tumors relative to matched adjacent nonmalignant tissue from the same patient among 736 miRNAs that were evaluated. This result has been previously observed by other groups; however, we ex...

Cytoplasmic Ezrin and Moesin Correlate with Poor Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and Neck Pathology — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:47:34 +0100

This study supports our previous findings associating cytoplasmic ezrin with more aggressive behavior and poorer outcome and indicates the need for a multi-institutional study to validate the use of cytoplasmic ezrin as a biomarker for treatment planning in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-12DOI 10.1007/s12105-011-0328-1Authors Nicolas F. Schlecht, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USAMargaret Brandwein-Gensler, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35249, USARichard V. Smith, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Albert Einstein College o...

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Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor protein detection in head and neck cancer patients: a many faceted picture.

Clinical Cancer Research — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study shows significant correlations between EGFR detection methods. The observed relationships between EGFR and pEGFR indicate that high throughput pEGFR/EGFR analyses merit further investigations and consideration for routine use in patient samples. PMID: 22228639 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Detection of TIMP3 promoter hypermethylation in salivary rinse as an independent predictor of local recurrence-free survival in head and neck cancer.

Clinical Cancer Research — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The detection of promoter hypermethylation of the seven genes in salivary rinse as an independent prognostic indicator of overall survival in patients with HNSCC was not validated. Detection of promoter hypermethylation of TIMP3 in pretreatment salivary rinse is independently associated with local recurrence-free survival in patients with HNSCC and may be a valuable salivary rinse biomarker for HNSCC recurrence. PMID: 22228635 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Tissue imprint for molecular mapping of deep surgical margins in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionTissue imprinting is feasible for molecular detection of residual tumor at deep surgical margins and may correlate with locoregional recurrence. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012 (Source: Head and Neck)

Defective NF-{kappa}B Signaling in Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer Cells Leads to Enhanced Apoptosis by Double-Stranded RNA

Cancer Research — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we used paired cell lines and fresh tumor specimens, derived from autologous primary and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, to investigate the role of TLR3 signaling in metastatic progression. Compared with primary tumor cells, metastatic tumor cells were highly sensitive to TLR3-mediated apoptosis after double-stranded RNA treatment. Enhanced apoptosis in metastatic cells was dependent on double-stranded RNA and TLR3 and also the TLR3 effector signaling protein TRIF. Downstream responses requiring NF-κB were critical for apoptosis in metastatic cells, the defects in which could be resuscitated by alternative pathways of NF-κB activation. By elucidating how TLR3 ligands trigger apoptosis in metastatic cells, our findings suggest insights into how to improve ...

Caveolin‐1 overexpression is associated with simultaneous abnormal expression of the E‐cadherin/α‐β catenins complex and multiple ErbB receptors and with lymph nodes metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Journal of Cellular Physiology — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study we used 57 HNSCC specimens to investigate whether the abnormal expression of caveolin‐1 was associated with the derangement of the E‐cadherin‐catenins complex and with the overexpression of ErbB receptors. We demonstrate that in HNSCCs caveolin‐1 overexpression is associated with the simultaneous abnormal expression of at least one member of the E‐cadherin/α‐β catenins complex and multiple ErbB receptors as well as with lymph node metastases. We also demonstrate that chronic stimulation of a human hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell line (FaDu) with EGF induced the internalization of β‐catenin and caveolin‐1 and their co‐localization with EGFR. Moreover, EGF treatment induced an increased physical interaction between EGFR/β‐catenin/caveolin‐1 and between E...

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Personality, choice of coping and T stage predict level of distress in head and neck cancer patients during follow-up

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:44:09 +0100

In conclusion, lowered HRQoL, low mood, a high T stage, high alcohol consumption, high neuroticism, coping by avoidance and coping by problem solving directly predicted worse distress as measured by high GHQ scores, whereas neuroticism was also associated with GHQ through choice of coping. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Head and NeckPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s00405-011-1884-4Authors Anne K. H. Aarstad, Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, NorwayElisabeth Beisland, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, NorwayHans J. Aarstad, Department of Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, 5021 Bergen, Norway Journal European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngol...

Prospective phase II trial of cetuximab plus VMAT-SIB in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:51:01 +0100

Conclusion The here reported toxicity data are promising and encouraging in regard to the adoption of moderate hypofractionation with VMAT-SIB techniques, when cetuximab is concomitantly administered. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original articlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00066-011-0006-yAuthors F. Alongi, Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery, Humanitas Cancer Center, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via Manzoni 56, 20098 Rozzano (Milan), ItalyM. Bignardi, Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery, Humanitas Cancer Center, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via Manzoni 56, 20098 Rozzano (Milan), ItalyI. Garassino, Oncology, Humanitas Cancer Center, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano (Milan), ItalyS. Pentimalli, Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery, Humanitas Cancer Center, Istituto Clinico Humanitas,...

Autocrine epidermal growth factor receptor ligand production and cetuximab response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:49:38 +0100

Conclusions The results indicate that the expression of several EGFR ligands has to be used to predict sensitivity to cetuximab in HNSCC. This has to be further evaluated in clinical samples. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperPages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00432-011-1127-5Authors Goro Oshima, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, SwedenJohan Wennerberg, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, SwedenTakashi Yamatodani, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, SwedenElisabeth Kjellén, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, 431-3192 JapanHiroyuki Mi...

Grape seed proanthocyanidins inhibit the invasive potential of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting EGFR expression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results obtained from this study indicate that grape seed proanthocyanidins have the ability to inhibit the invasion of human cutaneous HNSCC cells by targeting the EGFR expression and reversing the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. These data suggest that GSPs can be developed as a complementary and alternative medicine for the prevention of invasion/metastasis of HNSCC cells. (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Recombinant human erythropoietin promotes the acquisition of a malignant phenotype in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines in vitro

BMC Research Notes — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results demonstrate that, in HNSCC cells expressing functional EpoR, rhEpo promotes invasion, cell proliferation, and induces resistance to cisplatin, which may contribute to tumor progression. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

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Association between dietary folate intake and clinical outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: High pretreatment dietary folate intake was identified as an independent prognostic factor associated with improved clinical outcomes in HNSCC patients. Further study is warranted. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Screening for head and neck cancer in liver transplant candidates: A review of 11 years of experience at the University of Pittsburgh

The Laryngoscope — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Given the consumption of resources required for this screening strategy and the limited yield, it appears that current screening guidelines are ineffective and need to be reconsidered. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Single‐arm phase II study of multiagent concurrent chemoradiotherapy and gefitinib in locoregionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Head and Neck — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsAddition of gefitinib to concurrent chemoradiotherapy was difficult to complete, did not improve outcomes, and increased toxicity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

p16 expression as a surrogate marker for HPV‐related oropharyngeal carcinoma: A guide for interpretative relevance and consistency

Head and Neck — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractRecent studies of oropharyngeal carcinoma have reported remarkable correlation between integrated human papillomavirus (HPV) viral detection and p16 protein overexpression in tumor cells. These findings led to calls for the substitution of p16 expression for the more demanding HPV testing in clinical practice. The rationale for such practice is largely driven by the simplicity, low cost, and the feasibility of the immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. There are, however, several caveats that need to be fully considered. These include the subjective nature of IHC evaluation, the variable mechanisms of p16 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and the lack of scoring and interpretive criteria. This perspective addresses the conceptual and practical issues associated with...

DNA repair gene excision repair cross complementing‐group 1 (ERCC1) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: analysis of methylation and polymorphism (G19007A), protein expression and association with epidemiological and clinicopathological factors

Histopathology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our findings may reflect a high rate of DNA repair due to frequent tissue injury during the lifetime of these individuals, and also more advanced disease presentation in this population with worse prognosis. (Source: Histopathology)

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HPV genotypes and their prognostic significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Journal of Clinical Virology — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study was designed to disclose HPV genotype distribution in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and their role in disease outcome. In addition, role of herpesviruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) as co-factors was elucidated.Study design: HPV-genotyping of 106 HNSCC was done with Multimetrix®-kit. Luminex-based-method was used to detect HSV-1 and -2 and CMV.Results: In males, 50% of HNSCC were HPV DNA positive and 25% of these were multiple HPV-types infections and in women, 72% and 31%, respectively. Low-risk (LR) HPV-types were found in 20.5% and co-infection with HSV-1 in 6.6%. Patients with HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC had similar survival. Patients not treated with chemoradiotherapy and co-infected with HSV-1 and HPV had a worse outcome. Similar...

Sensitivity of cervical carcinoma cells to vesicular stomatitis virus induced oncolysis: Potential role of human papilloma virus infection

International Journal of Cancer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of 4 CC (HPV+) and 4 HNSCC (HPV‐) derived cell lines to VSV oncolysis. Interestingly, the CC cell lines were consistently more sensitive to VSV cytotoxicity than the HNSCC cell lines tested. Exogenous IFN addition or infection with two attenuated VSV variants that are more susceptible to IFN inhibition failed to attenuate VSV oncolysis in hypersensitive CC cell lines. Furthermore, expression of HPV‐E6, that inhibits IFN receptor signaling, in the VSV resistant HNSCC cell line SCC25 attenuated VSV induced IFN response and significantly enhanced VSV cytotoxicity. Finally, differential VSV infection and replication was confirmed in xenograft murine tumour models and explant tumour tissues from two CC patients. Taken together, these results demon...

Sensitivity of cervical carcinoma cells to vesicular stomatitis virus‐induced oncolysis: Potential role of human papilloma virus infection

International Journal of Cancer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we evaluated the sensitivity of four CC (HPV+) and four HNSCC (HPV−) derived cell lines to VSV oncolysis. Interestingly, the CC cell lines were consistently more sensitive to VSV cytotoxicity than the HNSCC cell lines tested. Exogenous IFN addition or infection with two attenuated VSV variants that are more susceptible to IFN inhibition failed to attenuate VSV oncolysis in hypersensitive CC cell lines. Furthermore, the expression of HPV‐E6, that inhibits IFN receptor signaling, in the VSV‐resistant HNSCC cell line SCC25 attenuated VSV‐induced IFN response and significantly enhanced VSV cytotoxicity. Finally, differential VSV infection and replication was confirmed in xenograft murine tumor models and explant tumor tissues from two patients with CC. Taken together, th...

Trifunctional antibodies induce efficient antitumour activity with immune cells from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients after radio-chemotherapy treatment

Clinical and Translational Oncology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:56:34 +0100

Conclusion This study shows for the first time that immune effector cells from cancer patients undergoing standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be activated by trifunctional antibodies for efficient killing of tumour cells. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticlesPages 889-898DOI 10.1007/s12094-011-0751-5Authors Petra Schroeder, EUFETS GmbH, Vollmersbachstraße 66, Idar-Oberstein, GermanyCarsten Lindemann, EUFETS GmbH, Vollmersbachstraße 66, Idar-Oberstein, GermanyKirsten Dettmar, Fresenius Biotech GmbH, Frankfurter Ring 193a, 80807 Munich, GermanyJürgen Brieger, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, GermanyJan Gosepath, Department of Otolaryngology, Dr. Horst Schmid...

UM‐SCC‐104: A New human papillomavirus‐16–positive cancer stem cell–containing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line

Head and Neck — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:50:21 +0100

ConclusionUM‐SCC‐104, a new HPV‐16, CSC‐containing HNSCC cell line will aid in studying recurrent HPV(+) tumors. The aggressive nature of this tumor is consistent with high uniform expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and a functionally significant proportion of ALDH(+) CSCs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

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Psychological functioning of caregivers for head and neck cancer patients

Oral Oncology — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Summary: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) often require assistance from family caregivers during the treatment and post-treatment period. This review article sought to summarize current findings regarding the psychological health of HNSCC caregivers, including factors that may be associated with poorer psychological health. Online databases (PUBMED, MEDLINE and PSYCINFO) were searched for papers published in English through September 2010 reporting on the psychological health of caregivers of HNSCC patients. Eleven papers were identified. Caregivers experience poorer psychological health, including higher levels of anxious symptoms, compared to patients and to the general population. Fear of patient cancer recurrence is evident among caregivers and is associated ...

Chemotherapy with modified docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil in patients with metastatic head and neck cancer.

Advances in Therapy — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The mTPF chemotherapy regimen is efficacious for the palliative treatment of recurrent and metastatic HNSCC in Asian patients. PMID: 22161550 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Advances in Therapy)

Differentiation-Promoting Culture of Competent and Noncompetent Keratinocytes Identifies Biomarkers for Head and Neck Cancer.

The American Journal of Pathology — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ceder R, Haig Y, Merne M, Hansson A, Zheng X, Roberg K, Nees M, Iljin K, Bloor BK, Morgan PR, Fadeel B, Grafström RC Abstract Aberrant contact-inhibited proliferation and differentiation induction couple with tumor severity, albeit with an imprecise association with prognosis. Assessment of contact inhibition and differentiation-promoting culture in this study of normal or immortalized oral keratinocytes (NOK and SVpgC2a, respectively) demonstrated elevated cloning ability and saturation density in the immortalized versus normal state, including consistent absence of differentiated morphological features. Transcriptomic analysis implicated 48 gene ontology categories, 8 molecular networks, and 10 key regulator genes in confluency-induced differentiation of NOK, all of whi...

Methylation of microRNA-9 is a specific and sensitive biomarker for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas

Oral Oncology — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Summary: Detection of DNA methylation has produced promising results as biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, current panels are limited by an insufficient number of sensitive and specific tumor markers. MicroRNAs (miR) play an important role in tumorigenesis, and may represent a novel panel of molecules for the development of cancer biomarkers. We investigated methylation of three miRNA promoter sites of miR-9 (miR-9-1, miR-9-2, miR-9-3) in 107 human head and neck tissue samples and controls. We found methylations of miR-9-1 and miR-9-3 were higher in oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas than that in laryngeal carcinoma, achieving a combined sensitivity of 63% and 56%, respectively, for these two tumor types, compared to 21% for the laryngeal carcinoma. Quant...

Cyclophilin B expression is associated with in vitro radioresistance and clinical outcome after radiotherapy.

Neoplasia — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Williams PD, Owens CR, Dziegielewski J, Moskaluk CA, Read PW, Larner JM, Story MD, Brock WA, Amundson SA, Lee JK, Theodorescu D Abstract The tools for predicting clinical outcome after radiotherapy are not yet optimal. To improve on this, we applied the COXEN informatics approach to in vitro radiation sensitivity data of transcriptionally profiled human cells and gene expression data from untreated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and bladder tumors to generate a multigene predictive model that is independent of histologic findings and reports on tumor radiosensitivity. The predictive ability of this 41-gene model was evaluated in patients with HNSCC and was found to stratify clinical outcome after radiotherapy. In contrast, this model was not useful in strati...

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Transcriptional profiling identifies upregulated genes following induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in squamous carcinoma cells.

Experimental Cell Research — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, expression microarray analysis identified a set of 145 upregulated genes in EMT-like HNSCC cells. Some of the strongly upregulated transcripts include genes that are reportedly involved in invasion and metastasis, such as DOCK10, LOX, ROBO1 and SRGN. Importantly, the Tbx3 gene, a member of the T-box transcription factor, was strongly upregulated in SCC cells displaying an EMT-like phenotype compared to cells with an epitheloid, non-EMT behavior. Tbx3 was also found to be strongly upregulated at the protein and gene expression level in an experimental model of snail-induced EMT cells. In addition, siRNA-induced Tbx3 depletion modestly suppressed cell invasion while enhancing Tbx3-mediated resistance to anoikis. Our findings provide evidence that Tbx3 overexpression promotes S...

Dosimetric and radiobiological comparison of helical tomotherapy, forward-planned intensity-modulated radiotherapy and two-phase conformal plans for radical radiotherapy treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

The British Journal of Radiology — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:13:59 +0100

Conclusion: TCP for the single-phase plans was comparable to that of HT plans, whereas that for the two-phase technique was lower. Centres that cannot provide IMRT for the radical treatment of all patients could implement the single-phase technique as standard to attain comparable TCP. However, IMRT produced better UCP, thereby enabling the exploration of dose escalation. PMID: 22101580 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

E10A, an adenovirus-carrying endostatin gene, dramatically increased the tumor drug concentration of metronomic chemotherapy with low-dose cisplatin in a xenograft mouse model for head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma

Cancer Gene Therapy — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Z Adhim, X Lin, W Huang, N Morishita, T Nakamura, H Yasui, N Otsuki, K Shigemura, M Fujisawa, K Nibu & T Shirakawa (Source: Cancer Gene Therapy)

Characterization of the evolution of immune phenotype during the development and progression of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 17:49:55 +0100

Abstract While studies have indicated that squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) is associated with immune suppression, these studies did not analyze the immune response at the dysplastic stage. The present study utilized a mouse model of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced oral carcinogenesis to examine the alterations in immune phenotype at the premalignant and malignant stages of HNSCC. Cervical lymph nodes of HNSCC-bearing mice were found to contain a greater number of cells, including a greater number of conventional (Tconv) and regulatory (Treg) T cells, compared to cervical lymph nodes of control and premalignant lesion-bearing mice, though the Tconv cells appear to be less proliferative and the Treg cells appear to be less suppressive at the HNSCC stage...

Preclinical evaluation of dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: R B Erlich, Z Kherrouche, D Rickwood, L Endo-Munoz, S Cameron, A Dahler, M Hazar-Rethinam, L M de Long, K Wooley, A Guminski & N A Saunders (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

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A short course of neoadjuvant IRX-2 induces changes in peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:32:33 +0100

Conclusions IRX-2-mediated reductions in B and NKT cell numbers in the blood suggest a redistribution of these cells to tissues. A decrease in naïve T cells implies their up-regulated differentiation to memory T cells. Unchanged Treg numbers after IRX-2 therapy indicate that IRX-2 does not expand this compartment, potentially benefiting anti-tumor immune responses. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original articlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00262-011-1136-xAuthors Theresa L. Whiteside, Research Pavilion at the Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1863, USALisa H. Butterfield, Research Pavilion at the Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5117 Centre Avenue, S...

Assessment of p53 functional activity in tumor cells and histologically normal mucosa from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionFASAY positivity indicates field cancerization in a subgroup of patients with HNSCC, in which nonfunctional p53 was significantly associated with locoregional recurrence. This prompted us to pursue the study on the p53 functional status of normal mucosa in patients with HNSCC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

Predictors of outcome in patients with metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma involving cervical lymph nodes: Improved survival with the addition of adjuvant radiotherapy

Head and Neck — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionIn patients with metastatic cutaneous HNSCC involving cervical nodes, survival was significantly improved with the addition of radiotherapy. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

PET imaging of EGF receptors using [18F]FBEM-EGF in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma model

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:01:41 +0100

Conclusion With optimized liver blocking, [18F]FBEM-cEGF has the potential to be used in a noninvasive and quantitative manner for detection of malignant lesions and evaluation of EGFR activity. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s00259-011-1969-8Authors Weihua Li, Department of Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, 37 Yinhang Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001 ChinaGang Niu, Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 31 Center Drive, Suite 1C14, Bethesda, MD 20892-2281, USALixin Lang, Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine (LOMIN), Nationa...

Genomic dissection of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/PI3K pathway reveals frequent deletion of the EGFR phosphatase PTPRS in head and neck cancers [Medical Sciences]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Activation of the PI3K and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is able to drive oncogenesis in multiple human cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Targeted agents such as cetuximab and erlotinib are currently used in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, but, in this disease, the genomic alterations that cause pathway activation and determine response to pharmacologic inhibition remain ill-defined. Here, we present a detailed dissection of the EGFR/PI3K pathway, composed of sequencing of the core pathway components, and high-resolution genomic copy number assessment. Mutations were found in PIK3CA (6%), but no point mutations were observed in other pathway genes such as PTEN and EGFR. In contrast, we observed frequent copy number alterations ...

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Induction chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin to concurrent radiotherapy and weekly paclitaxel in the treatment of loco-regionally advanced, stage IV (M0), head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Mature results of a prospective study.

Radiation Oncology — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This combined treatment was found to be feasible and active in advanced or unresectable, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Long-term results observed in this trial encourage to consider this approach in further investigation using newer radiation delivering technique and new molecularly agents. (Source: Radiation Oncology)

The Benefit of Early PET/CT Surveillance in HPV-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions A negative posttreatment PET/CT result may have the potential to identify patients who are at very low risk of recurrence. The HPV status may augment the predictive utility of an initial negative PET/CT result. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Prognostic significance of plasma osteopontin in patients with loco-regionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated on TROG 02.02 Phase III trial.

Clinical Cancer Research — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that high plasma OPN levels were associated with an adverse prognosis in HNSCC, or were predictive of benefit with hypoxia targeting therapy. PMID: 22096023 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Chemoradionuclide Therapy with 186Re-labeled Liposomal Doxorubicin in Combination with Radiofrequency Ablation for Effective Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer in a Nude Rat Tumor Xenograft Model [Experimental Studies]

Radiology — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Triple and dual therapies had an observable trend (186Re–liposomal doxorubicin plus RF ablation > 186Re–liposomal doxorubicin > liposomal doxorubicin plus RF ablation > liposomal doxorubicin) of improved tumor growth control and decreased viable tumor compared with other therapies. FDG PET could be used as a noninvasive surrogate marker for tumor growth and viability in this tumor model. © RSNA, 2011 Supplemental material: http://radiology.rsna.org/lookup/suppl/doi:10.1148/radiol.11110361/-/DC1 (Source: Radiology)

TP53 disruptive mutations lead to head and neck cancer treatment failure through inhibition of radiation-induced senescence.

Clinical Cancer Research — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Disruptive TP53 mutations in HNSCC tumors predicts for LRR, due to increased radioresistance via the inhibition of senescence. Metformin can serve as a radiosensitizer for HNSCC with disruptive TP53, presaging the possibility of personalizing HNSCC treatment. PMID: 22090360 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

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Analysis of microsatellite instability in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that a proportion of laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas are microsatellite instability positive. Knowledge of microsatellite instability patient status will allow adjusting anticancer therapy at an individual level. PMID: 22100049 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Otorrinolaringologica Espanola)

Change of telomerase activity in peripheral whole blood of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients before and after surgery: a pilot study

Clinical and Translational Oncology — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:54:58 +0100

Conclusion The telomerase activity in peripheral whole blood extracts of HNSCC patients might be a useful biomarker for detecting recurrence after treatment. Further study with larger sample size using a more sensitive detection method of telomerase activity is necessary to verify these results. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Research ArticlesPages 747-752DOI 10.1007/s12094-011-0727-5Authors Yong Seop Lee, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haengdang-dong 17, Seongdong-gu Seoul, 133-792 South KoreaKyung Tae, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Haengdang-dong 17, Seongdong-gu Seoul, 133-792 South KoreaSeung Hwan Lee, Department of Otolaryngology, H...

Novel germline CDKN2A mutation associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and melanomas

Head and Neck — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsOur report emphasizes the need to consider germinal CDKN2A mutations in the differential diagnosis of familial HNSCC and the importance of awareness of these tumors in carriers of CDKN2A mutations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Calculated with Relatively High b-Values Correlates with Local Failure of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Radiotherapy [HEAD AND NECK]

American Journal of Neuroradiology — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest pretreatment ADC obtained at high b-values as well as tumor volume correlate with local failure of HNSCC treated with radiation therapy. (Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology)

Expression of human protein S100A7 (psoriasin), preparation of antibody and application to human larynx squamous cell carcinoma.

BMC Research Notes — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The polyclonal anti-rS100A7 antibody generated here yielded a good signal-to-noise contrast and should be useful for immunohistochemical detection of S100A7 protein. Its potential use for other epithelial lesions besides human larynx squamous cell carcinoma and non-neoplastic larynx should be explored in future. (Source: BMC Research Notes)

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The effects on pain and activity of daily living caused by crusted exudation in patients with head and neck cancer treated with cetuximab and radiotherapy

Supportive Care in Cancer — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:48:50 +0100

Conclusions Crusts have the strongest correlation with pain in patients with Cetuximab-related radiation dermatitis. Moreover, the presence of crusts can lead operators to misclassify dermatitis as score 4, causing unnecessary delays or interruptions in treatment Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00520-011-1324-4Authors Elvio G. Russi, Department of Radiation Oncology, Santa Croce General Hospital, 14, corso Giolitti, 12100 Cuneo, ItalyMarco C. Merlano, Department of Medical Oncology, Santa Croce General Hospital, Cuneo, ItalyGianmauro Numico, Department of Medical Oncology, “U. Parini” Hospital, Aosta, ItalyRenzo Corvò, Department of Radiation Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, ItalyMarco Bena...

Decreased Lymphangiogenesis and Lymph Node Metastasis by mTOR Inhibition in Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer Research — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Despite our improved understanding of cancer, the 5-year survival rate for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) patients remains relatively unchanged at 50% for the past three decades. HNSCCs often metastasize to locoregional lymph nodes, and lymph node involvement represents one of the most important prognostic factors of poor clinical outcome. Among the multiple dysregulated molecular mechanism in HNSCCs, emerging basic, preclinical, and clinical findings support the importance of the mTOR signaling route in HNSCC progression. Indeed, we observed here that the activation of mTOR is a widespread event in clinical specimens of HNSCCs invading locoregional lymph nodes. We developed an orthotopic model of HNSCC consisting of the implantation of HNSCC cells into the tongues of immun...

Synthesis and in vitro anti-tumor activity of novel HPMA copolymer-drug conjugates with potential cell surface targeting property for carcinoma cells.

European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

This study has focused on the synthesis and in vitro characterization of a targeting delivery system of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) to human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in order to improve anti-cancer efficacy and reduce dose-limiting toxicity of 5-FU. An N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer, with Hsp47/CBP2 binding peptide sequence (namely WHYPWFQNWAMA) as a targeting ligand, was synthesized by a novel and simplified synthetic route. Under the controlled synthetic conditions, 1,3-dimethylol-5-FU, derived from 5-FU, was attached to the HPMA copolymer backbone via the lysosomally degradable GFLG linker, while the WHYPWFQNWAMA was conjugated via a non-degradable Gly-Gly (GG) linker. A control polymer without targeting moiety was also synthesized (P-FU). The in vitr...

Chemovirotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with EGFR-targeted and CD/UPRT-armed oncolytic measles virus

Cancer Gene Therapy — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Chemovirotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with EGFR-targeted and CD/UPRT-armed oncolytic measles virus Cancer Gene Therapy advance online publication, November 11, 2011. doi:10.1038/cgt.2011.75 Authors: K Zaoui, S Bossow, C Grossardt, M F Leber, C Springfeld, P K Plinkert, C von Kalle & G Ungerechts (Source: Cancer Gene Therapy)

Detection of circulating tumor cells in advanced head and neck cancer using the cellsearch system

Head and Neck — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsCTCs can be successfully isolated in patients with advanced‐stage HNSCC using the CellSearch system. CTC detection may be important for prognosis, evaluating treatment outcome, and for determining efficacy of adjuvant treatments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

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Lack of Association of Cadherin Expression and Histopathologic Type, Metastasis, or Patient Outcome in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Tissue Microarray Study

Head and Neck Pathology — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:58:34 +0100

Abstract Altered cadherin expression is important for metastasis in many carcinomas including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We evaluated E- and N-cadherin expression specifically in oropharyngeal SCC and correlated this with clinical and pathologic features. Oropharyngeal SCC patients with clinical follow up information were identified from clinician databases from 1996 through 2007 and tissue microarrays created. Tumors had been previously typed histopathologically as keratinizing, non-keratinizing, or non-keratinizing with maturation, and had known p16 and human papillomavirus status, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the microarrays, and staining was evaluated for presence and intensity (0 = negative, 1 = weak, 2 ...

The biology of head and neck cancer stem cells

Oral Oncology — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Summary: Emerging evidence indicates that a small population of cancer cells is highly tumorigenic, endowed with self-renewal, and has the ability to differentiate into cells that constitute the bulk of tumors. These cells are considered the “drivers” of the tumorigenic process in some tumor types, and have been named cancer stem cells. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) appears to be involved in the process leading to the acquisition of stemness by epithelial tumor cells. Through this process, cells acquire an invasive phenotype that may contribute to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Cancer stem cells have been identified in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) using markers such as CD133 and CD44 expression, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. The head an...

Feasibility of Robot-Assisted Neck Dissections via a Transaxillary and Retroauricular (“TARA”) Approach in Head and Neck Cancer: Preliminary Results

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:48:19 +0100

Conclusions Robotic neck dissection via TARA approach is a feasible and useful method with excellent cosmetic results for treating nodal metastasis in selected cases of head and neck squamous cell cancer. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Head and Neck OncologyPages 1-9DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2116-2Authors Won Shik Kim, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, KoreaHyoung Shin Lee, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, KoreaSung Mi Kang, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, KoreaHyun Jun Hong, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, KoreaYoon Woo Koh, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei Univers...

Gene–environment interactions of novel variants associated with head and neck cancer

Head and Neck — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsOur results suggest that the risk associated with these variants may be specifically important among specific exposure groups. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

Human papilloma virus: A new risk factor in a subset of head and neck cancers

Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Manisha Bisht, Sampan Singh BistJournal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics 2011 7(3):251-255Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are two well known behavioral risk factors associated with head and neck cancer. Recently, evidence is mounting that infection with human papilloma virus, most commonly human papilloma virus-16 is responsible for a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma especially tumors of tonsillar origin. The molecular pathway used by human papilloma virus to trigger malignant transformation of tissue is different from that of other well known risk factors, i.e. smoking and alcohol, associated with squamous cell carcinoma. Apparently, these subsets of patients with human papilloma virus positive t...

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Improved treatment outcomes with 18F‐FDG PET/CT for patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and Neck — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:14:19 +0100

ConclusionsAddition of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in patients treated by surgery and conformal radiochemotherapy improves outcome. This may be due to the more comprehensive topographic orientation of the primary tumor for the surgeon. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

Loss of TGF-β signaling and PTEN promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through cellular senescence evasion and cancer-related inflammation

Oncogene — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Loss of TGF-β signaling and PTEN promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through cellular senescence evasion and cancer-related inflammation Oncogene advance online publication, October 31, 2011. doi:10.1038/onc.2011.494 Authors: Y Bian, B Hall, Z-J Sun, A Molinolo, W Chen, J S Gutkind, C V Waes & A B Kulkarni (Source: Oncogene)

TNF-{alpha} Promotes c-REL/{Delta}Np63{alpha} Interaction and TAp73 Dissociation from Key Genes That Mediate Growth Arrest and Apoptosis in Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer Research — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Inflammation-induced activation of proto-oncogenic NF-κB/REL and dysfunction of tumor suppressor TP53/p63/p73 family transcription factors are key events in cancer progression. How inflammatory signaling coordinates dysregulation of these two transcription factor families during oncogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, we observed that oncoprotein c-REL and tumor suppressor TAp73 are coexpressed and complex with ΔNp63α in the nucleus of a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines with mutant (mt)TP53. TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, promoted c-REL nuclear translocation, c-REL/ΔNp63α interaction, and dissociation of TAp73 from ΔNp63α and the nucleus to the cytoplasm, whereas c-REL siRNA knockdown attenuated this effect. Overexpression of c-REL o...

Postoperative elective nodal irradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: outcome and prognostic factors for regional recurrence

Annals of Oncology — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Neck control rates in electively irradiated N0 necks were excellent. Regional control was worse in the cN0 neck compared with the pN0 neck and in the ipsilateral neck compared with the contralateral side. Additionally, in case of positive surgical margins of the primary tumor, elective nodal irradiation should be applied, even in case of a pN0 neck. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Systemic and local human papillomavirus 16‐specific T‐cell immunity in patients with head and neck cancer

International Journal of Cancer — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study we assessed the presence of systemic and local T cells reactive against these oncoproteins in HNSCC.An exploratory study on the presence, type and function of HPV16‐ and/or p53‐specific T cells in the blood, tumor and/or metastatic lymph node as measured by several immune assays was performed in an unselected group of 50 patients with HNSCC. Tumor tissue was tested for HPV DNA and the overexpression of p53 protein.Almost all HPV16+ tumors were located in the oropharynx. Circulating HPV16‐ and p53‐specific T cells were found in 17/47 and 7/45 tested patients. T cells were isolated from tumor cultures and/or lymph nodes of 20 patients. HPV16‐specific T cells were detected in 6 of 8 HPV+ tumors, but in none of the 12 HPV‐ tumors. Tumor‐infiltrating p53‐specific T...

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Therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Identification, evaluation, and clinical translation

Oral Oncology — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) encompasses a diverse group of malignancies originating in the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx. Although treatment modalities have improved, carefully designed biomarker-driven clinical trials will yield the best opportunities to enhance HNSCC therapy options in the future. Due to the heterogeneous nature of HNSCC, discovering a “silver bullet” for the treatment of HNSCC is unlikely. Consequently, impactful HNSCC clinical trials will require multiple assay platforms and expanded technical expertise. In this review, we will outline pathways critical to HNSCC oncogenesis and highlight signaling nodes within these pathways that represent biomarkers for prognosis and potential targeted therapies. All treatment modalitie...

Response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to conditioned medium from cultured oral squamous cell carcinomas

Brazilian Oral Research — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:12:50 +0100

The current study investigated the capacity for tumor factors secreted by head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines, KB, KB16, and HEP, to induce the secretion of various cytokines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs were isolated from blood samples collected from six healthy volunteers and these cells were incubated for 6, 24, 48, or 72 hours in the presence of 50% conditioned medium collected from cultured cell lines pretreated with, or without, stimulants such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Aliquots of each supernatant were then assayed for levels of IFN-Γ, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), TNF-α, and IL-4 using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Data collected were analyzed using Student's t-test, an ANOV...

Characteristics and survival of head and neck cancer by HPV status: A cancer registry‐based study

International Journal of Cancer — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractElucidation of the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the etiology and prognosis of squamous carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC) is essential to optimize prevention and treatment strategies for this disease. We analyzed 385 HNSCC tissue blocks identified through a population‐based cancer registry in Metropolitan Detroit for HPV DNA using a broad‐spectrum PCR technique (SPF10‐LiPA25) to correlate with patient and tumor characteristics and overall survival. Overall, HPV DNA (any type) was detected in 29.4% of all HNSCC, but it was significantly more prevalent (50.6%) in oropharyngeal sites (N=81), where 90% of HPV were type 16, than in other sites. HPV prevalence (any type) in oropharyngeal sites was highest in patients with a negative smoking indicator, Caucasians, and ...

A Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line with Acquired cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum-Resistance Shows Remarkable Upregulation of BRCA1 and Hypersensitivity to Taxane

Computational Intelligence and Neuroscience — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 03:01:09 +0100

Recently, an inverse relationship between resistance to platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents and taxanes has been implicated in breast and ovarian cancers, and a possible pivotal role for BRCA1 has also been suggested. Because cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) and taxanes are the most active antitumor agents against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we analyzed the sensitivity of nine HNSCC cell lines and their previously established derived CDDP-resistant cell lines to two representative taxanes: docetaxel and paclitaxel. None of the nine original cell lines showed any cross resistance between CDDP and taxanes, but one of th...

Molecular pathways of lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in head and neck cancer

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:51:16 +0100

Abstract Metastasis to regional lymph nodes constitutes the main route toward progression and dissemination of head and neck carcinoma; at the same time it is the most significant adverse prognostic indicator for this disease. In recent years, significant focus has been given on the molecular mechanisms behind lymph node metastasis of head and neck cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the role of growth factor expression and function in association with lymph node metastasis and overall prognosis of head and neck cancer. Current literature, searching for experimental data regarding the molecular pathways of lymph node dissemination of head and neck cancer, is reviewed giving special emphasis on the expression and prognostic significance of specific growth factors. Me...

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Endothelial derived factors inhibit anoikis of head and neck cancer stem cells

Oral Oncology — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

This study revealed that endothelial cells initiate a crosstalk that protect head and neck cancer stem cells against anoikis, and suggest that therapeutic interference with this crosstalk might be beneficial for patients with head and neck cancer. (Source: Oral Oncology)

Changing trends in human papillomavirus–associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Annals of Diagnostic Pathology — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the HPV detection rate in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma increased from 38% to 59% between the 2000-to-2004 and 2009-to-2010 periods. (Source: Annals of Diagnostic Pathology)

Gene expression analysis of SCC tumor cells in muscle tissue

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:53:18 +0100

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate microarray technology of HNSCC cells in muscle tissue. 200 SCCVII tumor cells were injected intramuscularly into the right flank of ten C3H/Km mice each. One week later the animals were killed and the tissue taken out. Histology (H&E staining) and microarray of the tissue were performed. Histology showed a few tumor cells between the muscle fibers. Microarray technology showed different gene expression pattern of the muscle tissue with SCCVII cells in comparison with normal muscle tissue. Only those genes showing a fold change difference of 5 or higher were considered. Gene expression analysis revealed changes in the expression levels of SCCVII cells in muscle tissue in 220 genes. Significant gene expression differences be...

A Microfluidic System for Testing the Responses of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tissue Biopsies to Treatment with Chemotherapy Drugs.

Annals of Biomedical Engineering — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We present a robust and reproducible glass microfluidic system, for the maintenance and "interrogation" of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumor biopsies, which enables continuous media perfusion and waste removal, recreating in vivo laminar flow and diffusion-driven conditions. Primary HNSCC or metastatic lymph samples were subsequently treated with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin, alone and in combination, and were monitored for viability and apoptotic biomarker release 'off-chip' over 7 days. The concentration of lactate dehydrogenase was initially high but rapidly dropped to minimally detectable levels in all tumor samples; conversely, effluent concentration of WST-1 (cell proliferation) increased over 7 days: both factors demonstrating cell viability. Addition of cell lys...

Gene expression classifier predicts for hypoxic modification of radiotherapy with nimorazole in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A predictive 15-gene hypoxia classifier could identify patients associated with improved outcome after combining radiotherapy with hypoxic modification and underlines the relevance of such therapy. The impact of the classifier was limited to HPV-negative tumours. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

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Locoregional Recurrence of an HPV-Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Cancer Network — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0100

Management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the primary and relapsed setting requires the coordinated efforts of head and neck surgeons, radiation oncology, and medical oncology in order to maximize clinical care. Multidisciplinary efforts must be strengthened and new research performed to improve the otherwise poor prognosis for patients with locally recurrent HNSCC. (Source: Cancer Network)

Up‐regulation of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 is associated positively with cyclin D1 overexpression and poor clinical outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The current results indicated that EZH2 is an independent prognostic indicator for patients with HNSCC. In addition, an analysis of the combined expression of EZH2 and cyclin D1 can serve as a more powerful prognostic predictor for patients with HNSCC. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Disruption of the AKT pathway inhibits metastasis in an orthotopic model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The Laryngoscope — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Treatment with MK‐2206 is sufficient to inhibit HNSCC chemotaxis and migration in vitro. In an orthotopic model, treatment with MK‐2206 reduces primary tumor size and cervical metastasis while improving survival. MK‐2206 currently being used in phase II clinical trials for combination treatment of metastatic solid tumors and may be useful for treating HNSCC as well. Laryngoscope, 2011. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Gene expression classifier predicts for hypoxic modification of radiotherapy with nimorazole in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: A predictive 15-gene hypoxia classifier could identify patients associated with improved outcome after combining radiotherapy with hypoxic modification and underlines the relevance of such therapy. The impact of the classifier was limited to HPV-negative tumours. PMID: 21996521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Chemoradiotherapy not superior to radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

HemOncToday.com — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:06:00 +0100

(Source: HemOncToday.com)

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Comprehensive exon array data processing method for quantitative analysis of alternative spliced variants

Nucleic Acids Research — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Alternative splicing of pre-mRNA generates protein diversity. Dysfunction of splicing machinery and expression of specific transcripts has been linked to cancer progression and drug response. Exon microarray technology enables genome-wide quantification of expression levels of the majority of exons and facilitates the discovery of alternative splicing events. Analysis of exon array data is more challenging than the analysis of gene expression data and there is a need for reliable quantification of exons and alternatively spliced variants. We introduce a novel, computationally efficient methodology, Multiple Exon Array Preprocessing (MEAP), for exon array data pre-processing, analysis and visualization. We compared MEAP with existing pre-processing methods, and validation of six exons and t...

EGFR-specific T cell frequencies correlate with EGFR expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Journal of Translational Medicine — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: EGFR expressed on HNSCC cells induces a specific immune response in vivo. Strategies for expansion of EGFR-specific CTL may be important for future immunotherapy of HNSCC patients. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

Quantification of p38αMAP kinase: A prognostic marker in HNSCC with respect to radiation therapy.

International Journal of Clinical Chemistry — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed elevated p38α level at cancer diagnosis and a statistically significant decline during-RT and post-RT periods. Hence, it can emerge as a prognostic marker supporting the candidature of p38α as a suitable serum marker in HNSCC. PMID: 21982916 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: International Journal of Clinical Chemistry)

Human papilloma virus in head and neck carcinoma

International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Oropharyngeal infections by human papilloma virus (HPV) can be asymptomatic or either be presented as benign or malignant hyperplastic lesions. Currently it has been postulated that infections by HPV genotypes with high oncogenic potential are an independent risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The clinical characteristics of these patients differ significantly from patients with HNSCC smokers and/or drinkers. The aim of our project is to study patients with HNSCC treated in our institution in 2010, to detect HPV patients and compare them with the rest of HPV negative patients, studying different factors such as epidemiology, clinical manifestation and evolution. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)

Polymorphism in glutathione S-transferases: Susceptibility and treatment outcome for head and neck cancer.

Xenobiotica — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ruwali M, Singh M, Pant MC, Parmar D Abstract The study investigates the association of polymorphism in glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) with susceptibility for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its sites as well as treatment response in cases receiving chemotherapy (CT) and combination of CT-radiotherapy (CT-RT). The case-control study included 500 male cases and an equal number of healthy male controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for the association between genotypes and cancer risk. An increase in the risk for HNSCC and cancers of oral cavity, larynx or pharynx was observed in cases with null genotypes of GSTM1 or GSTT1. The interaction of alcohol or tobacco with variant genotypes of GSTM1 or GSTT1 also...

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A gene expression profile for non‐smoking and non‐drinking patients with head and neck cancer

Oral Diseases — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Differentially expressed genes in non‐smoking and non‐drinking patients possibly indicate the presence of a different cellular response to carcinogenic events in these patients. Further studies are warranted to validate this gene set and explore possible therapeutic implications to improve prognosis for these patients. (Source: Oral Diseases)

Functional mutation analysis of EGFR family genes and corresponding lymph node metastases in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Clinical and Experimental Metastasis — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:48:27 +0100

In this study, we sequenced the catalytic domains of the three other members of the EGFR family, HER2, HER3, and HER4 in 92 clinical samples of HNSCC. We identified a HER2 mutation (K716E) in one sample but no mutations were found in HER3 or HER4. Next to investigate the relationship between EGFR mutations and tumor metastasis, we compared the DNA sequences of the EGFR gene between the primary tumor and the lymph node metastasis in 31 clinical samples. Only one of the patients with an EGFR mutation in the primary HNSCC carried the same mutation (L858R) in the lymph node metastasis. Finally, we explored the tumorigenic potential of the EGFR mutations that we had previously identified and their sensitivity to two different EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (CL-387785, OSI-420). Ba/F3 ce...

Promising Long-term Results with Attenuated Adverse Effects by Methotrexate-containing Sequential Chemoradiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Methotrexate–cisplatin–fluorouracil induction chemotherapy followed by weekly cisplatin–fluorouracil concurrent chemoradiation is an acute and late toxicity-acceptable protocol without attenuating organ preservation survival in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In this patient cohort with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, overall and organ preservation survivals were encouraging, and provided promising long-term benefits of this approach. (Source: Japanese Journal of Clinical Oncology)

Quantitative chemical proteomics reveals new potential drug targets in head and neck cancer.

Molecular and Cellular Proteomics : MCP — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wu Z, Doondeea JB, Moghaddas Gholami A, Janning MC, Lemeer S, Kramer K, Eccles SA, Gollin SM, Grenman R, Walch A, Feller SM, Kuster B Abstract Tumors of the head and neck represent a molecularly diverse set of human cancers, but relatively few proteins have actually been shown to drive the disease at the molecular level. In order to identify new targets for individualized diagnosis or therapeutic intervention, we performed a kinase centric chemical proteomics screen and quantified 146 kinases across 34 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines using intensity-based label-free mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis of the profiles revealed significant inter-cell line differences for 42 kinases (p<0.05), and loss of function experiments using siRNA in high...

Type I and III collagen degradation products in serum predict patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Oral Oncology — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Summary: Cancer invasion induces extracellular matrix remodeling and collagen degradation. The aim of this study was to assess whether serum levels of type I and III collagen degradation products were associated with patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A novel enzyme immunoassay was developed for measuring type III collagen N-terminal telopeptide (IIINTP) in human serum samples. In addition, type I collagen C-terminal telopeptide (ICTP), matrix metalloprotease-8 (MMP-8) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases-1 (TIMP-1) were assessed in 205 blood samples from HNSCC patients. High levels of serum ICTP and IIINTP and plasma TIMP-1 were associated with poor survival. The concentration of ICTP was associated with levels of IIINTP and TIMP-1. The plasma concentra...

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A randomized phase II study of 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, and twice-daily radiotherapy compared with bevacizumab plus 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, and twice-daily radiotherapy for intermediate-stage and T4N0-1 head and neck cancers

Annals of Oncology — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Locoregional progression seen in T4N0-1 tumors treated with BFHX was unexpected and led to study termination. The addition of bevacuzimab to chemoradiotherapy for HNSCC should be limited clinical trials. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Quantitative expression study of four cytokeratins and p63 in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: suitability for sentinel node navigation surgery using one-step nucleic acid amplification

Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This suggests that p63 is of clinical utility in SNNS and that CK19 is unsuitable for early tongue carcinoma. Further studies are needed before clinical application of these markers. (Source: Journal of Clinical Pathology)

GS-Nitroxide (JP4-039)-Mediated Radioprotection of Human Fanconi Anemia Cell Lines.

Radiation Research — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bernard ME, Kim H, Epperly MW, Franicola D, Zhang X, Houghton F, Shields D, Wang H, Bakkenist CJ, Frantz MC, Forbeck EM, Goff JP, Wipf P, Berhane H, Greenberger JS Abstract Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited disorder characterized by defective DNA repair and cellular sensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents. Clinically, FA is associated with high risk for marrow failure, leukemia and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Radiosensitivity in FA patients compromises the use of total-body irradiation for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and radiation therapy for HNSCC. A radioprotector for the surrounding tissue would therefore be very valuable during radiotherapy for HNSCC. Clonogenic radiation survival curves were determined for pre- or postirradiation treatm...

Mtss1 regulates epidermal growth factor signaling in head and neck squamous carcinoma cells

Oncogene — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: J C Dawson, P Timpson, G Kalna & L M Machesky (Source: Oncogene)

Postoperative Clinical Radiosensitivity in Patients With Fanconi Anemia and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Patients with FA have a high rate of complications from radiotherapy. Common adverse effects, particularly mucositis, are especially prevalent and difficult to manage in this population. Pancytopenia is common and may lead to further complications, particularly bleeding and infection. Overall survival is poor. Further study of the response to radiotherapy in patients with FA should be attempted to establish appropriate dosages to balance treating disease while limiting adverse effects. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

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A Dual‐Targeting Antibody against EGFR‐VEGF for Lung and Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

International Journal of Cancer — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractAn antibody simultaneously targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), two major tumor growth‐driving machineries, may provide a novel effective strategy for optimizing tumor targeting and maximizing potential clinical benefits. Human domain antibodies selected against VEGF and EGFR were formatted into a fully human dual‐targeting IgG (DT‐IgG) to directly target both antigens in a single molecule. We evaluated the efficacy of DT‐IgG in comparison with bevacizumab and cetuximab alone and in combination in the lung cancer cell line A549 (low EGFR expression and KRAS mutant) and the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell line Tu212 (high EGFR expression and KRAS wild type) in vitro and in vivo. DT‐IgG suppresse...

Overexpression of SIP1 and Downregulation of E-cadherin Predict Delayed Neck Metastasis in Stage I/II Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Partial Glossectomy

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:49:38 +0100

Conclusions These results suggest that development of DNM in stage I/II TSCC is closely related to induction of EMT in primary tumor cells. Especially, SIP1 and E-cadherin are considered to be the possible markers for selecting patients at high risk of DNM. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Head and Neck OncologyPages 1-8DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-2052-1Authors Koji Sakamoto, Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanYorihisa Imanishi, Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanToshiki Tomita, Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, JapanMasayuki Shimoda, Department of Pathology, ...

Hypoxia-induced Post-translational Modification of HuR [Gene Regulation]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Altered expression of RNA-binding proteins modulates gene expression in association with mRNAs encoding many proto-oncogenes, cytokines, chemokines, and proinflammatory factors. Hu antigen R (HuR), a ubiquitously expressed protein, controls a range of cellular functions such as tumor progression, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis by stabilizing the AU-rich element located at the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs. Although significant progress has been made in understanding HuR regulation in gene expression, little is known about how HuR undergoes post-translational modifications and recruits target mRNAs during hypoxic stress. Here, we report that during CoCl2-induced hypoxic stress, HuR is significantly overexpressed and undergoes caspase-dependent cleavage in head and neck...

Disruptive TP53 Mutation is Associated with Aggressive Disease Characteristics in an Orthotopic Murine Model of Oral Tongue Cancer.

Clinical Cancer Research — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: HNSCC cell lines display a wide spectrum of behavior in an orthotopic model of oral cancer. Cell lines with disruptive TP53 mutations are more aggressive in this system, corroborating clinical reports that have linked these mutations to poor patient outcome. PMID: 21903770 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

The impact of EGFR stimulation and inhibition on BPDE induced DNA fragmentation in oral/oropharyngeal mucosa in vitro

Oral Oncology — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study we show, that EGFR stimulation significantly decreases carcinogen induced DNA damage in normal mucosa from HNSCC patients and that this effect is completely abrogated adding an anti-EGFR antibody before stimulation, while there was no effect in non-tumor controls. The effect of EGFR inhibition was contrary. In non-tumor controls, blocking the receptor with an antibody significantly decreased DNA damage, whereas in cases no effect was seen. Our results indicate an important role of the receptor during chemical carcinogenesis. On the basis of this study we suppose, that increasing EGFR levels during head and neck carcinogenesis can be interpreted as a physiological response to permanent carcinogen impact on the mucosa. (Source: Oral Oncology)

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Inhibition of Radiation Induced Migration of Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells by Blocking of EGF Receptor Pathways

BMC Cancer — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Background: Recently it has been shown that radiation induces migration of glioma cells and facilitates a further spread of tumor cells locally and systemically. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether radiotherapy induces migration in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). A further aim was to investigate the effects of blocking the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream pathways (Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt) on tumor cell migration in vitro. Methods: Migration of tumor cells was assessed via a wound healing assay and proliferation by a MTT colorimeritric assay using 3 HNSCC cell lines (BHY, CAL-27, HN). The cells were treated with increasing doses of irradiation (2Gy, 5Gy, 8Gy) in the presence or absence of EGF, EGFR-antagonist (AG1478) or inhibitors of the do...

Analysis of eIF4E and 4EBP1 mRNAs in head and neck cancer

The Laryngoscope — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Elevated 4E:4EBP1 significantly correlated with increased disease recurrence. Because 4EBP1 modulates eIF4E activity, our results highlight the importance of incorporating a joint analysis of eIF4E and 4EBP1 mRNAs in HNSCC patient care decisions. (Source: The Laryngoscope)

Acute toxicity in 14 patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with concurrent cetuximab and radiotherapy

La Radiologia Medica — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:53:49 +0100

Conclusions In our experience, severe acute toxic reactions are common in patients treated with radiotherapy and concurrent cetuximab, resulting in frequent breaks or incomplete treatment with potential reduction in disease control. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Radiotherapy / RadioterapiaPages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11547-011-0716-3Authors M. Valeriani, U.O.C Radioterapia, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Via di Grottarossa 1035, Roma, ItalyR. Muni, U.O.C Radioterapia, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Via di Grottarossa 1035, Roma, ItalyM. F. Osti, U.O.C Radioterapia, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Via di Grottarossa 1035, Roma, ItalyV. De Sanctis, U.O.C Radioterapia, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Via di Grottarossa 1035, Roma, ItalyG. Minniti, U.O.C Radioterapia, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Via di G...

Regulation of microRNA expression by hepatocyte growth factor in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer Science — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), non‐coding small RNAs that regulate cell proliferation and functions by interfering the translation of target mRNAs, with or without HGF stimulation in HNSCC cell line HSC3. Among several miRNAs that the expression was altered after HGF stimulation, we focused on miR‐200c and miR‐27b, both of which were drastically down‐regulated after HGF stimulation. The expression of ZEB1, a target mRNA for miR‐200c, was up‐regulated 3 and 6 hours after HGF stimulation, and that of E‐cadherin, a downstream molecule of ZEB1, was down‐regulated 12 hours after HGF stimulation. The expression of ST14/matriptase an enzyme for extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and HGF activation and a target mRNA for miR‐27b, was drastical...

Next‐generation treatment strategies for human papillomavirus‐related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: where do we go?

Reviews in Medical Virology — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

SUMMARYOncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is currently recognised as a major risk factor for the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). HPV is mostly detected in tumours arising from the oropharynx and more specifically from the tonsil. HPV‐related tumours display clinical and molecular characteristics that are distinct from HPV‐unrelated tumours, which are generally induced by alcohol and tobacco abuse. Detection of biologically active HPV in HNSCC has prognostic relevance, which warrants the separate classification of HPV‐induced tumours and is a prerequisite for further optimisation of treatment protocols for this distinct group. Current guidelines for the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) have not incorporated specific treatment ...

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Role of positron emission tomography--computed tomography in head and neck cancer.

The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cashman EC, MacMahon PJ, Shelly MJ, Kavanagh EC Abstract Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. In the United States, it accounts for approximately 2% of all cancers and 2% of cancer deaths. The introduction of integrated positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) has revolutionized imaging by permitting improved and more accurate anatomic localization of functional abnormalities in the complex territory of the head and neck region, and PET/CT has become a standard clinical imaging modality in patients with HNC. The main indications for PET/CT in HNC are in pretherapy staging, detection of unknown primaries, and monitoring of therapy response or disease surveillance. Although PET/CT is a promising tool in d...

18F-FDG-PET imaging in radiotherapy tumor volume delineation in treatment of head and neck cancer

Radiotherapy and Oncology — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: GTVp-CT was significantly larger when compared to GTVp-PET. No such change was observed for the lymph nodes. 18F-FDG-PET modified treatment management in three patients, including two for which no curative radiotherapy was attempted. Larger multicenter studies are needed to ascertain whether combined 18F-FDG-PET/CT in target delineation can influence the main clinical outcomes. (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology)

Erratum: Phase 2 study of dasatinib in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Cancer — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

(Source: Cancer)

Antiangiogenic antitumor activities of IGFBP-3 are mediated by IGF-independent suppression of Erk1/2 activation and Egr-1-mediated transcriptional events

Blood — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Most antiangiogenic therapies currently being evaluated in clinical trials target the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway; however, the tumor vasculature can acquire resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy by shifting to other angiogenesis mechanisms. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) has been reported to suppress tumor growth and angiogenesis by both IGF-dependent and IGF-independent mechanisms; however, understanding of its IGF-independent mechanisms is limited. We observed that IGFBP-3 blocked tumor angiogenesis and growth in non–small cell lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Conditioned media from an IGFBP-3–treated non–small cell lung cancer cell line displayed a significantly decreased capacity...

The number of CD161 positive Th17 cells are decreased in head and neck cancer patients.

Cellular Immunology — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:20:03 +0100

CONCLUSION: We have showed for the first time alterations of Th17 cell phenotype in HNSCC patients. PMID: 21570678 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Cellular Immunology)

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(18)F-FDG-PET imaging in radiotherapy tumor volume delineation in treatment of head and neck cancer.

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: GTVp-CT was significantly larger when compared to GTVp-PET. No such change was observed for the lymph nodes. (18)F-FDG-PET modified treatment management in three patients, including two for which no curative radiotherapy was attempted. Larger multicenter studies are needed to ascertain whether combined (18)F-FDG-PET/CT in target delineation can influence the main clinical outcomes. PMID: 21885143 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)

Development of a Hypoxia Gene Expression Classifier with Predictive Impact for Hypoxic Modification of Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer Research — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we developed a hypoxia classifier based on gene expression. Through study of xenograft tumors from human squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, we verified the in vivo relevance of previously identified in vitro derived hypoxia-induced genes. We then evaluated a training set of 58 hypoxia-evaluated HNSCCs to generate a gene expression classifier containing 15 genes. This 15-gene hypoxia classifier was validated in 323 patients with HNSCC randomized for hypoxic modification or placebo in combination with radiotherapy. Tumors categorized as hypoxic on the basis of the classifier were associated with a significantly poorer clinical outcome than nonhypoxic tumors. This outcome was improved and equalized to the nonhypoxic tumors by addition of hypoxic modification. Thus, findings sh...

The Downside of Diversity

This Week in Science — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:39:53 +0100

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects about 600,000 individuals each year and has a mortality rate of about 50%. Environmental factors such as tobacco and alcohol use and … [Read more] (Source: This Week in Science)

[Report] Exome Sequencing of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Inactivating Mutations in NOTCH1

Science: Current Issue — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:39:46 +0100

The mutational profile of head and neck cancer is complex and may pose challenges to the development of targeted therapies.Authors: Nishant Agrawal, Mitchell J. Frederick, Curtis R. Pickering, Chetan Bettegowda, Kyle Chang, Ryan J. Li, Carole Fakhry, Tong-Xin Xie, Jiexin Zhang, Jing Wang, Nianxiang Zhang, Adel K. El-Naggar, Samar A. Jasser, John N. Weinstein, Lisa Treviño, Jennifer A. Drummond, Donna M. Muzny, Yuanqing Wu, Laura D. Wood, Ralph H. Hruban, William H. Westra, Wayne M. Koch, Joseph A. Califano, Richard A. Gibbs, David Sidransky, Bert Vogelstein, Victor E. Velculescu, Nickolas Papadopoulos, David A. Wheeler, Kenneth W. Kinzler, Jeffrey N. Myers (Source: Science: Current Issue)

[Report] The Mutational Landscape of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Science: Current Issue — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:39:46 +0100

The mutational profile of head and neck cancer is complex and may pose challenges to the development of targeted therapies.Authors: Nicolas Stransky, Ann Marie Egloff, Aaron D. Tward, Aleksandar D. Kostic, Kristian Cibulskis, Andrey Sivachenko, Gregory V. Kryukov, Michael S. Lawrence, Carrie Sougnez, Aaron McKenna, Erica Shefler, Alex H. Ramos, Petar Stojanov, Scott L. Carter, Douglas Voet, Maria L. Cortés, Daniel Auclair, Michael F. Berger, Gordon Saksena, Candace Guiducci, Robert C. Onofrio, Melissa Parkin, Marjorie Romkes, Joel L. Weissfeld, Raja R. Seethala, Lin Wang, Claudia Rangel-Escareño, Juan Carlos Fernandez-Lopez, Alfredo Hidalgo-Miranda, Jorge Melendez-Zajgla, Wendy Winckler, Kristin Ardlie, Stacey B. Gabriel, Matthew Meyerson, Eric S. Lander, Gad Getz, Todd R. Golub, Levi A....

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Positron Emission Tomography for Neck Evaluation Following Definitive Treatment with Chemoradiotherapy for Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Further studies are needed to quantify the reliability of PET in detecting nodal residual disease after chemoradiotherapy for locoregionally advanced HNSCC. The optimal timing of PET imaging after chemoradiotherapy remains to be defined. PMID: 21864252 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials)

Novel biomarker panel predicts prognosis in human papillomavirus‐negative oropharyngeal cancer

Cancer — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS:The molecular data set in this study readily differentiated between 2 distinct groups of patients with locally advanced, HPV‐negative OPC. This risk‐stratification strategy may serve as a guide for treatment selection. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society. (Source: Cancer)

Targeting MET by Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Suppresses Growth and Invasion of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Lines.

Pathology Oncology Research — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lau PC, Wong EY Abstract Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) represents a common cancer in endemic areas with high invasive and metastatic potential. It is now known that the HGF-MET signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating the invasive growth of many different types of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. HGF has been shown to stimulate NPC cell growth and invasion in cell line model. The current study aims at demonstrating the effect of MET inhibition by small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor PHA665752 on the growth and invasive potential of NPC cell lines. NPC cell lines were used for immunohistochemistry for the MET protein, as well as western blot analysis on MET together with its downstream cascade signaling proteins after treatment wit...

Assembly And Initial Characterization Of A Panel Of 85 Genomically Validated Cell Lines From Diverse Head And Neck Tumor Sites.

Clinical Cancer Research — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. This panel of 85 genomically validated head and neck cell lines represents a valuable resource for the head and neck cancer research community that can help advance understanding of the disease by providing a standard reference for cell lines that can be utilized for biological as well as preclinical studies. PMID: 21868764 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Cancer Research)

Genetic profile of second primary tumors and recurrences in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Head and Neck — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

ConclusionSpecific genetic profiles for each group have been found. Similarities between primary tumor and second primary tumor and dissimilarity between primary tumor and recurrence suggest that clinicopathological criteria do not always accurately differentiate these entities. Genetic profiling may aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of these difficult cases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

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New vessel formation in peritumoral area of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Head and Neck — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsThese data show a high activity of new vessel formation in the peritumoral stroma of HNSCC, with endothelial precursor cells being incorporated into these structures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011 (Source: Head and Neck)

Association of FANCC and PTCH1 with the Development of Early Dysplastic Lesions of the Head and Neck

Annals of Surgical Oncology — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:56:09 +0100

Conclusions Alterations of FANCC and PTCH1 could be used as molecular marker for early diagnosis and prognosis of HNSCC. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Translational Research and BiomarkersPages 1-11DOI 10.1245/s10434-011-1991-xAuthors Amlan Ghosh, Department of Oncogene Regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, IndiaSusmita Ghosh, Department of Oncogene Regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, IndiaGuru Prasad Maiti, Department of Oncogene Regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, IndiaSudeshna Mukherjee, Department of Oncogene Regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, IndiaNupur Mukherjee, Department of Oncogene Regulation, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, IndiaJayanta...

Oncolytic viruses: a new paradigm for treatment of head and neck cancer

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to be the sixth leading cause of cancer. Tumor recurrences affect 40%-50% of HNSCC patients owing to field cancerization. Many new molecular markers have been studied to reveal the true extent of oral cancer, and the molecular mechanisms that trigger development of primary and secondary recurrences are being uncovered. Clinically, however, little has changed in the past decades to improve survival and quality of life. Targeted oncolytic viruses may be a treatment that can improve morbidity and mortality of HNSCC. Viruses, such as adenovirus, are engineered to take advantage of the loss of p53 function and/or regulation that is common in most tumors. Furthermore, these oncolytic viruses can produce cytokines that assist in destroying m...

Toll-like receptor 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Journal of Translational Medicine — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: According to this study, TLR4 299Gly und 399Ile alleles may serve as markers for prognosis of head and neck cancer in patients with adjuvant systemic therapy, particularly chemotherapy, and might indicate therapy resistance. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

Matched cohort analysis of the effect of pretreatment positron emission tomography on clinical outcomes of patients with head and neck cancer treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy

Head and Neck — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:27:15 +0100

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Radiosensitization of head and neck cancer cells by the phytochemical agent sulforaphane

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:00:21 +0100

Conclusion: Sulforaphane is a promising agent in the treatment of head and neck cancer due to its antiproliferative and radio-sensitizing properties. A combination of sulforaphane and radiation decreases clonogenic survival. Apoptosis is not regulated through Akt or the Mcl-1 protein. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00066-011-2218-6Authors Ulana Kotowski, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaGregor Heiduschka, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaMarkus Brunner, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, AustriaCornelia Czembirek, Departmen...

Improved tumour response prediction with equivalent uniform dose in pre-clinical study using direct intratumoural infusion of liposome-encapsulated (186)Re radionuclides.

Physics in Medicine and Biology — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:36:35 +0100

Authors: Hrycushko BA, Ware S, Li S, Bao A Abstract Crucial to all cancer therapy modalities is a strong correlation between treatment and effect. Predictability of therapy success/failure allows for the optimization of treatment protocol and aids in the decision of whether additional treatment is necessary to prevent tumour progression. This work evaluated the relationship between cancer treatment and effect for intratumoural infusions of liposome-encapsulated (186)Re to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma xenografts of nude rats. Absorbed dose calculations using a dose-point kernel convolution technique showed significant intratumoural dose heterogeneity due to the short range of the beta-particle emissions. The use of three separate tumour infusion locations improved dose homo...

Diagnostic performance of post-treatment FDG PET or FDG PET/CT imaging in head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:40:19 +0100

Conclusion The overall diagnostic performance of post-treatment FDG PET(CT) for response assessment and surveillance imaging of HNSCC is good, but its PPV is somewhat suboptimal. Its NPV remains exceptionally high and a negative post-treatment scan is highly suggestive of absence of viable disease that can guide therapeutic decision-making. Timing of post-treatment imaging has a significant, though moderate impact on diagnostic accuracy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Review ArticlePages 1-13DOI 10.1007/s00259-011-1893-yAuthors Tejpal Gupta, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, IndiaZubin Master, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, IndiaSadhana Kannan, Epidemiology Clinical T...

Optimizing treatments of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma: Where to go from here?

Oral Oncology — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100

As many other solid malignancies, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are a privileged field of investigations to test the efficacy of targeted therapies, both for locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic disease. In the early nineties, preclinical data first showed the impact of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors on tumor cell line and xenograft response to radiation and cytotoxic agents. At the turn of the century, various translational research studies clearly showed that (a) EGFR proteins were highly expressed in more than 90% of the patients with HNSCC, and (b) the higher the expression levels of EGFRs, the more dismal the prognosis. (Source: Oral Oncology)