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Genes Jun 2022microRNAs are endogenous non-coding miRNAs, 19-25 nucleotides in length, that can be detected in the extracellular environment in stable forms, named circulating miRNAs... (Review)
Review
microRNAs are endogenous non-coding miRNAs, 19-25 nucleotides in length, that can be detected in the extracellular environment in stable forms, named circulating miRNAs (CIR-miRNAs). Since the first discovery of CIR-miRNAs, a large number of studies have demonstrated that the abnormal changes in its expression could be used to significantly distinguish nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from healthy cells. We herein reviewed and highlighted recent advances in the study of CIR-miRNAs in NPC, which pointed out the main components serving as promising and effective biomarkers for NPC diagnosis and prognosis. Furthermore, brief descriptions of its origin and unique characteristics are provided.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma; Circulating MicroRNA; Humans; MicroRNAs; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Prognosis
PubMed: 35885944
DOI: 10.3390/genes13071160 -
Cell Death & Disease Aug 2023Acquired resistance to chemotherapy is one of the major causes of mortality in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, effective strategies are limited and the...
Acquired resistance to chemotherapy is one of the major causes of mortality in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, effective strategies are limited and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, through transcriptomic profiling analysis of 23 tumor tissues, we found that NOTCH3 was aberrantly highly expressed in chemoresistance NPC patients, with NOTCH3 overexpression being positively associated with poor clinical outcome. Mechanistically, using an established NPC cellular model, we demonstrated that enhancer remodeling driven aberrant hyperactivation of NOTCH3 in chemoresistance NPC. We further showed that NOTCH3 upregulates SLUG to induce chemo-resistance of NPC cells and higher expression of SLUG have poorer prognosis. Genetic or pharmacological perturbation of NOTCH3 conferred chemosensitivity of NPC in vitro and overexpression of NOTCH3 enhanced chemoresistance of NPC in vivo. Together, these data indicated that genome-wide enhancer reprogramming activates NOTCH3 to confer chemoresistance of NPC, suggesting that targeting NOTCH3 may provide a potential therapeutic strategy to effectively treat advanced chemoresistant NPC.
Topics: Humans; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Cell Line, Tumor; Regulatory Sequences, Nucleic Acid; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Receptor, Notch3
PubMed: 37563118
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06028-z -
Journal of Pediatric Hematology/oncology Apr 2024Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare and locally aggressive form of childhood cancer. Treatment of pediatric NPC includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Most studies... (Review)
Review
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare and locally aggressive form of childhood cancer. Treatment of pediatric NPC includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Most studies on the treatment of pediatric NPC are single-arm studies. With current treatment protocols survival rates for patients with nonmetastatic disease exceed 80%, although most children will have long-term treatment-related late effects. Efforts to reduce early and late toxicities include reduced radiotherapy doses in children with good responses to induction chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of immunotherapy in both the primary setting and in children with progressive or relapsed disease. This review summarizes current clinical approaches to the treatment of pediatric NPC.
Topics: Child; Humans; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 38447121
DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002848 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2022-The recent burden of lip and oral cavity, nasopharynx and other pharynx cancer (LOCP) has not been specifically investigated in Europe. -In this descriptive...
-The recent burden of lip and oral cavity, nasopharynx and other pharynx cancer (LOCP) has not been specifically investigated in Europe. -In this descriptive epidemiological study, LOCP was categorised into lip and oral cavity cancer, nasopharynx cancer and other pharynx cancer, with European trends documented using the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD). Summary statistics included deaths, age-standardised incidence rates (ASIR), mortality rates, YLLs (years of life lost), YLDs (years of life lived with disability) and DALYS (disability-adjusted life years). -Lip and oral cavity cancer (LO) is the most dominant with the incidence decreasing from 6.2 new cases per 100,000 (95% UI: 6.1-6.4) in 1990 to 5.3 new cases per 100,000 (95% UI: 4.6-6.1). However, nasopharynx cancer (NP) and other pharynx cancer (OP) increased from 1 and 2.2 new cases per 100,000 in 1990 to 1.1 and 3.3 new cases per 100,000 in 2019, respectively. It was noted that LOCP YLLs is much higher than YLDs. In Europe, eastern European countries, specifically Hungary, have the highest burden of LOCP. When LOCP attributable to tobacco in Ireland was compared with the EU, the percentage decrease in OP DALYs attributable to tobacco is below the EU average, whereas the percentage decrease in LO attributable to tobacco in Ireland was above the EU average. -There has been a significant increase in ASIR in categories other pharynx and nasopharynx cancer since 1990, with significant geographic variations.
Topics: European Union; Global Burden of Disease; Global Health; Humans; Lip; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Pharynx; Quality-Adjusted Life Years
PubMed: 35682117
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116532 -
Cell Reports. Medicine Nov 2023Locoregional radiotherapy added to chemotherapy has significantly improved survival in de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC). However, only 54% of de novo...
Locoregional radiotherapy added to chemotherapy has significantly improved survival in de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC). However, only 54% of de novo mNPC patients who received sequential chemoradiotherapy have complete or partial response 3 months after radiotherapy. This Simon's optimal two-stage design phase II study (NCT04398056) investigates whether PD-1 inhibitor could improve tumor control in combination with chemoradiation. The primary endpoint is objective response rate (ORR) at 3 months after radiotherapy. Twenty-two patients with primary mNPC are enrolled. The ORR at 3 months after radiotherapy is 81.8% (22.7% complete response, n = 5; 59.1% partial response, n = 13), and the disease control rate is 81.8%. The 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate is 44.9% (95% confidence interval 26.4%-76.3%). Fifteen patients (68.2%) experienced grade 3-4 adverse events. Patients with high baseline plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA copy number (>10 cps/mL) show worse PFS. Addition of toripalimab to sequential chemoradiotherapy suggests promising tumor response in patients with primary mNPC.
Topics: Humans; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Chemoradiotherapy
PubMed: 37951218
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101279 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2022Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck with a high incidence rate worldwide, especially in southern China. Phototheranostics in... (Review)
Review
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor of the head and neck with a high incidence rate worldwide, especially in southern China. Phototheranostics in combination with nanoparticles is an integrated strategy for enabling simultaneous diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and administration of precision therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It has shown great potential in the field of cancer diagnosis and treatment owing to its unique noninvasive advantages. Many Chinese and international research teams have applied nano-targeted drugs to optical diagnosis and treatment technology to conduct multimodal imaging and collaborative treatment of NPC, which has become a hot research topic. In this review, we aimed to introduce the recent developments in phototheranostics of NPC based on a nanoplatform. This study aimed to elaborate on the applications of nanoplatform-based optical imaging strategies and treatment modalities, including fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, Raman spectroscopy imaging, photodynamic therapy, and photothermal therapy. This study is expected to provide a scientific basis for further research and development of NPC diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Optical Imaging; Phototherapy; Photothermal Therapy
PubMed: 35656166
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S357493 -
Cancer Imaging : the Official... Sep 2023The three-dimensional chemical exchange saturation transfer (3D CEST) technique is a novel and promising magnetic resonance sequence; however, its application in...
Amide proton transfer (APT) and magnetization transfer (MT) in predicting short-term therapeutic outcome in nasopharyngeal carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy: a feasibility study of three-dimensional chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI.
BACKGROUND
The three-dimensional chemical exchange saturation transfer (3D CEST) technique is a novel and promising magnetic resonance sequence; however, its application in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) lacks sufficient evaluation. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the 3D CEST technique in predicting the short-term treatment outcomes for chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in NPC patients.
METHODS
Forty NPC patients and fourteen healthy volunteers were enrolled and underwent the pre-treatment 3D CEST magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The reliability of 3D CEST was assessed in healthy volunteers by calculating the intra- and inter-observer correlation coefficient (ICC) for amide proton transfer weighted-signal intensity (APTw-SI) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) values. NPC patients were divided into residual and non-residual groups based on short-term treatment outcomes after CRT. Whole-tumor regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn to measure APTw-SI, MTR and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Multivariate analysis and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to evaluate the prediction performance of clinical characteristics, APTw-SI, MTR, ADC values, and combined models in predicting short-term treatment outcomes in NPC patients.
RESULTS
For the healthy volunteer group, all APTw-SI and MTR values exhibited good to excellent intra- and inter-observer agreements (0.736-0.910, 0.895-0.981, all P > 0.05). For NPC patients, MTR values showed a significant difference between the non-residual and residual groups (31.24 ± 5.21% vs. 34.74 ± 1.54%, P = 0.003) while no significant differences were observed for APTw-SI and ADC values (P > 0.05). Moreover, the diagnostic power of MTR value was superior to APTw-SI (AUC: 0.818 vs. 0.521, P = 0.017) and comparable to ADC values (AUC: 0.818 vs. 0.649, P > 0.05) in predicting short-term treatment outcomes for NPC patients. The prediction performance did not improve even when combining MTR values with APTw-SI and/or ADC values (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The pre-treatment MTR value acquired through 3D CEST demonstrated superior predictive performance for short-term treatment outcomes compared to APTw-SI and ADC values in NPC patients after CRT.
Topics: Humans; Feasibility Studies; Protons; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Reproducibility of Results; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Chemoradiotherapy; Amides; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37658446
DOI: 10.1186/s40644-023-00602-6 -
Chinese Clinical Oncology Aug 2023Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with de novo distant metastasis (M1) is classified as stage IVB in the 8th edition of the staging system jointly adopted by the American... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with de novo distant metastasis (M1) is classified as stage IVB in the 8th edition of the staging system jointly adopted by the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union against Cancer Control. Patients with M1 disease generally have a relatively short life expectancy. This review discusses the personalized and intensified treatment strategies for de novo metastatic NPC.
METHODS
A literature search was conducted on PubMed to identify peer-reviewed publications on subdivisions of M1 disease and treatment of de novo metastatic NPC. Clinicaltrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trial Register were searched to identify ongoing clinical trials evaluating systemic or local therapy of previously untreated metastatic NPC.
KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS
M1 encompasses a diverse group of diseases. Several important factors, including tumor burden, EBV-DNA levels, location of involvement, the number of metastasis, and treatment strategies, influence the prognosis of NPC patients. Researchers have attempted to define M1 subcategorization to reflect the underlying risk profile and tailor personalized treatment. Recent advancements have brought new hope for this otherwise incurable condition. In the era of immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitors have become the first-line systemic treatment for metastatic NPC in JUPITER-02, CAPTAIN-1st, and RATIONALE-309. Additionally, the value of radical locoregional radiation therapy and ablative treatment to distant metastatic sites should not be overlooked in patients with de novo metastatic diseases. Locoregional radiation with concurrent chemotherapy, maintenance chemotherapy, and radical local treatment to metastatic sites are emerging as potential treatment options.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the diversity of metastatic NPC, a multimodality approach incorporating chemotherapy, immunotherapy, locoregional radiation and ablative treatment to metastatic sites has been shown to improve overall control. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy and optimal duration of maintenance therapy.
Topics: Humans; Immunotherapy; Multimodal Imaging; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Neoplasm Metastasis
PubMed: 37699604
DOI: 10.21037/cco-23-32 -
Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica :... Apr 2023
Review
Topics: Humans; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections
PubMed: 37099432
DOI: 10.14639/0392-100X-N2222 -
The Oncologist Jan 2021Concurrent chemo radiotherapy (CCRT) has been the standard of care in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) for many years. The role of induction... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Concurrent chemo radiotherapy (CCRT) has been the standard of care in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) for many years. The role of induction chemotherapy (ICT) has always been controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the value of adding ICT to CCRT in LA-NPC.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICT followed by CCRT versus CCRT alone, including treatment-naive adult patients with histologically proven nonmetastatic LA-NPC.
RESULTS
Eight RCTs with in total 2,384 randomized patients, of whom 69% had N2-N3 disease, were selected. ICT was the allocated treatment in 1,200 patients, of whom 1,161 actually received this. Treatment compliance varied, with a median rate of 92% (range, 86%-100%) of patients receiving all cycles of ICT. The percentage of patients completing radiotherapy was 96% and 95% [(Combined Risk difference(CRD)= 0.004; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) -0.001-0.01; p = 0.14)] in the ICT group and CCRT group, respectively, whereas chemotherapy during radiotherapy could be completed in only 28% of the ICT group versus 61% in the CCRT group (CRD, -0.243; 95% CI, -0.403 to -0.083; p = .003). Grade 3-4 acute toxicity was mostly hematologic during the ICT phase (496 events vs. 191 nonhematologic) and was predominant in the ICT group (1,596 events vs. 1,073 in the CCRT alone group) during the CCRT. Adding ICT to CCRT provided a significant benefit in overall survival (hazard ratio [HR], 0.680; 95% CI, 0.511-0.905; p = .001) and progression-free survival (HR, 0.657; 95% CI, 0.568-0.760; p < .001).
CONCLUSION
Although ICT followed by CCRT is associated with more acute toxicity and a lower compliance of the chemotherapy during the CCRT phase, this association resulted in a clinically meaningful survival benefit. ICT should be considered as a standard option in patients with LA-NPC, but further study on optimal patient selection for this treatment is warranted.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) is a relatively common disease in some parts of the world, with a rather poor prognosis due to its high metastatic potential. The role of induction chemotherapy (ICT) has always been controversial. This meta-analysis found that ICT followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in LA-NPC is associated with a significant clinical improvement in both overall survival and progression-free survival compared with CCRT alone. ICT should be considered as a standard option in patients with LA-NPC.
Topics: Adult; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Chemoradiotherapy; Humans; Induction Chemotherapy; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 32924198
DOI: 10.1002/ONCO.13520