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Endoscopy International Open Apr 2024Superficial pharyngeal cancers can be cured with transoral surgery (TOS), which preserves organ function and quality of life. Pharyngeal endoscopic submucosal...
Superficial pharyngeal cancers can be cured with transoral surgery (TOS), which preserves organ function and quality of life. Pharyngeal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is challenging to perform because of limited maneuverability and complex anatomical features. The water pressure method (WPM) is useful for natural traction techniques during ESD and is potentially useful for pharyngeal ESD. This study aimed to investigate the short-term outcomes of WPM-ESD for pharyngeal lesions. Therapeutic outcomes of patients who underwent WPM-ESD for pharyngeal lesions at Keio University between May 2019 and February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one pharyngeal lesions treated with WPM-ESD were analyzed. Three lesions were located in the oropharynx and 18 in the hypopharynx. All ESD procedures were performed under general anesthesia. The endoscopic en bloc resection rate was 100%. The median procedure time was 15 minutes (range 4-45 minutes). All patients were successfully extubated on the day of ESD. No serious adverse events (AEs) related to WPM-ESDs were observed. None of the patients required nasogastric intubation, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, or tracheotomy. The median fasting time and hospital stay were 2 days (range 2-5 days) and 6 days (range 6-10 days), respectively. All the histological results indicated squamous cell carcinoma. The complete histologic resection rate was 76.2%. WPM-ESD achieved a high en bloc resection rate and short procedure time without serious AEs. Thus, it may be a useful treatment for pharyngeal lesions.
PubMed: 38681148
DOI: 10.1055/a-2284-9184 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Apr 2024To identify swallowing-related structures (SRSs) predicting post-radiotherapy dysphagia in oropharyngeal carcinoma patients.
OBJECTIVE
To identify swallowing-related structures (SRSs) predicting post-radiotherapy dysphagia in oropharyngeal carcinoma patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Between September 2020 and October 2022, oropharyngeal cancer patients who had completed radiotherapy at least one year before without recurrence or residuals were selected. They underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) assessments and dysphagia grading. The mean radiation doses delivered to their SRSs were recalculated. The correlation between radiation doses to each SRS and FEES scores was analysed.
RESULTS
Twenty-nine participants, aged 51-73 years, were enrolled. Six patients had received two-dimensional radiotherapy, eight had undergone three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, and fifteen had received intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Radiation doses to the inferior pharyngeal constrictor, cricopharyngeus and glottic larynx significantly predicted dysphagia for both semisolids (p = 0.023, 0.030 and 0.001) and liquid diets (p = 0.021, 0.013 and 0.002). The esophageal inlet significantly predicted swallowing outcomes for only the liquid diet (p = 0.007).
CONCLUSIONS
This study supports that SRS-sparing during radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancers improves swallowing outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition Disorders; Middle Aged; Male; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Female; Aged; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Follow-Up Studies; Prognosis; Deglutition; Radiation Injuries; Radiotherapy, Conformal; Radiotherapy Dosage; Organ Sparing Treatments
PubMed: 38680007
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.4.1451 -
Cancers Apr 2024Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common histological form of head and neck tumors (HNTs), which originate from the epithelium of the lips and... (Review)
Review
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common histological form of head and neck tumors (HNTs), which originate from the epithelium of the lips and oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, nasal cavity, and sinuses. The main risk factors include consumption of tobacco in all forms and alcohol, as well as infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses or the Epstein-Barr virus. Regardless of the etiological agent, the risk of developing different types of HNTs is from two to more than six times higher in males than in females. The reason for such disparities probably lies in a combination of both biological and psychosocial factors. Therefore, it is hypothesized that exposure to female sex hormones, primarily estrogen, provides women with protection against the formation and metastasis of HNTs. In this review, we synthesized available knowledge on the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors (ERs) in the development and progression of HNTs, with special emphasis on membrane ERs, which are much less studied. We can summarize that in addition to epidemiologic studies unequivocally pointing to the protective effect of estrogen in women, an increased expression of both nuclear ERs, ERα, and ERβ, and membrane ERs, ERα36, GPER1, and NaV1.2, was present in different types of HNSCC, for which anti-estrogens could be used as an effective therapeutic approach.
PubMed: 38672656
DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081575 -
BMC Cancer Apr 2024Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a common and heterogeneous malignancy of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Surgery and radio(chemo)therapy...
Partial recovery of peripheral blood monocyte subsets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients upon radio(chemo)therapy is associated with decreased plasma CXCL11.
BACKGROUND
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a common and heterogeneous malignancy of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Surgery and radio(chemo)therapy are the standard treatment options and also have great influence on the composition of the tumor microenvironment and immune cell functions. However, the impact of radio(chemo)therapy on the distribution and characteristics of circulating monocyte subsets in HNSCC are not fully understood.
METHODS
Expression patterns of adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors CD11a (integrin-α L; LFA-1), CD11b (integrin-α M; Mac-1), CD11c (integrin-α X), CX3CR1 (CX3CL1 receptor) and checkpoint molecule PD-L1 (programmed cell death ligand-1) were investigated upon radio(chemo)therapeutic treatment using flow cytometry. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis of plasma cytokines was performed before and after treatment using ELISA measurements.
RESULTS
Our data reveal a partial recovery of circulating monocytes in HNSCC patients upon radio(chemo)therapeutic treatment, with differential effects of the individual therapy regimen. PD-L1 expression on non-classical monocytes significantly correlates with the individual plasma levels of chemokine CXCL11 (C-X-C motif chemokine 11).
CONCLUSIONS
Further comprehensive investigations on larger patient cohorts are required to elucidate the meaningfulness of peripheral blood monocyte subsets and chemokine CXCL11 as potential bioliquid indicators in HNSCC with regard to therapy response and the individual immunological situation.
Topics: Humans; Monocytes; B7-H1 Antigen; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Chemokine CXCL11; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 38609887
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12177-x -
Cells Mar 2024Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer that originates from the mucosal lining of the nasopharynx and can invade and spread. Although contemporary...
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer that originates from the mucosal lining of the nasopharynx and can invade and spread. Although contemporary chemoradiotherapy effectively manages the disease locally, there are still challenges with locoregional recurrence and distant failure. Therefore, it is crucial to have a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of NPC cell movement in order to develop a more effective treatment and to improve patient survival rates. Cancer cell line models are invaluable in studying health and disease and it is not surprising that they play a critical role in NPC research. Consequently, scientists have established around 80 immortalized human NPC lines that are commonly used as in vitro models. However, over the years, it has been observed that many cell lines are misidentified or contaminated by other cells. This cross-contamination leads to the creation of false cell lines that no longer match the original donor. In this commentary, we discuss the impact of misidentified NPC cell lines on the scientific literature. We found 1159 articles from 2000 to 2023 that used NPC cell lines contaminated with HeLa cells. Alarmingly, the number of publications and citations using these contaminated cell lines continued to increase, even after information about the contamination was officially published. These articles were most commonly published in the fields of oncology, pharmacology, and experimental medicine research. These findings highlight the importance of science policy and support the need for journals to require authentication testing before publication.
Topics: Humans; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; HeLa Cells; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Cell Line, Tumor; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Nasopharynx
PubMed: 38606998
DOI: 10.3390/cells13070559 -
Journal of Cancer Research and... Jan 2024Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor with frequent intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. Extrahepatic metastasis occurs in one-third of...
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor with frequent intrahepatic and extrahepatic metastases. Extrahepatic metastasis occurs in one-third of patients with HCC and indicates a dismal prognosis. The head and neck region is an extremely uncommon site of metastatic HCC. Extrahepatic metastasis at first presentation, although uncommon, indicates advanced disease with a poor prognosis. Herein, we present the case of a 68-year-old male patient with a neck mass. Clinical examination and initial radiology were suggestive of an advanced primary pharyngeal malignancy. Biopsy showed neoplasm with large polygonal cells with clear/granular cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells showed positivity for Hep Par1, CD10, and CEA. A diagnosis of metastatic HCC was given. Subsequently, serum alpha-fetoprotein level was found to be markedly elevated and further imaging showed multiple mass lesions in the liver. It is necessary to recognize that the pharyngeal region is a potential site of HCC metastasis. Accurate diagnosis and risk stratification can help in avoiding unnecessary costs and delay in treatment.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Prognosis; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms; Pharyngeal Neoplasms
PubMed: 38554358
DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1655_22 -
Trials Mar 2024Dysphagia, with its negative impact on life expectancy and quality of life, is a major side effect of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In a typical Head...
The effects of Phoniatric PREhabilitation in Head and Neck Cancer patients on Aspiration and Preservation of Swallowing (PREHAPS): study protocol of a monocentric prospective randomized interventional outcome-blinded trial.
BACKGROUND
Dysphagia, with its negative impact on life expectancy and quality of life, is a major side effect of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In a typical Head and Neck Cancer Center, more than half of patients are affected. Improving treatment, and ideally prevention respectively prehabilitation, therefore seems more than desirable.
METHODS
The study is planned as a monocentric, prospective, outcome-blinded, randomized interventional study comparing an advanced phoniatric-logopedic prehabilitation with a control (standard of care). Seventy patients (30 control group, 30 intervention group, 10 drop-out rate of 15%) with an initial diagnosis of invasive HNSCC and curative treatment intention will be included over a period of 17 months. In addition to the previous standard, both groups will undergo both detailed subjective assessment of swallowing function and quality of life by means of various questionnaires and objective analyses by bioelectrical impedance measurements and phoniatric endoscopic swallowing examinations. In the intervention group, risk-related nutritional counseling (face-to-face) and phoniatric-logopedic prehabilitation are provided: detailed counseling with video demonstration and exercises to strengthen and improve the range of motion of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal muscles (guided by exercise diary). Controls are performed at 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 9 or 12 months after the end of therapy during the regular tumor follow-up. Primary study endpoints are swallowing function and emotional distress at 6 weeks of control visit.
DISCUSSION
Prehabilitation measures have already proven successful in other patient groups, e.g., transplant patients. In the field of head and neck oncology, interest in such concepts has increased significantly in recent years. However, usually, only subgroups, e.g., patients with swallowing problems after radiochemotherapy alone, are in focus. Our study aims to investigate the general benefit of prehabilitation with regard to swallowing function, which is so important for protection of aspiration and quality of life.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00029676 . International Clinical Trials Registry Platform DRKS00029676 . Registered on 19 July 2022.
Topics: Humans; Deglutition; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Preoperative Exercise; Quality of Life; Prospective Studies; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Deglutition Disorders; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38519961
DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08010-2 -
Case Reports in Oncology 2024Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is a treatment wherein intravenous cetuximab sarotalocan sodium is administered followed by laser light irradiation. This treatment exhibits a...
INTRODUCTION
Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) is a treatment wherein intravenous cetuximab sarotalocan sodium is administered followed by laser light irradiation. This treatment exhibits a specific antitumor effect if in tumors expressing the epidermal growth factor receptor, regardless of the carcinoma [Mitsunaga et al.: Nat Med. 2011;17(12):1685-91, Sato et al.: ACS Cent Sci. 2018;4(11):1559-69, Nakajima et al.: Cancer Sci. 2018;109(9):2889-96]. The current indications are unresectable, locally advanced, or locally recurrent head and neck cancer. If standard treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, are available, they are given priority. However, a significant concern in PIT is the occurrence of airway emergencies related to pharyngeal edema. Prophylactic tracheostomy is often performed in cases of PIT involving the root of the tongue, hypopharynx, or larynx.
CASE PRESENTATION
In this study, we administered transoral PIT to a patient diagnosed with radiation-induced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cT1N0M0 stage I). Although previous case reports and our own experiences did not report airway emergencies following PIT for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a unique case occurred in our study [Omura et al.: Auris Nasus Larynx. 2023;50(4):641-5, Kushihashi et al.: Int J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022;11(5, Sep):258-65]. The patient experienced poor oxygenation and a decreased level of consciousness early in the morning following the laser irradiation. Nasal endoscopy revealed airway narrowing due to upper airway edema, and intubation was challenging. Consequently, we performed emergency bedside tracheostomy and the patient's condition improved.
CONCLUSION
Therefore, it is crucial to note that airway emergencies can be life-threatening and should be diligently monitored as a potential complication of PIT.
PubMed: 38500712
DOI: 10.1159/000537898 -
Journal of Oral Biology and... 2024Alpha-lactalbumin, the protein from human and bovine milk has been found to be promising as an alternative of anticancer agent This study was aimed to investigate the...
OBJECTIVES
Alpha-lactalbumin, the protein from human and bovine milk has been found to be promising as an alternative of anticancer agent This study was aimed to investigate the effects of lactalbumin enzymatic hydrolysate (LAH) on cell proliferation, migration, and mRNA expression of () on human squamous cell carcinoma (hSCC) cell lines, .
METHODS
Tongue (HSC-4 and 7) and pharyngeal (HN-30 and 31) hSCC cell lines were treated with a two-fold dilution of LAH (0.39-100 mg/ml). Cell viability and cell proliferation were examined by MTT assay. Colony forming unit (CFU) was assessed by crystal violet blue staining. Cell migration was investigated by scratch wound healing assay. Gene expression of metastasis-associated was assessed by RT-qPCR. Statistical analyses were evaluated at value = 0.05.
RESULTS
LAH at concentration of 50 and 100 mg/ml exhibited cytotoxicity on hSCC cells. The proliferation and CFU ability of hSCC cells were significantly attenuated after LAH treatment. The mRNA expression of , , and was reduced in HN-30 and HN-31 cells while expression of and was downregulated in HSC-7 cells. Only mRNA level was reduced in HSC-4 cells. However, cell migration of all hSCC cell lines did not alter after LAH treatment.
CONCLUSION
LAH treatment exhibits inhibitory effects on hSCC cell growth, proliferation and gene expression. Thus, LAH should be the promising alternative agent to develop the prospective anti-cancer drug.
PubMed: 38495954
DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2024.02.011 -
International Journal of Clinical... Jun 2024Salivary gland-type cancers (SGTCs) are histologically heterogeneous and can affect organs other than the salivary glands. Some tumors outside the salivary glands are...
BACKGROUND
Salivary gland-type cancers (SGTCs) are histologically heterogeneous and can affect organs other than the salivary glands. Some tumors outside the salivary glands are diagnosed on their unique histological characteristics. Comprehensive cross-organ studies on SGTCs are limited.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with salivary duct carcinoma (SDC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC), acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC), and polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) who visited our institution between 2009 and 2019. The primary tumor sites were classified into four categories; major salivary glands, head/neck (H/N) excluding (exc) major salivary glands (MSG) regions, broncho-pulmonary regions, and "others". H/N exc MSG was further divided into three subcategories, nasal/paranasal sinus, oral and pharynx/larynx.
RESULTS
We identified 173 patients with SGTCs, with SDC, AdCC, MEC, EMC, AcCC, and PAC accounting for 20%, 42%, 27%, 3%, 8%, and 1% of the cases, respectively. The most frequent primary site was the major salivary glands (64%), followed by H/N exc MSG regions (27%), broncho-pulmonary regions, and "others", thus non-salivary gland origins accounted for 9% of all cases. Patients with SDC, MEC, AcCC, or SGTC of the major salivary glands and broncho-pulmonary regions were more frequently treated by surgery. The overall survival time of the patients with MEC was significantly better than that of patients with SDC or EMC.
CONCLUSIONS
This cross-organ study highlights the clinical significance of SGTCs, underscoring the need for developing novel therapies for this rare disease entity.
Topics: Humans; Salivary Gland Neoplasms; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Aged; Adult; Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Acinar Cell; Young Adult; Adolescent; Adenocarcinoma; Salivary Glands
PubMed: 38492066
DOI: 10.1007/s10147-024-02505-3