Efficacy of transfection rates on head and neck squamous cell cancer by a novel adenovirus: an in vivo and in vitro study

Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Nanoparticles Based on PEGlated Prodrug for Targeted Treatment of Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Combining Photodynamic Therapy and Chemotherapy

In this study, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanoparticle system was designed for combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC)-targeted treatment. A PEGlated prodrug (RPTD) of doxorubicin (DOX) via thioketal linkage and cRGD peptide modification was synthesized and then used to prepare nanoparticles for encapsulating photosensitizer hematoporphyrin (HP). Thus, the obtained HP-loaded RPTD (RPTD/HP) nanoparticles had a regular spherical shape and small size, approximately 180 nm. The RPTD/HP nanoparticles showed a remarkable PDT efficiency and successfully induced ROS generation upon laser irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. DOX exhibited significant ROS-responsive release property from RPTD/HP nanoparticles because of the rupture of the thioketal linker. In OTSCC cells, RPTD/HP nanoparticles were efficiently internalized and showed potent effects on cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction after laser irradiation. In OTSCC tumor-bearing mice, RPTD/HP nanoparticles displayed excellent tumor-targeting ability and notably suppressed tumor growth through multiple mechanisms after local laser irradiation. Taken together, we supplied a novel therapeutic nanosystem for OTSCC treatment through combining PDT and chemotherapy.

Can gene editing and silencing technologies play a role in the treatment of head and neck cancer?

Conventional treatment strategies have done little to improve the prognosis or disease-free survival in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Recent progress in our understanding of molecular aspects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has provided insights into the potential use of molecular targeted therapies in combination with current treatment strategies. Here we review the current understanding of treatment modalities for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs with the potential to use gene editing and silencing technologies therapeutically. The development of sequence-specific RNA interference (RNAi) with its strong gene-specific silencing ability, high target specificity, greater potency and reduced side effects, has shown it to be a promising therapeutic candidate for treating cancers. CRISPR/Cas gene editing is the newest technology with the ability to delete, mutate or replace genes of interest and has great potential for treating HNSCCs. We also discuss the major challenge in using these approaches in HNSCC; that being the choice of target and the ability to deliver the payload. Finally, we highlight the potential combination of RNAi or CRIPSR/Cas with current treatment strategies and outline the possible path to the clinic.

Nucleic acid targeting: towards personalized therapy for head and neck cancer

In light of a detailed characterization of genetic aberrations in cancer, nucleic acid targeting represents an attractive therapeutic approach with significant translational potential. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide with stagnant 5-year survival rates. Advances in conventional treatment have done little to improve survival and combined chemoradiation is associated with significant adverse effects. Recent reports have characterized the genetic alterations in HNSCC and demonstrated that mutations confer resistance to conventional and molecular targeted therapies. The ability to use specific nucleic acid sequences to inhibit cancer-associated genes including non-druggable targets facilitates personalized medicine approaches with less adverse effects. Additionally, advances in drug delivery mechanisms have increased the transfection efficiency aiding in greater therapeutic responses. Given these advances, the stage has been set to translate the information garnered from genomic studies into personalized treatment strategies. Genes involved in the tumor protein 53 (TP53) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways have been extensively investigated and many promising preclinical studies have shown tumor inhibition through genetic modulation. We, and others, have demonstrated that targeting oncogene expression with gene therapy approaches is feasible in patients. Other methods such as RNA interference have proven to be effective and are potential candidates for clinical studies. This review summarizes the major advances in sequence-specific gene modulation in the preclinical setting and in clinical trials in head and neck cancer patients.

A comparative review of the potential role of adenovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus in the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

The unsatisfactory outcome of patients who receive intensive multimodality treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has motivated investigators to seek novel treatments to improve survival. Advances in molecular biology has led to the development of cancer gene therapy (CGT) and revived interest in viral vectors as a mechanism. SCCHN is an ideal model for CGT as disease remains locoregional and is amenable to injection of viruses. Adenovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV) are the most studied Oncolytic Viruses (OVs). Both viruses have been shown to select and replicate in tumour cells and demonstrate anti-tumour effect in laboratory studies and clinical trials. Toxicity from OVs is minor and manageable. Different adenoviral mutants have been investigated with mixed responses. One vector, H101, has now been licensed after showing significant tumour regression in conjunction with chemotherapy. HSV has a larger capacity to carry genetic material and with the addition of the granulocyte–macrophage colony–stimulating factor, has the potential to stimulate an immune response systemically and at the site of disease. OVs are limited by the distribution of virus beyond injection site and by pre-existing or rapidly established immune response. Phase III studies are required.

Integrins in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC): A Review of the Current Literature

Integrins are a family of adhesion molecules performing a major role in multiple cellular functions. Their contribution in carcinogenesis and metastatic process are the object of intense research activity worldwide during the last decades. This review focuses on the existing knowledge about integrin expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as it has been acquired mainly by immunohistochemical methods and by in vitro assays. The elucidation of the exact role of integrins and the study of expressive alterations of these molecules in cancer cells, may result in novel therapeutical approaches for useful applications in the clinical routine of HNSCC in the future.