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Thomaidou AC, Batsaki P, Adamaki M, Goulielmaki M, Baxevanis CN, Zoumpourlis V, Fortis SP. Promising Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer: The Most Clinically Important miRNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158257. [PMID: 35897831 PMCID: PMC9367895 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors that extend from the oral cavity to the upper gastrointestinal tract. The principal etiologic factors for oral tumors include tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, while human papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been accused of a high incidence of pharyngeal tumors. Accordingly, HPV detection has been extensively used to categorize carcinomas of the head and neck. The diverse nature of HNC highlights the necessity for novel, sensitive, and precise biomarkers for the prompt diagnosis of the disease, its successful monitoring, and the timely prognosis of patient clinical outcomes. In this context, the identification of certain microRNAs (miRNAs) and/or the detection of alterations in their expression patterns, in a variety of somatic fluids and tissues, could serve as valuable biomarkers for precision oncology. In the present review, we summarize some of the most frequently studied miRNAs (including miR-21, -375, -99, -34a, -200, -31, -125a/b, -196a/b, -9, -181a, -155, -146a, -23a, -16, -29, and let-7), their role as biomarkers, and their implication in HNC pathogenesis. Moreover, we designate the potential of given miRNAs and miRNA signatures as novel diagnostic and prognostic tools for successful patient stratification. Finally, we discuss the currently ongoing clinical trials that aim to identify the diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic utility of miRNAs in HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsinoe C. Thomaidou
- Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.C.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Panagiota Batsaki
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece; (P.B.); (M.G.); (C.N.B.)
| | - Maria Adamaki
- Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.C.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Maria Goulielmaki
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece; (P.B.); (M.G.); (C.N.B.)
| | - Constantin N. Baxevanis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece; (P.B.); (M.G.); (C.N.B.)
| | - Vassilis Zoumpourlis
- Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), 11635 Athens, Greece; (A.C.T.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence: (V.Z.); (S.P.F.); Tel.: +30-210-727-3730 (V.Z.); +30-210-640-9462 (S.P.F.)
| | - Sotirios P. Fortis
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Center, Saint Savas Cancer Hospital, 11522 Athens, Greece; (P.B.); (M.G.); (C.N.B.)
- Correspondence: (V.Z.); (S.P.F.); Tel.: +30-210-727-3730 (V.Z.); +30-210-640-9462 (S.P.F.)
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Supic G, Stefik D, Ivkovic N, Sami A, Zeljic K, Jovic S, Kozomara R, Vojvodic D, Stosic S. Prognostic impact of miR-34b/c DNA methylation, gene expression, and promoter polymorphism in HPV-negative oral squamous cell carcinomas. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1296. [PMID: 35079080 PMCID: PMC8789922 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05399-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) have a key role in gene expression regulation in cancer. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the prognostic value of miR-34b/c promoter hypermethylation, gene expression, and polymorphism in HPV-negative oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). MiR-34b/c promoter hypermethylation and pre-miR-34b/c polymorphism rs4938723 were evaluated in tumor tissues of 148 patients, and miR-34b expression in 123 HPV-negative OSCC. For risk assessment, the control group was comprised of 175 healthy individuals. MiR-34b/c promoter hypermethylation was determined by methylation-specific PCR. Gene expression, genotyping and HPV screening was assessed by Q-PCR. The data from our hospital cohort indicated that miR-34b/c DNA methylation was associated with nodal status (p = 0.048), and predicted the shorter overall survival of HPV-negative OSCC patients (p = 0.008). Down-regulated miR-34b/c expression was associated with smoking (p = 0.047), alcohol use (p = 0.009), stage (p = 0.025), recurrences (p = 0.000), and a poor survival (p = 0.00029). Median values of miR-34b expression were significantly lower in advanced stages III/IV as opposed to stage I/II, p = 0.006, and in nodal positive vs negative patients (p = 0.045). TCGA data also indicated that tumors with stage I-III expressed significantly higher levels of miR-34b, compared to tumors with stage IV (p = 0.035), Low miR-34b/c expression was associated with poor survival in smokers (p = 0.001) and patients with tongue carcinomas (p = 0.00003), and TCGA analysis confirmed these findings although miR-34b expression and miR-34b/c methylation were not associated with survival outcome in the whole TCGA cohort. A significant negative miR-34b/c expression-methylation correlation was observed in our hospital cohort (p = 0.017) and in TCGA cohort. Pre-miR-34b/c polymorphism was not associated with oral cancer risk. Our findings indicate that miR-34b/c hypermethylation and low miR-34b expression could promote the progression and predict the poor prognosis for HPV-negative OSCC, which suggests miR-34b/c as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for OSCC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Supic
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia.
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11002, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Debora Stefik
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11002, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Ivkovic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11002, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ahmad Sami
- Cellular and Molecular Radiation Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitaetsmedizin Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katarina Zeljic
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sasa Jovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ruzica Kozomara
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danilo Vojvodic
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11002, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Srboljub Stosic
- Faculty of Medicine, Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
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Sais D, Munger K, Tran N. The dynamic interactome of microRNAs and the human papillomavirus in head and neck cancers. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 51:87-95. [PMID: 34627109 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Human Papillomavirus type 16 is a major etiologic factor for a subset of Head and Neck cancers. These cancers of the oropharyngeal region are growing, and it is expected to exceed cervical cancers in the near future. The major oncogenes E6 and E7 mediate many of the early transformation stages targeting p53 and other tumour suppressor genes. The majority of this regulation is centred on protein coding genes but more recently small non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs are also regulated by HPV16. However, the system-wide impact of HPV16 on miRNAs is yet to be fully understood. To fully gauge the overall relationship between HPV16 and miRNAs, several studies have devised dynamic interactomes which encompass viral oncogenes, miRNAs and gene targets. These interactomes map potential pathways which permit the identification of possible mechanistic links. Our review will discuss the latest developments in using viral interactomes to understand viral mechanisms and how these approaches may aid in the elucidation of potential druggable pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayna Sais
- School Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karl Munger
- Biochemistry Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Nham Tran
- School Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
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Näsman A, Holzhauser S, Kostopoulou ON, Zupancic M, Ährlund-Richter A, Du J, Dalianis T. Prognostic Markers and Driver Genes and Options for Targeted Therapy in Human-Papillomavirus-Positive Tonsillar and Base-of-Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050910. [PMID: 34069114 PMCID: PMC8156012 DOI: 10.3390/v13050910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Human-papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) tonsillar and base-of-tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC and BOTSCC, respectively) is increasing epidemically, but they have better prognosis than equivalent HPV-negative (HPV−) cancers, with roughly 80% vs. 50% 3-year disease-free survival, respectively. The majority of HPV+ TSCC and BOTSCC patients therefore most likely do not require the intensified chemoradiotherapy given today to head and neck cancer patients and would with de-escalated therapy avoid several severe side effects. Moreover, for those with poor prognosis, survival has not improved, so better-tailored alternatives are urgently needed. In line with refined personalized medicine, recent studies have focused on identifying predictive markers and driver cancer genes useful for better stratifying patient treatment as well as for targeted therapy. This review presents some of these endeavors and briefly describes some recent experimental progress and some clinical trials with targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Näsman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Stefan Holzhauser
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Ourania N. Kostopoulou
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Mark Zupancic
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Andreas Ährlund-Richter
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor Biology and Cellular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Tina Dalianis
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J6:20, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.N.); (S.H.); (O.N.K.); (M.Z.); (A.Ä.-R.)
- Correspondence:
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Balachandra S, Kusin SB, Lee R, Blackwell JM, Tiro JA, Cowell LG, Chiang CM, Wu SY, Varma S, Rivera EL, Mayo HG, Ding L, Sumer BD, Lea JS, Bagrodia A, Farkas LM, Wang R, Fakhry C, Dahlstrom KR, Sturgis EM, Day AT. Blood-based biomarkers of human papillomavirus-associated cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer 2021; 127:850-864. [PMID: 33270909 PMCID: PMC8135101 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the significant societal burden of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers, clinical screening interventions for HPV-associated noncervical cancers are not available. Blood-based biomarkers may help close this gap in care. METHODS Five databases were searched, 5687 articles were identified, and 3631 unique candidate titles and abstracts were independently reviewed by 2 authors; 702 articles underwent a full-text review. Eligibility criteria included the assessment of a blood-based biomarker within a cohort or case-control study. RESULTS One hundred thirty-seven studies were included. Among all biomarkers assessed, HPV-16 E seropositivity and circulating HPV DNA were most significantly correlated with HPV-associated cancers in comparison with cancer-free controls. In most scenarios, HPV-16 E6 seropositivity varied nonsignificantly according to tumor type, specimen collection timing, and anatomic site (crude odds ratio [cOR] for p16+ or HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer [OPC], 133.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 59.40-298.21; cOR for HPV-unspecified OPC, 25.41; 95% CI, 8.71-74.06; cOR for prediagnostic HPV-unspecified OPC, 59.00; 95% CI, 15.39-226.25; cOR for HPV-unspecified cervical cancer, 12.05; 95% CI, 3.23-44.97; cOR for HPV-unspecified anal cancer, 73.60; 95% CI, 19.68-275.33; cOR for HPV-unspecified penile cancer, 16.25; 95% CI, 2.83-93.48). Circulating HPV-16 DNA was a valid biomarker for cervical cancer (cOR, 15.72; 95% CI, 3.41-72.57). In 3 cervical cancer case-control studies, cases exhibited unique microRNA expression profiles in comparison with controls. Other assessed biomarker candidates were not valid. CONCLUSIONS HPV-16 E6 antibodies and circulating HPV-16 DNA are the most robustly analyzed and most promising blood-based biomarkers for HPV-associated cancers to date. Comparative validity analyses are warranted. Variations in tumor type-specific, high-risk HPV DNA prevalence according to anatomic site and world region highlight the need for biomarkers targeting more high-risk HPV types. Further investigation of blood-based microRNA expression profiling appears indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebecca Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Jasmin A. Tiro
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lindsay G. Cowell
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Shwu-Yuan Wu
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sanskriti Varma
- Department of Internal Medicine, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital–Columbia Campus, New York, New York
| | - Erika L. Rivera
- Department of General Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Helen G. Mayo
- Digital Library and Learning Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Lianghao Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Baran D. Sumer
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jayanthi S. Lea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Aditya Bagrodia
- Department of Urology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Linda M. Farkas
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Richard Wang
- Department of Dermatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Carole Fakhry
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kristina R. Dahlstrom
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Erich M. Sturgis
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew T. Day
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Emmett SE, Stark MS, Pandeya N, Panizza B, Whiteman DC, Antonsson A. MicroRNA expression is associated with human papillomavirus status and prognosis in mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Oral Oncol 2021; 113:105136. [PMID: 33422804 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.105136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The major cause of mucosal squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCCs) has been attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Here we investigate if microRNA expression in HNSCC can be used as a prognostic tool with or without HPV status. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a discovery miRNA microarray (miRBase v.21) profiling of 52 tonsillar SCCs with TaqMan real-time PCR validation of 228 HNSCCs. Patients had a histologically confirmed primary SCC of the oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx or larynx. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the magnitude of the effect of association with clinical factors and miRNAs associated with HPV status. For recurrence and survival analysis, we used unadjusted and multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression models. RESULTS Seventeen miRNAs were significantly associated with better prognosis in the discovery phase and were validated in the extended dataset. The best fitting model (AUC = 0.92) for HPV status included age, smoking, and miRNAs: miR-15b, miR-20b, miR-29a, miR-29c, miR-142, miR-146a and miR-205. Using Cox regression model for recurrence, miR-29a was associated with 49% increased risk of recurrence while miR-30e and miR-342 were associated with decreased risk of recurrence with HRs 0.92 (95% CI 0.85-0.99) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.73-0.98), respectively. Our best fitting model for survival included age, gender, alcohol consumption, N stage, recurrence, HPV status, together with miRNAs-20b, 29a, and 342. CONCLUSION miRNAs show potential to serve as usual biomarkers to predict the clinical course of patients with mucosal HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Emmett
- Department of Population Health, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - M S Stark
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - N Pandeya
- Department of Population Health, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - B Panizza
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - D C Whiteman
- Department of Population Health, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - A Antonsson
- Department of Population Health, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Takeuchi T, Kawasaki H, Luce A, Cossu AM, Misso G, Scrima M, Bocchetti M, Ricciardiello F, Caraglia M, Zappavigna S. Insight toward the MicroRNA Profiling of Laryngeal Cancers: Biological Role and Clinical Impact. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3693. [PMID: 32456271 PMCID: PMC7279294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a heterogeneous disease arising from various anatomical locations including the larynx, is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite advances in multimodality treatment, the overall survival rate of the disease is still largely dismal. Early and accurate diagnosis of HNSCC is urgently demanded in order to prevent cancer progression and to improve the quality of the patient's life. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), a family of small non-coding RNAs, have been widely reported as new robust tools for prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic approaches of human diseases. Abnormally expressed miRNAs are strongly associated with cancer development, resistance to chemo-/radiotherapy, and metastatic potential through targeting a large variety of genes. In this review, we summarize on the recent reports that emphasize the pivotal biological roles of miRNAs in regulating carcinogenesis of HNSCC, particularly laryngeal cancer. In more detail, we report the characterized miRNAs with an evident either oncogenic or tumor suppressive role in the cancers. In addition, we also focus on the correlation between miRNA deregulation and clinical relevance in cancer patients. On the basis of intriguing findings, the study of miRNAs will provide a new great opportunity to access better clinical management of the malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Takeuchi
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (T.T.); (H.K.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (G.M.); (M.B.); (S.Z.)
- Molecular Diagnostics Division, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hiroshima 739-1195, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Kawasaki
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (T.T.); (H.K.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (G.M.); (M.B.); (S.Z.)
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hiroshima 739-1195, Japan
| | - Amalia Luce
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (T.T.); (H.K.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (G.M.); (M.B.); (S.Z.)
| | - Alessia Maria Cossu
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (T.T.); (H.K.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (G.M.); (M.B.); (S.Z.)
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Molecular and Precision Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Misso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (T.T.); (H.K.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (G.M.); (M.B.); (S.Z.)
| | - Marianna Scrima
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Molecular and Precision Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy;
| | - Marco Bocchetti
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (T.T.); (H.K.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (G.M.); (M.B.); (S.Z.)
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Molecular and Precision Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy;
| | | | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (T.T.); (H.K.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (G.M.); (M.B.); (S.Z.)
- Biogem Scarl, Institute of Genetic Research, Laboratory of Molecular and Precision Oncology, 83031 Ariano Irpino, Italy;
| | - Silvia Zappavigna
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (T.T.); (H.K.); (A.L.); (A.M.C.); (G.M.); (M.B.); (S.Z.)
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Näsman A, Du J, Dalianis T. A global epidemic increase of an HPV-induced tonsil and tongue base cancer - potential benefit from a pan-gender use of HPV vaccine. J Intern Med 2020; 287:134-152. [PMID: 31733108 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In 2007, human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 was finally recognized as a risk factor, besides smoking and alcohol, for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), including tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), by the International Agency for Research against Cancer. Just before, in 2006, the Food and Drug Administration had approved Gardasil, the first vaccine against HPV16, 18, 6 and 11, for preventive vaccination women against cervical cancer. Concurrently, some Western countries, where smoking was decreasing, disclosed an epidemic increase in the incidence of OPSCC, especially of TSCC and base of tongue cancer (BOTSCC), together accounting for 80-90% of all OPSCCs, and mainly affecting men. The epidemic was later revealed to be due to a rise in HPV-positive cases, and scientists in the field suggested HPV vaccination also of boys. Globally, there are roughly 96 000 incident OPSCC cases/year of which 20-24% are caused by HPV, thereby accounting for around 22 000 OPSCC cases annually. Of these cases, 80-90% are due to HPV16 infection and would be prevented with the presently registered HPV vaccines. In Western countries, such as Sweden (with almost 400 TSCC and BOTSCC cases per year) and the United States, HPV prevalence in OPSCC is higher and around 70%. HPV vaccination of girls has been initiated in many countries, and the vaccines have been efficient and their side effects limited. HPV vaccination of boys has, however, been the exception, but should definitely not be delayed any further. It would benefit both girls and boys directly, and result in better and more robust herd immunity. Today, we have the possibility to eliminate several high-risk HPV types in the younger generations and avoid more than 600 000 cancer cases annually worldwide, and this possibility should be embraced by offering global pan-gender HPV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Näsman
- From the, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Du
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor Biology and Cell Biology, Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Dalianis
- From the, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Panarese I, Aquino G, Ronchi A, Longo F, Montella M, Cozzolino I, Roccuzzo G, Colella G, Caraglia M, Franco R. Oral and Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: prognostic and predictive parameters in the etiopathogenetic route. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2019; 19:105-119. [PMID: 30582397 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2019.1561288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC and OPSCC) represents an increasing problem in the global public health. Indeed, squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignancy in oral cavity and 1 of the 10 most common cancers worldwide. According to the most recent GLOBOCAN estimate in Europe between 2012 and 2015, there was an overall increasing incidence and mortality for oral cancer, mostly HPV-related in the oropharyngeal region with evidence of significant differences from the prognostic and therapeutic point of view. Areas covered: Until now, the management of the patients is based on classical histologic parameters such as TNM and tumor grading, but new molecular and cell markers have been investigated to improve patients' treatment and survival. Therefore, there is a need for new biomarkers characterizing the cancer diversity, with the consequent possibility of patient stratification for specific treatment. Expert commentary: This review aims to discuss some of the most relevant and novel genetic, epigenetic, and histological prognostic biomarkers in oral cancer, highlighting the main differences between HPV-unrelated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) that may aid in stratifying prognostic subgroups and rationalizing treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacopo Panarese
- a Pathology Unit, Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine Department , Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , Naples , Italy
| | - Gabriella Aquino
- b Pathology Unit , Istituto dei Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale', IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Andrea Ronchi
- a Pathology Unit, Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine Department , Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , Naples , Italy
| | - Francesco Longo
- c Head and Neck Surgery Unit , Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, "Fondazione G. Pascale", IRCCS , Naples , Italy
| | - Marco Montella
- a Pathology Unit, Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine Department , Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , Naples , Italy
| | - Immacolata Cozzolino
- a Pathology Unit, Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine Department , Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , Naples , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Roccuzzo
- a Pathology Unit, Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine Department , Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , Naples , Italy
| | - Giuseppe Colella
- d Maxillo-Facial Unit, Multidisciplinary Department of Medical, Surgical and Dental Specialties , Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , Naples , Italy
| | - Michele Caraglia
- e Department of Precision Medicine , University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli" , Naples , Italy
| | - Renato Franco
- a Pathology Unit, Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine Department , Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli' , Naples , Italy
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10
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MicroRNA-155, -185 and -193b as biomarkers in human papillomavirus positive and negative tonsillar and base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2018; 82:8-16. [PMID: 29909906 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2018.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Three-year disease-free survival (DFS) is 80% for human papillomavirus (HPV) positive tonsillar and base of tongue cancer (TSCC/BOTSCC) treated with radiotherapy alone, and today's intensified therapy does not improve prognosis. More markers are therefore needed to more accurately identify patients with good prognosis or in need of alternative therapy. Here, microRNAs (miRs) 155, 185 and 193b were examined as potential prognostic markers in TSCC/BOTSCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS 168 TSCC/BOTSCC patients diagnosed 2000-2013, with known data on HPV-status, CD8+ tumour infiltrating lymphocytes, tumour staging and survival were examined for expression of miR-155, -185 and -193b using Real-Time PCR. Associations between miR expression and patient and tumour characteristics were analysed using univariate testing and multivariate regression. RESULTS Tumours compared to normal tonsils showed decreased miR-155 and increased miR-193b expression. miR-155 expression was associated with HPV-positivity, low T-stage, high CD8+ TIL counts and improved survival. miR-185 expression was associated with HPV-negativity and a tendency towards decreased survival, while miR-193b expression was associated with higher T-stage, male gender and lower CD8+ TIL counts, but not with outcome. Upon Cox regression, miR-185 was the only miR significantly associated with survival. Combining miR-155 and miR-185 to predict outcome in HPV+ patients yielded an area under curve (AUC) of 71%. CONCLUSION Increased miR-155 expression was found as a positive predictor of survival, with the effect mainly due to its association with high CD8+ TIL numbers, while miR-185 independently associated with decreased survival. Addition of these miRs to previously validated prognostic biomarkers could improve patient stratification accuracy.
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11
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Wittekindt C, Wagner S, Sharma SJ, Würdemann N, Knuth J, Reder H, Klußmann JP. [HPV - A different view on Head and Neck Cancer]. Laryngorhinootologie 2018; 97:S48-S113. [PMID: 29905354 PMCID: PMC6540966 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-121596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer with over 500000 annually reported incident cases worldwide. Besides major risk factors tobacco and alcohol, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) show increased association with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-associated and HPV-negative OSCC are 2 different entities regarding biological characteristics, therapeutic response, and patient prognosis. In HPV OSCC, viral oncoprotein activity, as well as genetic (mutations and chromosomal aberrations) and epigenetic alterations plays a key role during carcinogenesis. Based on improved treatment response, the introduction of therapy de-intensification and targeted therapy is discussed for patients with HPV OSCC. A promising targeted therapy concept is immunotherapy. The use of checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. anti-PD1) is currently investigated. By means of liquid biopsies, biomarkers such as viral DNA or tumor mutations in the will soon be available for disease monitoring, as well as detection of treatment failure. By now, primary prophylaxis of HPV OSCC can be achieved by vaccination of girls and boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Wittekindt
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Steffen Wagner
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Shachi Jenny Sharma
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Nora Würdemann
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Jennifer Knuth
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Henrike Reder
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
| | - Jens Peter Klußmann
- Klinik für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf-/Halschirurgie, Plastische Operationen, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Gießen
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12
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Cao M, Zheng L, Liu J, Dobleman T, Hu S, Go VLW, Gao G, Xiao GG. MicroRNAs as effective surrogate biomarkers for early diagnosis of oral cancer. Clin Oral Investig 2018; 22:571-581. [PMID: 29299731 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-017-2317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OC) are life-threatening diseases emerging as major international health concerns. OBJECTIVE Development of an efficient clinical strategy for early diagnosis of the disease is a key for reducing the death rate. Biomarkers are proven to be an effective approach for clinical diagnosis of cancer. Although mechanisms underlying regulation of oral malignancy are still unclear, microRNAs (miRNAs) as a group of small non-coded RNAs may be developed as the effective biomarkers used for early detection of oral cancer. METHODS A literature search was conducted using the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The following search terms were used: miRNAs and oral cancer or oral carcinoma. A critical appraisal of the included studies was performed with upregulated miRNAs and downregulated miRNAs in oral cancer. RESULTS In this review, we summarize the research progress made in miRNAs for diagnosis of oral cancer. The involvement of miRNAs identified in signal transduction pathways in OC, including Ras/MAPK signaling, PI3K/AKT signaling, JAK/STAT signaling, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS A number of studies demonstrated that miRNAs may be developed as an ideal set of biomarkers used for early diagnosis and prognosis of cancers because of the stability in human peripheral blood and body fluids and availability of non-invasive approaches being developed for clinical utility. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These findings suggest that miRNAs as biomarkers may be useful for diagnosis of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Lijuan Zheng
- Geriatric Department of Stomatology, Dalian Stomatology Hospital, Dalian, 116021, China
| | - Jianzhou Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China
| | - Thomas Dobleman
- Genomics and Functional Proteomics Laboratories, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA
| | - Shen Hu
- School of Dentistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Vay Liang W Go
- UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, 900 Veteran Avenue, Warren Hall 13-146, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1786, USA
| | - Ge Gao
- Faculty of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya Medical College of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Gary Guishan Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China. .,Genomics and Functional Proteomics Laboratories, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68131, USA. .,UCLA Agi Hirshberg Center for Pancreatic Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, 900 Veteran Avenue, Warren Hall 13-146, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1786, USA.
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13
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Fukusumi T, Guo TW, Sakai A, Ando M, Ren S, Haft S, Liu C, Amornphimoltham P, Gutkind JS, Califano JA. The NOTCH4- HEY1 Pathway Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 24:619-633. [PMID: 29146722 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Recently, several comprehensive genomic analyses demonstrated NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in approximately 20% of cases. Similar to other types of cancers, these studies also indicate that the NOTCH pathway is closely related to HNSCC progression. However, the role of NOTCH4 in HNSCC is less well understood.Experimental Design: We analyzed NOTCH4 pathway and downstream gene expression in the TCGA data set. To explore the functional role of NOTCH4, we performed in vitro proliferation, cisplatin viability, apoptosis, and cell-cycle assays. We also compared the relationships among NOTCH4, HEY1, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes using the TCGA data set and in vitro assays.Results:HEY1 is specifically upregulated in HNSCC compared with normal tissues in the TCGA data set. NOTCH4 is more significantly related to HEY1 activation in HNSCC in comparison with other NOTCH receptors. NOTCH4 promotes cell proliferation, cisplatin resistance, inhibition of apoptosis, and cell-cycle dysregulation. Furthermore, NOTCH4 and HEY1 upregulation resulted in decreased E-cadherin expression and increased Vimentin, Fibronectin, TWIST1, and SOX2 expression. NOTCH4 and HEY1 expression was associated with an EMT phenotype as well as increased invasion and cell migration.Conclusions: In HNSCC, the NOTCH4-HEY1 pathway is specifically upregulated, induces proliferation and cisplatin resistance, and promotes EMT. Clin Cancer Res; 24(3); 619-33. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Fukusumi
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Theresa W Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Akihiro Sakai
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Mizuo Ando
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Shuling Ren
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sunny Haft
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Chao Liu
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Joseph A Califano
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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