Phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor expression and KRAS mutation status in salivary gland carcinomas

Molecular testing in salivary gland cytopathology: A practical overview in conjunction with the Milan system

Recently, significant advances in the molecular characterization of salivary gland neoplasms have facilitated the classification and diagnosis of specific diagnostic entities. In the highly challenging diagnostic scenario of salivary malignancies, molecular testing is increasingly being adopted in routine practice to refine the cytological diagnosis of salivary lesions. Here, we reviewed the most recent evidence in the field of salivary glands molecular cytopathology.

Management of Salivary Gland Malignancy: ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations for practicing physicians and other healthcare providers on the management of salivary gland malignancy.

METHODS

ASCO convened an Expert Panel of medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, neuroradiology, pathology, and patient advocacy experts to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 2000 through 2020. Outcomes of interest included survival, diagnostic accuracy, disease recurrence, and quality of life. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 293 relevant studies to inform the evidence base for this guideline. Six main clinical questions were addressed, which included subquestions on preoperative evaluations, surgical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, appropriate radiotherapy techniques, the role of systemic therapy, and follow-up evaluations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

When possible, evidence-based recommendations were developed to address the diagnosis and appropriate preoperative evaluations for patients with a salivary gland malignancy, therapeutic procedures, and appropriate treatment options in various salivary gland histologies.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/head-neck-cancer-guidelines.

Annexin A1 regulates EGFR activity and alters EGFR-containing tumour-derived exosomes in head and neck cancers

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the 6th most common cancer with approximately half a million cases diagnosed each year worldwide. HNSCC has a poor survival rate which has not improved for over 30 years. The molecular pathogenesis of HNSCCs remains largely unresolved; there is high prevalence of p53 mutations and EGFR overexpression; however, the contribution of these molecular changes to disease development and/or progression remains unknown. We have recently identified microRNA miR-196a to be highly overexpressed in HNSCC with poor prognosis. Oncogenic miR-196a directly targets Annexin A1 (ANXA1). Although increased ANXA1 expression levels have been associated with breast cancer development, its role in HNSCC is debatable and its functional contribution to HNSCC development remains unclear.

METHODS

ANXA1 mRNA and protein expression levels were determined by RNA Seq analysis and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Gain- and loss-of-function studies were performed to analyse the effects of ANXA1 modulation on cell proliferation, mechanism of activation of EGFR signalling as well as on exosome production and exosomal phospho-EGFR.

RESULTS

ANXA1 was found to be downregulated in head and neck cancer tissues, both at mRNA and protein level. Its anti-proliferative effects were mediated through the intracellular form of the protein. Importantly, ANXA1 downregulation resulted in increased phosphorylation and activity of EGFR and its downstream PI3K-AKT signalling. Additionally, ANXA1 modulation affected exosome production and influenced the release of exosomal phospho-EGFR.

CONCLUSIONS

ANXA1 acts as a tumour suppressor in HNSCC. It is involved in the regulation of EGFR activity and exosomal phospho-EGFR release and could be an important prognostic biomarker.