Propranolol inhibits cell viability and expression of the pro-tumorigenic proteins Akt, NF-ĸB, and VEGF in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Antihypertensive agent losartan promotes tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation via EGFR/ERK1/2/cyclin D1 signaling axis

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, in the SCC4 and SCC25 human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.

METHODS

Cell proliferation was measured by MTS/PMS activity and trypan blue exclusion assays. The levels of the cell proliferation marker, cyclin D1, were analyzed by western blotting. Apoptosis was assessed by caspase-3 activation and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide double staining. Activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ERK1/2 was validated by western blotting.

RESULTS

Moderate concentrations of losartan enhanced the proliferation of SCC4 and SCC25 cells. However, high losartan concentrations induced apoptosis in SCC4 cells. Losartan activated the EGFR/ERK1/2/cyclin D1 signaling axis, which in turn promoted cell proliferation. Afatinib (EGFR inhibitor) and U0126 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) abolished losartan-induced cell proliferation. In contrast, UC2288 (p21 inhibitor) enhanced it.

CONCLUSIONS

Losartan exhibited dual effects on tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells. Moderate losartan concentrations facilitated cell proliferation, whereas high concentrations induced cytotoxicity in tongue carcinoma cells.

The multifaceted role of beta-blockers in overcoming cancer progression and drug resistance: Extending beyond cardiovascular disorders

Beta-blockers are commonly used medications that antagonize β-adrenoceptors, reducing sympathetic nervous system activity. Emerging evidence suggests that beta-blockers may also have anticancer effects and help overcome drug resistance in cancer treatment. This review summarizes the contribution of different isoforms of beta-adrenoceptors in cancer progression, the current preclinical and clinical data on associations between beta-blockers use and cancer outcomes, as well as their ability to enhance responses to chemotherapy and other standard therapies. We discuss proposed mechanisms, including effects on angiogenesis, metastasis, cancer stem cells, and apoptotic pathways. Overall, results from epidemiological studies and small clinical trials largely indicate the beneficial effects of beta-blockers on cancer progression and drug resistance. However, larger randomized controlled trials are needed to firmly establish their clinical efficacy and optimal utilization as adjuvant agents in cancer therapy.

Single-Cell Molecular Profiling of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Five Dysregulated Signaling Pathways Associated With Circulating Tumor Cells

OBJECTIVES

To determine the dysregulated signaling pathways of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) via single-cell molecular characterization.

INTRODUCTION

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a significant global burden and is a disease with poor survival. Despite trials exploring new treatment modalities to improve disease control rates, the 5 year survival rate remains low at only 60%. Most cancer malignancies are reported to progress to a fatal phase due to the metastatic activity derived from treatment-resistant cancer cells, regarded as one of the most significant obstacles to develope effective cancer treatment options. However, the molecular profiles of cancer cells have not been thoroughly studied.

METHODS

Here, we examined in-situ HNSCC tumors and pairwisely followed up with the downstream circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-based on the surrogate biomarkers to detect metastasis that is established in other cancers - not yet being fully adopted in HNSCC treatment algorithms.

RESULTS

Specifically, we revealed metastatic HNSCC patients have complex CTCs that could be defined through gene expression and mutational gene profiling derived from completed single-cell RNASeq (scRNASeq) that served to confirm molecular pathways inherent in these CTCs. To enhance the reliability of our findings, we cross-validated those molecular profiles with results from previously published studies.

CONCLUSION

Thus, we identified 5 dysregulated signaling pathways in CTCs to derive HNSCC biomarker panels for screening HNSCC in situ tumors.

Trial watch: beta-blockers in cancer therapy

Compelling evidence supports the hypothesis that stress negatively impacts cancer development and prognosis. Irrespective of its physical, biological or psychological source, stress triggers a physiological response that is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic adrenal medullary axis. The resulting release of glucocorticoids and catecholamines into the systemic circulation leads to neuroendocrine and metabolic adaptations that can affect immune homeostasis and immunosurveillance, thus impairing the detection and eradication of malignant cells. Moreover, catecholamines directly act on β-adrenoreceptors present on tumor cells, thereby stimulating survival, proliferation, and migration of nascent neoplasms. Numerous preclinical studies have shown that blocking adrenergic receptors slows tumor growth, suggesting potential clinical benefits of using β-blockers in cancer therapy. Much of these positive effects of β-blockade are mediated by improved immunosurveillance. The present trial watch summarizes current knowledge from preclinical and clinical studies investigating the anticancer effects of β-blockers either as standalone agents or in combination with conventional antineoplastic treatments or immunotherapy.

The Influence of the Exposome in the Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a Multicenter Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION

The concept of exposome refers to the total of harmful and beneficial environmental exposures that can help predict the organism's biological responses over time. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sun exposure has been recognized as the main etiological agent of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one most commonly associated with chronic exposure. However, in recent years, evidence suggests that lifestyle, environmental pollution, and contaminants in water and food can have an influence.

OBJECTIVES

To study the relationship between SCC and sun exposure, pollution, stress, and lifestyle in a Spanish cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

A multicenter case-control study was carried out in which 13 dermatologists from different regions of Spain recruited cases and controls between April 2020 and August 2022. The group of cases were patients diagnosed with SCC and, as a control group, people who attended Dermatology consultations as companions with no history of skin cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients with SCC and 126 controls were included (62.9% males, median age 76.46 (10.1) and 33.3%, median age 55.7 (15), respectively). The SCC group had experienced more outside work than the controls (75% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.001), less recreational exposure (sunbathing, p = 0.05, and outdoor sports, p = 0.01), and a lower annual income (p = 0.01), with an increase in tobacco exposure (p < 0.001), without differences in other carcinogens, such as ionizing radiation or chemical exposure. The control group had a higher daily screentime use (p < 0.001) and practiced more relaxation activities (p = 0.03). A higher linolenic acid intake and lower coffee consumption were the only dietary variables associated with SCC (p < 0.05). Some chronic medications (anxiolytics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, statins, hydrochlorothiazide, ACE inhibitors, metformin, and omeprazole) were also statistically associated with SCC. Statistical significance for all aforementioned variables was maintained in the multivariate analysis (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study found a significant association between SCC and multiple exposome-related factors in addition to chronic sun exposure in the Spanish population. Primary prevention strategies should target specific populations, such as outdoor workers promoting sun-safe behaviors and stress-reducing activities, in addition to adequate skin photoprotection in patients under certain medications associated with SCC.

Xanol Promotes Apoptosis and Autophagy and Inhibits Necroptosis and Metastasis via the Inhibition of AKT Signaling in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Angelica keiskei Koidzumi (A. keiskei) is used as a traditional medicine, anti-aging agent, and health food, as well as to restore vitality. Xanthoangelol (xanol), a prenylated chalcone, is the predominant constituent of A. keiskei. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common malignancy, has a high proliferation rate and frequent metastasis. However, it is unknown whether xanol has anti-OSCC effects on apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis. In the present study, we purified xanol from A. keiskei and demonstrated that it suppressed cell proliferation and induced cytotoxicity in human OSCC. Xanol triggered apoptotic cell death by regulating apoptotic machinery molecules but inhibited necroptotic cell death by dephosphorylating the necroptotic machinery molecules RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL in human OSCC. We also found that xanol inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K pathway and induced autophagosome formation by enhancing beclin-1 and LC3 expression levels and reducing p62 expression levels. Furthermore, we showed that xanol prevented the metastatic phenotypes of human OSCC by inhibiting migration and invasion via the reduction of MMP13 and VEGF. Finally, we demonstrated that xanol exerted anticancer effects on tumorigenicity associated with its transformed properties. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the anticancer effects and biological mechanism of action of xanol as an effective phytomedicine for human OSCC.

Combination Therapy as a Promising Way to Fight Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a highly aggressive tumor with invasive properties that can lead to metastasis and high mortality rates. Conventional treatment strategies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, alone or in combination, are associated with significant side effects. Currently, combination therapy has become the standard practice for the treatment of locally advanced oral cancer, emerging as an effective approach in improving outcomes. In this review, we present an in-depth analysis of the current advancements in combination therapies for oral cancer. The review explores the current therapeutic options and highlights the limitations of monotherapy approaches. It then focuses on combinatorial approaches that target microtubules, as well as various signaling pathway components implicated in oral cancer progression, namely, DNA repair players, the epidermal growth factor receptor, cyclin-dependent kinases, epigenetic readers, and immune checkpoint proteins. The review discusses the rationale behind combining different agents and examines the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of these combinations, emphasizing their ability to enhance treatment response and overcome drug resistance. Challenges and limitations associated with combination therapy are discussed, including potential toxicity and the need for personalized treatment approaches. A future perspective is also provided to highlight the existing challenges and possible resolutions toward the clinical translation of current oral cancer therapies.

The 3D's of Neural Phenotypes in Oral Cancer: Distance, Diameter, and Density

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OSCC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer; survival is poor, and response to treatment varies. Metastasis or recurrence in the regional lymph nodes is associated with poor survival. Consequently, overt or occult spread to the lymph nodes is used to identify patients who will receive adjuvant radiation therapy. Perineural invasion and the diameter of nerves exhibiting perineural invasion have also been suggested to be of prognostic significance. The explosion of interest in cancer neuroscience in the last two decades has led to novel biological insights into interactions between nerves and tumor cells. However, the criteria for defining perineural invasion have lagged behind current knowledge. It is important to re-evaluate the concept of perineural invasion and identify other neural phenotypes in OSCC that can impact treatment selection and prognosis. In addition to perineural invasion, neural phenotypes that are of potential relevance to tumor progression include nerve-tumor distance, nerve diameter, and nerve density. This manuscript discusses the translational significance of recent mechanistic studies on the progression of oral cancer.