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PD1+CD8+ Cells Are an Independent Prognostic Marker in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112794. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) belong to a group of diverse tumors, which can be induced by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) or tobacco and alcohol consumption. The viral etiology of HNSCC relates to better clinical outcomes reflecting a different immune system response. Here, we retrospectively analyzed 97 tissue samples from oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas associated and non-associated with HPV infection using multispectral fluorescent immunohistochemistry. To evaluate the immune cell infiltration in tumor and stroma compartments, we designed four panels of four to five antibodies. We detected more T lymphocytes in the stroma, compared to the tumor parenchyma. In HPV positive (HPV+) in comparison to HPV negative (HPV−) tumors, higher counts of CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, PD1+CD4+, PD1+CD8+ T cells, and ICOS− Treg cells were detected while more ICOS+ Treg cells and CTLA4+CD4+ T cells were observed in HPV− than in HPV+ tumors. The results of the univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed the predominant impact of HPV status on prognosis. More importantly, the number of CD8+PD-1+ T cells was identified as an independent factor, influencing the overall and/or disease-specific survival of patients with oral cavity or oropharyngeal carcinomas.
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Hur JY, Ku BM, Park S, Jung HA, Lee SH, Ahn MJ. Prognostic value of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells for patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274830. [PMID: 36201479 PMCID: PMC9536544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is the most common neoplasm originating at the base of the tongue or in the tonsils or soft palate. In this study, we investigated the prognostic value of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells in OPSCC. METHODS Tumor tissues of patients with locally advanced OPSCC were analyzed using quantitative multiplex immunohistochemistry. Staining of CD8+ T cells, conventional CD4+FOXP3- T cells (Tconv cells), CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells), CD20+ B cells, and CD68+ macrophages was performed, and cell density was evaluated in both the tumor and its stroma. RESULTS Among the 71 patients included in this study, males constituted 93.0% of the cohort, and the median age was 59 years (range: 42-80 years). A total of 56 patients (78.9%) had a smoking history, and 53 (74.6%) patients were positive for human papillomavirus (HPV). The most frequent site of OPSCC was the tonsils (70.4%), followed by the base of the tongue (25.4%). The proportion of Treg cells was lower in the tumors of patients with HPV than in those of patients without HPV. Patients with OPSCC whose tumor Treg cell levels were above the median had longer relapse-free survival (RFS) periods than those with tumor Treg cell levels below the median (HR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03-0.46; p = 0.02). Our multivariate analysis identified high Treg levels (HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-1.00; p = 0.05) as an RFS factor that predicted a good prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that high Treg cell density in locally advanced OPSCC tumors was correlated with longer RFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Young Hur
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Mi Ku
- Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehhoon Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ae Jung
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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Furgiuele S, Descamps G, Lechien JR, Dequanter D, Journe F, Saussez S. Immunoscore Combining CD8, FoxP3, and CD68-Positive Cells Density and Distribution Predicts the Prognosis of Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132050. [PMID: 35805132 PMCID: PMC9266282 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed immune cell infiltrates to develop an immunoscore for prognosis and to investigate its correlation with the clinical data of patients with head and neck cancer. CD8, FoxP3, and CD68 markers were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 258 carcinoma samples and positive cells were counted in stromal and intra-tumoral compartments. The RStudio software was used to assess optimal cut-offs to divide the population according to survival while the prognostic value was established by using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression models for each immune marker alone and in combination. We found with univariate analysis that the infiltration of immune cells in both compartments was predictive for recurrence-free survival and overall survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that CD8+ density was an independent prognostic marker. Additionally, the combination of CD8, FoxP3, and CD68 in an immunoscore provided a significant association with overall survival (p = 0.002, HR = 9.87). Such an immunoscore stayed significant (p = 0.018, HR = 11.17) in a multivariate analysis in comparison to tumor stage and histological grade, which had lower prognostic values. Altogether, our analysis indicated that CD8, FoxP3, and CD68 immunoscore was a strong, independent, and significant prognostic marker that could be introduced into the landscape of current tools to improve the clinical management of head and neck cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Furgiuele
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (S.F.); (G.D.); (F.J.)
| | - Géraldine Descamps
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (S.F.); (G.D.); (F.J.)
| | - Jerome R. Lechien
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (J.R.L.); (D.D.)
| | - Didier Dequanter
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (J.R.L.); (D.D.)
| | - Fabrice Journe
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (S.F.); (G.D.); (F.J.)
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Institute Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sven Saussez
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (S.F.); (G.D.); (F.J.)
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (J.R.L.); (D.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-65-37-35-84
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Polesel J, Menegaldo A, Tirelli G, Giacomarra V, Guerrieri R, Baboci L, Casarotto M, Lupato V, Fanetti G, Boscolo-Rizzo P, Fratta E. Prognostic Significance of PD-L1 Expression In Patients With Primary Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:787864. [PMID: 34900743 PMCID: PMC8655333 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.787864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background At present, the prognostic significance of programmed cell death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients is still controversial. In this study, we aim to synthesize relevant studies that have assessed the prognostic value of PD-L1 in patients with primary OPSCC treated according to the current standard-of-care. Methods A systematic search of Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted to define the prognostic role of PD-L1 expression in OPSCC. All studies published before July 31, 2021 were screened. Summary hazard ratios (sHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Results A total of 1522 OPSCC patients from 12 studies were included. PD-L1 expression in OPSCC tumor cells (TCs) was significantly associated with longer overall survival (sHR=0.63, 95% CI 0.50-0.79), and progression-free survival (sHR=0.62, 95% CI 0.49-0.79). A benefit in survival was also observed in PD-L1-positive OPSCC patients who underwent surgery (sHR=0.34, 95% CI 0.18-0.65). Finally, although PD-L1-positive expression was related to better outcomes both in HPV-negative and HPV-positive OPSCC, the difference reached the statistical significance only in the HPV-positive subgroup (sHR=0.37, 95% CI 0.19-0.73). No heterogeneity emerged between studies for all considered outcomes, with I2 ranging from 0% for progression-free survival to 11% for overall survival. Conclusions PD-L1 expression on TCs associated with improved survival in OPSCC. In particular, HPV-positive OPSCC most benefited from PD-L1 expression when compared to the PD-L1 negative counterpart. Thus, PD-L1 might represent a useful biomarker to stratify prognosis in OPSCC in addition to HPV status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Polesel
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Anna Menegaldo
- Unit of Otolaryngology, AULSS 2 - Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Tirelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Vittorio Giacomarra
- Division of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | - Roberto Guerrieri
- Division of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Lorena Baboci
- Division of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Casarotto
- Division of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Valentina Lupato
- Division of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Pordenone, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanetti
- Division of Radiotherapy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Division of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
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De Keukeleire SJ, Vermassen T, Hilgert E, Creytens D, Ferdinande L, Rottey S. Immuno-Oncological Biomarkers for Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck: Current State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1714. [PMID: 33916646 PMCID: PMC8038541 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The era of immune checkpoint inhibitors has altered the therapeutic landscape in squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN). Our knowledge about the tumor microenvironment has fueled the research in SCCHN, leading to several well-known and less-known prognostic and predictive biomarkers. The clinical staging, p16/HPV status, and PD-L1 expression are currently the main tools for assessing the patients' diagnosis and prognosis. However, several novel biomarkers have been thoroughly investigated, some reaching actual significant clinical contributions. The untangling of the immune infiltrate with the subtyping of tissue-associated tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages, and circulating blood-based biomarkers are an interesting avenue to be further explored and prospectively assessed. Although PD-L1 expression remains the most important response predictor for immune checkpoint inhibitors, several flaws impede proper assessment such as technical issues, different scoring protocol, and intra-, inter-, and temporal heterogeneity. In addition, the construction of an immune-related gene panel has been proposed as a prognostic and predictive stratification but lacks consensus. Recently, the role of microbioma have also been explored regarding its systemic and antitumor immunity. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the aforementioned topics in SCCHN. To this end, the integration of these clinically advantageous biomarkers via construction of an immunogram or nomogram could be an invaluable tool for SCCHN in future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn J. De Keukeleire
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.V.); (S.R.)
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (E.H.); (D.C.); (L.F.)
- Drug Research Unit Ghent, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tijl Vermassen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.V.); (S.R.)
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (E.H.); (D.C.); (L.F.)
- Drug Research Unit Ghent, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elien Hilgert
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (E.H.); (D.C.); (L.F.)
- Centre for Medical Genetics Ghent (CMGG), University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - David Creytens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (E.H.); (D.C.); (L.F.)
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Ferdinande
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (E.H.); (D.C.); (L.F.)
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Rottey
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.V.); (S.R.)
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (E.H.); (D.C.); (L.F.)
- Drug Research Unit Ghent, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Welters MJP, Santegoets SJ, van der Burg SH. The Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:545385. [PMID: 33425717 PMCID: PMC7793705 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.545385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) develops as a consequence of several mutations in the tumor suppressor pathways or after a progressive infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV). The dismal side effects of the current standard of care and the clear involvement of the immune system has led to a surge in clinical trials that aim to reinforce the tumor-specific immune response as a new treatment option. In this review, we have focused on the most recent literature to discuss the new findings and insights on the role of different immune cells in the context of OPSCC and its etiology. We then applied this knowledge to describe potential biomarkers and analyzed the rationale and outcomes of earlier and ongoing immunotherapy trials. Finally, we describe new developments that are still at the preclinical phase and provide an outlook on what the near future may bring, now that several new and exciting techniques to study the immune system at the single cell level are being exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marij J P Welters
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Saskia J Santegoets
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Huang Y, Lin C, Kao HK, Hung SY, Ko HJ, Huang YC, Chang YL, Chang KP. Digital Image Analysis of CD8+ and CD3+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:8275-8285. [PMID: 32982423 PMCID: PMC7490039 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s255816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The presence of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has been reported to be associated with treatment outcomes in many types of solid tumors. However, the results vary due to the various methods of visual estimation and subjective interpretation. The current study is the first to use digital image analyses to evaluate the density of CD8+/CD3+ TILs in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Patients and Methods From 2005 to 2015, a cohort of 258 TSCC patients were consecutively enrolled in this study. After immunohistochemistry on representative sections, the density of CD8+/CD3+ TILs at tumor invasive margins was evaluated by digital image analysis. The subjects were stratified by the median values of CD3+ cell density, CD8+ cell density, CD8/CD3, and scores (0, 1, and 2) to demonstrate the association with various clinicopathological manifestations. Results Low CD8+ TIL counts were associated with advanced tumor stages (p=0.034), and low CD8/CD3 ratios were associated with perineural invasion (p=0.043). Both parameters were also associated with increased tumor depths (p=0.034 and 0.004, respectively). Univariate analyses revealed that advanced tumor stages, perineural invasion, extranodal extension, tumor depth, lower CD8 counts, and lower scores (score 0 vs 2) were associated with poorer overall survival, and multivariate analysis further indicated that extranodal extension and low scores (score 0 vs 2) were both independent factors for overall survival (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0369, respectively). Conclusion The use of digital image analysis to assess CD8+ TILs at the invasive margins provides an objective indicator of prognoses including overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenlin Huang
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chieh Lin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Kai Kao
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Yu Hung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ju Ko
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Huang
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Liang Chang
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Ping Chang
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Fewer tumour-specific PD-1 +CD8 + TILs in high-risk "Infiltrating" HPV - HNSCC. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:932-941. [PMID: 32616847 PMCID: PMC7492364 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0966-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of HPV- HNSCC was worse than that of HPV+ HNSCC. Analysis of tumours and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) may provide insight into the progression of HPV- HNSCC. METHODS The tumour and TIL phenotypic characteristics of 134 HNSCC specimens (HPV- tumours were classified into "Infiltrating" and "Pushing" subtypes based on their different tumour nest configuration and prognosis) were retrospectively analysed. HNSCC data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 263) were analysed for CD8α, HPV and overall survival (OS). A murine HNSCC model was used to verify the antitumour role of PD-1+CD8+ TILs. RESULTS The "Infiltrating" HPV- subtype showed shorter OS than the "Pushing" subtype. Moreover, there is a tendency from "Pushing" to "Infiltrating" subtype from the primary to the recurrent lesion. Different from total CD8+ TILs, tumour-specific PD-1+CD8+ TILs were fewer in invasive margin (IM) of "Infiltrating" HPV- tumours. PD-1+CD8+ TILs recognised autologous HNSCC cells and showed stronger inhibition of tumour growth in a murine HNSCC model resistant to PD-1 blockade. CONCLUSIONS Coevolution of HPV- HNSCC and TILs is characterised by an "Infiltrating" phenotype and less tumour-specific PD-1+CD8+ TILs, which may provide a framework for further translational studies and patient stratification.
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Wondergem NE, Nauta IH, Muijlwijk T, Leemans CR, van de Ven R. The Immune Microenvironment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: on Subsets and Subsites. Curr Oncol Rep 2020; 22:81. [PMID: 32602047 PMCID: PMC7324425 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-020-00938-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand why some patients respond to immunotherapy but many do not, a clear picture of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is key. Here we review the current understanding on the immune composition per HNSCC subsite, the importance of the tumor's etiology and the prognostic power of specific immune cells. RECENT FINDINGS Large cohort data are mostly based on deconvolution of transcriptional databases. Studies focusing on infiltrate localization often entail small cohorts, a mixture of HNSCC subsites, or focus on a single immune marker rather than the interaction between cells within the TME. Conclusions on the prognostic impact of specific immune cells in HNSCC are hampered by the use of heterogeneous or small cohorts. To move forward, the field should focus on deciphering the immune composition per HNSCC subsite, in powered cohorts and considering the molecular diversity in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels E Wondergem
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University medical center, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irene H Nauta
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University medical center, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tara Muijlwijk
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University medical center, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C René Leemans
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University medical center, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rieneke van de Ven
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University medical center, De Boelelaan, 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Lechien JR, Descamps G, Seminerio I, Furgiuele S, Dequanter D, Mouawad F, Badoual C, Journe F, Saussez S. HPV Involvement in the Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Treatment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051060. [PMID: 32344813 PMCID: PMC7281394 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Active human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been identified as an important additional risk factor and seems to be associated with a better prognosis in non-drinker and non-smoker young patients with oropharyngeal SCC. The better response of the immune system against the HPV-induced HNSCC is suspected as a potential explanation for the better prognosis of young patients. To further assess this hypothesis, our review aims to shed light the current knowledge about the impact of HPV infection on the immune response in the context of HNSCC, focusing on the innate immune system, particularly highlighting the role of macrophages, Langerhans and myeloid cells, and on the adaptative immune system, pointing out the involvement of T regulatory, T CD8 and T CD4 lymphocytes. In addition, we also review the preventive (HPV vaccines) and therapeutic (checkpoint inhibitors) strategies against HPV-related HNSCC, stressing the use of anti-CTLA4, PD-L1, PD-L2 antibodies alone and in combination with other agents able to modulate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme R. Lechien
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (J.R.L.); (D.D.)
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU of Lille, University Lille 2, 59000 Lille, France;
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (G.D.); (I.S.); (S.F.); (F.J.)
| | - Géraldine Descamps
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (G.D.); (I.S.); (S.F.); (F.J.)
| | - Imelda Seminerio
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (G.D.); (I.S.); (S.F.); (F.J.)
| | - Sonia Furgiuele
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (G.D.); (I.S.); (S.F.); (F.J.)
| | - Didier Dequanter
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (J.R.L.); (D.D.)
| | - Francois Mouawad
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU of Lille, University Lille 2, 59000 Lille, France;
| | - Cécile Badoual
- Department of anatomo-pathology, G Pompidou European Hospital, AP-HP, University of Paris, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Fabrice Journe
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (G.D.); (I.S.); (S.F.); (F.J.)
- Laboratory of Oncology and Experimental Surgery, Institute Jules Bordet, Free University of Brussels, Rue Heger-Bordet, 1, B1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sven Saussez
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; (J.R.L.); (D.D.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium; (G.D.); (I.S.); (S.F.); (F.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-65-37-35-84
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11
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Poropatich K, Paunesku T, Zander A, Wray B, Schipma M, Dalal P, Agulnik M, Chen S, Lai B, Antipova O, Maxey E, Brown K, Wanzer MB, Gursel D, Fan H, Rademaker A, Woloschak GE, Mittal BB. Elemental Zn and its Binding Protein Zinc-α2-Glycoprotein are Elevated in HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16965. [PMID: 31740720 PMCID: PMC6861298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is biologically distinct from HPV-negative HNSCC. Outside of HPV-status, few tumor-intrinsic variables have been identified that correlate to improved survival. As part of exploratory analysis into the trace elemental composition of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), we performed elemental quanitification by X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) on a small cohort (n = 32) of patients with HPV-positive and -negative OPSCC and identified in HPV-positive cases increased zinc (Zn) concentrations in tumor tissue relative to normal tissue. Subsequent immunohistochemistry of six Zn-binding proteins—zinc-α2-glycoprotein (AZGP1), Lipocalin-1, Albumin, S100A7, S100A8 and S100A9—revealed that only AZGP1 expression significantly correlated to HPV-status (p < 0.001) and was also increased in tumor relative to normal tissue from HPV-positive OPSCC tumor samples. AZGP1 protein expression in our cohort significantly correlated to a prolonged recurrence-free survival (p = 0.029), similar to HNSCC cases from the TCGA (n = 499), where highest AZGP1 mRNA levels correlated to improved overall survival (p = 0.023). By showing for the first time that HPV-positive OPSCC patients have increased intratumoral Zn levels and AZGP1 expression, we identify possible positive prognostic biomarkers in HNSCC as well as possible mechanisms of increased sensitivity to chemoradiation in HPV-positive OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Poropatich
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Tatjana Paunesku
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alia Zander
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian Wray
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Matthew Schipma
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Prarthana Dalal
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mark Agulnik
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Si Chen
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Barry Lai
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Olga Antipova
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Evan Maxey
- X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, Argonne, IL, 60439, USA
| | - Koshonna Brown
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael Beau Wanzer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Demirkan Gursel
- Northwestern University Pathology Core Facility, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hanli Fan
- Northwestern University Pathology Core Facility, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alfred Rademaker
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gayle E Woloschak
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bharat B Mittal
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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12
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Paintal AS, Brockstein BE. PD-L1 CPS Scoring Accuracy in Small Biopsies and Aspirate Cell Blocks from Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Head Neck Pathol 2019; 14:657-665. [PMID: 31721075 PMCID: PMC7413953 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-019-01097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the performance characteristics of PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) combined positive scoring (CPS) in core biopsies and aspirate cell blocks from patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSqCCa). PD-L1 IHC using the SP263 antibody was performed on 20 paired cases which consisted of a small biopsy and an excisional specimen. The scores were compared at both the 1% and 20% cutpoints. Using the CPS result obtained from the resected specimen or excisional biopsy as the gold standard, PD-L1 IHC performed on the core biopsy or cell block identified 4 of 6 positive cases (66%) at the 20% cutpoint and 12 of 17 (70%) positive patients at the 1% cutpoint. False positive cases were uncommon at both cutpoints. CPS scoring should be used with caution in small biopsies from patients with HNSqCCa. A negative result should prompt consideration of an excisional biopsy and repeat testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit S. Paintal
- Department of Pathology, Evanston Hospital, Northshore University, Room 1910, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 USA
| | - Bruce E. Brockstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, Evanston Hospital, Northshore University, 2650 Ridge Ave., Evanston, IL 60201 USA
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13
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Lechien JR, Seminerio I, Descamps G, Mat Q, Mouawad F, Hans S, Julieron M, Dequanter D, Vanderhaegen T, Journe F, Saussez S. Impact of HPV Infection on the Immune System in Oropharyngeal and Non-Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091061. [PMID: 31510065 PMCID: PMC6769551 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To review the current knowledge regarding the involvement of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection and the immune system in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted to identify articles published between 1990 and 2019 pertaining to tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in HNSCC using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Issues of clinical relevance, including tumor location, the number of tumor samples, the inclusion of additional specimens (dysplastic or normal mucosa), tumor size, methods used for HPV detection, relationship between antigen expression and patient characteristics (age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.), and prognostic data (overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS)) were assessed by four blinded investigators. Results: The search identified 335 relevant studies, of which 41 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 7 studies focused on the peripheral blood immune cell concentration in patients with HNSCC according to HPV status, and 36 studies investigated TICs in the intraepithelial and/or stromal compartment(s) according to HPV status. The immune cells studied were CD8+ T cells (N = 19), CD4+ T cells (N = 7), regulatory T cells (Tregs, N = 15), macrophages (N = 13), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs, N = 4), and Langerhans cells (LCs, N = 2). Conclusions: Irrespective of tumor location, CD8+ and CD4+ T cells appear to play a key role in the development of HPV−related HNSCC, and their infiltration is likely associated with a significant impact on OS and RFS. To date, the roles and prognostic value of Tregs, macrophages, DCs and MDSCs remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome R Lechien
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium.
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Centre Oscar Lambret, 59000 Lille, France.
| | - Imelda Seminerio
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium.
| | - Géraldine Descamps
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium.
| | - Quentin Mat
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Charleroi, 6042 Charleroi, Belgium.
| | - Francois Mouawad
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Lille, Université Lille 2, 59000 Lille, France.
| | - Stéphane Hans
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Foch Hospital, 92150 Paris, France.
| | - Morbize Julieron
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Centre Oscar Lambret, 59000 Lille, France.
| | - Didier Dequanter
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Thibault Vanderhaegen
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU de Charleroi, 6042 Charleroi, Belgium.
| | - Fabrice Journe
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Oncology and Experimental Surgery, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Rue Heger-Bordet, 1, B1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sven Saussez
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Human Anatomy and Experimental Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMONS), Avenue du Champ de Mars, 8, B7000 Mons, Belgium.
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14
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Cui GX, Gao XL, Liang XH. [Invasion and metastasis mechanism of human papillomavirus in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas]. HUA XI KOU QIANG YI XUE ZA ZHI = HUAXI KOUQIANG YIXUE ZAZHI = WEST CHINA JOURNAL OF STOMATOLOGY 2018; 36:544-551. [PMID: 30465350 DOI: 10.7518/hxkq.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major causative agent of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Over the past several decades, an increasing number of studies established the strong association of HPV with the invasion and metastasis of HNSCC. In the present study, we reviewed the gene mutations in HPV-associated HNSCC and the unique mechanism of E6- and E7-mediated carcinogenesis via interactions with an array of cellular elements. We further discussed the progress in the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis; these mechanisms include non-coding RNAs, deregulating cellular energetics, tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Xue Cui
- Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Chifeng University, Chifeng 024000, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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