1
|
Naara S, Andrews C, Sikora A, Williams M, Chambers M, Myers J, Amit M. Oral Pre-malignancy: An Update on Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Curr Oncol Rep 2024:10.1007/s11912-024-01562-1. [PMID: 38865005 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current advances in managing and preventing progression of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), focusing on their histological and clinicopathological features, and management. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies, including a multicenter cross-sectional study, have identified oral leukoplakia as the most prevalent form of OPMD, comprising over half of the cases examined. Advances in histological grading, specifically the World Health Organization's three-tier system (mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia), have significantly enhanced the accuracy of risk assessment for malignant transformation. Additionally, treatments such as surgical interventions, photodynamic therapy, and chemopreventive and molecularly targeted agents are being evaluated for their safety and efficacy as well as, immune checkpoint inhibitors being evaluated as potential preventive strategies to halt the progression of OPMDs. The management of OPMDs remains challenging due to the lack of standardized screening protocols and varied clinical management approaches. Despite this, recent advancements in diagnostic grading and therapeutic interventions provide a framework for improved treatment outcomes. Continued research into the molecular and cellular mechanisms driving development and progression of OPMDs and innovative treatment trials are essential to optimize strategies that prevent malignant progression and thereby reduce the global health burden of oral cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shorook Naara
- The Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Clara Andrews
- The Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew Sikora
- The Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michelle Williams
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark Chambers
- The Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey Myers
- The Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- The Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Villa A, William WN, Hanna GJ. Cancer Precursor Syndromes and Their Detection in the Head and Neck. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2024:S0889-8588(24)00033-9. [PMID: 38705773 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
This article explores the multifaceted landscape of oral cancer precursor syndromes. Hereditary disorders like dyskeratosis congenita and Fanconi anemia increase the risk of malignancy. Oral potentially malignant disorders, notably leukoplakia, are discussed as precursors influenced by genetic and immunologic facets. Molecular insights delve into genetic mutations, allelic imbalances, and immune modulation as key players in precancerous progression, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. The article navigates the controversial terrain of management strategies of leukoplakia, encompassing surgical resection, chemoprevention, and immune modulation, while emphasizing the ongoing challenges in developing effective, evidence-based preventive approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Villa
- Oral Medicine, Oral Oncology and Dentistry, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, 8900 N. Kendall Drive. Miami, FL 33176, USA; Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - William N William
- Thoracic Oncology Program, Grupo Oncoclínicas Grupo Oncoclínicas, Av. Pres. Juscelino Kubitschek, 510, 2º andar, São Paulo, São Paulo 04543-906, Brazil
| | - Glenn J Hanna
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Head & Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, Dana Building, Room 2-140. Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lechner A, Kumbrink J, Walz C, Jung A, Baumeister P, Flach S. Molecular characterization of the evolution of premalignant lesions in the upper aerodigestive tract. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1364958. [PMID: 38706595 PMCID: PMC11067708 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1364958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early relapse and development of metastatic disease are some of the primary reasons for the poor prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HNSCC is a heterogeneous disease which may develop in large premalignant fields of genetically altered cells. Yet knowing which individuals will progress and develop clinically significant cancers during their lifetimes remains one of the most important challenges of reducing HNSCC morbidity and mortality. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms, we performed a focused analysis of the genome and immune microenvironment from multiple, matched normal squamous tissue, premalignant lesions, as well as primary and recurrent tumors from seven patients with p16-negative HNSCC. Methods We performed targeted panel Next Generation Sequencing (161 genes) to analyze somatic variants from sequentially collected, matched formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (normal, premalignant, HNSCC) from two patients. These samples plus samples from five additional patients were analyzed with the Nanostring PanCancer Immune Panel. In addition, we performed shallow whole genome sequencing (0.5x coverage on average) on samples from three of these patients. Patients were, apart from one case, primarily treated with curative-intent surgery, and received subsequent adjuvant treatment, if indicated. Results The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 and NOTCH1. Other mutated genes included NOTCH3 and CDKN2A, among others. A significant number of mutations were private to dysplasia and invasive carcinoma, respectively, however, almost 20% were shared between them. Increasing genomic instability was observed when comparing histologically normal squamous mucosa with higher levels of dysplasia. High-grade dysplasia showed similarly rearranged genomes as invasive carcinoma. Pathways related to interferon alpha and gamma response were upregulated even in moderate dysplastic lesions with increasing expression in higher grades of dysplasia and carcinoma. SPINK5, a known tumor suppressor gene in HNSCC, was already downregulated in low-grade dysplastic lesions, indicating an early deactivation in the evolution of the disease. Conclusion Genomic alterations as well as aberrant immune gene expression can be observed early in the evolution of tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract, highlighting the potential for targeting early mechanisms of disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axel Lechner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Kumbrink
- Department of Pathology, LMU Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Walz
- Department of Pathology, LMU Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Jung
- Department of Pathology, LMU Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Flach
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich University Hospital, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee YM, Hsu CL, Chen YH, Ou DL, Hsu C, Tan CT. Genomic and Transcriptomic Landscape of an Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Mouse Model for Immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1553-1567. [PMID: 37669022 PMCID: PMC10618654 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1), has shown moderate efficacy in some patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Because of this, it is imperative to establish a mouse tumor model to explore mechanisms of antitumor immunity and to develop novel therapeutic options. Here, we examined the 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-induced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) model for genetic aberrations, transcriptomic profiles, and immune cell composition at different pathologic stages. Genomic exome analysis in OSCC-bearing mice showed conservation of critical mutations found in human HNSCC. Transcriptomic data revealed that a key signature comprised of immune-related genes was increased beginning at the moderate dysplasia stages. We first identified that macrophage composition in primary tumors differed across pathologic stages, leading to an oncogenic evolution through a change in the M1/M2 macrophage ratio during tumorigenesis. We treated the 4NQO-induced OSCC-bearing mice with anti-PD-1 and agonistic anti-CD40, which modulated multiple immune responses. The growth of tumor cells was significantly decreased by agonistic anti-CD40 by promoting an increase in the M1/M2 ratio. By examining cross-species genomic conservation in human and mouse tumors, our study demonstrates the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of OSCC and the regulation of contributing immune-related factors, and aims to facilitate the development of suitable ICI-based treatments for patients with HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Mei Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Stem Cell Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Lang Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsin Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Stem Cell Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Da-Liang Ou
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- YongLin Institute of Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ting Tan
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Stem Cell Core Laboratory, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sahu SR, Thakur S, Peroumal D, Utkalaja BG, Dutta A, Kumari P, Subhadarsini I, Acharya N. 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide induces immune cells death to onset early immunosuppression during oral squamous cell carcinoma development. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1274519. [PMID: 37936711 PMCID: PMC10626482 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1274519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
4-Nitroquinoline N-oxide (4-NQO) and its derivatives react with genomic DNA to form stable quinolone monoadducts, which are highly mutagenic and genotoxic. While the chronic high-dose exposure of epithelial cells to a carcinogen such as 4-NQO leads to tumor development, its effect on other cells has not been explored yet. Since the immunosuppression due to aberrant immunological profile is recognized as a significant cause in tumors, here we determine the interaction between 4-NQO and immune cells both in vivo and in vitro, and its effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression in a murine model. Immune cell profiling of the spleen and peripheral blood revealed a significant decrease in the B-cell population in 4-NQO-exposed mice than the untreated group. Additionally, γδ T and CD5+ B lymphocyte populations decreased at both pre- and post-cancerous stages of OSCC. These results suggested that 4-NQO induced tumor transition from pre-malignant lesions to OSCC by altering certain immune cells systemically. Next, to establish the effect of 4-NQO on immune cells, human B- and T-cell lines were subjected to 4-NQO; the reduction in cell viability, increase in DNA damage response marker, and induction of apoptosis were more pronounced in B than T cells. Altogether, our results indicated that in addition to the genotoxicity of oral epithelial cells, 4-NQO potentiates long-range effects on specific immune cells to induce cell death to cause very-early immunosuppressive response during oral carcinogenesis, and thus immunosuppression and tumor development are coevolved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satya Ranjan Sahu
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Shweta Thakur
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Doureradjou Peroumal
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Bhabasha Gyanadeep Utkalaja
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Abinash Dutta
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Premlata Kumari
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Ipsita Subhadarsini
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
- Regional Center of Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Narottam Acharya
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Diseases, Department of Infectious Disease Biology, Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khayatan D, Hussain A, Tebyaniyan H. Exploring animal models in oral cancer research and clinical intervention: A critical review. Vet Med Sci 2023. [PMID: 37196179 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, but advances in treatment, early detection, and prevention have helped to reduce its impact. To translate cancer research findings into clinical interventions for patients, appropriate animal experimental models, particularly in oral cancer therapy, can be helpful. In vitro experiments using animal or human cells can provide insight into cancer's biochemical pathways. This review discusses the various animal models used in recent years for research and clinical intervention in oral cancer, along with their advantages and disadvantages. We highlight the advantages and limitations of the used animal models in oral cancer research and therapy by searching the terms of animal models, oral cancer, oral cancer therapy, oral cancer research, and animals to find all relevant publications during 2010-2023. Mouse models, widely used in cancer research, can help us understand protein and gene functions in vivo and molecular pathways more deeply. To induce cancer in rodents, xenografts are often used, but companion animals with spontaneous tumours are underutilized for rapid advancement in human and veterinary cancer treatments. Like humans with cancer, companion animals exhibit biological behaviour, treatment responses, and cytotoxic agent responses similar to humans. In companion animal models, disease progression is more rapid, and the animals have a shorter lifespan. Animal models allow researchers to study how immune cells interact with cancer cells and how they can be targeted specifically. Additionally, animal models have been extensively used in research on oral cancers, so researchers can use existing knowledge and tools to better understand oral cancers using animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danial Khayatan
- GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmed Hussain
- School of Dentistry, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy (ECHA), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Hamid Tebyaniyan
- Department of Science and Research, Islimic Azade University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang T, Sun S, Zeng X, Li J. ICI-based therapies: A new strategy for oral potentially malignant disorders. Oral Oncol 2023; 140:106388. [PMID: 37054586 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are linked with an escalated risk of developing cancers, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Since prevailing therapies cannot effectively forestall the exacerbation and recurrence of OPMDs, halting their malignant progression is paramount. The immune checkpoint serves as a cardinal regulator of the immune response and the primary cause of adaptive immunological resistance. Although the exact mechanism remains elusive, elevated expression of multiple immune checkpoints in OPMDs and OSCC relative to healthy oral mucosa has been ascertained. This review delves into the immunosuppressive microenvironment of OPMDs, the expression of diverse immune checkpoints such as programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and programmed death receptor-1 ligand (PD-L1) in OPMDs, and the potential application of corresponding inhibitors. In addition, synergistic strategies incorporating combined immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as cGAS-STING, costimulatory molecules, cancer vaccines, and hydrogels, are discussed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the role and application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in oral carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Silu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China
| | - Xin Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yu C, Li Q, Zhang Y, Wen ZF, Dong H, Mou Y. Current status and perspective of tumor immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:941750. [PMID: 36092724 PMCID: PMC9458968 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.941750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a high incidence and mortality rate, and investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies of HNSCC is required for further progress. Immunotherapy is a considerable therapeutic strategy for HNSCC due to its potential to produce a broad and long-lasting antitumor response. However, immune escape, which involves mechanisms including dyregulation of cytokines, perturbation of immune checkpoints, and recruitment of inhibitory cell populations, limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, multiple immunotherapy strategies for HNSCC have been exploited, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, costimulatory agonists, antigenic vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy, adoptive T cell transfer (ACT), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy. Each of these strategies has unique advantages, and the appropriate application of these immunotherapies in HNSCC treatment has significant value for patients. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms of immune escape and the characteristics of different immunotherapy strategies in HNSCC to provide a foundation and consideration for the clinical treatment of HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenhang Yu
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Fa Wen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongbin Mou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Microenvironment in Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: Multi-Dimensional Characteristics and Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168940. [PMID: 36012205 PMCID: PMC9409092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of diseases involving the oral mucosa and that have a risk of carcinogenesis. The microenvironment is closely related to carcinogenesis and cancer progression by regulating the immune response, cell metabolic activities, and mechanical characteristics. Meanwhile, there are extensive interactions between the microenvironments that remodel and provide favorable conditions for cancer initiation. However, the changes, exact roles, and interactions of microenvironments during the carcinogenesis of OPMDs have not been fully elucidated. Here, we present an updated landscape of the microenvironments in OPMDs, emphasizing the changes in the immune microenvironment, metabolic microenvironment, mechanical microenvironment, and neural microenvironment during carcinogenesis and their carcinogenic mechanisms. We then propose an immuno–metabolic–mechanical–neural interaction network to describe their close relationships. Lastly, we summarize the therapeutic strategies for targeting microenvironments, and provide an outlook on future research directions and clinical applications. This review depicts a vivid microenvironment landscape and sheds light on new strategies to prevent the carcinogenesis of OPMDs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Li H, Zhang Y, Xu M, Yang D. Current trends of targeted therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:2169-2186. [PMID: 35501496 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant disease in the world which has a profound effect on human health and life quality. According to tumor stage and pathological diagnosis, OSCC is mainly treated by combinations of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, traditional treatment methods suffer from some limitations, such as systemic toxicity, limited therapeutic effect and drug resistance. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanodrug delivery systems (DDSs) and intelligent DDSs have been widely used in targeted therapy for OSCC. Meanwhile, the newly developed therapeutic techniques such as immunotherapy, gene therapy and bionic technology provide the possibility to realize the active targeted therapy. Here, the latest advances of target therapy for OSCC are reviewed, and their therapeutic remarks, current limits and future prospects are also systematically interpreted. It is believed that active and passive targeted therapies have great potentials for clinical transformation and application of OSCC, which will greatly improve human quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiao Li
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Mengmeng Xu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Deqin Yang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401147, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rangel R, Pickering CR, Sikora AG, Spiotto MT. Genetic Changes Driving Immunosuppressive Microenvironments in Oral Premalignancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:840923. [PMID: 35154165 PMCID: PMC8829003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.840923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) are the precursors to oral cavity cancers, and have variable rates of progression to invasive disease. As an intermediate state, OPLs have acquired a subset of the genomic alterations while arising in an oral inflammatory environment. These specific genomic changes may facilitate the transition to an immune microenvironment that permits malignant transformation. Here, we will discuss mechanisms by which OPLs develop an immunosuppressive microenvironment that facilitates progression to invasive cancer. We will describe how genomic alterations and immune microenvironmental changes co-evolve and cooperate to promote OSCC progression. Finally, we will describe how these immune microenvironmental changes provide specific and unique evolutionary vulnerabilities for targeted therapies. Therefore, understanding the genomic changes that drive immunosuppressive microenvironments may eventually translate into novel biomarker and/or therapeutic approaches to limit the progression of OPLs to potential lethal oral cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Rangel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Curtis R Pickering
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Andrew G Sikora
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Michael T Spiotto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kassie F, Jian Bagherpoor A, Kovacs K, Seelig D. Combinatory lung tumor inhibition by myo-inositol and iloprost/rapamycin: association with immunomodulation. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:547-556. [PMID: 35147705 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although both preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that myo-inositol (MI) may be a safe and effective lung cancer chemopreventive agent, its efficacy is moderate. To test whether the chemopreventive agents iloprost (IL) or rapamycin enhance the lung tumor inhibitory effects of MI, A/J mice were treated with the tobacco smoke carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and, beginning one week after the end of NNK treatment, given MI, IL, rapamycin, MI+IL or MI+rapamycin for 17 weeks. Analyses of the number and size of tumors on the surface of the lung have indicated that MI, IL, rapamycin, MI+IL and MI+rapamycin reduced the multiplicity of NNK-induced lung tumors by 41%, 34%, 46%, 79% and 67%, respectively, and larger tumors (lung tumors with a diameter of 1-2 mm or > 2 mm) were absent in the MI+IL and MI+rapamycin groups. These results clearly indicated that MI+IL and MI+rapamycin are more effective than MI alone in inhibiting the formation and growth of lung tumors. Assessment of the immunomodulatory effects of the drugs showed that whereas MI+rapamycin and MI+IL increased the infiltration of lung tumors by CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, MI+rapamycin reduced the expression of the immune checkpoint protein programmed-death ligand-1 (PD-L1). Moreover, all treatments, except IL, increased apoptosis, whereas cell proliferation was markedly suppressed in all treated groups. In summary, these results suggest that IL and rapamycin could enhance the efficacy of MI in lung cancer chemoprevention trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fekadu Kassie
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | | | - Katalin Kovacs
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Davis Seelig
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.,College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Identification and Validation of a Hypoxia-Immune-Based Prognostic mRNA Signature for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:5286251. [PMID: 35178089 PMCID: PMC8844353 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5286251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a commonly encountered head and neck malignancy. Increasing evidence shows that there are abnormal immune response and chronic cell hypoxia in the development of OSCC. However, there is a lack of a reliable hypoxia-immune-based gene signature that may serve to accurately prognosticate OSCC. Methods. The mRNA expression data of OSCC patients were extracted from the TCGA and GEO databases. Hypoxia status was identified using the t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) algorithm. Both ESTIMATE and single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were used for further evaluation of immune status. The DEGs in different hypoxia and immune status were determined, and univariate Cox regression was used to identify significantly prognostic genes. A machine learning method, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis, allowed us to construct prognostic gene signature to predict the overall survival (OS) of OSCC patients. Results. A total of 773 DEGs were identified between hypoxia high and low groups. According to immune cell infiltration, patients were divided into immune high, medium, and low groups and immune-associated DEGs were identified. A total of 193 overlapped DEGs in both immune and hypoxia status were identified. With the univariate and LASSO Cox regression model, eight signature mRNAs (FAM122C, RNF157, RANBP17, SOWAHA, KIAA1211, RIPPLY2, INSL3, and DNAH1) were selected for further calculation of their respective risk scores. The risk score showed a significant association with age and perineural and lymphovascular invasion. In the GEO validation cohort, a better OS was observed in patients from the low-risk group in comparison with those in the high-risk group. High-risk patients also demonstrated different immune infiltration characteristics from the low-risk group and the low-risk group showed potentially better immunotherapy efficacy in contrast to high-risk ones. Conclusion. The hypoxia-immune-based gene signature has prognostic potential in OSCC.
Collapse
|
14
|
McCarthy C, Fedele S, Ottensmeier C, Shaw RJ. Early-Phase Interventional Trials in Oral Cancer Prevention. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153845. [PMID: 34359746 PMCID: PMC8345124 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oral cancer is a devastating disease with increasing incidence worldwide. Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is a potentially malignant disorder and patients with OED are at increased risk of developing oral cancer. Current strategies for management of OED include surgery or close observation and both fail to address the underlying pathogenesis of the disease. There is an urgent need for evidence-based medical treatments for OED to prevent oral cancer development in this cohort. Chemoprevention trials to date have not delivered therapeutic agents for routine clinical practice. Historically, there has been significant heterogeneity in the design of oral cancer chemoprevention trials, with most failing to selectively recruit patients with biopsy-proven OED, which limits the usefulness of the findings in the OED population. The present paper aims to review the current evidence and the methodology of early-phase trials in oral cancer chemoprevention. Novel strategies in oral cancer chemoprevention will also be discussed. Abstract The increasing breadth of molecular targets, promise of immune-targeted therapies and repurposed agents have heightened interest in cancer prevention. While, to date, testing of oral cancer chemoprevention strategies has failed to deliver therapeutic agents for routine clinical practice, there remains an urgent need for further clinical research to overcome this hurdle. Patients at the greatest risk of disease stand to benefit the most from inclusion in clinical trials; therefore, there is a need to carefully define this population using validated clinical and molecular markers. Safety, tolerability and the efficacy of interventions is assessed through carefully selected endpoints. These endpoints may include pharmacodynamic, clinical, histological and on-target molecular modifications as an individual or as a composite endpoint. Early-phase trials provide an area of opportunity to explore novel and repurposed agents in the setting of oral cancer chemoprevention, eventually leading to phase III trials with clinical endpoints such as transformation and clinical outcome; these studies are large, lengthy and expensive and should be reserved for the most promising of agents. This paper will explore current evidence in oral cancer chemoprevention, drug repurposing, selection of appropriate endpoints for early-phase trials and novel therapeutic angles in oral cancer chemoprevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline McCarthy
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (C.O.); (R.J.S.)
- Department of Oral Medicine, Liverpool University Dental Hospital, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-7904-363-109
| | - Stefano Fedele
- Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, 21 University Street, London WC1E 6DE, UK;
- National Institute for Health Research, University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, Maple House Suite A 1st floor, 149 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7DN, UK
| | - Christian Ottensmeier
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (C.O.); (R.J.S.)
| | - Richard J. Shaw
- Liverpool Head and Neck Centre, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L3 9TA, UK; (C.O.); (R.J.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
van Harten AM, Brakenhoff RH. Targeted Treatment of Head and Neck (Pre)Cancer: Preclinical Target Identification and Development of Novel Therapeutic Applications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2774. [PMID: 34204886 PMCID: PMC8199752 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) develop in the mucosal lining of the upper-aerodigestive tract. In carcinogen-induced HNSCC, tumors emerge from premalignant mucosal changes characterized by tumor-associated genetic alterations, also coined as 'fields' that are occasionally visible as leukoplakia or erythroplakia lesions but are mostly invisible. Consequently, HNSCC is generally diagnosed de novo at more advanced stages in about 70% of new diagnosis. Despite intense multimodality treatment protocols, the overall 5-years survival rate is 50-60% for patients with advanced stage of disease and seems to have reached a plateau. Of notable concern is the lack of further improvement in prognosis despite advances in treatment. This can be attributed to the late clinical presentation, failure of advanced HNSCC to respond to treatment, the deficit of effective targeted therapies to eradicate tumors and precancerous changes, and the lack of suitable markers for screening and personalized therapy. The molecular landscape of head and neck cancer has been elucidated in great detail, but the absence of oncogenic mutations hampers the identification of druggable targets for therapy to improve outcome of HNSCC. Currently, functional genomic approaches are being explored to identify potential therapeutic targets. Identification and validation of essential genes for both HNSCC and oral premalignancies, accompanied with biomarkers for therapy response, are being investigated. Attentive diagnosis and targeted therapy of the preceding oral premalignant (preHNSCC) changes may prevent the development of tumors. As classic oncogene addiction through activating mutations is not a realistic concept for treatment of HNSCC, synthetic lethality and collateral lethality need to be exploited, next to immune therapies. In recent studies it was shown that cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response pathways become significantly altered in HNSCC causing replication stress, which is an avenue that deserves further exploitation as an HNSCC vulnerability for treatment. The focus of this review is to summarize the current literature on the preclinical identification of potential druggable targets for therapy of (pre)HNSCC, emerging from the variety of gene knockdown and knockout strategies, and the testing of targeted inhibitors. We will conclude with a future perspective on targeted therapy of HNSCC and premalignant changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. van Harten
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Biology & Immunology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; or
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ruud H. Brakenhoff
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Biology & Immunology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; or
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pierik AS, Leemans CR, Brakenhoff RH. Resection Margins in Head and Neck Cancer Surgery: An Update of Residual Disease and Field Cancerization. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2635. [PMID: 34071997 PMCID: PMC8198309 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgery is one of the mainstays of head and neck cancer treatment, and aims at radical resection of the tumor with 1 cm tumor-free margins to obtain locoregional control. Surgical margins are evaluated by histopathological examination of the resection specimen. It has been long an enigma that approximately 10-30% of surgically treated head and neck cancer patients develop locoregional recurrences even though the resection margins were microscopically tumor-free. However, the origins of these recurrences have been elucidated by a variety of molecular studies. Recurrences arise either from minimal residual disease, cancer cells in the surgical margins that escape detection by the pathologist when examining the specimen, or from precancerous mucosal changes that may remain unnoticed. Head and neck tumors develop in mucosal precursor changes that are sometimes visible but mostly not, fueling research into imaging modalities such as autofluorescence, to improve visualization. Mostly unnoticed, these precancerous changes may stay behind when the tumor is resected, and subsequent malignant progression will cause a local relapse. This led to a clinical trial of autofluorescence-guided surgery, of which the results were reported in 2020. This review focuses on the most recent literature of the improved diagnosis of the resection margins of surgically treated head and neck cancer patients, the pathobiological origin of recurrent disease, and relevant biomarkers to predict local relapse. Directions for further research will be discussed, including potential options for improved and personalized treatment, based on the most recently published data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruud H. Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Tumor Biology and Immunology Section, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.P.); (C.R.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
William WN, Zhao X, Bianchi JJ, Lin HY, Cheng P, Lee JJ, Carter H, Alexandrov LB, Abraham JP, Spetzler DB, Dubinett SM, Cleveland DW, Cavenee W, Davoli T, Lippman SM. Immune evasion in HPV - head and neck precancer-cancer transition is driven by an aneuploid switch involving chromosome 9p loss. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2022655118. [PMID: 33952700 PMCID: PMC8126856 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2022655118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An aneuploid-immune paradox encompasses somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs), unleashing a cytotoxic response in experimental precancer systems, while conversely being associated with immune suppression and cytotoxic-cell depletion in human tumors, especially head and neck cancer (HNSC). We present evidence from patient samples and cell lines that alterations in chromosome dosage contribute to an immune hot-to-cold switch during human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-) head and neck tumorigenesis. Overall SCNA (aneuploidy) level was associated with increased CD3+ and CD8+ T cell microenvironments in precancer (mostly CD3+, linked to trisomy and aneuploidy), but with T cell-deficient tumors. Early lesions with 9p21.3 loss were associated with depletion of cytotoxic T cell infiltration in TP53 mutant tumors; and with aneuploidy were associated with increased NK-cell infiltration. The strongest driver of cytotoxic T cell and Immune Score depletion in oral cancer was 9p-arm level loss, promoting profound decreases of pivotal IFN-γ-related chemokines (e.g., CXCL9) and pathway genes. Chromosome 9p21.3 deletion contributed mainly to cell-intrinsic senescence suppression, but deletion of the entire arm was necessary to diminish levels of cytokine, JAK-STAT, and Hallmark NF-κB pathways. Finally, 9p arm-level loss and JAK2-PD-L1 codeletion (at 9p24) were predictive markers of poor survival in recurrent HPV- HNSC after anti-PD-1 therapy; likely amplified by independent aneuploidy-induced immune-cold microenvironments observed here. We hypothesize that 9p21.3 arm-loss expansion and epistatic interactions allow oral precancer cells to acquire properties to overcome a proimmunogenic aneuploid checkpoint, transform and invade. These findings enable distinct HNSC interception and precision-therapeutic approaches, concepts that may apply to other CN-driven neoplastic, immune or aneuploid diseases, and immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William N William
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030;
- Hospital BP, a Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, 01323-001 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
| | - Joy J Bianchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
| | - Heather Y Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Pan Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016
| | - J Jack Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Hannah Carter
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Ludmil B Alexandrov
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Jim P Abraham
- Research and Development, Caris Life Sciences, Irving, TX 75039
| | | | - Steven M Dubinett
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024
| | - Don W Cleveland
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Webster Cavenee
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037;
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Teresa Davoli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016;
| | - Scott M Lippman
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Feng B, Hess J. Immune-Related Mutational Landscape and Gene Signatures: Prognostic Value and Therapeutic Impact for Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13051162. [PMID: 33800421 PMCID: PMC7962834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immunotherapy has emerged as a standard-of-care for most human malignancies, including head and neck cancer, but only a limited number of patients exhibit a durable clinical benefit. An urgent medical need is the establishment of accurate response predictors, which is handicapped by the growing body of molecular, cellular and clinical variables that modify the complex nature of an effective anti-tumor immune response. This review summarizes more recent efforts to elucidate immune-related mutational landscapes and gene expression signatures by integrative analysis of multi-omics data, and highlights their potential therapeutic impact for head and neck cancer. A better knowledge of the underlying principles and relevant interactions could pave the way for rational therapeutic combinations to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy, in particular for those cancer patients at a higher risk for treatment failure. Abstract Immunotherapy by immune checkpoint inhibition has become a main pillar in the armamentarium to treat head and neck cancer and is based on the premise that the host immune system can be reactivated to successfully eliminate cancer cells. However, the response rate remains low and only a small subset of head and neck cancer patients achieves a durable clinical benefit. The availability of multi-omics data and emerging computational technologies facilitate not only a deeper understanding of the cellular composition in the tumor immune microenvironment but also enables the study of molecular principles in the complex regulation of immune surveillance versus tolerance. These knowledges will pave the way to apply immunotherapy more precisely and effectively. This review aims to provide a holistic view on how the immune landscape dictates the tumor fate and vice versa, and how integrative analysis of multi-omics data contribute to our current knowledge on the accuracy of predictive biomarkers and on a broad range of factors influencing the response to immunotherapy in head and neck cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bohai Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jochen Hess
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Research Group Molecular Mechanisms of Head and Neck Tumors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|