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Cretu B, Zamfir A, Bucurica S, Scheau AE, Savulescu Fiedler I, Caruntu C, Caruntu A, Scheau C. Role of Cannabinoids in Oral Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:969. [PMID: 38256042 PMCID: PMC10815457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have incited scientific interest in different conditions, including malignancy, due to increased exposure to cannabis. Furthermore, cannabinoids are increasingly used to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. This review paper aims to clarify the recent findings on the relationship between cannabinoids and oral cancer, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that could link cannabinoids with oral cancer pathogenesis. In addition, we provide an overview of the current and future perspectives on the management of oral cancer patients using cannabinoid compounds. Epidemiological data on cannabis use and oral cancer development are conflicting. However, in vitro studies assessing the effects of cannabinoids on oral cancer cells have unveiled promising anti-cancer features, including apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation. Downregulation of various signaling pathways with anti-cancer effects has been identified in experimental models of oral cancer cells exposed to cannabinoids. Furthermore, in some countries, several synthetic or phytocannabinoids have been approved as medical adjuvants for the management of cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Cannabinoids may improve overall well-being by relieving anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea. In conclusion, the link between cannabinoid compounds and oral cancer is complex, and further research is necessary to elucidate the potential risks or their protective impact on oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Cretu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Alexandra Zamfir
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
| | - Sandica Bucurica
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Carol Davila” University Central Emergency Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andreea Elena Scheau
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Fundeni Clinical Institute, 022328 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Ilinca Savulescu Fiedler
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Constantin Caruntu
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, “Prof. N.C. Paulescu” National Institute of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 011233 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Caruntu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, “Carol Davila” Central Military Emergency Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania; (B.C.); (A.Z.)
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Scheau
- Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.C.); (C.S.)
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Crombet Ramos T, Mestre Fernández B, Mazorra Herrera Z, Iznaga Escobar NE. Nimotuzumab for Patients With Inoperable Cancer of the Head and Neck. Front Oncol 2020; 10:817. [PMID: 32537431 PMCID: PMC7266975 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
EGFR activation induces cell proliferation, neoformation of blood vessels, survival, and metastasis of the cancer cells. Nimotuzumab is an engineered, intermediate affinity anti-EGFR antibody, that apart from other drugs in its class, is very safe and does not cause hypomagnesemia or grade 3–4 cutaneous rash. The antibody inhibits cell proliferation and angiogenesis, activates natural killer cells, stimulates dendritic cell maturation, and induces cytotoxic T cells. Nimotuzumab restores MHC-I expression on tumor cells, hindering one of the EGFR immune-escape ways. The antibody has been extensively studied in 7 clinical trials, concurrently with irradiation or irradiation plus chemotherapy in subjects with inoperable head and neck tumors. Nimotuzumab was safe and efficacious in unfit patients receiving irradiation alone and in subjects treated with cisplatin and radiotherapy. In patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, nimotuzumab in combination with low dose cisplatin and radiotherapy was superior to cisplatin and radiotherapy in progression free survival, disease free survival, and locoregional tumor control.
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Pusuroglu H, Somuncu U, Bolat I, Akgul O, Yıldırım HA, Ozyilmaz SO, Ornek V, Surgit O, Karakurt H, Utkusavas A, Alagic N, Yıldırım A. Assessment of the relationship between endocan and obstructive sleep apnea severity. Arch Med Sci 2020; 16:1346-1352. [PMID: 33224333 PMCID: PMC7667433 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2020.97764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and endothelial dysfunction are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and the development of atherosclerosis. Endocan is a marker of endothelial dysfunction, while obstructive sleep apnea is one of the causes of endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the relationship between endocan and obstructive sleep apnea severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 179 patients with snoring complaints were included. All patients underwent polysomnography, and based on the results, the participations were allocated to the control group (n = 39) or to the obstructive sleep apnea group (n = 140). The OSA group was classified as having mild (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) = 5-15; n = 43), moderate (AHI = 15-30; n = 42), or severe OSA (AHI > 30; n = 55). All participations had their endocan levels measured. RESULTS Endocan levels in OSA patients were significantly higher than in the control group (11.8 (3.13-200) vs 3.13 (3.13-23) ng/ml, p < 0.001). Also, endocan levels were significantly higher in the severe OSA group than moderate and mild obstructive OSA (13.2 (3.13-200), 12.6 (3.13-200) and 8.44 (3.13-50.5) ng/ml, p = 0.015, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that smoking, age and endocan levels were independent predictors of OSA severity (p = 0.024, p = 0.037, p = 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Endocan seems to be a potential risk stratification marker in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamdi Pusuroglu
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Umut Somuncu
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ismail Bolat
- Department of Cardiology, Fethiye State Hospital, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Akgul
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hayriye Ak Yıldırım
- Department of Biochemistry, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinem Ozbay Ozyilmaz
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vesile Ornek
- Department of Biochemistry, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Surgit
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Karakurt
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Utkusavas
- Department of Chest, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nermina Alagic
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aydın Yıldırım
- Department of Cardiology, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center, Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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