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Hsu CY, Lin J, Wei MF, Chen LH, Liang HKT, Lin FH. Local delivery of carboplatin-loaded hydrogel and calcium carbonate enables two-stage drug release for limited-dose radiation to eliminate mouse malignant glioma. Biomaterials 2025; 312:122746. [PMID: 39106816 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Postoperative radiotherapy remains the gold standard for malignant glioma treatment. Clinical limitations, including tumor growth between surgery and radiotherapy and the emergence of radioresistance, reduce treatment effectiveness and result in local disease progression. This study aimed to develop a local drug delivery system to inhibit tumor growth before radiotherapy and enhance the subsequent anticancer effects of limited-dose radiotherapy. We developed a compound of carboplatin-loaded hydrogel (CPH) incorporated with carboplatin-loaded calcium carbonate (CPCC) to enable two-stage (peritumoral and intracellular) release of carboplatin to initially inhibit tumor growth and to synergize with limited-dose radiation (10 Gy in a single fraction) to eliminate malignant glioma (ALTS1C1 cells) in a C57BL/6 mouse subcutaneous tumor model. The doses of carboplatin in CPH and CPCC treatments were 150 μL (carboplatin concentration of 5 mg/mL) and 15 mg (carboplatin concentration of 4.1 μg/mg), respectively. Mice receiving the combination of CPH-CPCC treatment and limited-dose radiation exhibited significantly reduced tumor growth volume compared to those receiving double-dose radiation alone. Furthermore, combining CPH-CPCC treatment with limited-dose radiation resulted in significantly longer progression-free survival than combining CPH treatment with limited-dose radiation. Local CPH-CPCC delivery synergized effectively with limited-dose radiation to eliminate mouse glioma, offering a promising solution for overcoming clinical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yi Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Jason Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Taipei 10617, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Feng Wei
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No. 7, Chung Shan South Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei 10002, Taiwan.
| | - Liang-Hsin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Division of Proton Therapy, Department of Radiation Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No.57, Ln. 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei 10672, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiang-Kuang Tony Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No. 7, Chung Shan South Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei 10002, Taiwan; Division of Proton Therapy, Department of Radiation Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No.57, Ln. 155, Sec. 3, Keelung Rd., Da'an Dist., Taipei 10672, Taiwan.
| | - Feng-Huei Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nano-medicine, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
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Elmi M, Dass JH, Dass CR. Current treatments for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and the move towards molecular therapy. J Pharm Pharmacol 2024:rgae107. [PMID: 39137149 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgae107] [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: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this review, we discuss oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment options with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of OPSCC in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and head and neck cancers (HNCs). Treatment can be radical intent (aim for cure) or palliative intent (aim for disease control and symptom management). OPSCC is a prominent subset of HNSCCs in Australia and the Western World. METHOD We looked at the current conventional treatment options with an overview of recent advances and future endeavours. KEY FINDINGS We identified that radiotherapy is the primary management for OPSCC in most countries, including the USA, UK, NZ, and Australia. In contrast, surgery is only considered for superficial OPSCC or neck surgery. If surgery is incomplete, then definitive management still requires radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Molecular therapy is largely at the preclinical stage, with cetuximab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, Lenvatinib, and bevacizumab being tested clinically currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Elmi
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Joshua H Dass
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Crispin R Dass
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
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3
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Li X, Liu L. Comment on "Concurrent carboplatin and paclitaxel definitive radiation therapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer". Head Neck 2024; 46:228-229. [PMID: 37880929 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
see pages 230‐231
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Li
- Division of Head & Neck Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oncology, 363 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Division of Head & Neck Tumor Multimodality Treatment, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Baliga S, Yildiz V, Barve R, Farag A, Bhateja P, Gogineni E, Mitchell D, Konieczkowski D, Grecula J, Ma SJ, Zhu S, Liu X, Bonomi M, Blakaj DM. Outcomes of definitive local therapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy in elderly patients ≥70 years with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29293. [PMID: 38054393 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing among elderly (≥70 years) patients and the optimal treatment approach is not known. In this study, we aimed to determine disease and toxicity outcomes in an elderly HPV-OPSCC population primarily treated with a chemoradiation (CRT) approach. We identified 70 elderly HPV-OPSCC patients who were treated with either surgery, radiotherapy, or CRT between 2011 and 2021. Time-to-event analysis for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local control (LC) were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariable cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio associated with covariates. The median follow-up for our cohort was 43.9 months. Of the 70 elderly patients, 55 (78.6%) receive CRT and 15 (22.4%) received RT alone. Two patients underwent TORS resection. Of the 55 patients treated with CRT, the most common systemic agents were weekly carboplatin/taxol (n = 18), cetuximab (n = 17), and weekly cisplatin (n = 11). The 5-year OS, PFS, and LC were 57%, 52%, and 91%, respectively. On univariate analysis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were significant predictors of OS, while on multivariate analysis only CCI was a significant predictor of OS (p = 0.006). The rate of late peg tube dependency, osteoradionecrosis, and aspiration was 10%, 4%, and 4%, respectively. Definitive local therapy in elderly HPV-OPSCC patients is associated with excellent LC and a low rate of late toxicities. Prospective studies are needed to further stratify subgroups of elderly patients who may benefit from aggressive definitive local therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujith Baliga
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Vedat Yildiz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rahul Barve
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alexander Farag
- Jacksonville Sinus and Nasal Institute, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Priyanka Bhateja
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emile Gogineni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Darrion Mitchell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - David Konieczkowski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - John Grecula
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sung Jun Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Simeng Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Marcelo Bonomi
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dukagjin M Blakaj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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5
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Furqan M, Snyders TP, Saqlain MU, Mott SL, Laux D, Snow A, Anderson CM, Watkins JM, Clamon GH. Comparing high-dose cisplatin with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy in definitive concurrent chemoradiation setting for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC). Cancer Med 2019; 8:2730-2739. [PMID: 30968604 PMCID: PMC6558467 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-dose cisplatin (Cis) is a preferred systemic agent for concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (LAHNSCC) patients. As some patients are unable to tolerate Cis, this study compares the toxicity and efficacy of weekly cisplatin-paclitaxel (CP) regimen with Cis. METHODS Patients with LAHNSCC receiving definitive chemoradiation either with Cis (Cisplatin-100 mg/m2 q3w x 3) or CP (Cisplatin-20 mg/m2 ; Paclitaxel-30 mg/m2 qw x7) were included. RESULTS Cis and CP groups were comprised of 114 and 111 subjects, respectively. Complete response for Cis versus CP groups was 88% versus 88%, respectively. Median follow-up for the study was 58.5 months. After adjusting for potential treatment selection bias, no significant differences were evident between Cis and CP groups for overall survival (hazard ratios [HR] 0.85, 95% CI 0.59-1.21, P = 0.36), progression free survival (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.62-1.24, P = 0.46), locoregional control (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.52-1.15, P = 0.21), and distant control (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.61-1.23, P = 0.42). Patients in the CP group had less acute and chronic toxicities. CONCLUSIONS Weekly CP regimen can serve as an alternative systemic therapy with radiation in patients with LAHNSCC who are not fit for Cis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Furqan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Travis P Snyders
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Mohammed U Saqlain
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Sarah L Mott
- Biostatistics Core, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Douglas Laux
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Anthony Snow
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Carryn M Anderson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - John M Watkins
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Gerald H Clamon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
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6
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Maring S, Elsayad K, Stenner M, Rudack C, Haverkamp U, Rehkämper J, Wardelmann E, Eich HT. Efficacy of Carboplatin/Paclitaxel-Based Radiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck. Oncol Res Treat 2018; 41:736-743. [PMID: 30419553 DOI: 10.1159/000494031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CTX) is commonly used concurrently with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The value of CTX regimens other than cisplatin for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (LASCCHN) has not been well established. Here we compare the outcome of patients treated with different platinum-based chemotherapy regimens. METHODS Medical records from 104 patients with LASCCHN treated with radiochemotherapy (RCTX) between February 2013 and August 2016 were analyzed. RESULTS All patients were treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (51 definitive, 53 postoperative). The median total dose was 66.6 Gy and the median fraction dose was 1.8 Gy. 81 (78%) patients were administered cisplatin CTX, 23 (22%) patients received carboplatin and paclitaxel (CarboTaxol). The rate of recurrence was 38% in patients treated with cisplatin and 30% in CarboTaxol-treated patients (p = 0.6). Regarding the CTX regimens, event-free survival (EFS) was 37 versus 30 months (p = 0.6) and overall survival (OS) was 35 versus 28 months (p = 0.5) in cisplatin group versus CarboTaxol group, respectively. Significantly higher grade 3/4 acute toxicity in terms of dysphagia was observed following cisplatin-based RCTX (p = 0.002). In multivariable analysis, females and patients with early primary tumors (T1-2) have longer EFS and OS, regardless the CTX regimen. CONCLUSIONS Primary or adjuvant RCXT with CarboTaxol is a safe and effective treatment alternative for LASCCHN patients with contraindication to cisplatin-based RCTX.
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Baptistella AR, Hilleshein KD, Beal C, Brambatti JS, Caron R, Baptistella SF, Zuquello RÁ, Rossoni C, Manfro G. Weight loss as a prognostic factor for recurrence and survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients. Mol Clin Oncol 2018; 9:666-672. [PMID: 30546899 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2018.1737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the mortality rate of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been decreasing over the last 30 years, there has been a significant increase in the frequency of diagnosis of this type of cancer in several countries. Beyond the classic prognostic factors, such as TNM stage, there is a lack of predictive factors for recurrence and treatment response. A retrospective analysis of patients with OPSCC treated at the Oncology Department of the Santa Terezinha University Hospital between 2007 and 2012 was performed, with the aim of identifying new prognostic factors. In addition to the significance of clinical stage as a prognostic factor for recurrence, OPSCC patients with advanced TNM stage and those treated with radiotherapy, chemoradiation or palliative measures, had a worse prognosis. Patients with moderate or severe weight loss (>5%) at diagnosis had a higher tumor recurrence rate compared with those with mild or no weight loss (P=0.007). Furthermore, 76.9% of patients with moderate or severe weight loss, as opposed to 13.3% of patients with mild or no weight loss, eventually succumbed to the disease (P=0.0001). These data suggest that moderate and severe weight loss at diagnosis is a prognostic factor for OPSCC and it is associated with disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antuani Rafael Baptistella
- Oncology Research Group, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Bioscience and Health, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil
| | | | - Caroline Beal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil
| | - Juliana S Brambatti
- Faculty of Medicine, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil
| | - Ruggero Caron
- Oncology Research Group, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil
| | - Shaline Ferla Baptistella
- Oncology Research Group, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Bioscience and Health, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil
| | - Radamés Ádamo Zuquello
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Carina Rossoni
- Oncology Research Group, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Bioscience and Health, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Manfro
- Oncology Research Group, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Faculty of Medicine, University of West Santa Catarina, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil.,Department of Oncological Surgery, Santa Terezinha University Hospital, Joaçaba, SC 89600-000, Brazil
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Intratumoral injection of thermogelling and sustained-release carboplatin-loaded hydrogel simplifies the administration and remains the synergistic effect with radiotherapy for mice gliomas. Biomaterials 2018; 151:38-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Lindsay C, Seikaly H, Biron VL. Epigenetics of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: opportunities for novel chemotherapeutic targets. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017; 46:9. [PMID: 28143553 PMCID: PMC5282807 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-017-0185-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are heritable changes in gene expression that do not directly alter DNA sequence. These modifications include DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, small and non-coding RNAs. Alterations in epigenetic profiles cause deregulation of fundamental gene expression pathways associated with carcinogenesis. The role of epigenetics in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has recently been recognized, with implications for novel biomarkers, molecular diagnostics and chemotherapeutics. In this review, important epigenetic pathways in human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and negative OPSCC are summarized, as well as the potential clinical utility of this knowledge.This material has never been published and is not currently under evaluation in any other peer-reviewed publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron Lindsay
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4.34 WMC, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Hadi Seikaly
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4.34 WMC, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Vincent L Biron
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 1E4.34 WMC, 8440 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.
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Investigation of EZH2 pathways for novel epigenetic treatment strategies in oropharyngeal cancer. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016; 45:54. [PMID: 27793210 PMCID: PMC5084374 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-016-0168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent decades, the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has been rising worldwide as a result of increasing oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in the oropharynx. EZH2 is an epigenetic regulatory protein associated with tumor aggressiveness and negative survival outcomes in several human cancers. We aimed to determine the role of EZH2 as a potential therapeutic epigenetic target in HPV-positive and negative OPSCC. Methods The expression of EZH2 was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in 2 HPV-positive and 2 HPV-negative cell lines. The cell lines were then cultured and treated with one of 3 EZH2 epigenetic inhibitors (3-deazaneplanocin A, GSK-343 and EPZ005687) or DMSO (control). Following 2, 4 and 7 days of treatment, cells were analyzed and compared by gene expression, cell survival and proliferation assays. Results EZH2 targeting resulted in greater inhibition of growth and survival in HPV-positive compared to HPV-negative cells lines. The expression profile of genes important in OPSCC also differed according to HPV-positivity for Ki67, CCND1, MET and PTEN/PIK3CA, but remained unchanged for EGFR, CDKN2A and p53. Conclusion Inhibition of EZH2 has anti-tumorigenic effects on OPSCC cells in culture that is more pronounced in HPV-positive cell lines. EZH2 is a promising epigenetic target for the treatment of OPSCC.
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