Carbon ion irradiation withstands cancer stem cells' migration/invasion process in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Predominant factors influencing reactive oxygen species in cancer stem cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and its related signaling pathways and regulating molecules play a major role in the growth and development of cancer stem cells. The concept of ROS and cancer stem cells (CSCs) has been gaining much attention since the past decade and the evidence show that these CSCs possess robust self-renewal and tumorigenic potential and are resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy and believed to be responsible for tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. It seems reasonable to say that cancer can be cured only if the CSCs are eradicated. ROS are Janus-faced molecules that can regulate cellular physiology as well as induce cytotoxicity, depending on the magnitude, duration, and site of generation. Unlike normal cancer cells, CSCs expel ROS efficiently by upregulating ROS scavengers. This unique redox regulation in CSCs protects them from ROS-mediated cell death and nullifies the effect of radiation, leading to chemoresistance and radioresistance. However, how these CSCs control ROS production by scavenging free radicals and how they maintain low levels of ROS is a challenging to understand and these attributes make CSCs as prime therapeutic targets. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of redox regulation in CSCs, with a focus on therapy resistance, its various pathways and microRNAs regulation, and the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating the ROS levels to eradicate CSCs. A better understanding of these molecules, their interactions in the CSCs may help us to adopt proper control and treatment measures.

Recent Advances in the Targeting of Head and Neck Cancer Stem Cells

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a very heterogeneous cancer with a poor overall response to therapy. One of the reasons for this therapy resistance could be cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small population of cancer cells with self-renewal and tumor-initiating abilities. Tumor cell heterogeneity represents hurdles for therapeutic elimination of CSCs. Different signaling pathway activations, such as Wnt, Notch, and Sonic-Hedgehog (SHh) pathways, lead to the expression of several cancer stem factors that enable the maintenance of CSC features. Identification and isolation of CSCs are based either on markers (CD133, CD44, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)), side populations, or their sphere-forming ability. A key challenge in cancer therapy targeting CSCs is overcoming chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance. However, in novel therapies, various approaches are being employed to address this hurdle such as targeting cell surface markers, other stem cell markers, and different signaling or metabolic pathways, but also, introducing checkpoint inhibitors and natural compounds into the therapy can be beneficial.

Mechanistic insights from high resolution DNA damage analysis to understand mixed radiation exposure

Cells exposed to densely ionising high and scattered low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation (50 % dose of each) react more strongly than to the same dose of each separately. The relationship between DNA double strand break location inside the nucleus and chromatin structure was evaluated, using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells at 30 min post 5 Gy. Additionally, response to high and/or low LET radiation was assessed using single (1 ×1.5 Gy) versus fractionated dose delivery (5 ×0.3 Gy). By TEM analysis, the highest total number of γH2AX nanobeads were found in cells irradiated with alpha radiation just prior to gamma radiation (called mixed beam), followed by alpha, then gamma radiation. γH2AX foci induced by mixed beam radiation tended to be surrounded by open chromatin (lighter TEM regions), yet foci containing the highest number of beads, i.e. larger foci representing complex damage, remained in the heterochromatic areas. The γH2AX large focus area was also greater in mixed beam-treated cells when analysed by immunofluorescence. Fractionated mixed beams given daily induced the strongest reduction in cell viability and colony formation in MDA-MB-231 and osteosarcoma U2OS cells compared to the other radiation qualities, as well as versus acute exposure. This may partially be explained by recurring low LET oxidative DNA damage by every fraction together with a delay in recompaction of chromatin after high LET, demonstrated by low levels of heterochromatin marker H3K9me3 at 2 h after the last mixed beam fraction in MDA-MB-231. In conclusion, early differences in response to complex DNA damage may lead to a stronger cell kill induced by fractionated exposure, which suggest a therapeutic potential of combined high and low LET irradiation.

Cancer stem cells of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; distance towards clinical application; a systematic review of literature

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the major pathological type of head and neck cancer (HNC). The disease ranks sixth among the most common malignancies worldwide, with an increasing incidence rate yearly. Despite the development of therapy, the prognosis of HNSCC remains unsatisfactory, which may be attributed to the resistance to traditional radio-chemotherapy, relapse, and metastasis. To improve the diagnosis and treatment, the targeted therapy for HNSCC may be successful as that for some other tumors. Nanocarriers are the most effective system to deliver the anti-cancerous agent at the site of interest using passive or active targeting approaches. The system enhances the drug concentration in HCN target cells, increases retention, and reduces toxicity to normal cells. Among the different techniques in nanotechnology, quantum dots (QDs) possess multiple fluorescent colors emissions under single-source excitation and size-tunable light emission. Dendrimers are the most attractive nanocarriers, which possess the desired properties of drug retention, release, unaffecting by the immune system, blood circulation time enhancing, and cells or organs specific targeting properties. In this review, we have discussed the up-to-date knowledge of the Cancer Stem Cells of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Although a lot of data is available, still much more efforts remain to be made to improve the treatment of HNSCC.

Particle radiotherapy in the era of radioimmunotherapy

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the key modalities for cancer treatment, and more than 70% of tumor patients will receive RT during the course of their disease. Particle radiotherapy, such as proton radiotherapy, carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), is currently available for the treatment of patients Immunotherapy combined with photon RT has been successfully used in the clinic. The effect of immunotherapy combined with particle RT is an area of interest. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of combined immunotherapy and particle RT remain largely unknown. In this review, we summarize the properties of different types of particle RT and the mechanisms underlying their radiobiological effects. Additionally, we compared the main molecular players in photon RT and particle RT and the mechanisms involved the RT-mediated immune response.

In vitro evaluation of photon and carbon ion radiotherapy in combination with cisplatin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

Background

Heavy ion radiotherapy, such as carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), has multiple advantages over conventional photon therapy. Cisplatin, as a classic anti-tumor drugs, has been tested and discovered as a photon radiosensitizer in several cell lines, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Hence, the aim of our study is to evaluate whether cisplatin can sensitize CIRT towards HNSCC cell lines in vitro.

Methods

Human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE-2, human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line TCA 8113 and human hypopharynx squamous carcinoma cell line FADU were all irradiated with photon beam of 2, 4, 6, 8 Gy (physical dose) and carbon ion beam of 1, 2, 3, 4 Gy (physical dose) and treated with cisplatin. Cell survival was assessed by clonogenic survival assay.

Results

CIRT showed significantly stronger cytotoxic effect than standard photon radiotherapy. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of carbon ion beam at 10% survival (RBE10) was calculated 3.07 for CNE-2, 2.33 for TCA 8113 and 2.36 for FADU. Chemoradiotherapy (both photon radiotherapy and CIRT) was more effective than radiotherapy alone. In vitro sensitizer enhancement ratios (SERs) of cisplatin in CNE-2, TCA 8113 and FA DU cell lines after photon irradiation were 1.33, 1.14 and 1.21, while after carbon ion irradiation were 1.02, 1.00 and 0.96, showed that cisplatin sensitized photon irradiation but showed no sensitization effect in carbon ion irradiation in all tested cell lines.

Conclusions

In conclusion, high linear energy transfer (LET) CIRT was more effective than photon irradiation to prevent the proliferation of HNSCC cell lines. Additional treatment with cisplatin could sensitize photon irradiation but showed no effect on carbon ion irradiation.

Basic and translational research on carbon-ion radiobiology

Carbon-ion beam irradiation (IR) has evident advantages over the conventional photon beams in treating tumors. It releases enormous amount of energy in a well-defined range with insignificant scatter in surrounding tissues based on well-localized energy deposition. Over the past 28 years, more than 14,000 patients with various types of cancer have been treated by carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) with promising results at QST. I have provided an overview of the basic and translational research on carbon-ion radiobiology including mechanisms underlying high linear energy transfer (LET) carbon-ion IR-induced cell death (apoptosis, autophagy, senescence, mitotic catastrophe etc.) and high radiocurability produced by carbon-ion beams in combination with DNA damaging drugs or with molecular-targeted drugs, micro-RNA therapeutics and immunotherapy. Additionally, I have focused on the application of these treatment in human cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs). Finally, I have summarized the current studies on the application of basic carbon-ion beam IR according to the cancer types and clinical outcomes.

The 'stealth-bomber' paradigm for deciphering the tumour response to carbon-ion irradiation

Numerous studies have demonstrated the higher biological efficacy of carbon-ion irradiation (C-ions) and their ballistic precision compared with photons. At the nanometre scale, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by radiation and responsible for the indirect effects are differentially distributed according to the type of radiation. Photon irradiation induces a homogeneous ROS distribution, whereas ROS remain condensed in clusters in the C-ions tracks. Based on this linear energy transfer-dependent differential nanometric ROS distribution, we propose that the higher biological efficacy and specificities of the molecular response to C-ions rely on a 'stealth-bomber' effect. When biological targets are on the trajectories of the particles, the clustered radicals in the tracks are responsible for a 'bomber' effect. Furthermore, the low proportion of ROS outside the tracks is not able to trigger the cellular mechanisms of defence and proliferation. The ability of C-ions to deceive the cellular defence of the cancer cells is then categorised as a 'stealth' effect. This review aims to classify the biological arguments supporting the paradigm of the 'stealth-bomber' as responsible for the biological superiority of C-ions compared with photons. It also explains how and why C-ions will always be more efficient for treating patients with radioresistant cancers than conventional radiotherapy.

Enhanced Glycolysis Confers Resistance Against Photon but Not Carbon Ion Irradiation in Human Glioma Cell Lines

Purpose

Metabolic reprogramming is a key hallmark in various malignancies and poses a challenge in achieving success with various therapies. Enhanced glycolysis is known to confer resistance against photon irradiation while the tumor response to carbon ion irradiation (CII) has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of enhanced glycolysis on the response of human glioma cell lines to CII compared to the response to X-rays.

Material and Methods

Glycolysis was stimulated using Dinitrophenol (DNP), a mild OXPHOS inhibitor, in three human glioma cell lines (U251, U87, and LN229) and assessed by monitoring glucose uptake and utilization as well as expression of regulators of glycolysis (glucose transporter protein type 1(Glut1), hexokinase-II (HKII), and Pyruvate Kinase-2 (PKM2). Radiation (X-rays and CII) induced loss of clonogenic survival growth inhibition and perturbations in cell cycle progression (G₂+M block), cytogenetic damage (micronuclei formation), apoptosis, necrosis (reflecting interphase death), and cell migration (Scratch assay) were investigated as parameters of radiation response.

Results

DNP (1 mM) enhanced the expression levels of GLUT1, HKII, and PKM2 by 30-60% and glucose uptake as well as usage by nearly 3 folds in U251 cells suggesting the stimulation of glycolysis. Enhanced glycolysis attenuated the loss of clonogenic survival with D₁₀ doses increasing by 20% to 65% in these cell lines, while no significant changes were noted following CII. Concomitantly, dose-dependent growth inhibition, and cytogenetic damage as well as apoptosis and necrosis induced by X-rays were also reduced by elevated glycolysis in U251 and LN229 cells by 20-50%. However, stimulation of glycolysis enhanced the X-ray-induced cell migration, while it had negligible effect on migration following CII.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that enhanced glycolysis confers resistance against X-ray-induced cell death and migration, while it may not significantly alter the cellular responses to carbon ion irradiation.

Does particle radiation have superior radiobiological advantages for prostate cancer cells? A systematic review of in vitro studies

BACKGROUND

Charged particle beams from protons to carbon ions provide many significant physical benefits in radiation therapy. However, preclinical studies of charged particle therapy for prostate cancer are extremely limited. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the biological effects of charged particles on prostate cancer from the perspective of in vitro studies.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review by searching EMBASE (OVID), Medline (OVID), and Web of Science databases to identify the publications assessing the radiobiological effects of charged particle irradiation on prostate cancer cells. The data of relative biological effectiveness (RBE), surviving fraction (SF), standard enhancement ratio (SER) and oxygen enhancement ratio (OER) were extracted.

RESULTS

We found 12 studies met the eligible criteria. The relative biological effectiveness values of proton and carbon ion irradiation ranged from 0.94 to 1.52, and 1.67 to 3.7, respectively. Surviving fraction of 2 Gy were 0.17 ± 0.12, 0.55 ± 0.20 and 0.53 ± 0.16 in carbon ion, proton, and photon irradiation, respectively. PNKP inhibitor and gold nanoparticles were favorable sensitizing agents, while it was presented poorer performance in GANT61. The oxygen enhancement ratio values of photon and carbon ion irradiation were 2.32 ± 0.04, and 1.77 ± 0.13, respectively. Charged particle irradiation induced more G0-/G1- or G2-/M-phase arrest, more expression of γ-H2AX, more apoptosis, and lower motility and/or migration ability than photon irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Both carbon ion and proton irradiation have advantages over photon irradiation in radiobiological effects on prostate cancer cell lines. Carbon ion irradiation seems to have further advantages over proton irradiation.

Treatment effects of the EGFR pathway drugs on head and neck cancer stem cells

(1) Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and show low survival rates and drug resistance, which can be due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small cell population with metastatic potential, invasion and self-renewal ability. (2) Here, seven tumor cells were sorted as CD44+/CD117+/CD133+ or ALDH+, considered as HNC stem cells (HNCSCs), and as CD44-/CD117-/CD133- or ALDH-, considered non-HNCSCs after both cells sorted criteria was compared to evaluate cell migration, invasion, and colony forming assays. These subpopulations were treated with Cetuximab, Paclitaxel, or a combination of both drugs and evaluated for cell viability. Quantitative PCR and western blot were performed to evaluate EGFR, TRKB, KRAS and HIF-1α gene and protein expression. (3) HNCSCs presented more colonies and appeared to be more sensitive to the drug combination when compared with non-HNCSCs, regardless cells sorted criteria and primary tumor subsite. The EGFR, TRKB, KRAS and HIF-1α genes and proteins were upregulated in CSCs compared with non-HNCSCs, thus explaining the drug resistance. (4) This study contributes to the better development of specific therapeutic protocols based on Cetuximab and Paclitaxel drugs in the treatment of HNC in the presence of CSCs and cell proliferation biomarkers.

National Effort to Re-Establish Heavy Ion Cancer Therapy in the United States

In this review, we attempt to make a case for the establishment of a limited number of heavy ion cancer research and treatment facilities in the United States. Based on the basic physics and biology research, conducted largely in Japan and Germany, and early phase clinical trials involving a relatively small number of patients, we believe that heavy ions have a considerably greater potential to enhance the therapeutic ratio for many cancer types compared to conventional X-ray and proton radiotherapy. Moreover, with ongoing technological developments and with research in physical, biological, immunological, and clinical aspects, it is quite plausible that cost effectiveness of radiotherapy with heavier ions can be substantially improved.

Emerging Role of Carbon Ion Radiotherapy in Reirradiation of Recurrent Head and Neck Cancers: What Have We Achieved So Far?

Administering reirradiation for the treatment of recurrent head and neck cancers is extremely challenging. These tumors are hypoxic and radioresistant and require escalated radiation doses for adequate control. The obstacle to delivering this escalated dose of radiation to the target is its proximity to critical organs at risk (OARs) and possible development of consequent severe late toxicities. With the emergence of highly sophisticated technologies, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy have shown promising outcomes. Proton beam radiotherapy has been used for locally recurrent head and neck cancers because of its excellent physical dose distribution, exploring sharp Bragg peak properties with negligible entrance and exit doses. To further improve these results, carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) has been explored in several countries across Europe and Asia because of its favorable physical properties with minimal entrance and exit doses, sharper lateral penumbra, and much higher and variable relative biological efficacy, which cannot be currently achieved with any other form of radiation. Few studies have described the role of CIRT in recurrent head and neck cancers. In this article, we have discussed the different aspects of carbon ions in reirradiation of recurrent head and neck cancers, including European and Asian experiences, different dose schedules, dose constraints of OARs, outcomes, and toxicities, and a brief comparison with proton beam radiotherapy and IMRT.

Circulating Tumor Cell Detection during Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy to Predict Early Response in Locally Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancers: A Prospective Pilot Study

Patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy are reassessed both radiologically and clinically to adapt their treatment after the first cycle. However, some responders show early tumor progression after adjuvant radiotherapy. This cohort study evaluated circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from a population of locally advanced oropharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) induction chemotherapy or DCF with a modified dose and fractioned administration. The counts and phenotypes of CTCs were assessed at baseline and at day 21 of treatment, after isolation using the RosetteSep^TM technique based on negative enrichment. At baseline, 6 out of 21 patients had CTCs (28.6%). On day 21, 5 out of 11 patients had CTCs (41.6%). There was no significant difference in the overall and progression-free survival between patients with or without CTCs at baseline (p = 0.44 and 0.78) or day 21 (p = 0.88 and 0.5). Out of the 11 patients tested at day 21, 4 had a positive variation of CTCs (33%). Patients with a positive variation of CTCs display a lower overall survival. Our findings suggest that the variation in the number of CTCs would be a better guide to the management of treatment, with possible early changes in treatment strategy.

Approaches for Head and Neck Cancer Research - Current Status and the Way Forward

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are seeing an increasing trend in their prevalence among both genders and are the seventh most common cancer type occurring at the global level. Studies addressing both the cancer cell physiology and individual differences in response to a specific treatment modality should be understood for arriving at effective treatment and management of the HNCs. In this article, we discuss the trends in HNC research and their various approaches starting from 2D in vitro models, which are the traditional experimental materials to recently established Cancer-Tissue Originated Spheroids (CTOS) distinctly contributing towards personalized or precision medicine.

Silencing of Fused Toes Homolog (FTS) Increases Radiosensitivity to Carbon-Ion Through Downregulation of Notch Signaling in Cervical Cancer Cells

The effects of Carbon ion radiation (C-ion) alone or in combination with fused toes homolog (FTS) silencing on Notch signaling were investigated in uterine cervical cancer cell lines (ME180 and CaSki). In both cell lines, upon irradiation with C-ion, the expression of Notch signaling molecules (Notch1, 2, 3 and cleaved Notch1), γ-secretase complex molecules and FTS was upregulated dose-dependently (1, 2 and 4 Gy) except Notch1 in ME180 cells where the change in expression was not significant. However, overexpression of these molecules was attenuated upon silencing of FTS. The spheroid formation, expression of stem cell markers (OCT4A, Sox2 and Nanog) and clonogenic cell survival were reduced by the combination as compared to FTS silencing or C-ion irradiation alone. Additionally, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assay revealed interaction and co-localization of FTS with Notch signaling molecules. In conclusion, FTS silencing enhances the radio-sensitivity of the cervical cancer cells to C-ion by downregulating Notch signaling molecules and decreasing the survival of cancer stem cells.

A Critical Review of Radiation Therapy: From Particle Beam Therapy (Proton, Carbon, and BNCT) to Beyond

In this paper, we discuss the role of particle therapy—a novel radiation therapy (RT) that has shown rapid progress and widespread use in recent years—in multidisciplinary treatment. Three types of particle therapies are currently used for cancer treatment: proton beam therapy (PBT), carbon-ion beam therapy (CIBT), and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). PBT and CIBT have been reported to have excellent therapeutic results owing to the physical characteristics of their Bragg peaks. Variable drug therapies, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, are combined in various treatment strategies, and treatment effects have been improved. BNCT has a high dose concentration for cancer in terms of nuclear reactions with boron. BNCT is a next-generation RT that can achieve cancer cell-selective therapeutic effects, and its effectiveness strongly depends on the selective ¹⁰B accumulation in cancer cells by concomitant boron preparation. Therefore, drug delivery research, including nanoparticles, is highly desirable. In this review, we introduce both clinical and basic aspects of particle beam therapy from the perspective of multidisciplinary treatment, which is expected to expand further in the future.

Involvement of HIF-1α in the Detection, Signaling, and Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks after Photon and Carbon-Ion Irradiation

Simple Summary

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α (HIF-1α), the main regulator of the oxygen homeostasis, promotes cancer cell survival through proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and radioresistance. Previously, our group demonstrated that silencing HIF-1α under hypoxia leads to a substantial radiosensitization of Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) cells after both photons and carbon-ions, probably resulting from an accumulation of deleterious complex DNA damage. In this study, we aimed at determining the potential role of HIF-1α in the detection, signaling, and repair of DNA Double-Strand-Breaks (DSBs) in response to both irradiations, under hypoxia, in two HNSCC cell lines and their subpopulations of Cancer-Stem Cells (CSCs). Silencing HIF-1α under hypoxia led us to demonstrate the involvement of this transcriptional regulator in DSB repair in non-CSCS and CSC, thus highlighting its targeting together with radiation as a promising therapeutic strategy against radioresistant tumor cells in hypoxic niches.

Abstract

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α (HIF-1α), which promotes cancer cell survival, is the main regulator of oxygen homeostasis. Hypoxia combined with photon and carbon ion irradiation (C-ions) stabilizes HIF-1α. Silencing HIF-1α under hypoxia leads to substantial radiosensitization of Head-and-Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) cells after both photons and C-ions. Thus, this study aimed to clarify a potential involvement of HIF-1α in the detection, signaling, and repair of DNA Double-Strand-Breaks (DSBs) in response to both irradiations, in two HNSCC cell lines and their subpopulations of Cancer-Stem Cells (CSCs). After confirming the nucleoshuttling of HIF-1α in response to both exposure under hypoxia, we showed that silencing HIF-1α in non-CSCs and CSCs decreased the initiation of the DSB detection (P-ATM), and increased the residual phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX) foci. While HIF-1α silencing did not modulate 53BP1 expression, P-DNA-PKcs (NHEJ-c) and RAD51 (HR) signals decreased. Altogether, our experiments demonstrate the involvement of HIF-1α in the detection and signaling of DSBs, but also in the main repair pathways (NHEJ-c and HR), without favoring one of them. Combining HIF-1α silencing with both types of radiation could therefore present a potential therapeutic benefit of targeting CSCs mostly present in tumor hypoxic niches.

Combining radiation to EGFR and Bcl-2 blockade: a new approach to target cancer stem cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

The clinical outcome of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains poor, partly due to the presence of resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) which are responsible of recurrences. CSCs have low EGFR expression and, conversely, overexpress the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein, which is involved in resistance to apoptosis and the invasion/migration capacities of tumour cells.

METHODS

The combination therapy of ABT-199, a Bcl-2 inhibitor, cetuximab an EGFR inhibitor, and radiation using an HNSCC model (SQ20B cell line) and its corresponding CSC subpopulation were evaluated in vitro (2D/3D cell proliferation; invasion/migration and apoptosis using videomicroscopy) and in vivo.

RESULTS

Cetuximab strongly inhibited 2D and 3D cell proliferation, as well as invasion/migration, only in non-CSC-SQ20B cells, whereas ABT-199 selectively inhibited these mechanisms in SQ20B/CSCs. The combination of irradiation + cetuximab + ABT-199 increased the inhibition of the 2D and 3D cell proliferation, invasion/migration, and resistance to apoptosis in both cell sub-populations. In addition, in a nude mouse model with heterotopic tumour xenograft, a treatment combining cetuximab + ABT-199 with fractional irradiation strongly delayed the tumour growth and increased in vivo lifespan without side effects.

CONCLUSION

Based on the present results, this triple combination therapy may represent a new opportunity for testing in clinical trials, particularly in locally advanced HNSCC.

Hypoxia-Induced Cancer Cell Responses Driving Radioresistance of Hypoxic Tumors: Approaches to Targeting and Radiosensitizing

Simple Summary

Some regions of aggressive malignancies experience hypoxia due to inadequate blood supply. Cancer cells adapting to hypoxic conditions somehow become more resistant to radiation exposure and this decreases the efficacy of radiotherapy toward hypoxic tumors. The present review article helps clarify two intriguing points: why hypoxia-adapted cancer cells turn out radioresistant and how they can be rendered more radiosensitive. The critical molecular targets associated with intratumoral hypoxia and various approaches are here discussed which may be used for sensitizing hypoxic tumors to radiotherapy.

Abstract

Within aggressive malignancies, there usually are the “hypoxic zones”—poorly vascularized regions where tumor cells undergo oxygen deficiency through inadequate blood supply. Besides, hypoxia may arise in tumors as a result of antiangiogenic therapy or transarterial embolization. Adapting to hypoxia, tumor cells acquire a hypoxia-resistant phenotype with the characteristic alterations in signaling, gene expression and metabolism. Both the lack of oxygen by itself and the hypoxia-responsive phenotypic modulations render tumor cells more radioresistant, so that hypoxic tumors are a serious challenge for radiotherapy. An understanding of causes of the radioresistance of hypoxic tumors would help to develop novel ways for overcoming this challenge. Molecular targets for and various approaches to radiosensitizing hypoxic tumors are considered in the present review. It is here analyzed how the hypoxia-induced cellular responses involving hypoxia-inducible factor-1, heat shock transcription factor 1, heat shock proteins, glucose-regulated proteins, epigenetic regulators, autophagy, energy metabolism reprogramming, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and exosome generation contribute to the radioresistance of hypoxic tumors or may be inhibited for attenuating this radioresistance. The pretreatments with a multitarget inhibition of the cancer cell adaptation to hypoxia seem to be a promising approach to sensitizing hypoxic carcinomas, gliomas, lymphomas, sarcomas to radiotherapy and, also, liver tumors to radioembolization.

Effect of Carbon Ion Radiation Induces Bystander Effect on Metastasis of A549 Cells and Metabonomic Correlation Analysis

Objective

To analyze the effect of carbon ion (¹²C⁶⁺) radiation may induce bystander effect on A549 cell metastasis and metabonomics.

Methods

A549 cell was irradiated with carbon ion to establish the clone survival model and the transwell matrix assay was applied to measure the effect of carbon ion on cell viability, migration, and invasion, respectively. Normal human embryonic lung fibroblasts (WI-38) were irradiated with carbon ions of 0 and 2 Gy and then transferred to A549 cell co-culture medium for 24 h. The migration and invasion of A549 cells were detected by the Transwell chamber. The analysis of metabonomic information in transfer medium by liquid phase mass spectrometry (LC-MS), The differential molecules were obtained by principal pomponent analysis (PCA) and the target proteins of significant differences (p = 1.7 × 10⁻³) obtained by combining with the STICH database. KEGG pathway was used to analyze the enrichment of the target protein pathway.

Results

Compared with 0 Gy, the colony formation, migration, and invasion of A549 cells were significantly inhibited by carbon ion 2 and 4 Gy irradiation, while the inhibitory effect was not significant after 1 Gy irradiation. Compared with 0 Gy, the culture medium 24 h after carbon ion 2 Gy irradiation significantly inhibited the metastasis of tumor cells (p = 0.03). LC-MS analysis showed that 23 differential metabolites were obtained in the cell culture medium 24 h after carbon ion 0 and 2 Gy irradiation (9 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated). Among them, two were up-regulated and two down-regulated (p = 2.9 × 10⁻³). 41 target proteins were corresponding to these four differential molecules. Through the analysis of the KEGG signal pathway, it was found that these target molecules were mainly enriched in purine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, peroxisome, and carbon metabolism. Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium signaling pathway, arachidonic acid metabolism, and Fc epsilon RI signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The bystander effect induced by 2 Gy carbon ion radiation inhibits the metastasis of tumor cells, which indicates that carbon ions may change the metabolites of irradiated cells, so that it may indirectly affect the metabolism of tumor cell growth microenvironment, thus inhibiting the metastasis of malignant tumor cells.

Carbon Ion Irradiation Enhances the Anti-tumor Efficiency in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Modulating the FAK Signaling

Oral cancer is a very aggressive disease with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. This study aimed at addressing how efficiently tongue cancer is suppressed after carbon ion irradiation. Here, the close relationship between upregulated expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and high metastatic status in tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients was validated using bioinformatics and immunohistochemical analyses. Our data indicated that FAK suppression significantly enhanced the killing effect induced by irradiation in the tongue cancer cell line CAL27, as evidenced by increased apoptotic induction and reduced colony formation. More importantly, in FAK-deficient cells, carbon ion irradiation was shown to remarkably inhibit migration and invasion by delaying wound healing and slowing down motility. Further studies revealed that irradiation exposure caused disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and reduced cell adhesive energy in FAK-deficient cells. Moreover, carbon ion treatment, in combination with FAK silencing, markedly blocked the phosphorylation levels of FAK, and paxillin, which partly contributed to the reduced motility of tongue squamous cell carcinoma CAL27 cells. Collectively, these results suggest that the prominent obstructing role of carbon ion irradiation in the growth inhibition and metastatic behavior of tumors, including attenuation of cell adhesiveness, motility, and invasiveness, could be distinctly modulated by FAK-mediated downstream pathways.

Anti-EGFR treatment effects on laryngeal cancer stem cells

Laryngeal cancer (LC) is one of the common head and neck neoplasms and is characterized by resistance to conventional therapy and poor prognosis. This may result from the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which form a small population in tumors with metastatic potential, high invasive capacity, self-renewal, and differentiation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin individually, as well as the combination of cetuximab and paclitaxel in a CSC subpopulation separated with biomarkers related to tumoral growth (CD44, CD117, and CD133). In addition, expression of TrkB, KRAS, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A genes and proteins related to cell proliferation were evaluated in this subpopulation. The CD44, CD133, and CD117 biomarkers were used to analyze the identification and separation of both subpopulations using FACSAria Fusion. Subpopulations positive for CD44, CD133, and CD117 or lacking these biomarkers were classified as laryngeal cancer stem cells (LCSCs) or laryngeal cancer non-stem cells (non-LCSCs), respectively. Matrigel invasion and colony forming assays were performed to confirm CSC presence. Subpopulations were cultured and exposed to 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, and cetuximab/paclitaxel drugs for 24 h. Cell proliferation was determined using MTS assay. KRAS and TrkB gene expression levels were evaluated using quantitative real time PCR with TaqMan® Assay in both subpopulations. The non-LCSC subpopulation was considered as the control for relative expression. We found that the LCSC subpopulation demonstrated more resistance to cetuximab and paclitaxel combination chemotherapy when compared with the non-LCSC subpopulation of the cell line. These LCSC subpopulations presented up-regulated expression of KRAS, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A genes and proteins and no TrkB gene expression, but TrkB protein expression was up-regulated in the LC cell line when compared to the non-CSC subpopulation. "In conclusion, the combination of CD44, CD133, and CD117 biomarkers has stem cell properties. Moreover, LCSCs, are capable of resisting treatment and present high KRAS, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A gene expression".

Impact of hypoxia on the double-strand break repair after photon and carbon ion irradiation of radioresistant HNSCC cells

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by photon irradiation are the most deleterious damage for cancer cells and their efficient repair may contribute to radioresistance, particularly in hypoxic conditions. Carbon ions (C-ions) act independently of the oxygen concentration and trigger complex- and clustered-DSBs difficult to repair. Understanding the interrelation between hypoxia, radiation-type, and DNA-repair is therefore essential for overcoming radioresistance. The DSBs signaling and the contribution of the canonical non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ-c) and homologous-recombination (HR) repair pathways were assessed by immunostaining in two cancer-stem-cell (CSCs) and non-CSCs HNSCC cell lines. Detection and signaling of DSBs were lower in response to C-ions than photons. Hypoxia increased the decay-rate of the detected DSBs (γH2AX) in CSCs after photons and the initiation of DSB repair signaling (P-ATM) in CSCs and non-CSCs after both radiations, but not the choice of DSB repair pathway (53BP1). Additionally, hypoxia increased the NHEJ-c (DNA-PK) and the HR pathway (RAD51) activation only after photons. Furthermore, the involvement of the HR seemed to be higher in CSCs after photons and in non-CSCs after C-ions. Taken together, our results show that C-ions may overcome the radioresistance of HNSCC associated with DNA repair, particularly in CSCs, and independently of a hypoxic microenvironment.

Carbon Ion Radiobiology

Radiotherapy using accelerated charged particles is rapidly growing worldwide. About 85% of the cancer patients receiving particle therapy are irradiated with protons, which have physical advantages compared to X-rays but a similar biological response. In addition to the ballistic advantages, heavy ions present specific radiobiological features that can make them attractive for treating radioresistant, hypoxic tumors. An ideal heavy ion should have lower toxicity in the entrance channel (normal tissue) and be exquisitely effective in the target region (tumor). Carbon ions have been chosen because they represent the best combination in this direction. Normal tissue toxicities and second cancer risk are similar to those observed in conventional radiotherapy. In the target region, they have increased relative biological effectiveness and a reduced oxygen enhancement ratio compared to X-rays. Some radiobiological properties of densely ionizing carbon ions are so distinct from X-rays and protons that they can be considered as a different "drug" in oncology, and may elicit favorable responses such as an increased immune response and reduced angiogenesis and metastatic potential. The radiobiological properties of carbon ions should guide patient selection and treatment protocols to achieve optimal clinical results.

Combination Therapy With Charged Particles and Molecular Targeting: A Promising Avenue to Overcome Radioresistance

Radiotherapy plays a central role in the treatment of cancer patients. Over the past decades, remarkable technological progress has been made in the field of conventional radiotherapy. In addition, the use of charged particles (e.g., protons and carbon ions) makes it possible to further improve dose deposition to the tumor, while sparing the surrounding healthy tissues. Despite these improvements, radioresistance and tumor recurrence are still observed. Although the mechanisms underlying resistance to conventional radiotherapy are well-studied, scientific evidence on the impact of charged particle therapy on cancer cell radioresistance is restricted. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential role that charged particles could play to overcome radioresistance. This review will focus on hypoxia, cancer stem cells, and specific signaling pathways of EGFR, NFκB, and Hedgehog as well as DNA damage signaling involving PARP, as mechanisms of radioresistance for which pharmacological targets have been identified. Finally, new lines of future research will be proposed, with a focus on novel molecular inhibitors that could be used in combination with charged particle therapy as a novel treatment option for radioresistant tumors.

Hadrontherapy Interactions in Molecular and Cellular Biology

The resistance of cancer cells to radiotherapy is a major issue in the curative treatment of cancer patients. This resistance can be intrinsic or acquired after irradiation and has various definitions, depending on the endpoint that is chosen in assessing the response to radiation. This phenomenon might be strengthened by the radiosensitivity of surrounding healthy tissues. Sensitive organs near the tumor that is to be treated can be affected by direct irradiation or experience nontargeted reactions, leading to early or late effects that disrupt the quality of life of patients. For several decades, new modalities of irradiation that involve accelerated particles have been available, such as proton therapy and carbon therapy, raising the possibility of specifically targeting the tumor volume. The goal of this review is to examine the up-to-date radiobiological and clinical aspects of hadrontherapy, a discipline that is maturing, with promising applications. We first describe the physical and biological advantages of particles and their application in cancer treatment. The contribution of the microenvironment and surrounding healthy tissues to tumor radioresistance is then discussed, in relation to imaging and accurate visualization of potentially resistant hypoxic areas using dedicated markers, to identify patients and tumors that could benefit from hadrontherapy over conventional irradiation. Finally, we consider combined treatment strategies to improve the particle therapy of radioresistant cancers.

Reduction of metastatic potential by inhibiting EGFR/Akt/p38/ERK signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition after carbon ion exposure is potentiated by PARP-1 inhibition in non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Carbon ion (¹²C) radiotherapy is becoming very promising to kill highly metastatic cancer cells keeping adjacent normal cells least affected. Our previous study shows that combined PARP-1 inhibition with ¹²C ion reduces MMP-2,-9 synergistically in HeLa cells but detailed mechanism are not clear. To understand this mechanism and the rationale of using PARP-1 inhibitor with ¹²C ion radiotherapy for better outcome in controlling metastasis, we investigated metastatic potential in two non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 and H1299 (p53-deficient) cells exposed with ¹²C ion in presence and absence of PARP-1 inhibition using siRNA or olaparib.

METHODS

We monitored cell proliferation, in-vitro cell migration, wound healing, expression and activity of MMP-2, - 9 in A549 and p53-deficient H1299 cell lines exposed with ¹²C ion with and without PARP-1 inhibitor olaparib/DPQ. Expression and phosphorylation of NF-kB, EGFR, Akt, p38, ERK was also observed in A549 and H1299 cells exposed with ¹²C ion with and without PARP-1 inhibition using siRNA or olaparib. We also checked expression of few marker genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways like N-cadherin, vimentin, anillin, claudin-1, - 2 in both NSCLC. To determine the generalized effect of ¹²C ion and olaparib in inhibition of cell's metastatic potential, wound healing and activity of MMP-2, - 9 was also studied in HeLa and MCF7 cell lines after ¹²C ion exposure and in combination with PARP-1 inhibitor olaparib.

RESULTS

Our experiments show that ¹²C ion and PARP-1 inhibition separately reduces cell proliferation, cell migration, wound healing, phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt, p38, ERK resulting inactivation of NF-kB. Combined treatment abolishes NF-kB expression and hence synergistically reduces MMP-2, - 9 expressions. Each single treatment reduces N-cadherin, vimentin, anillin but increases claudin-1, - 2 leading to suppression of EMT process. However, combined treatment synergistically alters these proteins to suppress EMT pathways significantly.

CONCLUSION

The activation pathways of transcription of MMP-2,-9 via NF-kB and key marker proteins in EMT pathways are targeted by both ¹²C ion and olaparib/siRNA. Hence, ¹²C ion radiotherapy could potentially be combined with olaparib as chemotherapeutic agent for better control of cancer metastasis.

The Combination of Particle Irradiation With the Hedgehog Inhibitor GANT61 Differently Modulates the Radiosensitivity and Migration of Cancer Cells Compared to X-Ray Irradiation

Due to the advantages of charged particles compared to conventional radiotherapy, a vast increase is noted in the use of particle therapy in the clinic. These advantages include an improved dose deposition and increased biological effectiveness. Metastasis is still an important cause of mortality in cancer patients and evidence has shown that conventional radiotherapy can increase the formation of metastasizing cells. An important pathway involved in the process of metastasis is the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Recent studies have demonstrated that activation of the Hh pathway, in response to X-rays, can lead to radioresistance and increased migratory, and invasive capabilities of cancer cells. Here, we investigated the effect of X-rays, protons, and carbon ions on cell survival, migration, and Hh pathway gene expression in prostate cancer (PC3) and medulloblastoma (DAOY) cell lines. In addition, the potential modulation of cell survival and migration by the Hh pathway inhibitor GANT61 was investigated. We found that in both cell lines, carbon ions were more effective in decreasing cell survival and migration as well as inducing more significant alterations in the Hh pathway genes compared to X-rays or protons. In addition, we show here for the first time that the Hh inhibitor GANT61 is able to sensitize DAOY medulloblastoma cells to particle radiation (proton and carbon ion) but not to conventional X-rays. This important finding demonstrates that the results of combination treatment strategies with X-ray radiotherapy cannot be automatically extrapolated to particle therapy and should be investigated separately. In conclusion, combining GANT61 with particle radiation could offer a benefit for specific cancer types with regard to cancer cell survival.

ROS Production and Distribution: A New Paradigm to Explain the Differential Effects of X-ray and Carbon Ion Irradiation on Cancer Stem Cell Migration and Invasion

Although conventional radiotherapy promotes the migration/invasion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) under normoxia, carbon ion (C-ion) irradiation actually decreases these processes. Unraveling the mechanisms of this discrepancy, particularly under the hypoxic conditions that pertain in niches where CSCs are preferentially localized, would provide a better understanding of the origins of metastases. Invasion/migration, proteins involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and expression of MMP-2 and HIF-1α were quantified in the CSC subpopulations of two head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines irradiated with X-rays or C-ions. X-rays triggered HNSCC-CSC migration/invasion under normoxia, however this effect was significantly attenuated under hypoxia. C-ions induced fewer of these processes in both oxygenation conditions. The differential response to C-ions was associated with a lack of HIF-1α stabilization, MMP-2 expression, or activation of kinases of the main EMT signaling pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrated a major role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the triggering of invasion/migration in response to X-rays. Monte-Carlo simulations demonstrated that HO^● radicals are quantitatively higher after C-ions than after X-rays, however they are very differently distributed within cells. We postulate that the uniform distribution of ROS after X-rays induces the mechanisms leading to invasion/migration, which ROS concentrated in C-ion tracks are unable to trigger.

Phase II study of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil followed by radioimmunotherapy with cetuximab and intensity-modulated radiotherapy in combination with a carbon ion boost for locally advanced tumors of the oro-, hypopharynx and larynx

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Trimodal approach with carbon ions was tolerable and promising.

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No high-grade radiation adverse events were documented.

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No adverse events resulted in death of patients.

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Quality of life recovered for most aspects until the last follow-up visit.

Purpose

This phase II trial was designed to evaluate efficacy and safety of a highly intensified therapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oro-, hypopharynx and larynx.

Methods

In this prospective, mono-centric, open-label, non-randomized phase II trial the single treatment arm consisted of a combined induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, followed by bioradiation with the monoclonal antibody cetuximab, carbon ion boost (24Gy(RBE) in 8 fractions) and IMRT (50 Gy in 25 fractions). The trial was closed early due to slow accrual.

Results

Eight patients (median age 52.5 years) were enrolled into the trial. The median follow-up was 13 months and the 12-months locoregional tumor control, progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 100.0% each. Complete remission was achieved in 7 patients. The most commonly late radiation adverse event was xerostomia (85.7% at 12 months). Five serious adverse events with recovery were documented in 4 patients: mucositis grade 3 (n = 2), decreased lymphocyte count grade 4, febrile neutropenia grade 4 and hypersensitivity grade 3 to cetuximab (n = 1 each). Most symptom scales had their worst value at the last treatment day and recovered until the 4th follow-up visit.

Conclusion

The study treatment was tolerable and promising. Reduced quality of life recovered for most aspects until the last follow-up visit.

New physical approaches to treat cancer stem cells: a review

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as the main center of tumor therapeutic resistance. They are highly resistant against current cancer therapy approaches particularly radiation therapy (RT). Recently, a wide spectrum of physical methods has been proposed to treat CSCs, including high energetic particles, hyperthermia (HT), nanoparticles (NPs) and combination of these approaches. In this review article, the importance and benefits of the physical CSCs therapy methods such as nanomaterial-based heat treatments and particle therapy will be highlighted.

Evaluation of the Cell Invasion and Migration Process: A Comparison of the Video Microscope-based Scratch Wound Assay and the Boyden Chamber Assay

The invasion and migration abilities of tumor cells are main contributors to cancer progression and recurrence. Many studies have explored the migration and invasion abilities to understand how cancer cells disseminate, with the aim of developing new treatment strategies. Analysis of the cellular and molecular basis of these abilities has led to the characterization of cell mobility and the physicochemical properties of the cytoskeleton and cellular microenvironment. For many years, the Boyden chamber assay and the scratch wound assay have been the standard techniques to study cell invasion and migration. However, these two techniques have limitations. The Boyden chamber assay is difficult and time consuming, and the scratch wound assay has low reproducibility. Development of modern technologies, especially in microscopy, has increased the reproducibility of the scratch wound assay. Using powerful analysis systems, an "in-incubator" video microscope can be used to provide automatic and real-time analysis of cell migration and invasion. The aim of this paper is to report and compare the two assays used to study cell invasion and migration: the Boyden chamber assay and an optimized in vitro video microscope-based scratch wound assay.

Future cancer research priorities in the USA: a Lancet Oncology Commission

We are in the midst of a technological revolution that is providing new insights into human biology and cancer. In this era of big data, we are amassing large amounts of information that is transforming how we approach cancer treatment and prevention. Enactment of the Cancer Moonshot within the 21st Century Cures Act in the USA arrived at a propitious moment in the advancement of knowledge, providing nearly US$2 billion of funding for cancer research and precision medicine. In 2016, the Blue Ribbon Panel (BRP) set out a roadmap of recommendations designed to exploit new advances in cancer diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Those recommendations provided a high-level view of how to accelerate the conversion of new scientific discoveries into effective treatments and prevention for cancer. The US National Cancer Institute is already implementing some of those recommendations. As experts in the priority areas identified by the BRP, we bolster those recommendations to implement this important scientific roadmap. In this Commission, we examine the BRP recommendations in greater detail and expand the discussion to include additional priority areas, including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, imaging, health systems and health disparities, regulation and financing, population science, and oncopolicy. We prioritise areas of research in the USA that we believe would accelerate efforts to benefit patients with cancer. Finally, we hope the recommendations in this report will facilitate new international collaborations to further enhance global efforts in cancer control.

Dual "mAb" HER family blockade in head and neck cancer human cell lines combined with photon therapy

Head and neck cancer stem cells (CSCs) are highly resistant to treatment. When EGFR is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), HER2 and HER3 are also expressed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of HER1/2/3 blockade through a combination of cetuximab and pertuzumab, with or without photon irradiation, on the proliferation and migration/invasion capabilities of an HNSCC chemo- and radioresistant human cell line (SQ20B) and its corresponding stem cell subpopulation. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were studied after treatment with cetuximab +/− pertuzumab +/− 10 Gy photon irradiation. EGFR, phospho-EGFR, HER2 and HER3 protein expression levels were studied. Activation or inhibition of the RAS/MAPK and AKT-mTOR downstream signalling cascades was investigated through phospho-AKT and phospho-MEK1/2 expression. Cetuximab strongly inhibited SQ20B and FaDu cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas it had little effect on SQ20B-CSCs. Cetuximab–pertuzumab combined with radiation significantly inhibited SQ20B and FaDu cell and SQ20B-CSC proliferation, migration and invasion. Cetuximab–pertuzumab with 10 Gy photon irradiation switched off both phospho-AKT and phospho-MEK1/2 expression in the three populations. The triple therapy is therefore thought to inhibit SQ20B cells, SQ20B-CSCs and FaDu cells through an AKT-mTOR and Ras-MAPK downstream signalling blockade.

Differential pattern of HIF-1α expression in HNSCC cancer stem cells after carbon ion or photon irradiation: one molecular explanation of the oxygen effect

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are resistant to standard treatments, partly due to cancer stem cells (CSCs) localised in hypoxic niches. Compared to X-rays, carbon ion irradiation relies on better ballistic properties, higher relative biological effectiveness and the absence of oxygen effect. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is involved in the resistance to photons, whereas its role in response to carbon ions remains unclear.

METHODS

Two HNSCC cell lines and their CSC sub-population were studied in response to photons or carbon ion irradiation, in normoxia or hypoxia, after inhibition or not of HIF-1α.

RESULTS

Under hypoxia, compared to non-CSCs, HIF-1α is expressed earlier in CSCs. A combined effect photons/hypoxia, less observed with carbon ions, results in a synergic and earlier HIF-1α expression in both subpopulations. The diffuse ROS production by photons is concomitant with HIF-1α expression and essential to its activation. There is no oxygen effect in response to carbon ions and the ROS localised in the track might be insufficient to stabilise HIF-1α. Finally, in hypoxia, cells were sensitised to both types of radiations after HIF-1α inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α plays a main role in the response of CSCs and non-CSCs to carbon ion and photon irradiations, which makes the HIF-1α targeting an attractive therapeutic challenge.