A 14-Marker Multiplexed Imaging Panel for Prognostic Biomarkers and Tumor Heterogeneity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Molecular and nutritional markers in head and neck cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is still a need of biomarkers in the induction and neoadjuvant settings for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The objective of this concise review article is to give an overview on both predictive and prognostic biomarkers potentially useful for the management of SCCHN.

RECENT FINDINGS

Human papilloma virus (HPV) positivity translated by the presence of the protein indicator p16 is synonymous of favorable prognosis SCCHN. However, there is some disparity for disease evolution among p16 positive SCCHN. A lack of correlation between immunohistochemistry (IHC) and precise quantification of active epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) may explain the absence of link between EGFR expression performed by IHC and response to EGFR targeting therapies reported in SCCHN. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have the property to share the main somatic mutations and genetic rearrangements with the primary tumors. A particular potential interest lies on the possibility to predict patient outcome based on a single-CTC analysis.

SUMMARY

This short review indicates that key biological marker reflecting disease outcome is not yet emerging for a clinical use in SCCHN. Hopes can be put into the so-called liquid biopsies incorporating circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA.

Harnessing Oncolytic Extracellular Vesicles for Tumor Cell-Preferential Cytoplasmic Delivery of Misfolded Proteins for Cancer Immunotherapy

In this study, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are reimagined as more than just a cellular waste disposal system and are repurposed for cancer immunotherapy. Potent oncolytic EVs (bRSVF-EVs) loaded with misfolded proteins (MPs) are engineered, which are typically considered cellular debris. By impairing lysosomal function using bafilomycin A1 and expressing the respiratory syncytial virus F protein, a viral fusogen, MPs are successfully loaded into the EVs expressing RSVF. bRSVF-EVs preferentially transplant a xenogeneic antigen onto cancer cell membranes in a nucleolin-dependent manner, triggering an innate immune response. Furthermore, bRSVF-EV-mediated direct delivery of MPs into the cancer cell cytoplasm initiates endoplasmic reticulum stress and immunogenic cell death (ICD). This mechanism of action leads to substantial antitumor immune responses in murine tumor models. Importantly, when combined with PD-1 blockade, bRSVF-EV treatment elicits robust antitumor immunity, resulting in prolonged survival and complete remission in some cases. Overall, the findings demonstrate that utilizing tumor-targeting oncolytic EVs for direct cytoplasmic delivery of MPs to induce ICD in cancer cells represents a promising approach for enhancing durable antitumor immunity.