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Consalvo F, De Simone M, Scarpa A, Acerra A, Salzano FA, Fineschi V, Santurro A. Challenges and Complications in the Management of Advanced Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: Role of Post-Mortem Diagnosis and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2024; 13:5198. [PMID: 39274413 PMCID: PMC11396599 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13175198] [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: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinoma (OPSCC) poses significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and management and has important medico-legal and forensic implications. In particular, the management of OPSCC and its treatment-related complications can often be challenging. In cases with advanced OPSCC, a loco-regional extension of the tumor can contribute to the destruction of oral cavity tissues, while the radiotherapy treatment can induce profound changes in tissue morphology and structure. These changes, which resemble tumor neoplasms and endovascular effects, are related to a higher risk of fatal bleeding, as reported in the case study illustrated, in which a hemorrhage occurred from a lingual artery, originating from an ulcerative, necrotic, hemorrhagic lesion on the tongue. Bleeding complications in OPSCC and prolonged radiotherapy are associated with high mortality and require comprehensive management strategies to improve survival and quality of life. Autopsy investigations, contributing to the definition of post-mortem diagnosis, can provide valuable insights into the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying bleeding and guide therapeutic decisions and preventive measures. The integration of autopsy and histopathological investigation into clinical practice should be considered as a necessary support to optimize the management of complications in advanced OPSCC patients, emphasizing the importance of a patient-centered approach and continued research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Consalvo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
- BrainLab s.r.l., Mercato San Severino, 84085 Salerno, Italy
- Unit of Legal Medicine, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona", 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Matteo De Simone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
- BrainLab s.r.l., Mercato San Severino, 84085 Salerno, Italy
| | - Alfonso Scarpa
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Alfonso Acerra
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi, D'Aragona", 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco Antonio Salzano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
- Unit of Otolaryngology, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi, D'Aragona", 84081 Salerno, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Santurro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
- Unit of Legal Medicine, University Hospital "San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D'Aragona", 84081 Salerno, Italy
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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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Vasudev M, Martin E, Frank MI, Meller LLT, Haidar YM. Treatment Delay and HPV Status on OPSCC With Upfront Surgery: Analysis of National Cancer Database. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 171:124-137. [PMID: 38532532 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.699] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effect of treatment delay on survival in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients undergoing primary surgical resection. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study using the 2010-2017 National Cancer Database. SETTING Multicenter database study. METHODS Patients >18 years old with OPSCC and known HPV status, treated surgically with or without postoperative radiation/chemotherapy were included. Two cohorts based on HPV status were grouped by time to treatment initiation (TD-TI, ≤30, 31-60, ≥61 days) and surgery to radiotherapy (TS-RT, ≤42, 43-66, ≥67 days). Univariate, Kaplan-Meier, and multivariate analyses assessed correlations between demographic and clinical factors with overall survival in treatment delay groups. RESULTS Included were 1643 HPV-positive OPSCC patients and 391 HPV-negative OPSCC patients. No associations between survival and gender, age, race, insurance, or radiotherapy length were observed. Regardless of HPV status, larger tumor size (>2 cm) and lymphovascular invasion predicted worse survival. HPV negative patients with >4 lymph nodes involved had 2.5× greater mortality risk (P = .039). Robotic surgery was associated with improved survival only in HPV positive patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.41, P < .001). In HPV positive patients, higher TD-TI related to lower mean survival, although this was not significant on multivariate analysis. HPV negative patients with >42 days of TS-RT had decreased survival (43-66 days, HR 1.63, P = .049; ≥67 days, HR 2.10, P = .032). CONCLUSION Longer TS-RT was associated with lower overall survival in HPV negative patients. Treatment delay was not associated with survival in HPV positive OPSCC according to multivariate analysis. These findings enhance knowledge about treatment delay effects in OPSCC, aiding providers in decisions and patient communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milind Vasudev
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Elaine Martin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Madelyn I Frank
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Leo L T Meller
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Yarah M Haidar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
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Sjöblom A, Jouhi L, Laakkonen P, Randén-Brady R, Tarkkanen J, Haglund C, Mattila P, Carpén T, Hagström J, Mäkitie A. IGSF3 tissue expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx: a novel tool for prognosis assessment in HPV-related and HPV-unrelated disease. APMIS 2024. [PMID: 38623593 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Biomarkers are not broadly used in the management of head and neck cancers (HNCs). Biomarkers have been beneficial in the management of other cancers, however, not in HNCs. Therefore, we observed the immunopositivity of a novel biomarker called immunoglobulin superfamily member 3 (IGSF3) in tumor tissues in HPV-related and HPV-unrelated OPSCC. Two patient cohorts (C1 and C2) from separate time periods were available for this study (total N = 282). Both consisted of OPSCC patients treated at the Helsinki University Hospital (HUS, Helsinki, Finland) during 2000-2016. For HPV determination, HPV mRNA in situ hybridization was used. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess IGSF3 immunopositivity in cancer tissues. Overall survival (OS) was used as endpoint in the statistical analysis. In C1, stronger immunopositivity of IGSF3 in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) correlated with favorable OS (p = 0.005). Stronger IGSF3 immunopositivity in tumor cells (TCs) was associated with HPV negativity (p = 0.017). Stronger IGSF3 immunopositivity in TILs correlated with HPV positivity (p < 0.001). Elevated IGSF3 immunopositivity in TILs associates with HPV-related tumors and may signify favorable prognosis. The immunopositivity of IGSF3 differs between HPV-related and HPV-unrelated OPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Sjöblom
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lauri Jouhi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirjo Laakkonen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Reija Randén-Brady
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jussi Tarkkanen
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Mattila
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Carpén
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Volpe S, Gaeta A, Colombo F, Zaffaroni M, Mastroleo F, Vincini MG, Pepa M, Isaksson LJ, Turturici I, Marvaso G, Ferrari A, Cammarata G, Santamaria R, Franzetti J, Raimondi S, Botta F, Ansarin M, Gandini S, Cremonesi M, Orecchia R, Alterio D, Jereczek-Fossa BA. Blood- and Imaging-Derived Biomarkers for Oncological Outcome Modelling in Oropharyngeal Cancer: Exploring the Low-Hanging Fruit. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072022. [PMID: 37046683 PMCID: PMC10093133 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: To assess whether CT-based radiomics and blood-derived biomarkers could improve the prediction of overall survival (OS) and locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) treated with curative-intent RT. Methods: Consecutive OPC patients with primary tumors treated between 2005 and 2021 were included. Analyzed clinical variables included gender, age, smoking history, staging, subsite, HPV status, and blood parameters (baseline hemoglobin levels, neutrophils, monocytes, and platelets, and derived measurements). Radiomic features were extracted from the gross tumor volumes (GTVs) of the primary tumor using pyradiomics. Outcomes of interest were LRPFS and OS. Following feature selection, a radiomic score (RS) was calculated for each patient. Significant variables, along with age and gender, were included in multivariable analysis, and models were retained if statistically significant. The models’ performance was compared by the C-index. Results: One hundred and five patients, predominately male (71%), were included in the analysis. The median age was 59 (IQR: 52–66) years, and stage IVA was the most represented (70%). HPV status was positive in 63 patients, negative in 7, and missing in 35 patients. The median OS follow-up was 6.3 (IQR: 5.5–7.9) years. A statistically significant association between low Hb levels and poorer LRPFS in the HPV-positive subgroup (p = 0.038) was identified. The calculation of the RS successfully stratified patients according to both OS (log-rank p < 0.0001) and LRPFS (log-rank p = 0.0002). The C-index of the clinical and radiomic model resulted in 0.82 [CI: 0.80–0.84] for OS and 0.77 [CI: 0.75–0.79] for LRPFS. Conclusions: Our results show that radiomics could provide clinically significant informative content in this scenario. The best performances were obtained by combining clinical and quantitative imaging variables, thus suggesting the potential of integrative modeling for outcome predictions in this setting of patients.
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Yu C, Li Q, Zhang Y, Wen ZF, Dong H, Mou Y. Current status and perspective of tumor immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:941750. [PMID: 36092724 PMCID: PMC9458968 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.941750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a high incidence and mortality rate, and investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies of HNSCC is required for further progress. Immunotherapy is a considerable therapeutic strategy for HNSCC due to its potential to produce a broad and long-lasting antitumor response. However, immune escape, which involves mechanisms including dyregulation of cytokines, perturbation of immune checkpoints, and recruitment of inhibitory cell populations, limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Currently, multiple immunotherapy strategies for HNSCC have been exploited, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, costimulatory agonists, antigenic vaccines, oncolytic virus therapy, adoptive T cell transfer (ACT), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy. Each of these strategies has unique advantages, and the appropriate application of these immunotherapies in HNSCC treatment has significant value for patients. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms of immune escape and the characteristics of different immunotherapy strategies in HNSCC to provide a foundation and consideration for the clinical treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhang Yu
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Fa Wen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongbin Mou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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