Viral Pathogens in Oesophageal and Gastric Cancer

Single domain antibodies from camelids in the treatment of microbial infections

Infectious diseases continue to pose significant global health challenges. In addition to the enduring burdens of ailments like malaria and HIV, the emergence of nosocomial outbreaks driven by antibiotic-resistant pathogens underscores the ongoing threats. Furthermore, recent infectious disease crises, exemplified by the Ebola and SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, have intensified the pursuit of more effective and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Among the promising options, antibodies have garnered significant attention due to their favorable structural characteristics and versatile applications. Notably, nanobodies (Nbs), the smallest functional single-domain antibodies of heavy-chain only antibodies produced by camelids, exhibit remarkable capabilities in stable antigen binding. They offer unique advantages such as ease of expression and modification and enhanced stability, as well as improved hydrophilicity compared to conventional antibody fragments (antigen-binding fragments (Fab) or single-chain variable fragments (scFv)) that can aggregate due to their low solubility. Nanobodies directly target antigen epitopes or can be engineered into multivalent Nbs and Nb-fusion proteins, expanding their therapeutic potential. This review is dedicated to charting the progress in Nb research, particularly those derived from camelids, and highlighting their diverse applications in treating infectious diseases, spanning both human and animal contexts.

A systematic review on the molecular and clinical association between Human Papillomavirus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infection in Head, Neck and Oral squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck cancer, one of the most commonly prevalent malignancies globally is a complex category of tumours that comprises cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. A specific subgroup of such cancers has been found with some unique chromosomal, therapeutic, and epidemiologic traits with the possibility of affecting via co-infection. About 25% of all head and neck cancers in the population are human papillomavirus infection (HPV)-associated, typically developing in the oropharynx, which comprises the tonsils. In the period of efficient combined antiviral treatment, HPV-positive oral cancers are also becoming a significant contributor to illness and fatality for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected persons. Although the prevalence and historical background of oral HPV transmission are not thoroughly understood, it seems likely that oral HPV transmission is relatively frequent in HIV-infected people when compared to the overall population. Therefore, there is a need to understand the mechanisms leading to this co-infection, as there is very little research related to that. Hence, this study mainly focus on the therapeutical and biomedical analysis of HPV and HIV co-infection in the above-mentioned cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Recent Developments in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccinology

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is causally associated with 5% of cancers, including cancers of the cervix, penis, vulva, vagina, anus and oropharynx. The most carcinogenic HPV is HPV-16, which dominates the types causing cancer. There is also sufficient evidence that HPV types 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 and 59 cause cervical cancer. The L1 protein, which, when assembled into virus-like particles, induces HPV-type-specific neutralising antibodies, forms the basis of all commercial HPV vaccines. There are six licensed prophylactic HPV vaccines: three bivalent, two quadrivalent and one nonavalent vaccine. The bivalent vaccines protect from HPV types 16 and 18, which are associated with more than 70% of cervical cancers. Prophylactic vaccination targets children before sexual debut, but there are now catch-up campaigns, which have also been shown to be beneficial in reducing HPV infection and disease. HPV vaccination of adults after treatment for cervical lesions or recurrent respiratory papillomatosis has impacted recurrence. Gender-neutral vaccination will improve herd immunity and prevent infection in men and women. HPV vaccines are immunogenic in people living with HIV, but more research is needed on the long-term impact of vaccination and to determine whether further boosters are required.

The complexity of human papilloma virus in cancers: a narrative review

Among human tumorigenic viruses, the role of Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been proven as one of the most important oncoviruses that are associated with a large number of cancers. Most cancers of the genital area such cervical and anal cancer as are caused by HPV, and in many other cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, liver, esophageal, urinary bladder, and head and neck cancers, it is considered as one of the important risk factors. Our search was conducted for published researches between 2000 and 2022 by using several international databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science as well as Google scholar. We also evaluated additional evidence from relevant published articles. It has been demonstrated that HPV can promote tumorigenesis via focusing on genes, proteins, and signaling pathways, by using E6 and E7 oncoproteins and inhibiting two crucial tumor suppressors, P53 and Rb. The following study was performed to investigate different malignant cancers under the influence of HPV infection and changes in molecular factors caused by HPV infection.

Nomogram-Based Survival Predictions and Treatment Recommendations for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Upfront Surgery

Background and purpose: The aim of this study is to develop a prognostic nomogram, quantify survival benefit, and guide risk-dependent adjuvant therapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC) after esophagectomy. Materials and methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study of consecutive LA-ESCCs treated by curative-intent esophagectomy with internal validation and independent external validation in a randomized controlled trial. After factor selection by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, a nomogram was developed to estimate 5-year overall survival (OS) based on the Cox proportional hazards model. The area under the curve (AUC) and calibration plot were used to determine its discriminative and predictive capacities, respectively. Survival improvement from adjuvant therapy was quantified and plotted corresponding to nomogram score. Results: A total of 1077, 718, and 118 patients were included for model development, internal validation, and external validation, respectively. The nomogram identified eight significant prognostic factors: gender, pathological T and N stages, differentiation, surgical margin, lymphovascular invasion, number of lymph node resection, and adjuvant therapy. The nomogram showed superior discriminative capacity than TNM stage (AUC: 0.76 vs. 0.72, p < 0.01), with significant survival differences among different risk stratifications. The calibration plot illustrated a good agreement between nomogram-predicated and actual 5-year OS. Consistent results were concluded after external validation. At least 10% 5-year OS improvement from adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy was expected in almost all patients (nomogram score 110 to 260) and patients mainly with high-intermediate risk (nomogram score 159 to 207), respectively. Conclusions: The clinicopathological nomogram predicting 5-year OS for LA-ESCC after esophagectomy was developed with high accuracy. The proposed nomogram showed better performance than TNM stage and provided risk-dependent and individualized adjuvant treatment recommendations.