A novel 3-miRNA network regulates tumour progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Late diagnosis is one of the major confounders in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Despite recent advances in molecular diagnostics, no disease-specific biomarkers are clinically available for early risk prediction of OSCC. Therefore, it is important to identify robust biomarkers that are detectable using non-invasive liquid biopsy techniques to facilitate the early diagnosis of oral cancer. This study identified potential salivary exosome-derived miRNA biomarkers and crucial miRNA-mRNA networks/underlying mechanisms responsible for OSCC progression.

METHODS

Small RNASeq (n = 23) was performed in order to identify potential miRNA biomarkers in both tissue and salivary exosomes derived from OSCC patients. Further, integrated analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets (n = 114), qPCR validation on larger patient cohorts (n = 70) and statistical analysis with various clinicopathological parameters was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the identified miRNA signature. miRNA-mRNA networks and pathway analysis was conducted by integrating the transcriptome sequencing and TCGA data. The OECM-1 cell line was transfected with the identified miRNA signature in order to observe its effect on various functional mechanisms such as cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasive as well as migratory potential and the downstream signaling pathways regulated by these miRNA-mRNA networks.

RESULTS

Small RNASeq and TCGA data identified 12 differentially expressed miRNAs in OSCC patients compared to controls. On validating these findings in a larger cohort of patients, miR-140-5p, miR-143-5p, and miR-145-5p were found to be significantly downregulated. This 3-miRNA signature demonstrated higher efficacy in predicting disease progression and clinically correlated with poor prognosis (p < 0.05). Transcriptome, TCGA, and miRNA-mRNA network analysis identified HIF1a, CDH1, CD44, EGFR, and CCND1 as hub genes regulated by the miRNA signature. Further, transfection-mediated upregulation of the 3-miRNA signature significantly decreased cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, resulted in G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and reduced the invasive and migratory potential by reversing the EMT process in the OECM-1 cell line.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, this study identifies a 3-miRNA signature that can be utilized as a potential biomarker for predicting disease progression of OSCC and uncovers the underlying mechanisms responsible for converting a normal epithelial cell into a malignant phenotype.

A Case Report and Review of Literature: Cribriform-Morular Variant of Papillary Carcinoma

We describe a case of cribriform morular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma which is a rare subtype. We report a case of a 26 year old female who presented with a thyroid tumour without colonic manifestations. She underwent a total thyroidectomy with central compartment neck dissection. Her histopathology report showed Cribriform-Morular variant, Papillary carcinoma of the left lobe of thyroid. Focal Angio-invasion was present. Even in sporadic presentations of these variants, screening colonoscopy, genetic counselling and screening of family members should be invariably considered as many a time thyroid malignancy presents many years prior to colonic manifestations.

Salivary Exosomal miRNA-1307-5p Predicts Disease Aggressiveness and Poor Prognosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Background: Salivary exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers facilitate repeated sampling, real-time disease monitoring and assessment of therapeutic response. This study identifies a single salivary exosomal miRNA prognosticator that will aid in improved patient outcome using a liquid biopsy approach. Method: Small RNA and transcriptome sequencing profiles of tumour tissues (n = 12) and salivary exosomes (n = 8) from oral cancer patients were compared to their non-cancerous counterparts. We validated these results using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and performing Real-time PCR on a large patient cohort (n = 19 tissue samples; n = 12 salivary exosomes). Potential target genes and the miRNA–mRNA networks and enriched biological pathways regulated by this microRNA were identified using computational tools. Results: Salivary exosomes (size: 30–50 nm) demonstrated a strong expression of CD47 and detectable expression of tetraspanins CD63, CD81 and CD9 by flow cytometry. miR-1307-5p was exclusively overexpressed in tissues and salivary exosomes of oral cancer patients compared to their non-cancerous counterparts. Enhanced expression of miR-1307-5p clinically correlated with poor patient survival, disease progression, aggressiveness and chemo-resistance. Transcriptome analysis suggested that miRNA-1307-5p could promote oral cancer progression by suppressing THOP1, EHF, RNF4, GET4 and RNF114. Conclusions: Salivary exosomal miRNA-1307-5p is a potential prognosticator for predicting poor survival and poor patient outcome in oral cancers.

Co-existence of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Sinonasal Mucormycosis: Therapeutical Challenges

Pandemic was new experience for entire humanity. Medical fraternity was no exception. The cases of mucormycosis were on the rise during the second wave of the pandemic. Presented here are two cases which were combination of two diseases, one of which was squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck region and other one was sinonasal mucormycosis. Both patients were diabetics and had history of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection in past. Our literature search doesn’t reveal any previously reported cases of this rare combination. There were certain challenges in management. Both diseases were lethal and treatment of one cannot be prioritised over other. Challenges in managing those cases were, reconstruction planning, perioperative management and postsurgery adjuvant therapy. In absence of previous experience to treat this combination or any literature available new treatment protocol were formulated. Cases were discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings and treatment plans were formulated. Mucormycosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma both were operated and reconstructed in same sitting. In one patient revision endoscopic debridement had to be done. Amphotericin B was started once diagnosis was confirmed. Patients were followed-up on weekly basis during first month and imaging was done every 15 days. Both patients had satisfactory recovery without any sign of progression of mucormycosis. Adjuvant radiation was given in both cases at appropriate time. At follow-up both patients were free from disease for six months. From these unique experiences it can be recommended that combination of sinonasal mucormycosis and squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck is very rare. Both diseases can be treated simultaneously. Excision and reconstruction can be done in single sitting. There is no need to delay or avoid adjuvant radiation. Multidisciplinary team approach is the key for treatment.

Assessing the quality of life of head and neck healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic-A self-reported global cross-sectional questionnaire study by the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies

BACKGROUND

Considering the pandemic's mode of transmission, the impact on quality of life (QOL) is likely to be exaggerated among healthcare workers (HCWs) who treat head and neck diseases (hHCWs).

METHODS

A cross-sectional self-reported QOL assessment was undertaken between July and September 2020 using the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument sent out to hHCWs. Factors that predicted a poorer QOL were identified using regression models and mediation analysis.

RESULTS

Responses from 979 individuals across 53 countries were analyzed with 62.4% participation from low- and middle-income countries. The physical domain had the highest mean scores of 15 ± 2.51, while the environmental domain was the lowest (14.17 ± 2.42). Participants from low- and middle-income countries had a significantly worse physical (p < 0.001) and environmental (p < 0.001) domains, while a low coronavirus disease 2019-related mortality significantly impacted the environmental domain (p-0.034).

CONCLUSION

QOL-related issues among hHCWs are a vexing problem and need intervention at an individual and systems level in all parts of the world.

Efficacy of Single Transverse Neck Incision for Modified Radical Neck Dissection

Background

To assess the viability of the single transverse neck incision (STNI) for modified radical neck dissection and to analyze the yield of lymph nodes using this approach.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in the Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at our Tertiary Cancer Care Centre from November 2013 to May 2017.

Results

A total of 257 patients underwent surgical treatment for malignant tumors of the head and neck which included 265 modified radical neck dissections (eight bilateral and 249 unilateral). Average of total dissected nodal yield was 37.07. Average yield of positive neck nodes was 2.78.

Conclusion

Single transverse neck incision is an acceptable technique for modified radical neck dissection as it provides adequate surgical exposure for achieving optimal nodal clearance with little technical difficulty.

Developing South Asia’s first structured head and neck surgery multicenter fellowship initiative

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Background: Despite high head neck cancer incidence in South Asia, there exist few fellowship programs, which are limited by lack of structure, review processes and standard curricula. Our aim was a regionwide multicenter head and neck fellowship initiative to address the above limitations. Methods: A 10-member task force was constituted in January 2018 under the aegis of the Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology. First phase: Initial curriculum drafted by incorporating region-specific perspectives, aided by multiple source documents. Candidate eligibility criteria outlined, accommodating multiple pertinent disciplines and an international applicant base. Format for a structured entrance examination, and a mandatory/desirable rotation schedule were developed. Second Subcommittee(SC) phase: Creation of a web portal ( www.fhnofellowship.org ) by Outreach SC, approval of applicant centers by Accreditation SC, layout of exam structure by the Examination SC, and defining a rank order list-driven match process by the Match SC. Third phase: Development of standard documentation including suggested bibliography, log book format, recommended grand rounds topics, common minimum criteria for fellowship graduation. A common entrance exam was conducted in Feb 2019, which incorporated written screening, center-candidate interactions, objective interview, and the merit-based institution-fellow match. Results: Total number of applicants: 92, the majority Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons(83.7%). Seventeen fellows matched in the first cycle, the initial and 6-month program compliance 94.1% and 88.2% respectively. More eligible institutions accredited(36.8% increase) prior to the second cycle in Nov 2019, during which 19 fellows(11.8% increase) were matched. An interim review was done in Oct 2019, and periodic reviewing set at 6-month intervals. Planned fourth phase: Objective center/candidate feedback, surgical video repository, online training schedule, develop the fellowship exit examination, and expand outreach to other countries. Conclusions: Owing to high head neck cancer incidence in the subcontinent, anatomic complexity, need to balance outcomes/toxicities and requirement of expert multidisciplinary care; structured head neck fellowship training is imperative. Despite inherent challenges of concept and implementation in a diverse multicultural resource-limited setting, we foresee the application of region-relevant perspectives helping us achieve the objective of furthering subspecialty head neck training in South Asia.

Conservative Curative Larynx Preserving Surgery for Subglottic Soft Tissue Recurrence Reinforced with Fascia-Lata and Strap Muscles

For early cancers of vocal cords, trans oral laryngeal surgery (TOLS) and curative radiotherapy (RT), have remained mainstay of treatment. Soft tissue recurrence in laryngeal cancers is not much documented, leading to absence of guidelines to deal with it, salvage total laryngectomy being the treatment of choice. We present a tailormade surgical procedure for limited soft tissue recurrence of glottic cancer extending into subglottic anterior soft tissue reinforced with fascia lata and strap muscles, previously treated with TOLS and/or RT.

A rare case of sinonasal glomangiopericytoma post operative accidental diagnosis and managment-A case report

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Glomangiopericytoma is rare sinonasal disease with very good prognosis after surgical excision.

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Prognosis is very good after surgical excision.

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As most nasal tumors our case was also an accidental diagnosis following endoscopic sinus surgery. and complete clearance was suspicious.

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Patent was referred for adjuvant radiation.

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Revision surgery was done and wide clearance was established.

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Patient was saved from radiation.

Introduction

Glomangiopericytoma is a rare neoplasm of low malignant potential. It is a rare type of haemangiopericytoma located in nasal cavity. This neoplasm has good prognosis and complete surgical excision is treatment of choice. This case report is representing one such neoplasm. This reporting is done in line with the SCARE criteria (Agha et al., 2018 [1]).

Case presentation

We presenting a case of 54 year old male patient from upper socioeconomic status who presented at our institution with history of surgery (endoscopic sinus surgery with Septoplasty) 15 days back. A Final histopathology report suggested glomangiopericytoma. Since primary surgery was not done as per oncologic principals, patient was advised for adjuvant radiation. At our institute patient was evaluated again. Revision surgery was done. Patient was discharged next day.

Discussion

Glomangiopericytoma is a rare neoplasm with incidence of less than 0.5% of all neoplasms of sinonasal cavity. Prognosis is very good after complete surgical excision. It often confuses clinicians with nasal polyps. Here also patient was operated initially considering as benign polyposis outside. Patient was re-operated again to ensure the complete clearance.

Conclusion

This is the typical case of converting dual modality treatment to single modality with the help of knowledge, communication, transparent team work. This also a rare type of neoplasm and by reporting this rare case we are contributing to data pool of nasal tumors where lack of reporting is major obstacle in the formation of uniform treatment guidelines.

Metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck to the thyroid: a single institution's experience with a review of relevant publications

The thyroid gland is a rare site of metastasis, and in particular of those of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) from the head and neck region. We have reviewed the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, radiological features, immunohistochemical profile, prognosis, and management of metastatic SCC from the head and neck region to the thyroid, and searched current publications on the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases using the following keywords: "SCC of thyroid", "secondary SCC of thyroid", and "metastasis to the thyroid", for papers published during the last 33 years (April 1984 to October 2017).We found a total of 19 papers that reported a total of 32 cases that were relevant. Four further cases were discovered as an incidental finding on follow-up positron emission tomographic/computed tomographic scans with magnetic resonance imaging of the head and neck at our hospital, which were confirmed with an ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy followed by immunohistochemical examination. For patients who are doing well, whose disease is controlled at the primary site, and who have no evidence of distant metastatic disease, total thyroidectomy could be considered followed by adjuvant radiation or chemoradiotherapy, depending on the presence of intermediate or high-risk features on pathological examination and previous history of radiation. This may help to control the disease and avoid local morbidity.

Clinical assessment scoring system for tracheostomy (CASST) criterion: Objective criteria to predict pre-operatively the need for a tracheostomy in head and neck malignancies

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy is a mainstay modality for airway management for patients with head-neck cancer undergoing surgery. This study aims to define factors predicting need of tracheostomy and define an effective objective criterion to predict tracheostomy need.

METHODS

486 patients undergoing composite resections were studied. Factors analyzed were age, previous surgery, extent of surgery, trismus, extent of mandibular resection and reconstruction etc. Factors were divided into major and minor, using the clinical assessment scoring system for tracheostomy (CASST) criterion.

RESULTS

Sixty seven (13.7%) patients required tracheostomy for their peri-operative management. Elective tracheostomies were done in 53 cases during surgery and post-operatively in 14 patients. All patients in whom tracheostomies were anticipated had a score of seven or more.

CONCLUSION

A decision on whether or not an elective tracheotomy in head and neck surgery is necessary and can be facilitated using CASST criterion, which has a sensitivity of 95.5% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.3%. It may reduce post-operative complications and contribute to safer treatment.

Use of 90° Hopkin's Telescopic Examination as an OPD Tool to Clinically Evaluate and Record Oral Cavity Lesions: Our Experience in Early Detection, Especially in Patients with Limited Mouth Opening

INTRODUCTION

Restricted mouth opening due to premalignant lesions like oral sub-mucous fibrosis, malignancies of oral cavity and postoperative status is very common in Indian patients. It is very difficult to evaluate, document and biopsy the lesions due to inability to access, vast area and diversity of premalignant lesions and subject variations. 90° Hopkin's slender out-patient examination telescope was found useful tool in this.

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of magnified view and reach of a slender telescope to document and examine the oral cavity for any premalignant and malignant lesions, especially for patients with restricted mouth opening and to study its impact on management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 90(0) Hopkin's telescope was used to evaluate and document oral cavity examination in the Out Patients Department (OPD). The data of first 2000 patients was analysed.

RESULTS

Difficult to reach areas, where mouth opening was severely restricted was the significant subset. A total of 1394 patients approached OPD for primary diagnosis at our tertiary cancer care centre. Six hundred and six patients were the ones in follow up after treatment in form of Surgery, Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy, or combination. Five twenty three patients (of 1394) with mouth opening ≤ 20mm formed the study group. Telescope guided biopsies were also taken in 50 patients from 56 sites. Serial recordings were compared objectively in premalignant, treatment evaluation and close watch groups. An increase of 5.6% in rate of diagnosis of malignancy was made possible with the help of telescopic examination in patients with mouth opening ≤ 20mm.

CONCLUSION

A 90(0) Hopkin's telescopic examination is a useful tool to evaluate and record oral cavity lesions, especially in patients with restricted mouth openings. It is a useful tool for screening high risk group, giving definite advantage of objective evaluation and recording of the lesion. It can also be used to objectively evaluate response of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and as a teaching tool for the fellows.