Exploring the clonal evolution of CD133/aldehyde-dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1)-positive cancer stem-like cells from primary to recurrent high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). A study of the Ovarian Cancer Therapy-Innovative Models Prolong Survival (OCTIPS) Consortium

BACKGROUND

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) causes 80% of all ovarian cancer (OC) deaths. In this setting, the role of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) is still unclear. In particular, the evolution of CSC biomarkers from primary (pOC) to recurrent (rOC) HGSOCs is unknown. Aim of this study was to investigate changes in CD133 and aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH1) CSC biomarker expression in pOC and rOC HGSOCs.

METHODS

Two-hundred and twenty-four pOC and rOC intrapatient paired tissue samples derived from 112 HGSOC patients were evaluated for CD133 and ALDH1 expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC); pOCs and rOCs were compared for CD133 and/or ALDH1 levels. Expression profiles were also correlated with patients' clinicopathological and survival data.

RESULTS

Some 49.1% of the patient population (55/112) and 37.5% (42/112) pOCs were CD133+ and ALDH1+ respectively. CD133+ and ALDH1+ samples were detected in 33.9% (38/112) and 36.6% (41/112) rOCs. CD133/ALDH1 coexpression was observed in 23.2% (26/112) and 15.2% (17/112) of pOCs and rOCs respectively. Pairwise analysis showed a significant shift of CD133 staining from higher (pOCs) to lower expression levels (rOCs) (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, all CD133 + pOC patients were International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)-stage III/IV (p < 0.0001) and had significantly worse progression-free interval (PFI) (p = 0.04) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, CD133/ALDH1 coexpression in pOCs was identified as independent prognostic factor for PFI (HR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.03-2.60; p = 0.036) and OS (HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.01-2.88; p = 0.045). Analysis on 52 pts patients with known somatic BRCA status revealed that BRCA mutations did not influence CSC biomarker expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that CD133/ALDH1 expression impacts HGSOC patients' survival and first suggests that CSCs might undergo phenotypic change during the disease course similarly to non stem-like cancer cells, providing also a first evidence that there is no correlation between CSCs and BRCA status.

Beyond PD-L1—Identification of Further Potential Therapeutic Targets in Oral Cancer

Simple Summary

Tumor immunotherapy is rapidly evolving and approved for the treatment of advanced OSCC cases. In addition, the currently observed shift in the use of checkpoint inhibitors from palliative to neoadjuvant treatment may improve survival. However, not all patients respond to currently applied immune checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, further immune targets for therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. However, there are limited data on immune checkpoint expression in OSCC. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of a large number of immune modulators in OSCC compared with healthy controls by NanoString mRNA analysis in order to identify possible targets for therapeutic applications. We were able to ascertain several cellular markers, checkpoints and their correlation, as well as their association with histomorphological parameters. Hence, the study contributes to the understanding of immune escape in OSCC and reveals potential targets for immunotherapy of oral cancer.

Abstract

Background: The involvement of immune cell infiltration and immune regulation in the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is shown. Anti-PD-1 therapy is approved for the treatment of advanced OSCC cases, but not all patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Hence, further targets for therapeutic approaches are needed. The number of identified cellular receptors with immune checkpoint function is constantly increasing. This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of a large number of immune checkpoints in OSCC in order to identify possible targets for therapeutic application. Materials and Methods: A NanoString mRNA analysis was performed to assess the expression levels of 21 immune regulatory checkpoint molecules in OSCC tissue (n = 98) and healthy oral mucosa (NOM; n = 41). The expression rates were compared between the two groups, and their association with prognostic parameters was determined. Additionally, relevant correlations between the expression levels of different checkpoints were examined. Results: In OSCC tissue, significantly increased expression of CD115, CD163, CD68, CD86, CD96, GITRL, CD28 and PD-L1 was detected. Additionally, a marginally significant increase in CD8 expression was observed. BTLA and PD-1 levels were substantially increased, but the differential expression was not statistically significant. The expression of CD137L was significantly downregulated in OSCC compared to NOM. Correlations between immune checkpoint expression levels were demonstrated, and some occurred specifically in OSCC tissue. Conclusions: The upregulation of inhibitory receptors and ligands and the downregulation of activators could contribute to reduced effector T-cell function and could induce local immunosuppression in OSCC. Increased expression of activating actors of the immune system could be explained by the increased infiltration of myeloid cells and T-cells in OSCC tissue. The analysis contributes to the understanding of immune escape in OSCC and reveals potential targets for oral cancer immunotherapy.

Characterisation of tumour microvessel density during progression of high-grade serous ovarian cancer: clinico-pathological impact (an OCTIPS Consortium study)

BACKGROUND

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) intratumoural vasculature evolution remains unknown. The study investigated changes in tumour microvessel density (MVD) in a large cohort of paired primary and recurrent HGSOC tissue samples and its impact on patients' clinico-pathological outcome.

METHODS

A total of 222 primary (pOC) and recurrent (rOC) intra-patient paired HGSOC were assessed for immunohistochemical expression of angiogenesis-associated biomarkers (CD31, to evaluate MVD, and VEGF-A). Expression profiles were compared between pOCs and rOCs and correlated with patients' data.

RESULTS

High intratumoural MVD and VEGF-A expression were observed in 75.7% (84/111) and 20.7% (23/111) pOCs, respectively. MVD^high and VEGF⁽⁺⁾ samples were detected in 51.4% (57/111) and 20.7% (23/111) rOCs, respectively. MVD^high/VEGF⁽⁺⁾ co-expression was found in 19.8% (22/111) and 8.1% (9/111) of pOCs and rOCs, respectively (p = 0.02). Pairwise analysis showed no significant change in MVD (p = 0.935) and VEGF-A (p = 0.121) levels from pOCs to rOCs. MVD^high pOCs were associated with higher CD3⁽⁺⁾ (p = 0.029) and CD8⁽⁺⁾ (p = 0.013) intratumoural effector TILs, while VEGF⁽⁺⁾ samples were most frequently encountered among BRCA-mutated tumours (p = 0.019). Multivariate analysis showed VEGF and MVD were not independent prognostic factors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

HGSOC intratumoural vasculature did not undergo significant changes during disease progression. High concentration of CD31⁽⁺⁾ vessels seems to promote recruitment of effector TILs. The study also provides preliminary evidence of the correlation between VEGF-positivity and BRCA status.

Case report: Patient specific combination of surgery and immunotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck - a case series and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Prognosis of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer is generally poor. Adjuvant immunotherapy (IT) featuring immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) is standard of care in advanced stage head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). ICI response rates in CSCC are described as higher than in HNSCC. IT is constantly shifting into earlier disease stages which confronts the surgeon with immunotherapeutically pre-treated patients. It is therefore becoming increasingly difficult to assess which patients with symptomatic tumor disease and a lack of curative surgical option might benefit from salvage surgery.

CASE PRESENTATIONS

The following 6 cases describe therapeutic decision-making regarding ICI and (salvage) surgery in patients with advanced stage HNSCC or CSCC. Cases A and B focus on neoadjuvant ICI followed by salvage surgery. In Cases C and D salvage surgery was performed after short-term stabilization with partial response to ICI. The last two cases (Cases E and F) address the surgical approach after failure of ICI. All cases are discussed in the context of the current study landscape and with focus on individual decision-making. For better understanding, a timetable of the clinical course is given for each case.

CONCLUSIONS

ICI is rapidly expanding its frontiers into the neoadjuvant setting, frequently confronting the surgeon with heavily pretreated patients. Salvage surgery is a viable therapeutic concept despite the rise of systemic treatment options. Decision-making on surgical intervention in case of a salvage surgery remains an individual choice. For neoadjuvant ICI monitoring regarding pathological tumor response or tumor necrosis rate, we suggest correlation between the initial biopsy and the definite tumor resectate in order to increase its significance as a surrogate marker. Scheduling of neoadjuvant ICI should be further investigated, as recent studies indicate better outcomes with shorter time frames.

Real-World Evidence: How Long Do Our Patients Fast?-Results from a Prospective JAGO-NOGGO-Multicenter Analysis on Perioperative Fasting in 924 Patients with Malignant and Benign Gynecological Diseases

BACKGROUND

Despite the key role of optimized fasting in modern perioperative patient management, little current data exist on perioperative fasting intervals in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

In this multicenter prospective study, the length of pre- and postoperative fasting intervals was assessed with the use of a specifically developed questionnaire. Between 15 January 2021 and 31 May 2022, 924 gynecology patients were included, from 13 German gynecology departments.

RESULTS

On average, patients remained fasting for about three times as long as recommended for solid foods (17:02 ± 06:54 h) and about five times as long as recommended for clear fluids (9:21 ± 5:48 h). The average perioperative fasting interval exceeded one day (28:23 ± 14:02 h). Longer fasting intervals were observed before and after oncological or extensive procedures, while shorter preoperative fasting intervals were reported in the participating university hospitals. Smoking, treatment in a non-university hospital, an increased Charlson Comorbidity Index and extensive surgery were significant predictors of longer preoperative fasting from solid foods. In general, prolonged preoperative fasting was tolerated well and quality of patient information was perceived as good.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative fasting intervals were drastically prolonged in this cohort of 924 gynecology patients. Our data indicate the need for better patient education about perioperative fasting.

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Case Report and Assessment of Histological Response

BACKGROUND

The treatment of oral cancer remains challenging due to its infiltrative nature and a high tendency for tumour relapse leading to an overall poor prognosis. In the case of early recurrence, the patient's prognosis deteriorates dramatically, with survival rate dropping to below 30%. Minimal improvements in survival trends in recurrent and advanced stage tumours have been reported in recent decades. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy may represent a new therapeutic approach changing the standard of care in advanced oral cancer therapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a woman in her late 30's who presented in mid-2019 with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) localized to the floor of the mouth. After initial R0 resection, selective neck dissection, and adjuvant brachytherapy, an early recurrence of OSCC located between the hyoid bone and the mandible was diagnosed at the end of 2019. An off-label treatment regimen was performed with neoadjuvant use of Pembrolizumab 19 days prior to salvage surgery. Radiological and histological assessment of T-cell and programmed cell death protein 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was performed before and after checkpoint inhibitor application. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy resulted in increased T-cell infiltration and PD-L1 expression, as well as a significant tumour necrosis rate. One cycle of Pembrolizumab led to significant regressive tumour changes with increases in immune infiltration, sclerosis, and necrosis of 75% of the tumour mass with only 25% vital tumour cells remaining. By June 2020, the patient remained without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The case presented outlines the potential effects of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in recurrent or advanced OSCC prior to definitive surgical tumour treatment. The benefit of additional adjuvant treatment after histologic response will be discussed. The case is also analysed considering ongoing clinical trials of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for head and neck malignancies.

The Immune Checkpoint Receptor CD96: A Local and Systemic Immune Modulator in Oral Cancer?

Background: As immunotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs), using PD1 inhibitors, is only efficient in a small proportion of patients, additional immune checkpoints need to be identified as potential therapeutic targets. There is evidence that a blockade of CD96 might positively affect the anti-tumor immune response. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene and protein expression of CD96 in the tissue and peripheral blood of OSCC patients compared to healthy controls, while also checking for potential associations with a differential expression to the histomorphological parameters. In addition, possible correlations with the expression of PD1 and PD-L1 as well as the macrophage markers CD68 and CD163 should be tested to obtain further insights into the potential effectiveness of combined checkpoint blockage. Material and Methods: For real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), a total of 183 blood and tissue samples, divided into a patient and a control group, were included. Additionally, 141 tissue samples were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relative expression differences between the groups were calculated using statistical tests including the Mann–Whitney U test and AUC method. The Chi-square test was used to determine whether CD96 overexpression in individual samples is associated with malignancy. Correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test. Results: There was a significant CD96 mRNA and protein overexpression in the OSCC group compared to the controls (p = 0.001). In contrast, CD96 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood of the OSCC patients was significantly lower compared to the control group (p = 0.007). In the Chi-square test, the OSCC tissue samples showed a highly significant upregulation of CD96 mRNA expression (p < 0.001) and protein expression (p = 0.005) compared to the healthy mucosa. CD96 mRNA and protein expression correlated significantly (p = 0.005). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation of CD96 expression with PD1 (p ≤ 0.001), PD-L1 (p ≤ 0.001), and CD163 (p = 0.006) at the mRNA level. Conclusions: CD96 expression in the tumor tissue and peripheral blood of OSCC patients is differentially regulated and appears to be a relevant immune checkpoint.

Digital analysis of the human maxilla to enable semistandardized template tool reconstructions with free fibula transplants

OBJECTIVES

This study analyzed the human maxilla to support the development of mean-value-based cutting guide systems for maxillary reconstruction, bridging the gap between freehand techniques and virtual surgical planning (VSP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used routine CT scans. DICOM data enabled 3D modelling and the maxilla was divided into four regions: paranasal (R1), facial maxillary sinus wall (R2), zygomatic bone (R3) and alveolar process (R4). Surface comparisons were made with a reference skull. Statistical analyses assessed anatomical variations, focusing on mean distance (Dmean), area of valid distance (AVD), integrated distance (ID) and integrated absolute distance (IAD). The study addressed hemimaxillectomy defects for two-segmental reconstructions using seven defined bilateral points to determine segmental distances and angles.

RESULTS

Data from 50 patients showed R2 as the most homogeneous and R4 as the most heterogeneous region. Significant age and gender differences were found in R3 and R4, with younger patients and females having more outliers. Cluster analysis indicated that males had R1 and R3 positioned anterior to the reference skull. The mean angle for segmental reconstruction was 131.24° ± 1.29°, with anterior segment length of 30.71 ± 0.57 mm and posterior length of 28.15 ± 0.86 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical analysis supported the development of semistandardized segmental resection approaches. Although gender and anatomical differences were noted, they did not significantly impact the feasibility of mean-value-based cutting-guide systems.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study provides essential anatomical data for creating cost-effective and efficient reconstruction options for maxillary defects, potentially improving surgical outcomes and expanding reconstructive possibilities beyond current techniques.

Impact of BRCA Mutation Status on Tumor Dissemination Pattern, Surgical Outcome and Patient Survival in Primary and Recurrent High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study by the Ovarian Cancer Therapy-Innovative Models Prolong Survival (OCTIPS) Consortium

BACKGROUND

This study seeks to evaluate the impact of breast cancer (BRCA) gene status on tumor dissemination pattern, surgical outcome and survival in a multicenter cohort of paired primary ovarian cancer (pOC) and recurrent ovarian cancer (rOC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records and follow-up data from 190 patients were gathered retrospectively. All patients had surgery at pOC and at least one further rOC surgery at four European high-volume centers. Patients were divided into one cohort with confirmed mutation for BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 (BRCAmut) and a second cohort with BRCA wild type or unknown (BRCAwt). Patterns of tumor presentation, surgical outcome and survival data were analyzed between the two groups.

RESULTS

Patients with BRCAmut disease were on average 4 years younger and had significantly more tumor involvement upon diagnosis. Patients with BRCAmut disease showed higher debulking rates at all stages. Multivariate analysis showed that only patient age had significant predictive value for complete tumor resection in pOC. At rOC, however, only BRCAmut status significantly correlated with optimal debulking. Patients with BRCAmut disease showed significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) by 24.3 months. Progression-free survival (PFS) was prolonged in the BRCAmut group at all stages as well, reaching statistical significance during recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BRCAmut disease showed a more aggressive course of disease with earlier onset and more extensive tumor dissemination at pOC. However, surgical outcome and OS were significantly better in patients with BRCAmut disease compared with patients with BRCAwt disease. We therefore propose to consider BRCAmut status in regard to patient selection for cytoreductive surgery, especially in rOC.