BACKGROUND Early detection of esophageal squamous neoplasms(ESN)is essential for improving patient prognosis.Optical diagnosis of ESN remains challenging.Probebased confocal laser endomicroscopy(pCLE)enables accurate ...BACKGROUND Early detection of esophageal squamous neoplasms(ESN)is essential for improving patient prognosis.Optical diagnosis of ESN remains challenging.Probebased confocal laser endomicroscopy(pCLE)enables accurate in vivo histological observation and optical biopsy of ESN.However,interpretation of pCLE images requires histopathological expertise and extensive training.Artificial intelligence(AI)has been widely applied in digestive endoscopy;however,AI for pCLE diagnosis of ESN has not been reported.AIM To develop a pCLE computer-aided diagnostic system for ESN and assess its diagnostic performance and assistant efficiency for nonexpert endoscopists.METHODS The intelligent confocal laser endomicroscopy(iCLE)system consists of image recognition(based on inception-ResNet V2),video diagnosis,and quality judgment modules.This system was developed using pCLE images and videos and evaluated through image and prospective video recognition tests.Patients between June 2020 and January 2023 were prospectively enrolled.Expert and nonexpert endoscopists and the iCLE independently performed diagnoses for pCLE videos,with histopathology as the gold standard.Thereafter,the non-expert endoscopists performed a second assessment with iCLE assistance.RESULTS A total of 25056 images from 2803 patients were selected for iCLE training and validation.Another 2442 images from 226 patients were used for testing.iCLE achieved a high accuracy of 98.3%,sensitivity of 95.3%and specificity of 98.8%for diagnosing ESN images.A total of 2581 patients underwent upper gastrointestinal pCLE examination and were prospectively screened;54 patients with suspected ESN were enrolled.Overall,187 videos from 67 lesions were assessed by iCLE,three nonexpert and three expert endoscopists.iCLE achieved a high accuracy,sensitivity and specificity of 90.9%,92.0%,and 90.2%,respectively.Compared to experts,iCLE showed significantly higher sensitivity(92.0%vs 80.4%;P<0.001)and negative predictive value(94.4%vs 87.7%;P=0.003).With iCLE assistance,nonexpert endoscopists showed significant improvements in accuracy(from 83.6%to 88.6%)and sensitivity(from 76.0%to 89.8%).CONCLUSION iCLE system demonstrated high diagnostic performance for ESN.It can assist nonexpert endoscopists in improving the diagnostic efficiency of pCLE for ESN and has the potential for reducing unnecessary biopsies.展开更多
This letter addresses challenges in the clinical translation of BIBR1532,a promising telomerase inhibitor,for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).BIBR1532 exerts its anti-cancer effect by activat...This letter addresses challenges in the clinical translation of BIBR1532,a promising telomerase inhibitor,for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).BIBR1532 exerts its anti-cancer effect by activating DNA damage response(ATR/CHK1 and ATM/CHK2)pathways and downregulating telomere-binding proteins.Although its therapeutic potential is limited by poor aqueous solubility,solid dispersion(SD)technology may overcome this obstacle.Systematic analysis using PubChem-derived simplified molecular input line entry system identifiers and artificial intelligence-driven FormulationDT platform evaluation(oral formulation feasibility index:0.38)revealed that the SD technology,with superior scalability(32 approved products by 2021)and lower production risks,outperforms lipid-based formulations as an optimal dissolution strategy.Material analysis revealed hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC)as the optimal carrier with lower hygroscopicity,higher temperature and no intestinal targeting,thus enabling ESCC therapy.HPMC-based SD enhances BIBR1532 solubility and bioavailability for effective ESCC treatment.Future studies should focus on pilot tests for SD fabrication.展开更多
This narrative review examines recent advances in salivary biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC),a major subtype of oral cancer with persistently low five-year survival rates due to delayed diagnosis.Saliv...This narrative review examines recent advances in salivary biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC),a major subtype of oral cancer with persistently low five-year survival rates due to delayed diagnosis.Saliva has emerged as a noninvasive diagnostic medium capable of reflecting both local tumor activity and systemic physiological changes.Various salivary biomarkers,including microRNAs,cytokines,proteins,metabolites,and exosomes,have been linked to oncogenic signaling pathways involved in tumor progression,immune modulation,and therapeutic resistance.Advances in quantitative polymerase chain reaction,mass spectrometry,and next-generation sequencing have enabled comprehensive biomarker profiling,while point-of-care detection systems and saliva-based omics platforms are accelerating clinical translation.Remaining challenges include variability in salivary composition,lack of standardized collection protocols,and insufficient validation across large patient cohorts.This review highlights the mechanistic relevance,diagnostic potential,and translational challenges of salivary biomarkers in OSCC.展开更多
Background:The regulatory mechanisms governing vasculogenic mimicry(VM)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)remain largely undefined.This study aimed to identify critical factors and elucidate the epigenetic mechanism...Background:The regulatory mechanisms governing vasculogenic mimicry(VM)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)remain largely undefined.This study aimed to identify critical factors and elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying VM in OSCC.Methods:Bioinformatics analysis was performed utilizing single-cell RNA-seq,bulk RNA-seq,and histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation(H3K27ac)Chromatin Immunoprecipitation(ChIP)-seq data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)databases.ChIP-qPCR was used to validate the binding of ETS transcription factor ELK4(ELK4)to the dihydrofolate reductase(DHFR)enhancer.In vitro VM formation and invasion of OSCC cells were assessed using Matrigel-based tube formation and Transwell assays,respectively.Results:Elevated expression of VM-related genes predicts unfavorable prognosis in OSCC patients.High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis(hdWGCNA)identified epithelial subcluster C4 as most strongly associated with VM and metastasis.Three co-expression modules within this subcluster exhibited significant positive correlations with both phenotypic traits.Among the 30 eigengenes from the three modules,DHFR emerged as a key regulator of VM and metastasis.Knockdown or inhibition of DHFR significantly suppressed VM formation and invasion in OSCC cells.Mechanistically,ELK4 activated DHFR transcription through direct binding to its enhancer.DHFR overexpression rescued VM and invasion impairment induced by ELK4 knockdown.Conclusion:DHFR was a pivotal enhancer-regulated gene driving VM and metastasis in OSCC.ELK4 directly binds to DHFR enhancer regions to activate its transcription,thereby promoting these malignant phenotypes.These findings identified the ELK4/DHFR axis as a promising therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic intervention in OSCC.展开更多
Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is a wellestablished treatment for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms(SESCNs)with no risk of lymphatic metastasis.However,for large SESCNs,especially when exceeding two...Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is a wellestablished treatment for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms(SESCNs)with no risk of lymphatic metastasis.However,for large SESCNs,especially when exceeding two-thirds of the esophageal circumference,conventional ESD is time-consuming and has an increased risk of adverse events.Based on the submucosal tunnel conception,endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection(ESTD)was first introduced by us to remove large SESCNs,with excellent results.Studies from different centers also reported favorable results.Compared with conventional ESD,ESTD has a more rapid dissection speed and R0 resection rate.Currently in China,ESTD for large SESCNs is an important part of the digestive endoscopic tunnel technique,as is peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia and submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection for submucosal tumors of the muscularis propria.However,not all patients with SESCNs are candidates for ESTD,and postoperative esophageal strictures should also be taken into consideration,especially for lesions with a circumference greater than three-quarters.In this article,we describe our experience,review the literature of ESTD,and provide detailed information on indications,standard procedures,outcomes,and complications of ESTD.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms. METHODS: Between July 2007 and March 2009, 27 consecutive superficial esophageal squamous cell neop...AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms. METHODS: Between July 2007 and March 2009, 27 consecutive superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms in 25 enrolled patients were treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The therapeutic efficacy, complications, and follow-up results were assessed. RESULTS: The mean size of the lesions was 21 ± 13 mm (range 2-55 mm); the mean size of the resection specimens was 32 ± 12 mm (range 10-70 mm). The enblock resection rate was 100% (27/27), and en block resection with tumor-free lateral/basal margins was 88.9% (24/27). Perforation occurred in 1 patient who was managed by conservative medical treatments. None of the patients developed local recurrence or distant metastasis in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is applicable to superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms with promising results.展开更多
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)infection in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)is well established,and p16 expression is a strong predictor.HPV-related tumors exhibit unique mechanis...BACKGROUND The high prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)infection in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)is well established,and p16 expression is a strong predictor.HPV-related tumors exhibit unique mechanisms that target p16 and p53 proteins.However,research on HPV prevalence and the combined predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in head and neck cutaneous SCC(HNCSCC),particularly in Asian populations,remains limited.This retrospective study surveyed 62 patients with HNSCC(2011-2020),excluding those with facial warts or other skin cancer.AIM To explore the prevalence of HPV and the predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in HNCSCC in Asian populations.METHODS All patients underwent wide excision and biopsy.Immunohistochemical staining for HPV,p16,and p53 yielded positive and negative results.The relevance of each marker was investigated by categorizing the tumor locations into high-risk and middle-risk zones based on recurrence frequency.RESULTS Of the 62 patients,20(32.26%)were male,with an average age of 82.27 years(range 26-103 years).High-risk included 19 cases(30.65%),with the eyelid and lip being the most common sites(five cases,8.06%).Middle-risk included 43 cases(69.35%),with the cheek being the most common(29 cases,46.77%).The p16 expression was detected in 24 patients(38.71%),p53 expression in 42 patients(72.58%),and HPV in five patients(8.06%).No significant association was found between p16 expression and the presence of HPV(P>0.99),with a positive predictive value of 8.33%.CONCLUSION This study revealed that p16,a surrogate HPV marker in oropharyngeal SCC,is not reliable in HNCSCC,providing valuable insights for further research in Asian populations.展开更多
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)superfamily plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis.Activin A receptor type 1C(ACVR1C)is a TGF-βtype I receptor that is involved in tumorigenesis th...BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)superfamily plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis.Activin A receptor type 1C(ACVR1C)is a TGF-βtype I receptor that is involved in tumorigenesis through binding to dif-ferent ligands.AIM To evaluate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of ACVR1C and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)in Chinese Han population.METHODS In this hospital-based cohort study,1043 ESCC patients and 1143 healthy controls were enrolled.Five SNPs(rs4664229,rs4556933,rs77886248,rs77263459,rs6734630)of ACVR1C were assessed by the ligation detection reaction method.Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test,genetic model analysis,stratified analysis,linkage disequi-librium test,and haplotype analysis were conducted.RESULTS Participants carrying ACVR1C rs4556933 GA mutant had significantly decreased risk of ESCC,and those with rs77886248 TA mutant were related with higher risk,especially in older male smokers.In the haplotype analysis,ACVR1C Trs4664229Ars4556933Trs77886248Crs77263459Ars6734630 increased risk of ESCC,while Trs4664229Grs4556933Trs77886248Crs77263459Ars6734630 was associated with lower susceptibility to ESCC.CONCLUSION ACVR1C rs4556933 and rs77886248 SNPs were associated with the susceptibility to ESCC,which could provide a potential target for early diagnosis and treatment of ESCC in Chinese Han population.展开更多
Endoscopic resection is an effective treatment for noninvasive esophageal squamous cell neoplasms(ESCNs).Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)has been developed for small localized ESCNs as an alternative to surgical ther...Endoscopic resection is an effective treatment for noninvasive esophageal squamous cell neoplasms(ESCNs).Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)has been developed for small localized ESCNs as an alternative to surgical therapy because it shows similar effectiveness and is less invasive than esophagectomy.However,EMR is limited in resection size and therefore piecemeal resection is performed for large lesions,resulting in an imprecise histological evaluation and a high frequency of local recurrence.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has been developed in Japan as one of the standard endoscopic resection techniques for ESCNs.ESD enables esophageal lesions,regardless of their size,to be removed en bloc and thus has a lower local recurrence rate than EMR.The development of new devices and the establishment of optimal strategies for esophageal ESD have resulted in fewer complications such as perforation than expected.However,esophageal stricture after ESD may occur when the resected area is larger than three-quarters of the esophageal lumen or particularly when it encompasses the entire circumference;such a stricture requires multiple sessions of endoscopic balloon dilatation.Recently,oral prednisolone has been reported to be useful in preventing post-ESD stricture.In addition,a combination of chemoradiotherapy(CRT)and ESD might be an alternative therapy for submucosal esophageal cancer that has a risk of lymph node metastasis because esophagectomy is extremely invasive;CRT has a higher local recurrence rate than esophagectomy but is less invasive.ESD is likely to play a central role in the treatment of superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms in the future.展开更多
AIM To simplify the diagnostic criteria for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(SESCC) on Narrow Band Imaging combined with magnifying endoscopy(NBI-ME).METHODS This study was based on the post-hoc analysis...AIM To simplify the diagnostic criteria for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(SESCC) on Narrow Band Imaging combined with magnifying endoscopy(NBI-ME).METHODS This study was based on the post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. We performed NBI-ME for 147 patients with present or a history of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck, or esophagus between January 2009 and June 2011. Two expert endoscopistsdetected 89 lesions that were suspicious for SESCC lesions, which had been prospectively evaluated for the following 6 NBI-ME findings in real time: "intervascular background coloration"; "proliferation of intrapapillary capillary loops(IPCL)"; and "dilation", "tortuosity", "change in caliber", and "various shapes(VS)" of IPCLs(i.e., Inoue's tetrad criteria). The histologic examination of specimens was defined as the gold standard for diagnosis. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify candidates for the simplified criteria from among the 6 NBI-ME findings for diagnosing SESCCs. We evaluated diagnostic performance of the simplified criteria compared with that of Inoue's criteria.RESULTS Fifty-four lesions(65%) were histologically diagnosed as SESCCs and the others as low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or inflammation. In the univariate analysis, proliferation, tortuosity, change in caliber, and VS were significantly associated with SESCC(P < 0.01). The combination of VS and proliferation was statistically extracted from the 6 NBI-ME findings by using the stepwise logistic regression model. We defined the combination of VS and proliferation as simplified dyad criteria for SESCC. The areas under the curve of the simplified dyad criteria and Inoue's tetrad criteria were 0.70 and 0.73, respectively. No significant difference was shown between them. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis for SESCC were 77.8%, 57.1%, 69.7% and 51.9%, 80.0%, 62.9% for the simplified dyad criteria and Inoue's tetrad criteria, respectively.CONCLUSION The combination of proliferation and VS may serve as simplified criteria for the diagnosis of SESCC using NBIME.展开更多
The presence of a positive deep surgical margin in tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)significantly elevates the risk of local recurrence.Therefore,a prompt and precise intraoperative assessment of margin status is i...The presence of a positive deep surgical margin in tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)significantly elevates the risk of local recurrence.Therefore,a prompt and precise intraoperative assessment of margin status is imperative to ensure thorough tumor resection.In this study,we integrate Raman imaging technology with an artificial intelligence(AI)generative model,proposing an innovative approach for intraoperative margin status diagnosis.This method utilizes Raman imaging to swiftly and non-invasively capture tissue Raman images,which are then transformed into hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)-stained histopathological images using an AI generative model for histopathological diagnosis.The generated H&E-stained images clearly illustrate the tissue’s pathological conditions.Independently reviewed by three pathologists,the overall diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing between tumor tissue and normal muscle tissue reaches 86.7%.Notably,it outperforms current clinical practices,especially in TSCC with positive lymph node metastasis or moderately differentiated grades.This advancement highlights the potential of AI-enhanced Raman imaging to significantly improve intraoperative assessments and surgical margin evaluations,promising a versatile diagnostic tool beyond TSCC.展开更多
BACKGROUND One of the main characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is that it metastasizes to cervical lymph nodes frequently with a high degree of local invasiveness.A primary feature of malignant tumors...BACKGROUND One of the main characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is that it metastasizes to cervical lymph nodes frequently with a high degree of local invasiveness.A primary feature of malignant tumors is their penetration of neighboring tissues,such as lymphatic and blood arteries,due to the tumor cells'capacity to break down the extracellular matrix(ECM).Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)constitute a family of proteolytic enzymes that facilitate tissue remodeling and the degradation of the ECM.MMP-9 and MMP-13 belong to the group of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and their expression has been studied in OSCC because of their specific functions.MMP-13,a collagenase family member,is thought to play an essential role in the MMP activation cascade by breaking down the fibrillar collagens,whereas MMP-9 is thought to accelerate the growth of tumors.Elevated MMP-13 expression has been associated with tumor behavior and patient prognosis in a number of malignant cases.AIM To assess the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in OSCC.METHODS A total of 40 cases with histologically confirmed OSCC by incisional biopsy were included in this cross-sectional retrospective study.The protocols for both MMP-9 and MMP-13 immunohistochemical staining were performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations along with the normal gingival epithelium as a positive control.All the observations were recorded and Pearson’sχ²test with Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS Our study showed no significant correlation between MMP-9 and MMP-13 staining intensity and tumor size.The majority of the patients were in advanced TNM stages(III and IV),and showed intense expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13.CONCLUSION The present study suggests that both MMP-9 and MMP-13 play an important and independent role in OSCC progression and invasiveness.Intense expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13,irrespective of histological grade of OSCC,correlates well with TNM stage.Consequently,it is evident that MMP-9 and MMP-13 are important for the invasiveness and progression of tumors.The findings may facilitate the development of new approaches for evaluating lymph node metastases and interventional therapy techniques,hence enhancing the prognosis of patients diagnosed with OSCC.展开更多
Tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)is a prevalent malignancy that afflicts the head and neck area and presents a high incidence of metastasis and invasion.Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for ...Tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)is a prevalent malignancy that afflicts the head and neck area and presents a high incidence of metastasis and invasion.Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for enhancing the quality of life and the survival rates of TSCC patients.The current treatment modalities for TSCC frequently suffer from a lack of specificity and efficacy.Nanoparticles with diagnostic and photothermal therapeutic properties may offer a new approach for the targeted therapy of TSCC.However,inadequate accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site diminishes the efficacy of photothermal therapy(PTT).This study modified gold nanodots(AuNDs)with the TSCC-targeting peptide HN-1 to improve the selectivity and therapeutic effects of PTT.The Au-HN-1 nanosystem effectively targeted the TSCC cells and was rapidly delivered to the tumor tissues compared to the AuN Ds.The enhanced accumulation of photosensitizing agents at tumor sites achieved significant PTT effects in a mouse model of TSCC.Moreover,owing to its stable long-term fluorescence and high X-ray attenuation coefficient,the Au-HN-1 nanosystem can be used for fluorescence and computed tomography imaging of TSCC,rendering it useful for early tumor detection and accurate delineation of surgical margins.In conclusion,Au-HN-1 represents a promising nanomedicine for imaging-based diagnosis and targeted PTT of TSCC.展开更多
Dear Editor,Local recurrence and cervical lymph node metastases are major causes of mortality in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).To date,none of the proposed strategies for predicting outcom...Dear Editor,Local recurrence and cervical lymph node metastases are major causes of mortality in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).To date,none of the proposed strategies for predicting outcomes in this disease have proven fully effective,and a comprehensive physical examination remains the primary method for early detection and monitoring of HNSCC.展开更多
BACKGROUND Primary squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)of the renal parenchyma is extremely rare,with only nine cases reported.CASE SUMMARY This study reports a 51-year-old man with primary SCC of the renal parenchyma.The pat...BACKGROUND Primary squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)of the renal parenchyma is extremely rare,with only nine cases reported.CASE SUMMARY This study reports a 51-year-old man with primary SCC of the renal parenchyma.The patient was admitted with recurrent dull pain and discomfort in the right lumbar region,which had worsened over 2 weeks,accompanied by painful gross hematuria.SCC antigen(SCCA)levels were elevated,and imaging revealed a renal mass with associated calculi.The patient underwent laparoscopic unilateral nephrectomy and lymph node dissection.Postoperative pathology confirmed highly differentiated SCC with necrosis in the right renal parenchyma,with negative renal pelvis and ureter.The pathological stage was Pt3aN1M0.Four months after surgery,the tumor recurred with involvement of the liver,right psoas major muscle,and inferior vena cava.The patient refused chemotherapy and succumbed to the disease 6 months postoperatively due to disease progression.CONCLUSION We report a case of primary SCC of the renal parenchyma,a rare renal malignancy.The clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,and imaging findings are nonspecific,making accurate and timely diagnosis challenging.According to the literature,for patients with renal calculi accompanied by a renal mass,elevated serum SCCA levels,and magnetic resonance imaging showing cystic or cystic-solid masses within the kidney with pseudocapsules and heterogeneous mild enhancement,the possibility of this disease should be considered.展开更多
Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is the most common head and neck malignancy worldwide,accounting for more than 90%of all oral cancers,and is characterized by high invasiveness and poor long-term prognosis.Its etiolo...Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is the most common head and neck malignancy worldwide,accounting for more than 90%of all oral cancers,and is characterized by high invasiveness and poor long-term prognosis.Its etiology is multifactorial,involving tobacco use,alcohol consumption,and human papillomavirus(HPV)infection.Oral leukoplakia and erythroplakia are the main precancerous lesions lesions,with oral leukoplakia being the most common.Both OSCC and premalignant lesions are closely associated with aberrant activation of multiple signaling pathways.Post-translational modifications(such as ubiquitination and deubiquitination)play key roles in regulating these pathways by controlling protein stability and activity.Growing evidence indicates that dysregulated ubiquitination/deubiquitination can mediate OSCC initiation and progression via aberrant activation of signaling pathways.The ubiquitination/deubiquitination process mainly involves E3 ligases(E3s)that catalyze substrate ubiquitination,deubiquitinating enzymes(DUBs)that remove ubiquitin chains,and the 26S proteasome complex that degrades ubiquitinated substrates.Abnormal expression or mutation of E3s and DUBs can lead to altered stability of critical tumorrelated proteins,thereby driving OSCC initiation and progression.Therefore,understanding the aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC and the ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms within these pathways will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms and improve OSCC treatment by targeting relevant components.Here,we summarize four aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC―the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway,Wnt/β-catenin pathway,Hippo pathway,and canonical NF-κB pathway―and systematically review the regulatory mechanisms of ubiquitination/deubiquitination within these pathways,along with potential drug targets.PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is aberrantly activated in approximately 70%of OSCC cases.It is modulated by E3s(e.g.,FBXW7 and NEDD4)and DUBs(e.g.,USP7 and USP10):FBXW7 and USP10 inhibit signaling,while NEDD4 and USP7 potentiate it.Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway leads toβ-catenin nuclear translocation and induction of cell proliferation.This pathway is modulated by E3s(e.g.,c-Cbl and RNF43)and DUBs(e.g.,USP9X and USP20):c-Cbl and RNF43 inhibit signaling,while USP9X and USP20 potentiate it.Hippo pathway inactivation permits YAP/TAZ to enter the nucleus and promotes cancer cell metastasis.This pathway is modulated by E3s(e.g.,CRL4^(DCAF1) and SIAH2)and DUBs(e.g.,USP1 and USP21):CRL4^(DCAF1) and SIAH2 inhibit signaling,while USP1 and USP21 potentiate it.Persistent activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance.This pathway is modulated by E3s(e.g.,TRAF6 and LUBAC)and DUBs(e.g.,A20 and CYLD):A20 and CYLD inhibit signaling,while TRAF6 and LUBAC potentiate it.Targeting these E3s and DUBs provides directions for OSCC drug research.Small-molecule inhibitors such as YCH2823(a USP7 inhibitor),GSK2643943A(a USP20 inhibitor),and HOIPIN-8(a LUBAC inhibitor)have shown promising antitumor activity in preclinical models;PROTAC molecules,by binding to surface sites of target proteins and recruiting E3s,achieve targeted ubiquitination and degradation of proteins insensitive to small-molecule inhibitors,for example,PU7-1-mediated USP7 degradation,offering new strategies to overcome traditional drug limitations.Currently,NX-1607(a Cbl-b inhibitor)has entered phase I clinical trials,with preliminary results confirming its safety and antitumor activity.Future research on aberrant E3s and DUBs in OSCC and the development of highly specific inhibitors will be of great significance for OSCC precision therapy.展开更多
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality,and easy to develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes located at the te...BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality,and easy to develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes located at the termini of chro-mosomes in eukaryotic cells,which are unreplaceable in maintaining the stability and integrity of genome.Telomerase,an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase,play vital role in telomere length maintain,targeting telomerase is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells were cultured and exposed to various concentrations of BIBR1532.Cell viability was assessed at 48 hours and 72 hours to determine the IC50 values.The effects of BIBR1532 on ESCC cell proliferation,migration,and cellular senescence were evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 assay,plate colony formation assay,scratch assay,transwell assay,andβ-galactosidase staining,respectively.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of RESULTS The IC50 values for KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells after 48 hours of BIBR1532 exposure were 48.53μM and 39.59μM,respectively.These values decreased to 37.22μM and 22.71μM,respectively,following a longer exposure of 72 hours.BIBR1532 exhibited dose-dependent effects on KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells,including decreased hTERT expression,inhibition of proliferation and metastasis,and induction of cellular senescence.Mechanistically,BIBR1532 upregulated the expression of the DDR protein,γ-H2AX,and activated the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein(ATR)/check point kinase 1(CHK-1)and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated gene(ATM)/CHK2 pathways.BIBR1532 downregulated the expression of telomere-binding proteins,including telomeric-repeat binding factor 1(TRF1),TRF2,protection of telomeres 1,and TIN2-interacting protein 1.In a nude mouse xenograft model,BIBR1532 significantly suppressed tumor growth,reduced hTERT expression,and increasedγ-H2AX protein levels.Hematoxylin and eosin staining of various organs,including the heart,liver,spleen,lungs,and kidneys,revealed no apparent adverse effects.CONCLUSION BIBR1532 exerts anti-cancer effects on ESCC by inducing DDR through the ATR/CHK1 and ATM/CHK2 pathways and downregulating the expression of telomere-binding proteins.展开更多
Background:Terpinen-4-ol(T4O),a key constituent of tea tree essential oil and various aromatic plants,has shown promising antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in melanoma and other cancer types.However,its effi...Background:Terpinen-4-ol(T4O),a key constituent of tea tree essential oil and various aromatic plants,has shown promising antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in melanoma and other cancer types.However,its efficacy against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(cSCC)remains unclear.Thus,in this study,we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of T4O on cSCC cell lines and preliminarily explored its impacting pathways.Methods:Using CCK8 and assay colony formation,we assessed the viability of cSCC A431,SCL-1,and COLO-16 cells treated with T40 at varying concentrations(0,1,2,and 4μM).Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate T4O’s effect on cSCC cell’s cycle progression and apoptosis induction.Additionally,western blotting was utilized to examine the expression intensities of N-cadherin and E-cadherin,two indicative markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)pathway.T4O’s in vivo effect on inhibiting tumor progression was evaluated on an established xenograft tumor model.Then,the molecular mechanisms of T4O’s antitumor effect were explored by an integrated genome-wide transcriptomics and proteomics study on cSCC A431c cells.Finally,calpain-2’s potential mediator role in T4O’s anti-tumor mechanism was investigated in calpain-2 knockdown cell lines prepared via siRNA transfection.Result:It’s demonstrated that T4O treatment inhibited cSCC proliferation,clonogenicity,migration,and invasion while inducing apoptosis and suppressing the EMT pathway.T4O administration also inhibited cSCC tumorigenesis in the xenograft tumor model.RNA-sequencing and iTRAQ analysis detected significant upregulation of calpain-2 expression in T4O-treated cSCC cells.Western blotting confirmed that T4O significantly increased calpain-2 expression and promoted proteolytic cleavage ofβ-catenin and caspase-12,two calpain-2 target proteins.Importantly,siRNA-mediated calpain-2 knockdown relieved T4O’s suppressive effect on cSCC cell proliferation and motility.Mechanistically,T4O upregulates calpain-2 expression and promotes the cleavage ofβ-catenin and caspase-12,with siRNA-mediated calpain-2 knockdown mitigating T4O’s suppressive effects.Conclusion:These findings suggest that T4O’s antitumor activity in cSCC is mediated through the upregulation of calpain-2 expression and subsequent modulation ofβ-catenin and caspase-12.展开更多
Basal cell carcinoma(BCC)and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(cSCC),as certain forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer(NMSC)or keratinocyte carcinoma,are the most common forms of malignant neoplasms worldwide(Sharp et al.,2...Basal cell carcinoma(BCC)and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(cSCC),as certain forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer(NMSC)or keratinocyte carcinoma,are the most common forms of malignant neoplasms worldwide(Sharp et al.,2024).BCC and cSCC have been identified as two major components of NMSC,comprising one-third of all malignancies(Burton et al.,2016).Generally speaking,patients with NMSC tend to have relatively favorable survival outcomes,while different histopathological subtypes of NMSC exhibit distinct biological behaviors(Stătescu et al.,2023).展开更多
BACKGROUND Primary ileal squamous cell carcinoma(PISCC)is a rare malignant tumor of the ileum.Its development is an exceptional phenomenon,as the ileal mucosa is lined exclusively by simple columnar epithelium,with no...BACKGROUND Primary ileal squamous cell carcinoma(PISCC)is a rare malignant tumor of the ileum.Its development is an exceptional phenomenon,as the ileal mucosa is lined exclusively by simple columnar epithelium,with no native squamous epithelium under physiological conditions.PISCC accounts for fewer than 0.001%of all intestinal malignancies.As of 2025,only 12 confirmed cases have been documented in the global literature,predominantly as isolated case reports.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old female developed abdominal pain two years after chemotherapy for ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma(International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IC1).Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed localized thickening of the small intestinal wall in the right pelvic region with increased metabolic activity,suggesting implantation metastasis.The patient underwent partial ileal resection,intestinal anastomosis,appendectomy,omentectomy,and pericolic lymphadenectomy.Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed a primary ileal low-grade squamous cell carcinoma.Postoperatively,the patient received intravenous doxorubicin plus carboplatin combined with anti-angiogenic targeted therapy.After six cycles,the regimen was changed to paclitaxel plus carboplatin with bevacizumab.Following five cycles,maintenance therapy with intravenous bevacizumab monotherapy was initiated,supplemented with adjunctive hepatoprotective agents.At the 30-month postoperative follow-up,the patient remained progression-free with no clinical or radiologic evidence of recurrence or distant metastasis.CONCLUSION Accurate diagnosis of PISCC requires integration of clinical history,systemic examination,histopathology,and immunohistochemical profiling to reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2023YFC2413800the Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province,No.tsqn202306344the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82270580 and No.82070552.
文摘BACKGROUND Early detection of esophageal squamous neoplasms(ESN)is essential for improving patient prognosis.Optical diagnosis of ESN remains challenging.Probebased confocal laser endomicroscopy(pCLE)enables accurate in vivo histological observation and optical biopsy of ESN.However,interpretation of pCLE images requires histopathological expertise and extensive training.Artificial intelligence(AI)has been widely applied in digestive endoscopy;however,AI for pCLE diagnosis of ESN has not been reported.AIM To develop a pCLE computer-aided diagnostic system for ESN and assess its diagnostic performance and assistant efficiency for nonexpert endoscopists.METHODS The intelligent confocal laser endomicroscopy(iCLE)system consists of image recognition(based on inception-ResNet V2),video diagnosis,and quality judgment modules.This system was developed using pCLE images and videos and evaluated through image and prospective video recognition tests.Patients between June 2020 and January 2023 were prospectively enrolled.Expert and nonexpert endoscopists and the iCLE independently performed diagnoses for pCLE videos,with histopathology as the gold standard.Thereafter,the non-expert endoscopists performed a second assessment with iCLE assistance.RESULTS A total of 25056 images from 2803 patients were selected for iCLE training and validation.Another 2442 images from 226 patients were used for testing.iCLE achieved a high accuracy of 98.3%,sensitivity of 95.3%and specificity of 98.8%for diagnosing ESN images.A total of 2581 patients underwent upper gastrointestinal pCLE examination and were prospectively screened;54 patients with suspected ESN were enrolled.Overall,187 videos from 67 lesions were assessed by iCLE,three nonexpert and three expert endoscopists.iCLE achieved a high accuracy,sensitivity and specificity of 90.9%,92.0%,and 90.2%,respectively.Compared to experts,iCLE showed significantly higher sensitivity(92.0%vs 80.4%;P<0.001)and negative predictive value(94.4%vs 87.7%;P=0.003).With iCLE assistance,nonexpert endoscopists showed significant improvements in accuracy(from 83.6%to 88.6%)and sensitivity(from 76.0%to 89.8%).CONCLUSION iCLE system demonstrated high diagnostic performance for ESN.It can assist nonexpert endoscopists in improving the diagnostic efficiency of pCLE for ESN and has the potential for reducing unnecessary biopsies.
基金Supported by“Continuation”Project of Excellent Doctors,Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,No.2025A04J5082Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation,No.2024A1515011236.
文摘This letter addresses challenges in the clinical translation of BIBR1532,a promising telomerase inhibitor,for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).BIBR1532 exerts its anti-cancer effect by activating DNA damage response(ATR/CHK1 and ATM/CHK2)pathways and downregulating telomere-binding proteins.Although its therapeutic potential is limited by poor aqueous solubility,solid dispersion(SD)technology may overcome this obstacle.Systematic analysis using PubChem-derived simplified molecular input line entry system identifiers and artificial intelligence-driven FormulationDT platform evaluation(oral formulation feasibility index:0.38)revealed that the SD technology,with superior scalability(32 approved products by 2021)and lower production risks,outperforms lipid-based formulations as an optimal dissolution strategy.Material analysis revealed hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC)as the optimal carrier with lower hygroscopicity,higher temperature and no intestinal targeting,thus enabling ESCC therapy.HPMC-based SD enhances BIBR1532 solubility and bioavailability for effective ESCC treatment.Future studies should focus on pilot tests for SD fabrication.
基金supported by the College of Oral Medicine,Taipei Medical University,Taipei,Taiwan(Grant No.TMUCOM202502)supported by Taipei Medical University Hospital,Taipei,Taiwan(Grant No.114TMUH-NE-05).
文摘This narrative review examines recent advances in salivary biomarkers for oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC),a major subtype of oral cancer with persistently low five-year survival rates due to delayed diagnosis.Saliva has emerged as a noninvasive diagnostic medium capable of reflecting both local tumor activity and systemic physiological changes.Various salivary biomarkers,including microRNAs,cytokines,proteins,metabolites,and exosomes,have been linked to oncogenic signaling pathways involved in tumor progression,immune modulation,and therapeutic resistance.Advances in quantitative polymerase chain reaction,mass spectrometry,and next-generation sequencing have enabled comprehensive biomarker profiling,while point-of-care detection systems and saliva-based omics platforms are accelerating clinical translation.Remaining challenges include variability in salivary composition,lack of standardized collection protocols,and insufficient validation across large patient cohorts.This review highlights the mechanistic relevance,diagnostic potential,and translational challenges of salivary biomarkers in OSCC.
基金supported by Hebei Natural Science Foundation(H2024206476)Medical Science Research Project of Hebei(20240101).
文摘Background:The regulatory mechanisms governing vasculogenic mimicry(VM)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)remain largely undefined.This study aimed to identify critical factors and elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying VM in OSCC.Methods:Bioinformatics analysis was performed utilizing single-cell RNA-seq,bulk RNA-seq,and histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation(H3K27ac)Chromatin Immunoprecipitation(ChIP)-seq data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)databases.ChIP-qPCR was used to validate the binding of ETS transcription factor ELK4(ELK4)to the dihydrofolate reductase(DHFR)enhancer.In vitro VM formation and invasion of OSCC cells were assessed using Matrigel-based tube formation and Transwell assays,respectively.Results:Elevated expression of VM-related genes predicts unfavorable prognosis in OSCC patients.High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis(hdWGCNA)identified epithelial subcluster C4 as most strongly associated with VM and metastasis.Three co-expression modules within this subcluster exhibited significant positive correlations with both phenotypic traits.Among the 30 eigengenes from the three modules,DHFR emerged as a key regulator of VM and metastasis.Knockdown or inhibition of DHFR significantly suppressed VM formation and invasion in OSCC cells.Mechanistically,ELK4 activated DHFR transcription through direct binding to its enhancer.DHFR overexpression rescued VM and invasion impairment induced by ELK4 knockdown.Conclusion:DHFR was a pivotal enhancer-regulated gene driving VM and metastasis in OSCC.ELK4 directly binds to DHFR enhancer regions to activate its transcription,thereby promoting these malignant phenotypes.These findings identified the ELK4/DHFR axis as a promising therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic intervention in OSCC.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81370584Military Major Projects of Clinical High-Tech Techniques,No.431EG63G
文摘Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is a wellestablished treatment for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms(SESCNs)with no risk of lymphatic metastasis.However,for large SESCNs,especially when exceeding two-thirds of the esophageal circumference,conventional ESD is time-consuming and has an increased risk of adverse events.Based on the submucosal tunnel conception,endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection(ESTD)was first introduced by us to remove large SESCNs,with excellent results.Studies from different centers also reported favorable results.Compared with conventional ESD,ESTD has a more rapid dissection speed and R0 resection rate.Currently in China,ESTD for large SESCNs is an important part of the digestive endoscopic tunnel technique,as is peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia and submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection for submucosal tumors of the muscularis propria.However,not all patients with SESCNs are candidates for ESTD,and postoperative esophageal strictures should also be taken into consideration,especially for lesions with a circumference greater than three-quarters.In this article,we describe our experience,review the literature of ESTD,and provide detailed information on indications,standard procedures,outcomes,and complications of ESTD.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms. METHODS: Between July 2007 and March 2009, 27 consecutive superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms in 25 enrolled patients were treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The therapeutic efficacy, complications, and follow-up results were assessed. RESULTS: The mean size of the lesions was 21 ± 13 mm (range 2-55 mm); the mean size of the resection specimens was 32 ± 12 mm (range 10-70 mm). The enblock resection rate was 100% (27/27), and en block resection with tumor-free lateral/basal margins was 88.9% (24/27). Perforation occurred in 1 patient who was managed by conservative medical treatments. None of the patients developed local recurrence or distant metastasis in the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is applicable to superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms with promising results.
基金Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea,No.2020R1A2C1100891Soonchunhyang University Research Fund,No.2024-05-014.
文摘BACKGROUND The high prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV)infection in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)is well established,and p16 expression is a strong predictor.HPV-related tumors exhibit unique mechanisms that target p16 and p53 proteins.However,research on HPV prevalence and the combined predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in head and neck cutaneous SCC(HNCSCC),particularly in Asian populations,remains limited.This retrospective study surveyed 62 patients with HNSCC(2011-2020),excluding those with facial warts or other skin cancer.AIM To explore the prevalence of HPV and the predictive value of p16 and p53 expression in HNCSCC in Asian populations.METHODS All patients underwent wide excision and biopsy.Immunohistochemical staining for HPV,p16,and p53 yielded positive and negative results.The relevance of each marker was investigated by categorizing the tumor locations into high-risk and middle-risk zones based on recurrence frequency.RESULTS Of the 62 patients,20(32.26%)were male,with an average age of 82.27 years(range 26-103 years).High-risk included 19 cases(30.65%),with the eyelid and lip being the most common sites(five cases,8.06%).Middle-risk included 43 cases(69.35%),with the cheek being the most common(29 cases,46.77%).The p16 expression was detected in 24 patients(38.71%),p53 expression in 42 patients(72.58%),and HPV in five patients(8.06%).No significant association was found between p16 expression and the presence of HPV(P>0.99),with a positive predictive value of 8.33%.CONCLUSION This study revealed that p16,a surrogate HPV marker in oropharyngeal SCC,is not reliable in HNCSCC,providing valuable insights for further research in Asian populations.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82350127 and No.82241013the Shanghai Natural Science Foundation,No.20ZR1411600+2 种基金the Shanghai Shenkang Hospital Development Center,No.SHDC2020CR4039the Bethune Ethicon Excellent Surgery Foundation,No.CESS2021TC04Xuhui District Medical Research Project of Shanghai,No.SHXH201805.
文摘BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)superfamily plays an important role in tumor progression and metastasis.Activin A receptor type 1C(ACVR1C)is a TGF-βtype I receptor that is involved in tumorigenesis through binding to dif-ferent ligands.AIM To evaluate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)of ACVR1C and susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)in Chinese Han population.METHODS In this hospital-based cohort study,1043 ESCC patients and 1143 healthy controls were enrolled.Five SNPs(rs4664229,rs4556933,rs77886248,rs77263459,rs6734630)of ACVR1C were assessed by the ligation detection reaction method.Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test,genetic model analysis,stratified analysis,linkage disequi-librium test,and haplotype analysis were conducted.RESULTS Participants carrying ACVR1C rs4556933 GA mutant had significantly decreased risk of ESCC,and those with rs77886248 TA mutant were related with higher risk,especially in older male smokers.In the haplotype analysis,ACVR1C Trs4664229Ars4556933Trs77886248Crs77263459Ars6734630 increased risk of ESCC,while Trs4664229Grs4556933Trs77886248Crs77263459Ars6734630 was associated with lower susceptibility to ESCC.CONCLUSION ACVR1C rs4556933 and rs77886248 SNPs were associated with the susceptibility to ESCC,which could provide a potential target for early diagnosis and treatment of ESCC in Chinese Han population.
文摘Endoscopic resection is an effective treatment for noninvasive esophageal squamous cell neoplasms(ESCNs).Endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR)has been developed for small localized ESCNs as an alternative to surgical therapy because it shows similar effectiveness and is less invasive than esophagectomy.However,EMR is limited in resection size and therefore piecemeal resection is performed for large lesions,resulting in an imprecise histological evaluation and a high frequency of local recurrence.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has been developed in Japan as one of the standard endoscopic resection techniques for ESCNs.ESD enables esophageal lesions,regardless of their size,to be removed en bloc and thus has a lower local recurrence rate than EMR.The development of new devices and the establishment of optimal strategies for esophageal ESD have resulted in fewer complications such as perforation than expected.However,esophageal stricture after ESD may occur when the resected area is larger than three-quarters of the esophageal lumen or particularly when it encompasses the entire circumference;such a stricture requires multiple sessions of endoscopic balloon dilatation.Recently,oral prednisolone has been reported to be useful in preventing post-ESD stricture.In addition,a combination of chemoradiotherapy(CRT)and ESD might be an alternative therapy for submucosal esophageal cancer that has a risk of lymph node metastasis because esophagectomy is extremely invasive;CRT has a higher local recurrence rate than esophagectomy but is less invasive.ESD is likely to play a central role in the treatment of superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms in the future.
文摘AIM To simplify the diagnostic criteria for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(SESCC) on Narrow Band Imaging combined with magnifying endoscopy(NBI-ME).METHODS This study was based on the post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. We performed NBI-ME for 147 patients with present or a history of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck, or esophagus between January 2009 and June 2011. Two expert endoscopistsdetected 89 lesions that were suspicious for SESCC lesions, which had been prospectively evaluated for the following 6 NBI-ME findings in real time: "intervascular background coloration"; "proliferation of intrapapillary capillary loops(IPCL)"; and "dilation", "tortuosity", "change in caliber", and "various shapes(VS)" of IPCLs(i.e., Inoue's tetrad criteria). The histologic examination of specimens was defined as the gold standard for diagnosis. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to identify candidates for the simplified criteria from among the 6 NBI-ME findings for diagnosing SESCCs. We evaluated diagnostic performance of the simplified criteria compared with that of Inoue's criteria.RESULTS Fifty-four lesions(65%) were histologically diagnosed as SESCCs and the others as low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or inflammation. In the univariate analysis, proliferation, tortuosity, change in caliber, and VS were significantly associated with SESCC(P < 0.01). The combination of VS and proliferation was statistically extracted from the 6 NBI-ME findings by using the stepwise logistic regression model. We defined the combination of VS and proliferation as simplified dyad criteria for SESCC. The areas under the curve of the simplified dyad criteria and Inoue's tetrad criteria were 0.70 and 0.73, respectively. No significant difference was shown between them. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of diagnosis for SESCC were 77.8%, 57.1%, 69.7% and 51.9%, 80.0%, 62.9% for the simplified dyad criteria and Inoue's tetrad criteria, respectively.CONCLUSION The combination of proliferation and VS may serve as simplified criteria for the diagnosis of SESCC using NBIME.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.82272955 and 22203057)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(Grant No.2021J011361).
文摘The presence of a positive deep surgical margin in tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)significantly elevates the risk of local recurrence.Therefore,a prompt and precise intraoperative assessment of margin status is imperative to ensure thorough tumor resection.In this study,we integrate Raman imaging technology with an artificial intelligence(AI)generative model,proposing an innovative approach for intraoperative margin status diagnosis.This method utilizes Raman imaging to swiftly and non-invasively capture tissue Raman images,which are then transformed into hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)-stained histopathological images using an AI generative model for histopathological diagnosis.The generated H&E-stained images clearly illustrate the tissue’s pathological conditions.Independently reviewed by three pathologists,the overall diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing between tumor tissue and normal muscle tissue reaches 86.7%.Notably,it outperforms current clinical practices,especially in TSCC with positive lymph node metastasis or moderately differentiated grades.This advancement highlights the potential of AI-enhanced Raman imaging to significantly improve intraoperative assessments and surgical margin evaluations,promising a versatile diagnostic tool beyond TSCC.
文摘BACKGROUND One of the main characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is that it metastasizes to cervical lymph nodes frequently with a high degree of local invasiveness.A primary feature of malignant tumors is their penetration of neighboring tissues,such as lymphatic and blood arteries,due to the tumor cells'capacity to break down the extracellular matrix(ECM).Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)constitute a family of proteolytic enzymes that facilitate tissue remodeling and the degradation of the ECM.MMP-9 and MMP-13 belong to the group of extracellular matrix degrading enzymes and their expression has been studied in OSCC because of their specific functions.MMP-13,a collagenase family member,is thought to play an essential role in the MMP activation cascade by breaking down the fibrillar collagens,whereas MMP-9 is thought to accelerate the growth of tumors.Elevated MMP-13 expression has been associated with tumor behavior and patient prognosis in a number of malignant cases.AIM To assess the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13 in OSCC.METHODS A total of 40 cases with histologically confirmed OSCC by incisional biopsy were included in this cross-sectional retrospective study.The protocols for both MMP-9 and MMP-13 immunohistochemical staining were performed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations along with the normal gingival epithelium as a positive control.All the observations were recorded and Pearson’sχ²test with Fisher exact test was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS Our study showed no significant correlation between MMP-9 and MMP-13 staining intensity and tumor size.The majority of the patients were in advanced TNM stages(III and IV),and showed intense expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13.CONCLUSION The present study suggests that both MMP-9 and MMP-13 play an important and independent role in OSCC progression and invasiveness.Intense expression of MMP-9 and MMP-13,irrespective of histological grade of OSCC,correlates well with TNM stage.Consequently,it is evident that MMP-9 and MMP-13 are important for the invasiveness and progression of tumors.The findings may facilitate the development of new approaches for evaluating lymph node metastases and interventional therapy techniques,hence enhancing the prognosis of patients diagnosed with OSCC.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Projects of Jilin Provincial Department of Science and Technology(Grant/Award Numbers:20240305037YY)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2400603)+1 种基金the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.U23A20269)the Jilin University young teachers and students cross-disciplinary training project(Grant No.2023-JCXK-08,2024-JCXK-07)。
文摘Tongue squamous cell carcinoma(TSCC)is a prevalent malignancy that afflicts the head and neck area and presents a high incidence of metastasis and invasion.Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for enhancing the quality of life and the survival rates of TSCC patients.The current treatment modalities for TSCC frequently suffer from a lack of specificity and efficacy.Nanoparticles with diagnostic and photothermal therapeutic properties may offer a new approach for the targeted therapy of TSCC.However,inadequate accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site diminishes the efficacy of photothermal therapy(PTT).This study modified gold nanodots(AuNDs)with the TSCC-targeting peptide HN-1 to improve the selectivity and therapeutic effects of PTT.The Au-HN-1 nanosystem effectively targeted the TSCC cells and was rapidly delivered to the tumor tissues compared to the AuN Ds.The enhanced accumulation of photosensitizing agents at tumor sites achieved significant PTT effects in a mouse model of TSCC.Moreover,owing to its stable long-term fluorescence and high X-ray attenuation coefficient,the Au-HN-1 nanosystem can be used for fluorescence and computed tomography imaging of TSCC,rendering it useful for early tumor detection and accurate delineation of surgical margins.In conclusion,Au-HN-1 represents a promising nanomedicine for imaging-based diagnosis and targeted PTT of TSCC.
文摘Dear Editor,Local recurrence and cervical lymph node metastases are major causes of mortality in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).To date,none of the proposed strategies for predicting outcomes in this disease have proven fully effective,and a comprehensive physical examination remains the primary method for early detection and monitoring of HNSCC.
文摘BACKGROUND Primary squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)of the renal parenchyma is extremely rare,with only nine cases reported.CASE SUMMARY This study reports a 51-year-old man with primary SCC of the renal parenchyma.The patient was admitted with recurrent dull pain and discomfort in the right lumbar region,which had worsened over 2 weeks,accompanied by painful gross hematuria.SCC antigen(SCCA)levels were elevated,and imaging revealed a renal mass with associated calculi.The patient underwent laparoscopic unilateral nephrectomy and lymph node dissection.Postoperative pathology confirmed highly differentiated SCC with necrosis in the right renal parenchyma,with negative renal pelvis and ureter.The pathological stage was Pt3aN1M0.Four months after surgery,the tumor recurred with involvement of the liver,right psoas major muscle,and inferior vena cava.The patient refused chemotherapy and succumbed to the disease 6 months postoperatively due to disease progression.CONCLUSION We report a case of primary SCC of the renal parenchyma,a rare renal malignancy.The clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,and imaging findings are nonspecific,making accurate and timely diagnosis challenging.According to the literature,for patients with renal calculi accompanied by a renal mass,elevated serum SCCA levels,and magnetic resonance imaging showing cystic or cystic-solid masses within the kidney with pseudocapsules and heterogeneous mild enhancement,the possibility of this disease should be considered.
文摘Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is the most common head and neck malignancy worldwide,accounting for more than 90%of all oral cancers,and is characterized by high invasiveness and poor long-term prognosis.Its etiology is multifactorial,involving tobacco use,alcohol consumption,and human papillomavirus(HPV)infection.Oral leukoplakia and erythroplakia are the main precancerous lesions lesions,with oral leukoplakia being the most common.Both OSCC and premalignant lesions are closely associated with aberrant activation of multiple signaling pathways.Post-translational modifications(such as ubiquitination and deubiquitination)play key roles in regulating these pathways by controlling protein stability and activity.Growing evidence indicates that dysregulated ubiquitination/deubiquitination can mediate OSCC initiation and progression via aberrant activation of signaling pathways.The ubiquitination/deubiquitination process mainly involves E3 ligases(E3s)that catalyze substrate ubiquitination,deubiquitinating enzymes(DUBs)that remove ubiquitin chains,and the 26S proteasome complex that degrades ubiquitinated substrates.Abnormal expression or mutation of E3s and DUBs can lead to altered stability of critical tumorrelated proteins,thereby driving OSCC initiation and progression.Therefore,understanding the aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC and the ubiquitination/deubiquitination mechanisms within these pathways will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms and improve OSCC treatment by targeting relevant components.Here,we summarize four aberrantly activated signaling pathways in OSCC―the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway,Wnt/β-catenin pathway,Hippo pathway,and canonical NF-κB pathway―and systematically review the regulatory mechanisms of ubiquitination/deubiquitination within these pathways,along with potential drug targets.PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is aberrantly activated in approximately 70%of OSCC cases.It is modulated by E3s(e.g.,FBXW7 and NEDD4)and DUBs(e.g.,USP7 and USP10):FBXW7 and USP10 inhibit signaling,while NEDD4 and USP7 potentiate it.Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway leads toβ-catenin nuclear translocation and induction of cell proliferation.This pathway is modulated by E3s(e.g.,c-Cbl and RNF43)and DUBs(e.g.,USP9X and USP20):c-Cbl and RNF43 inhibit signaling,while USP9X and USP20 potentiate it.Hippo pathway inactivation permits YAP/TAZ to enter the nucleus and promotes cancer cell metastasis.This pathway is modulated by E3s(e.g.,CRL4^(DCAF1) and SIAH2)and DUBs(e.g.,USP1 and USP21):CRL4^(DCAF1) and SIAH2 inhibit signaling,while USP1 and USP21 potentiate it.Persistent activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment and chemotherapy resistance.This pathway is modulated by E3s(e.g.,TRAF6 and LUBAC)and DUBs(e.g.,A20 and CYLD):A20 and CYLD inhibit signaling,while TRAF6 and LUBAC potentiate it.Targeting these E3s and DUBs provides directions for OSCC drug research.Small-molecule inhibitors such as YCH2823(a USP7 inhibitor),GSK2643943A(a USP20 inhibitor),and HOIPIN-8(a LUBAC inhibitor)have shown promising antitumor activity in preclinical models;PROTAC molecules,by binding to surface sites of target proteins and recruiting E3s,achieve targeted ubiquitination and degradation of proteins insensitive to small-molecule inhibitors,for example,PU7-1-mediated USP7 degradation,offering new strategies to overcome traditional drug limitations.Currently,NX-1607(a Cbl-b inhibitor)has entered phase I clinical trials,with preliminary results confirming its safety and antitumor activity.Future research on aberrant E3s and DUBs in OSCC and the development of highly specific inhibitors will be of great significance for OSCC precision therapy.
基金Supported by the Scientific Research Development Plan Project or the Scientific Research Foundation for Advanced Talents,Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College,No.2023MPZK017,No.2023ZD001,No.2023-2ZD002,and No.2023GC009Science and Technology Support Program of Nanchong,No.22SXQT0001+1 种基金Youth Medical Innovation Research Project,or Medical Research Project of Sichuan Province,No.Q23047 and No.S23020Development of a Scientific Research Plan for the Doctoral Scientific Research Foundation of the North Sichuan Medical College,No.CBY22-ZDA03.
文摘BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality,and easy to develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes located at the termini of chro-mosomes in eukaryotic cells,which are unreplaceable in maintaining the stability and integrity of genome.Telomerase,an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase,play vital role in telomere length maintain,targeting telomerase is a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer.KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells were cultured and exposed to various concentrations of BIBR1532.Cell viability was assessed at 48 hours and 72 hours to determine the IC50 values.The effects of BIBR1532 on ESCC cell proliferation,migration,and cellular senescence were evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 assay,plate colony formation assay,scratch assay,transwell assay,andβ-galactosidase staining,respectively.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of RESULTS The IC50 values for KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells after 48 hours of BIBR1532 exposure were 48.53μM and 39.59μM,respectively.These values decreased to 37.22μM and 22.71μM,respectively,following a longer exposure of 72 hours.BIBR1532 exhibited dose-dependent effects on KYSE150 and KYSE410 cells,including decreased hTERT expression,inhibition of proliferation and metastasis,and induction of cellular senescence.Mechanistically,BIBR1532 upregulated the expression of the DDR protein,γ-H2AX,and activated the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein(ATR)/check point kinase 1(CHK-1)and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated gene(ATM)/CHK2 pathways.BIBR1532 downregulated the expression of telomere-binding proteins,including telomeric-repeat binding factor 1(TRF1),TRF2,protection of telomeres 1,and TIN2-interacting protein 1.In a nude mouse xenograft model,BIBR1532 significantly suppressed tumor growth,reduced hTERT expression,and increasedγ-H2AX protein levels.Hematoxylin and eosin staining of various organs,including the heart,liver,spleen,lungs,and kidneys,revealed no apparent adverse effects.CONCLUSION BIBR1532 exerts anti-cancer effects on ESCC by inducing DDR through the ATR/CHK1 and ATM/CHK2 pathways and downregulating the expression of telomere-binding proteins.
基金supported by the Basic Research Program of the Guizhou Science Cooperation Foundation Project(Grant Number:ZK[2021]466)Guizhou Provincial Health Commission(Grant Number:gzwkj2022-062).
文摘Background:Terpinen-4-ol(T4O),a key constituent of tea tree essential oil and various aromatic plants,has shown promising antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in melanoma and other cancer types.However,its efficacy against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(cSCC)remains unclear.Thus,in this study,we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of T4O on cSCC cell lines and preliminarily explored its impacting pathways.Methods:Using CCK8 and assay colony formation,we assessed the viability of cSCC A431,SCL-1,and COLO-16 cells treated with T40 at varying concentrations(0,1,2,and 4μM).Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate T4O’s effect on cSCC cell’s cycle progression and apoptosis induction.Additionally,western blotting was utilized to examine the expression intensities of N-cadherin and E-cadherin,two indicative markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)pathway.T4O’s in vivo effect on inhibiting tumor progression was evaluated on an established xenograft tumor model.Then,the molecular mechanisms of T4O’s antitumor effect were explored by an integrated genome-wide transcriptomics and proteomics study on cSCC A431c cells.Finally,calpain-2’s potential mediator role in T4O’s anti-tumor mechanism was investigated in calpain-2 knockdown cell lines prepared via siRNA transfection.Result:It’s demonstrated that T4O treatment inhibited cSCC proliferation,clonogenicity,migration,and invasion while inducing apoptosis and suppressing the EMT pathway.T4O administration also inhibited cSCC tumorigenesis in the xenograft tumor model.RNA-sequencing and iTRAQ analysis detected significant upregulation of calpain-2 expression in T4O-treated cSCC cells.Western blotting confirmed that T4O significantly increased calpain-2 expression and promoted proteolytic cleavage ofβ-catenin and caspase-12,two calpain-2 target proteins.Importantly,siRNA-mediated calpain-2 knockdown relieved T4O’s suppressive effect on cSCC cell proliferation and motility.Mechanistically,T4O upregulates calpain-2 expression and promotes the cleavage ofβ-catenin and caspase-12,with siRNA-mediated calpain-2 knockdown mitigating T4O’s suppressive effects.Conclusion:These findings suggest that T4O’s antitumor activity in cSCC is mediated through the upregulation of calpain-2 expression and subsequent modulation ofβ-catenin and caspase-12.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82003372)the Medical and Health Technology Project of Zhejiang Province(No.2024KY984),China.
文摘Basal cell carcinoma(BCC)and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma(cSCC),as certain forms of nonmelanoma skin cancer(NMSC)or keratinocyte carcinoma,are the most common forms of malignant neoplasms worldwide(Sharp et al.,2024).BCC and cSCC have been identified as two major components of NMSC,comprising one-third of all malignancies(Burton et al.,2016).Generally speaking,patients with NMSC tend to have relatively favorable survival outcomes,while different histopathological subtypes of NMSC exhibit distinct biological behaviors(Stătescu et al.,2023).
文摘BACKGROUND Primary ileal squamous cell carcinoma(PISCC)is a rare malignant tumor of the ileum.Its development is an exceptional phenomenon,as the ileal mucosa is lined exclusively by simple columnar epithelium,with no native squamous epithelium under physiological conditions.PISCC accounts for fewer than 0.001%of all intestinal malignancies.As of 2025,only 12 confirmed cases have been documented in the global literature,predominantly as isolated case reports.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old female developed abdominal pain two years after chemotherapy for ovarian low-grade serous carcinoma(International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IC1).Positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed localized thickening of the small intestinal wall in the right pelvic region with increased metabolic activity,suggesting implantation metastasis.The patient underwent partial ileal resection,intestinal anastomosis,appendectomy,omentectomy,and pericolic lymphadenectomy.Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed a primary ileal low-grade squamous cell carcinoma.Postoperatively,the patient received intravenous doxorubicin plus carboplatin combined with anti-angiogenic targeted therapy.After six cycles,the regimen was changed to paclitaxel plus carboplatin with bevacizumab.Following five cycles,maintenance therapy with intravenous bevacizumab monotherapy was initiated,supplemented with adjunctive hepatoprotective agents.At the 30-month postoperative follow-up,the patient remained progression-free with no clinical or radiologic evidence of recurrence or distant metastasis.CONCLUSION Accurate diagnosis of PISCC requires integration of clinical history,systemic examination,histopathology,and immunohistochemical profiling to reduce misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.
