ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to alert the ophthalmic community to an atypical manifestation of ocular surface squamous neoplasia, which may delay diagnosis and treatment and result in a guarded visual prognosis and significant sequelae. A 61-year-old immunocompetent man presented with an initial diagnosis of necrotizing scleritis in the right eye for 3 months. He was treated with systemic prednisone but experienced persistent pain and low visual acuity. Conjunctival biopsy of the affected region confirmed the diagnosis of invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia, which progressed with intraocular and orbital invasion; thus, exenteration was performed. Masquerade syndrome should be suspected in patients with nodulo-ulcerative lesions of the conjunctiva and sclera. This clinical can be more aggressive, with a greater likelihood of intraocular and orbital involvement. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the patient prognosis.
RESUMO O objetivo é alertar a comunidade oftalmológica sobre uma manifestação atípica de neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular (OSSN) que pode levar a um atraso no diagnóstico e tratamento, evoluindo com prognóstico reservado e significativas sequelas. Homem, imunocompetente, 61 anos com diagnóstico inicial de esclerite necrosante em olho direito há 3 meses, em tratamento com prednisona sistêmica porém com persistência da dor e baixa acuidade visual. Realizado biópsia conjuntival em região acometida e diagnosticado como neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular invasiva. Evolui com invasão intraocular e orbital sendo submetido a exenteração. Assim sendo, deve-se suspeitar de síndrome mascarada frente a um paciente com lesões nódulo-ulcerativas da conjuntiva e esclera. Essa forma clínica pode ser mais agressiva, com maior chance de comprometimento intraocular e orbital. Quanto mais precoces o diagnóstico e o tratamento, melhor o prognóstico para o paciente.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the prognostic value of Onodera's prognostic nutrition index (PNI) before treatment in patients with cervical and upper thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (CUTESCC) undergoing definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) and its predictive value in the occurrence of ≥ grade 2 radiation esophagitis (RE).Methods:The data of 163 CUTESCC patients eligible for inclusion criteria admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2012 to December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the best cut-off value of PNI for predicting the prognosis of patients. The prognosis of patients was analyzed by univariate and Cox multivariate analyses. Logistics binary regression model was adopted to analyze the risk factors of ≥ grade 2 RE in univariate and multivariate analyses. The significant factors in logistic multivariate analysis were used to construct nomogram for predicting ≥ grade 2 RE.Results:The optimal cut-off value of PNI was 48.57 [area under the curve (AUC): 0.653, P<0.001]. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 26.1 and 19.4 months, respectively. The OS ( χ2=6.900, P=0.009) and PFS ( χ2=9.902, P=0.003) of patients in the PNI ≥ 48.57 group ( n=47) were significantly better than those in the PNI < 48.57 group ( n=116). Cox multivariate analysis showed that cTNM stage and PNI were the independent predictors of OS ( HR=1.513, 95% CI: 1.193-1.920, P=0.001; HR=1.807, 95% CI: 1.164-2.807, P=0.008) and PFS ( HR=1.595, 95% CI: 1.247-2.039, P<0.001; HR=2.260, 95% CI: 1.439-3.550, P<0.001). Short-term efficacy was another independent index affecting PFS ( HR=2.072, 95% CI: 1.072-4.003, P=0.030). Logistic multivariate analysis showed that the maximum transverse diameter of the lesion ( OR=3.026, 95% CI: 1.266-7.229, P=0.013), gross tumor volume (GTV) ( OR=3.456, 95% CI: 1.373-8.699, P=0.008), prescription dose ( OR=3.124, 95% CI: 1.346-7.246, P=0.009) and PNI ( OR=2.072, 95% CI: 1.072-4.003, P=0.030) were the independent factors affecting the occurrence of ≥ grade 2 RE. These four indicators were included in the nomogram model, and ROC curve analysis showed that the model could properly predict the occurrence of ≥ grade 2 RE (AUC=0.686, 95% CI: 0.585-0.787). The calibration curve indicated that the actually observed values were in good agreement with the predicted RE. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated satisfactory nomogram positive net returns in most threshold probabilities. Conclusions:PNI before treatment is an independent prognostic factor for patients with CUTESCC who received definitive chemoradiotherapy. The maximum transverse diameter of the lesion, GTV, prescription dose and PNI are the risk factors for ≥ grade 2 RE in this cohort. Establishing a prediction model including these factors has greater predictive value.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab combined with definitive radiotherapy in the treatment of inoperable locally advanced oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:A total of 33 patients with inoperable locally advanced oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma admitted to the Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from March 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively selected as the research objects. The treatment regimen was all targeted therapy (nimotuzumab) combined with definitive radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, and the efficacy and safety of the treatment were analyzed. The primary endpoints were optimal response and overall survival (OS) , and the secondary endpoints were optimal duration of response (DOR) and progression-free survival (PFS) . The survival curve was drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method, the survival rate of the patients was analyzed, and the related adverse reactions were counted.Results:Of the 33 patients, there were 20 cases of complete remission (CR) , 5 cases of partial remission (PR) , 5 cases of stable disease (SD) , 2 cases of progressive disease (PD) , and 1 case could not be evaluated. The objective response rate was 75.8% (25/33) , and the disease control rate was 90.9% (30/33) . The mean OS of all cases was 54.5 months, and the 5-year OS rate was 57.0%. The mean DOR of the overall cases was 57.2 months, and the 5-year DOR rate was 64.4%. The mean PFS of the overall cases was 54.4 months, and the 5-year PFS rate was 59.8%. The 5-year OS rates of CR, PR and SD patients were 83.6%, 20.0% and 0 ( χ2=20.07, P<0.001) , the 5-year DOR rates were 85.0%, 20.0% and 0 ( χ2=16.89, P<0.001) , and the 5-year PFS rates were 84.0%, 20.0% and 0 ( χ2=15.91, P<0.001) . The OS, DOR and PFS of patients with CR were significantly better than those of patients with PR and SD (all P<0.05) . The 5-year OS rates of patients with oropharyngeal cancer and oral cancer were 62.5% and 40.6% ( χ2=1.67, P=0.197) , the 5-year DOR rates were 73.3% and 44.0% ( χ2=1.34, P=0.247) , and the 5-year PFS rates were 68.8% and 40.9% ( χ2=1.13, P=0.289) , with no statistically significant differences, but oropharyngeal cancer patients still showed a certain advantage. Common adverse reactions included oral mucositis and hematological toxicity, most of which were grade 1-2. Two (6.1%) patients had rash, and two (6.1%) patients had nausea and vomiting, which were considered to be related to nimotuzumab. All adverse reactions were relieved after symptomatic treatments. Conclusion:For patients with locally advanced oral and maxillofacial squamous cell carcinoma who are not suitable for surgery, the choice of nimotuzumab combined with definitive radiotherapy has a relatively satisfactory efficacy and survival rate, with good safety and high clinical value.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of chemoradiotherapy compared with chemotherapy after R0 excision in pN + esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the pathological data of 99 pN + ESCC patients who underwent radical esophagectomy with R0 resection in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University from January 2017 to December 2020. According to postoperative adjuvant treatment methods, the patients were divided into chemo-radiotherapy group ( n=41) and chemotherapy group ( n=58). The main outcome measures were disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and the incidences of treatment-related adverse events. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve accompanied with log-rank test. Cox regression model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results:The median DFS and OS of 99 patients were 20.0 months and 28.0 months respectively. The 1- and 3-year DFS rates were 60.8% and 34.5% respectively. The 1- and 3-year OS rates were 83.5% and 40.2% respectively. The median DFS was 39.0 months in the chemoradiotherapy group and 10.0 months in the chemotherapy group, and the 1- and 3-year DFS rates were 79.4% vs. 48.3% and 57.3% vs. 24.5% respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=12.27, P<0.001). The median OS in the chemoradiotherapy group was not reached, and 21.0 months in the chemotherapy group, and the 1- and 3-year OS rates of the chemoradiotherapy group and chemotherapy group were 92.1% vs. 75.9% and 60.8% vs. 27.3%, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=11.12, P=0.001). Univariate analysis showed that pN stage ( HR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.34-0.97, P=0.038), nerve invasion ( HR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.11-3.20, P=0.020) and adjuvant therapy ( HR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.21-0.67, P<0.001) were independent influencing factors of DFS in pN + ESCC patients. Adjuvant therapy ( HR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.17-0.66, P=0.001) was an independent factor influencing OS in pN + ESCC patients. Multivariate analysis showed that pN stage ( HR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.30-0.97, P=0.038) and adjuvant therapy ( HR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.21-0.69, P=0.001) were independent prognostic factors of DFS. Adjuvant therapy ( HR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.17-0.69, P=0.003) was an independent prognostic factor for OS. During adjuvant therapy, there were statistically significant differences in the incidences of leukopenia [65.85% (27/41) vs. 31.03% (18/58), χ2=11.75, P=0.001], thrombocytopenia [29.27% (12/41) vs. 10.34% (6/58), χ2=5.78, P=0.016], radioactive esophagitis [21.95% (9/41) vs. 0 (0/58), χ2=11.48, P=0.001], and radioactive pneumonia [21.95% (9/41) vs. 0 (0/58), χ2=11.48, P=0.001] between the two groups. Conclusion:Compared with chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy can significantly improve DFS and OS of pN + ESCC patients with R0 resection after radical surgery, and the adverse reactions can be tolerated. pN stage and adjuvant therapy are independent prognostic factors for DFS, and adjuvant therapy is an independent prognostic factor for OS.
ABSTRACT
Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) can describe the changes of gene expression in a single tumor cell. And it can reveal the status and function of tumor cells, and capture the extensive transcriptome heterogeneity in the cell population. The application of scRNA-seq can monitor the specific highly expressed genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) , and it can also monitor genes related to radio chemotherapy resistance in tumor cells, which is helpful to provide more accurate auxiliary diagnosis for ESCC. Besides, scRNA-seq can evaluate the recurrence risk and survival time of patients. An in-depth study of the relationship between tumor cells and tumor microenvironment in ESCC will provide a theoretical basis for developing a new immunotherapy scheme for ESCC.
ABSTRACT
The pathogenesis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is complicated, and treatment methods of advanced cSCC remain insufficient. This review summarizes the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) /protein kinase B (Akt) /mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of cSCC, as well as progress in the treatment of cSCC targeting this pathway, and provides new ideas for targeted therapy of cSCC.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To establish a xenograft model of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in nude mice, and to explore mechanisms underlying synergistic induction and promotion of CSCC in nude mice by ultraviolet radiation and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.Methods:The human CSCC A431 cells were divided into 3 groups, namely HPV16 E6 overexpression group (LV-OE-HPV16 E6 group) transfected with adenovirus-mediated HPV16 E6 gene, empty vector group transfected with empty adenovirus vectors, and blank control group remaining untransfected. Using serum-free Dulbecco′s modified Eagle′s medium (DMEM) , A431 cells in the empty vector group and LV-OE-HPV16 E6 group were prepared into single-cell suspensions, which were subcutaneously inoculated into the left buttocks of SKH-1 nude mice separately, namely empty vector group ( n = 16) and LV-OE-HPV16 E6 group ( n = 16) . Tumor growth was observed and recorded for the mice every 3 days. When the tumor size reached 150 mm 3, the modeling was considered successful. After successful modeling, 8 mice in each group were irradiated with ultraviolet light at a dose of 1 440 mJ·cm -2·d -1 for 12 minutes each time, the other 8 mice in each group received no ultraviolet radiation, that is to say, all the 32 mice were divided into 4 groups: empty vector group, empty vector + UV group, LV-OE-HPV16 E6 group, and LV-OE-HPV16 E6 + UV group. After 4-week radiation, these nude mice were sacrificed, tumor weight and volume were measured, a tumor growth curve was drawn, immunohistochemistry study, Western blot analysis and real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) were conducted to determine the protein and mRNA expression of Wnt1 and β-catenin in CSCC tissues collected from nude mice, respectively. For normally distributed measurement data, analysis of variance was used for intergroup comparisons, and least significant difference- t test for multiple comparisons; for non-normally distributed measurement data, rank sum test was used for intergroup comparisons. Results:Compared with the empty vector group (2.20 ± 0.24 g) , the tumor weight significantly increased in the empty vector + UV group (2.90 ± 0.36 g, t = 4.39, P < 0.001) , LV-OE-HPV16 E6 group (3.19 ± 0.32 g, t = 6.77, P < 0.001) , and LV-OE-HPV16 E6 + UV group (4.41 ± 0.18 g, t = 20.11, P < 0.001) ; the tumor volume was also significantly higher in the empty vector + UV group (1 033.12 ± 400.15 mm 3, t = 1.90, P < 0.001) , LV-OE-HPV16 E6 group (1 119.21 ± 447.57 mm 3, t = 2.21, P < 0.001) , and LV-OE-HPV16 E6 + UV group (1 464.29 ± 409.98 mm 3, t = 4.22, P < 0.001) than in the empty vector group (688.94 ± 319.31 mm 3) . Immunohistochemical study showed no significant difference in the protein expression of Wnt1 and β-catenin among the 4 groups ( F = 0.76, 0.71, respectively, both P > 0.05) ; Western blot analysis showed significant differences in the protein expression levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin among the 4 groups ( F = 16.74, 49.90, respectively, both P < 0.05) , which were significantly higher in the LV-OE-HPV16 E6 + UV group than in the empty vector group, empty vector + UV group and LV-OE-HPV16 E6 group (all P < 0.05) . qRT-PCR showed a significant difference in the mRNA expression of Wnt1 and β-catenin among the 4 groups ( F = 7.77, 8.38, respectively, both P<0.05) , and the LV-OE-HPV16 E6 + UV group showed significantly increased Wnt1 mRNA expression levels compared with the empty vector group, empty vector + UV group and LV-OE-HPV16 E6 group (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Ultraviolet radiation and HPV infection showed synergistic effect on the induction and promotion of CSCC.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy, adverse reactions and prognosis of different radiotherapy schemes in the treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:The clinical data of 60 patients with stage ⅣB esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received radiotherapy in Rugao People′s Hospital of Jiangsu Province from January 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the radiation doses, the patients were divided into standard dose group (total radiation dose <50.4 Gy) and high dose group (total radiation dose ≥50.4 Gy), with 30 patients in each group. The scores of dysphagia before and after treatment were analyzed by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The radiotherapy effective rate, remission rate of dysphagia and incidence of adverse reactions were analyzed by χ2 test. Survival analysis was carried out by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test was used to compare the prognosis of the two groups. Results:There were no significant differences in dysphagia scores between standard dose group and high dose group before and after radiotherapy ( Z=1.232, P=0.876; Z=1.506, P=0.278). The dysphagia symptoms were relieved after radiotherapy in all patients, and the dysphagia score was significantly higher than that before radiotherapy ( Z=6.347, P<0.001). The radiotherapy effective rates in the standard dose group and high dose group were 76.7% (23/30) and 83.3% (25/30) respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.417, P=0.519). The remission rates of dysphagia in the two groups were 80.0% (24/30) and 90.0% (27/30) respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.523, P=0.470). The incidences of adverse reactions in the two groups were 43.3% (13/30) and 83.3% (25/30) respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=10.335, P=0.001). The median overall survival in the standard dose group and high dose group were 11 months and 9 months respectively, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=1.490, P=0.256). Conclusion:There are no statistical differences in short-time efficacy, symptom remission and long-term prognosis between the standard dose group and the high dose group in patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the incidence of adverse reactions in patients receiving standard dose radiotherapy is low, which is worthy of clinical application.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effects of clinical characteristics and dosimetric factors on the survival and prognosis of patients with locally advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Methods:A total of 158 patients with locally advanced thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma undergoing CCRT in Shandong Cancer Hospital, Anyang Cancer Hospital of Henan Province, Tengzhou Central People′s Hospital of Shandong Province and the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from August 2015 to October 2018 were selected as the research subjects. These patients were divided into standard-dose group (50.0-50.4 Gy, n=59) and high-dose group (>50.4 Gy, n=99) according to the radiotherapy dose. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the two groups after treatment were compared. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rate and survival comparison was performed by log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the adverse prognostic factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of lung V 30 for patient prognosis. Results:In 158 patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 19 cases (12.03%) had complete remission after CCRT, 103 cases (65.19%) had partial remission, 27 cases (17.09%) had stable disease, 9 cases (5.70%) had progression disease, and the total effective rate was 77.22%. The median OS of 158 patients was 41 months (95% CI: 25-57 months), and the 1- and 3-year OS rates were 76% and 51%, respectively. The median PFS was 24 months (95% CI: 13-35 months), and the 1- and 3-year PFS rates were 60% and 39%, respectively. The 1- and 3-year OS rates in the standard-dose group were 74% and 56%, and those in the high-dose group were 77% and 49%, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2=0.300, P=0.584). The 1- and 3-year PFS rates in the standard-dose group were 62% and 37%, and those in the high-dose group were 59% and 40%, with no statistically significant difference ( χ2<0.001, P=0.990). Univariate analysis showed that the length of the lesion, N stage, clinical stage, short-term efficacy of CCRT, planning target volume (PTV) D max, gross tumor volume (GTV) D mean, V 5, V 10, V 20, V 30, D mean of the left, right and bilateral lung were all the prognostic factors for OS and PFS (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the length of the lesion ( HR=2.226, 95% CI: 1.244-3.985, P=0.007), N stage ( HR=2.819, 95% CI: 1.137-6.991, P=0.025), clinical stage ( HR=1.897, 95% CI: 1.079-3.334, P=0.026), short-term efficacy of CCRT ( HR=1.805, 95% CI: 1.250-2.606, P=0.002), left lung V 10 ( HR=0.811, 95% CI: 0.668-0.986, P=0.035), left lung V 30 ( HR=0.617, 95% CI: 0.408-0.933, P=0.022), right lung V 20 ( HR=2.067, 95% CI: 1.010-4.231, P=0.047), bilateral lung V 10 ( HR=1.299, 95% CI: 1.016-1.662, P=0.037) and bilateral lung V 30 ( HR=2.368, 95% CI: 1.142-4.910, P=0.021) were independent prognostic factors affecting OS. N stage ( HR=2.433, 95% CI: 1.201-4.931, P=0.014), short-term efficacy of CCRT ( HR=2.067, 95% CI: 1.391-3.071, P<0.001) and bilateral lung V 30 ( HR=0.113, 95% CI: 0.018-0.719, P=0.021) were independent prognostic factors affecting PFS. The ROC curve for predicting OS and PFS showed that the optimal cut-off value of bilateral lung V 30 was 9.5%. Conclusion:Compared with the standard-dose group, increasing the dose of radiotherapy fails to improve the long-term survival of patients with locally advanced thoracic squamous cell carcinoma. Lesion length, N stage, clinical stage, short-term efficacy of CCRT, left lung V 10 and V 30, right lung V 20 , bilateral lung V 10 and V 30 are independent prognostic factors for OS in patients with locally advanced thoracic squamous cell carcinoma. N stage, short-term efficacy of CCRT and bilateral lung V 30 are independent prognostic factors for PFS. When bilateral lung V 30≤9.5%, the patients′ OS and PFS will benefit from the treatment.
ABSTRACT
O carcinoma epidermoide (carcinoma escamocelular, carcinoma de células escamosas ou CEC) representa o segundo tipo de neoplasia cutânea mais comum. O CEC origina-se da proliferação atípica das células da camada espinhosa da epiderme e é mais frequente em indivíduos do sexo masculino, maiores de 50 anos, de fototipo baixo e com história de exposição solar. Descrevemos o caso de um homem de 61 anos, previamente hígido, apresentando lesão de crescimento rápido e exuberante na face, cujo anatomopatológico e imuno-histoquímica comprovaram tratar-se de CEC moderadamente diferenciado.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents the second most common type of skin cancer. SCC originates from the atypical proliferation of the cells of the epidermis's spinous layer and is more frequent in men over 50 years of age, with a low skin phototype and history of sun exposure. We describe the case of a 61-yearold man, previously healthy, with a lesion presenting fast and exuberant growth on the face. The anatomopathological and immunohistochemical exams confirmed the diagnosis of moderately differentiated SCC.
ABSTRACT
Abstract Actinic keratoses are dysplastic proliferations of keratinocytes with potential for malignant transformation. Clinically, actinic keratoses present as macules, papules, or hyperkeratotic plaques with an erythematous background that occur on photoexposed areas. At initial stages, they may be better identified by palpation rather than by visual inspection. They may also be pigmented and show variable degrees of infiltration; when multiple they then constitute the so-called field cancerization. Their prevalence ranges from 11% to 60% in Caucasian individuals above 40 years. Ultraviolet radiation is the main factor involved in pathogenesis, but individual factors also play a role in the predisposing to lesions appearance. Diagnosis of lesions is based on clinical and dermoscopic examination, but in some situations histopathological analysis may be necessary. The risk of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma is the major concern regarding actinic keratoses. Therapeutic modalities for actinic keratoses include topical medications, and ablative and surgical methods; the best treatment option should always be individualized according to the patient.
Subject(s)
Humans , Dermoscopy/methods , Keratosis, Actinic/therapy , Keratosis, Actinic/diagnostic imaging , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Severity of Illness Index , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging , Risk Factors , Keratosis, Actinic/pathologyABSTRACT
Objective@#To investigate the clinical effect of microsurgical operation combined with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy on squamous cell carcinoma in elderly patients.@*Methods@#Forty-six patients with squamous cell carcinoma visiting dermatology department of our hospital from January 2011 to July 2014 were enrolled.They were randomizely divided into two groups: the control group(n=23)receiving a microsurgical treatment and the observation group(n=23)receiving liquid nitrogen cryotherapy as add-on to a microsurgical operation.All patients were followed up for 1-3 years.Clinical efficacy, 1-year recurrence rate, 1-year transfer rate and the survival rate were compared between the two groups.@*Results@#The total effective rate was higher in the observation group than in the control group(91.3% vs.82.6%, P<0.05). The 1-year recurrence rate and 1-year transfer rate were lower in the observation group than in the control group(13.4% vs.17.4%, 4.3% vs.8.7%, P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#The surgery combined with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can significantly reduce the recurrence rate and transfer rate after operation and prolong the survival time, which is worthy of further research and promotion.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the clinical effect of microsurgical operation combined with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy on squamous cell carcinoma in elderly patients.Methods Forty-six patients with squamous cell carcinoma visiting dermatology department of our hospital from January 2011 to July 2014 were enrolled.They were randomizely divided into two groups:the control group(n =23)receiving a microsurgical treatment and the observation group(n=23)receiving liquid nitrogen cryotherapy as add-on to a microsurgical operation.All patients were followed up for 1 3 years.Clinical efficacy,1-year recurrence rate,1-year transfer rate and the survival rate were compared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate was higher in the observation group than in the control group(91.3％ vs.82.6％,P＜0.05).The 1-year recurrence rate and 1-year transfer rate were lower in the observation group than in the control group(13.4％ vs.17.4％,4.3％ vs.8.7％,P＜0.05).Conclusions The surgery combined with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma can significantly reduce the recurrence rate and transfer rate after operation and prolong the survival time,which is worthy of further research and promotion.
ABSTRACT
Objective To establish a photoacoustic detection system and data processing methods for skin tumors,and to explore photoacoustic imaging and photoacoustic spectrum in mouse models of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).Methods A total of 60 healthy specific pathogen-free (SPF) female BALB/C nude mice aged 6-8 weeks were randomly and equally divided into 2 groups to be inoculated with a murine CSCC cell line XL50 and a human CSCC cell line A431 respectively on the right back near the upper limbs,and mouse models of murine CSCC (n =20) and human CSCC (n =20) were successfully established.The 850-nm photoacoustic detection system was applied in the above 2 kinds of mouse models,and photoacoustic imaging and photoacoustic spectrum data were collected.The fitted slope of acoustic power spectrum curves was compared between squamous cell carcinoma tissues and normal skin on the left back of the mouse model.After the photoacoustic detection,tumor tissues and normal skin at the opposite side were excised from the 2 kinds of mouse models,and subjected to histopathological examination.The fitted slope of different tissues was compared by using t test.Results Photoacoustic imaging showed higher photoacoustic signals of hemoglobin in squamous cell carcinoma tissues compared with the normal skin tissues.In the model of murine CSCC,the fitted slope of acoustic power spectrum curve was significantly lower in the tumor tissues (-1.827 ± 0.153 1) than in the normal skin tissues (-1.059 ± 0.117 8,t =3.973,P ＜ 0.001).In the model of human CSCC,the fitted slope of acoustic power spectrum curve was also significantly lower in the tumor tissues (-1.537 ± 0.125 5) than in the normal skin tissues (-0.960 ± 0.259 7,t =2.166,P =0.043).Histopathological examination showed that the number of vessels increased in the tumor tissues compared with the normal skin tissues.Conclusion CSCC tissues are different from normal skin tissues in photoacoustic imaging signals and the fitted slope of acoustic power spectrum,which may lay a foundation for non-invasive photoacoustic diagnosis of CSCC.
ABSTRACT
Medical treatment is an important strategy for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Studies have shown that three-weekly cisplatin regimen is a promising treatment for patients with locally advanced HNSCC and cetuximab plus platinum and 5-fluorouracil can be the first-line therapy for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.Current results from immunotherapy trials have shown an improved response rate and overall survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC while maintaining a safe and tolerable toxicity profile.Immunotherapy is becoming the fourth treatment strategy towards cancer.There is still insufficient evidence that patients with HNSCC can benefit from induction chemotherapy and further study is warranted.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of downregulation of microRNA (miR)-373 expression on cell cycle and apoptosis of a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) cell line A431.Methods A431 cells at exponential growth phase were classified into 3 groups:miR-373 inhibitor group and negative control group transfected with miR-373 inhibitor and negative control miRNA respectively,and untreated group receiving no treatment.At 48 hours after the transfection,real-time PCR was performed to determine the expression of miR-373 in the above 3 groups,cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to evaluate the effect of downregulated expression of miR-373 on the proliferation of A431 cells,flow cytometry to investigate the distribution of cell cycle and changes in apoptosis of A431 cells in different treatment groups,and colorimetric analysis to detect the changes in caspase-3 activity in different treatment groups.Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 17.0 software by using two-sample t test for the comparison between two groups,one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the comparison among 3 groups,and least significant difference (LSD)-t test for multiple comparisons.Results The expression of miR-373 was significantly lower in the miR-373 inhibitor group (0.120 ± 0.036) than in the untreated group (1.002 ± 0.022) and negative control group (1.037 ± 0.028,LSD-t =36.21,34.83,respectively,both P ＜ 0.001).At 48,72 and 96 hours,the miR-373 inhibitor group showed significantly decreased proliferative activity of A375 cells compared with the untreated group and negative control group (F =10.805,13.720 and 30.907 respectively,P =0.038,0.010 and 0.001 respectively).The proportion of A375 cells in G0/G1 phase was significantly higher in the miR-373 inhibitor group (64.69％ ± 1.18％) than in the untreated group (52.74％ ± 0.66％,t =15.51,P ＜ 0.001) and negative control group (53.80％ ± 0.80％,t =13.24,P ＜ 0.001).The proportion of total apoptotic cells and activity of caspase-3 in the miR-373 inhibitor group were 22.69％ ± 1.24％ and 1.238 ± 0.057 respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the untreated group (9.62％ ± 1.14％,0.413 ± 0.028 respectively,both P ＜ 0.001)and negative control group (9.66％ ± 0.97％,0.437 ± 0.036 respectively,both P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion MiR-373 may play an important role in the regulation of cell cycle and induction of apoptosis of the CSCC cell line A431.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To investigate the tumor-associated protein molecules carried by plasma exosomes of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma before treatment and analyze their value as clinical markers.@*Methods@#Exosomes from 2 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma before treatment and 2 healthy controls were collected by ultracentrifugation. Proteomics was applied to analyze the protein expression profiles of exosomes. Candidate molecules were verified in another 30 exosomes samples from lung squamous cell carcinoma and healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).@*Results@#Electron microscopy and particle-counting assay showed that high-quality exosomes were collected. The number of exosomes distributed from 45 to 135 nm in 2 cases of lung cancer patients were 7.89×1011/ml and 9.71×1011/ml, respectively, significantly higher than 2.76×1011/ml and 1.41×1011/ml in healthy controls. Proteomic analysis showed that proteins of exosomes in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients were very different from those of healthy controls, and some proteins are related to important functions in tumor progression. 14-3-3ζ from exosomes was selected and further verified as a marker, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was 0.68. The sensitivity and specificity of 14-3-3 ζ from exosomes were 60.0% and 80.0%, respectively, suggested that it could be used as a diagnostic marker for lung squamous cell carcinoma.@*Conclusion@#The exosome counts in plasma and the protein molecules from exosomes, such as 14-3-3ζ, are closely related to the tumorigenesis, which can be used to assist clinical diagnosis of lung squamous cell carcinoma patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective@#To deeply investigate the gene expression profiles of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and the relationship of gene expression levels with prognosis from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.@*Methods@#RNA-seq V2 data of 11 normal samples and 81 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients, and their corresponding clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Differentially expressed genes between normal and tumor samples were identified by using edgeR package. Gene function enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes were conducted. A protein-protein interaction network based on differentially expressed genes was constructed by using STRING database and the hub genes were identified based on the created gene co-expression network. In addition, survival analysis was performed.@*Results@#Totally, 2 788 genes were identified as differential expression. Among these, 1 168 genes were up-regulated and 1 620 genes were down-regulated in tumor cases compared with normal samples. Up-regulated genes were enriched in cell cycle, DNA replication and mismatch repair pathways, while down-regulated genes were enriched in metabolic pathways. 707 genes and their 3 428 interactions were identified by protein-protein interaction analysis. Genes with copy number amplifications were considered to interact with other crucial genes. 10 co-expression modules were identified based on the gene co-expression network analysis and the ribosomal protein genes were illustrated to be correlated with tumor locations of ESCC patients (P=0.003). The 3-years survival rates of high and low expression of TNFRSF10B groups were 82.5% and 15.1%, respectively. Similarly, the 3-years survival rates of high and low expression of DDX18 groups were 82.4% and 15.2%, respectively. The survival differences stratified by these two genes were statistically significant (both P<0.1).@*Conclusions@#The analysis results of TCGA database showed that ribosomal protein genes are correlated with tumor locations of ESCC patients. Low expressions of TNFRSF10B and DDX18 are associated with poor prognose of ESCC patients. Consequently, TNFRSF10B and DDX18 may serve as predictive markers for ESCC patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate effects of targeted silencing of growth arrest and DNA damage inducible gene 45α (Gadd45α) by small interference RNA (siRNA) on the invasion and migration of a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell line A431.Methods Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression of A431 and Colon16 cells respectively,and then A431 cells with highly expressed Gadd45α served as a research object.Cultured A431 cells were divided into 3 groups:experimental group transfected with Gadd45α-siRNA-1,negative control group transfected with negative control siRNA,and blank control group receiving no treatment.After the RNA interference,the mRNA and protein expression of Gadd45α in the above 3 groups were measured by real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis,respectively,and the effect of the RNA interference on the invasion and migration abilities of A431 cells was evaluated by Transwell and wound scratch assays.Results Gadd45α mRNA and protein were highly expressed in the A431 cells.After the RNA interference,the experimental group showed markedly lower mRNA and protein expressions of Gadd45 in the A431 cells (0.286 ± 0.013,0.33 ± 0.007,respectively) compared with the negative control group (1.028 ± 0.183,0.87 ± 0.002,respectively)and blank control group (1.001 ± 0.057,0.86 ± 0.004,respectively),and there were significant differences in the mRNA and protein expressions of Gadd45 among the 3 groups (F =5 893.857,2 763.000,both P ＜ 0.001).The number of A431 cells crossing the polycarbonate membrane was higher in the experimental group (66.33 ± 3.79) than in the negative control group (26.00 ± 4.36) and the blank control group (28.33 ± 4.16),and there was a significant difference among the 3 groups (F =20.084,P =0.002).Moreover,the wound scratch assay showed that the number of migrating A431 cells per high-power field was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the negative control group and the blank control group (315.33 ± 6.66,154.67 ± 2.08,130.67 ± 3.51 respectively;F =1 676.255,P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion Gadd45α is highly expressed in the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell line A431,and targeted silencing of Gadd45α gene can enhance the in vitro invasion and migration abilities of A431 cells.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA)targeting survivin gene on the expression of survivin and proliferation,apoptosis,migration and invasion of a human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma cell line A431 in vitro.Methods A survivin-specific siRNA was designed and synthesized.Cultured A431 cells were divided into 3 groups to be transfected with 50.0 nmol/L liposome complexes containing survivin-specific siRNA (survivin siRNA group),50.0 nmol/L liposome complexes containing unrelated siRNA (negative control group) and 50.0 nmol/L prepared vesicles (blank control group).Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression of survivin in A431 cells,respectively.Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was conducted to evaluate cellular proliferative activity,flow cytometry using annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) staining to detect cell apoptosis,Transwell assay to estimate migratory and invasive activities of A431 cells,and flow cytometry to detect cell cycle changes.Results At 48 hours after transfection,the mRNA and protein expression of survivin both significantly differed among the survivin siRNA group,negative control group and blank control group (mRNA:0.56 ± 0.15,0.88 ± 0.37,0.90 ± 0.43,F =276.67,P ＜ 0.001;protein:0.59 ± 0.04,0.86 ± 0.05,0.91 ± 0.07,F =243.61,P ＜ 0.001),the survivin siRNA group showed significantly lower mRNA and protein expression of survivin compared with the negative control group and blank control group (all P ＜ 0.05),and there were no significant differences between the negative control group and blank control group (both P ＞ 0.05).Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the transfection with survivin siRNA could significantly inhibit the proliferation of A431 cells (F =13.19,P =0.004),the proliferation inhibition rate was significantly higher in the survivin siRNA group than in the negative control group and blank control group (both P ＜ 0.05),and no significant difference was observed between the negative control group and blank control group (P ＞ 0.05).At 24 hours after transfection,the apoptosis rate significantly differed among the 3 groups (F =83.97,P =0.002).The survivin siRNA group showed a significantly higher apoptosis rate compared with the negative control group and blank control group (both P ＜ 0.05),and there was no significant difference between the negative control group and blank control group (P ＞ 0.05).At 48 hours after transfection,the survivin siRNA group showed a significantly higher proportion of cells at G2/M phase,but lower number of migratory cells and invasive cells compared with the negative control group and blank control group (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Survivin-specific siRNA can inhibit the expression of survivin gene and the proliferation of A431 cells,promote cell apoptosis,and suppress cell migration and invasion,indicating that survivin may serve as a genetic target for the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.