Lateral approach is a more aesthetical option for radical resection of BSCC: assessment of its surgical, oncological, functional, and aesthetic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to introduce a modified lateral approach for combined radical resection of buccal squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) and evaluate its surgical, oncological, functional, and aesthetic outcomes in comparison with the conventional lower-lip splitting approach. METHODS: This single-center study retrospectively reviewed 80 patients with BSCC, of which 37 underwent the lateral approach and 43 underwent the conventional approach. Surgical, functional, oncological, and aesthetic evaluations, as well as follow-ups, were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Compared to the conventional approach group, the lateral approach group had a longer surgical time (P = 0.000), but there was no significant difference in other surgical and oncological parameters. Moreover, the scar in the head and neck had a significantly discreet appearance in the lateral approach group, whose satisfaction was better than those in the conventional approach group (P = 0.000). Other oral function parameters, postoperative mouth-opening, and 3-year survival rate were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The lateral approach could provide superior aesthetic results while maintaining equal surgical, functional, and oncological outcomes compared to the conventional approach for radical resection of BSCC.

CD73 as a novel marker for poor prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Ecto-5'-nucleotidase [cluster of differentiation (CD)73] has important functions in several types of cancer, however, its expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remains unknown. The present study was designed to investigate CD73 expression in SCC. CD73 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 113 patients with oral SCC (OSCC). The association between CD73 expression and clinicopathological features, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) times of patients were statistically analyzed. CD73 expression was detected in 58.4% (66/113) of OSCC patients, with the immunostaining predominantly localized in the cytomembrane and a little in the cytoplasm. Statistical analysis revealed that CD73 expression was more frequently detected in patients with larger tumors (P=0.021). The overexpression of CD73 was significantly associated with clinical stage (P=0.047). Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining showed that overexpression of CD73 was inversely correlated with DFS (P=0.002) and OS (P=0.002) times. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that CD73 expression was an independent prognostic factor for poor DFS (P=0.018) and OS (P=0.021). The current study is the first to evaluate the clinical significance and prognostic value of CD73 in patients with OSCC. The findings suggest that CD73 is a potential prognostic marker for OSCC.

Enhanced anticancer activity of a protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor on chemotherapy and radiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of this study is to eliminate more cancer cells by promoting them from quiescence into cell cycle or by changing their molecular events, leading them to be sensitive to radiation or chemotherapy. Protein phosphatase 2A plays an important role in many cellular functions and regulates various biological processes. It is unclear that LB1, which is an inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A, has enhanced anticancer activity on chemotherapy (cisplatin and 5-fluorourcil) and radiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Herein, we performed both in vitro and in vivo studies to determine the anticancer activity of LB1 on chemotherapy and radiation in HNSCC, with detection of p53 expression, AKT and MDM2 phosphorylation. In vitro studies indicated that, LB1 could significantly enhance the cytotoxicity of cisplatin, 5-fluorourcil, and radiation; LB1 could also significantly enhance the treatment effect of cisplatin in nude mice. The anticancer activity of LB1 was mediated by increased AKT phosphorylation and decreased p53 expression with increased MDM2 phosphorylation, especially when combined with cisplatin. Our data suggest a strategy of improving treatment effect through the enhanced anticancer activity of LB1 on cisplatin-based chemotherapy and radiation in HNSCC.