Multimodal Prediction of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis and Recurrence in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background/Aim: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy in the head/neck region, and cervical lymph node (CLN) metastasis is a strong poor-prognosis factor. In addition, many patients with OSCC experience recurrence despite multidisciplinary treatment. We sought to identify factors associated with CLN metastasis and recurrence in patients with OSCC. Patients and Methods: We evaluated a total of 45 patients and 233 target CLNs. The longest diameter of the target CLN, the shortest diameter of the target CLN (LS), the area of the target CLN, and the relative computed tomography (CT) values of the target CLNs calculated based on the CT values of the internal jugular vein (LCT) were obtained from preoperative CT images, and the maximum standardized uptake values of the primary tumor (pSUV) and target CLN (nSUV) were obtained from preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/CT images. We performed immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 13 (CK13) and 17 (CK17) on neck dissection tissues. Results: A discrimination equation was used that can predict CLN metastasis with a 92.2% discrimination rate using LS, LCT, pSUV, and nSUV. The CLNs were divided into discrimination and non-discrimination groups based on discriminant equations and CK13 and CK17 were used as the objective variables. A significantly higher recurrence rate was observed in the non-discrimination group (CK13: 5-year recurrence rate 28.6% vs. 64.3%, p<0.01; CK17: 5-year recurrence rate 28.0% vs. 76.0%, p<0.01). Conclusion: CLN metastases in OSCC can be assessed by combining preoperative imaging. The combined use of CK13 and CK17 expression with imaging findings offers an integrated approach to predict OSCC recurrence

EpEX, the soluble extracellular domain of EpCAM, resists cetuximab treatment of EGFR-high head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives: Cetuximab (Cmab) is a molecularly targeted monoclonal antibody drug for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), although cetuximab resistance is a serious challenge. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is an established marker for many epithelial tumors, while the soluble EpCAM extracellular domain (EpEX) functions as a ligand for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We investigated the expression of EpCAM in HNSC, its involvement in Cmab action, and the mechanism by which soluble EpEX activated EGFR and played key roles in Cmab resistance. Materials and methods: We first examined EPCAM expression in HNSCs and its clinical significance by searching gene expression array databases. We then examined the effects of soluble EpEX and Cmab on intracellular signaling and Cmab efficacy in HNSC cell lines (HSC-3 and SAS). Results: EPCAM expression was found to be enhanced in HNSC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, and the enhancement was correlated with stage progression and prognosis. Soluble EpEX activated the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway and nuclear translocation of EpCAM intracellular domains (EpICDs) in HNSC cells. EpEX resisted the antitumor effect of Cmab in an EGFR expression-dependent manner. Conclusion: Soluble EpEX activates EGFR to increase Cmab resistance in HNSC cells. The EpEX-activated Cmab resistance in HNSC is potentially mediated by the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway and the EpCAM cleavage-induced nuclear translocation of EpICD. High expression and cleavage of EpCAM are potential biomarkers for predicting the clinical efficacy and resistance to Cmab

Oral surgery in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent thrombosis, other associated autoimmune disease, and/or obstetrical morbidity along with persistent production of antiphospholipid antibodies. Because of the nature of this systemic disease, most patients are medicated with antithrombotic agents and abundant glucocorticoids. This study reports a cohort of 16 patients with APS, who underwent oral surgery between 2010 and 2017 at the Nagasaki University Hospital. Because oral antithrombotic therapy was continued in the perioperative period, all wounds were strictly closed by suturing to prevent postoperative bleeding. Perioperative laboratory dates and medications were assessed. All patients achieved local postoperative hemostasis and did not exhibit systemic complications. Moreover, there were no postoperative systemic and/or local infections. Oral surgeons should suture oral wounds and ensure local hemostasis to prevent postoperative bleeding. Because patients with APS are likely to develop thrombosis despite continued administration of antithrombotic medications, strict perioperative examination of blood coagulation is needed. Furthermore, it is important to consider the damage and stress caused due to oral surgery. Moreover, when necessary, glucocorticoid therapy should be carefully administered, in accordance with the degree of invasion and judgment of the attending physician

Multimodal Prediction of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis and Recurrence in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background/Aim: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy in the head/neck region, and cervical lymph node (CLN) metastasis is a strong poor-prognosis factor. In addition, many patients with OSCC experience recurrence despite multidisciplinary treatment. We sought to identify factors associated with CLN metastasis and recurrence in patients with OSCC. Patients and Methods: We evaluated a total of 45 patients and 233 target CLNs. The longest diameter of the target CLN, the shortest diameter of the target CLN (LS), the area of the target CLN, and the relative computed tomography (CT) values of the target CLNs calculated based on the CT values of the internal jugular vein (LCT) were obtained from preoperative CT images, and the maximum standardized uptake values of the primary tumor (pSUV) and target CLN (nSUV) were obtained from preoperative 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/CT images. We performed immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 13 (CK13) and 17 (CK17) on neck dissection tissues. Results: A discrimination equation was used that can predict CLN metastasis with a 92.2% discrimination rate using LS, LCT, pSUV, and nSUV. The CLNs were divided into discrimination and non-discrimination groups based on discriminant equations and CK13 and CK17 were used as the objective variables. A significantly higher recurrence rate was observed in the non-discrimination group (CK13: 5-year recurrence rate 28.6% vs. 64.3%, p<0.01; CK17: 5-year recurrence rate 28.0% vs. 76.0%, p<0.01). Conclusion: CLN metastases in OSCC can be assessed by combining preoperative imaging. The combined use of CK13 and CK17 expression with imaging findings offers an integrated approach to predict OSCC recurrence

EpEX, the soluble extracellular domain of EpCAM, resists cetuximab treatment of EGFR-high head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Objectives: Cetuximab (Cmab) is a molecularly targeted monoclonal antibody drug for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), although cetuximab resistance is a serious challenge. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is an established marker for many epithelial tumors, while the soluble EpCAM extracellular domain (EpEX) functions as a ligand for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We investigated the expression of EpCAM in HNSC, its involvement in Cmab action, and the mechanism by which soluble EpEX activated EGFR and played key roles in Cmab resistance. Materials and methods: We first examined EPCAM expression in HNSCs and its clinical significance by searching gene expression array databases. We then examined the effects of soluble EpEX and Cmab on intracellular signaling and Cmab efficacy in HNSC cell lines (HSC-3 and SAS). Results: EPCAM expression was found to be enhanced in HNSC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, and the enhancement was correlated with stage progression and prognosis. Soluble EpEX activated the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway and nuclear translocation of EpCAM intracellular domains (EpICDs) in HNSC cells. EpEX resisted the antitumor effect of Cmab in an EGFR expression-dependent manner. Conclusion: Soluble EpEX activates EGFR to increase Cmab resistance in HNSC cells. The EpEX-activated Cmab resistance in HNSC is potentially mediated by the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway and the EpCAM cleavage-induced nuclear translocation of EpICD. High expression and cleavage of EpCAM are potential biomarkers for predicting the clinical efficacy and resistance to Cmab