Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

Salivary miRNAs as a novel therapeutic marker in a patient with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma: A case report

Salivary miRNAs as a novel therapeutic marker in a patient with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma: A case report

Diagnostic Accuracy of Computed Tomography and Clinical Examination in the Assessment of Mandibular Invasion of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Introduction: Computed tomography (CT) scan precisely shows soft and hard tissues in the same test hereby determines the lesion extension, involvement of regional node as well as of bone. Current study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of clinical examination and CT to assess mandibular invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dhaka Dental College Hospital from July, 2016 to July, 2017 among conveniently selected 35 patients of histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma which was close to the mandible. The patients underwent proper clinical examination. CT scan was performed; preoperative staging and treatment plan was formulated according to the status of bone invasion. After mandibulectomy, the resected specimens were sent for histopathology. The findings from clinical examination and CT were then correlated with the gold standard, postoperative histopathology. Results: Clinical examination accurately detected 22 cases to have bone invasion and 8 cases with no bone invasion. It also gave 2 false positive and 3 false negative results. On the other hand CT accurately detected 24 cases to have bone invasion and 9 cases with no bone invasion. It provided one false positive and one false negative result. However, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy of clinical examination were 88%, 80%, 91.67%, 72.73%, 85.71% respectively (p = 0.0002) and of CT were 96%, 90%, 96%, 90%, 94.28% respectively (p < 0.0001). Clinical examination and CT were found sensitive enough and have an acceptable range of specificity as primary investigative modalities. CT scan outperforms clinical examination in terms of sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and accuracy. Conclusion: CT scan imaging is the method of choice for planning treatment in advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma. This study reveals how a CT scan can provide additional diagnostic value to detect bone invasion. Update Dent. Coll. j: 2024; 14(2): 21-26

Cancer cell-specific PD-L1 expression is a predictor of poor outcome in patients with locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundLocally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) presents a significant clinical challenge despite being partially responsive to standard treatment modalities. This study investigates the prognostic implications of programmed death-ligand...

The effect of m6A methyltransferase METTL3 mediated TMEM30A regulation on tumor energy metabolism and cisplatin anti-tumor activity in oral squamous cell carcinoma

AimsCisplatin (CDDP) is still one of the most commonly used first-line treatments for advanced and recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients in clinical practice. However, the decrease in tumor sensitivity to CDDP weakens its therapeutic effect. There is still limited research on the effect of METTL3-mediated methylation of m6A on CDDP sensitivity in OSCC. TMEM30A widely exists in biomembranes and regulates the lipid asymmetry of the membrane, but there is no report on its function in OSCC. This study aims to explore the specific mechanism by which METTL3 regulates m6A methylation of TMEM30A and affects the occurrence and development of OSCC, and further investigate the effects of METTL3 and TMEM30A on the anti-tumor activity of CDDP. Key findingsIn OSCC, METTL3 plays a pro-cancer role and weakens the anti-tumor efficacy of CDDP; METTL3 positively regulates the expression of TMEM30A by m6A methylation modification and binding to TMEM30A; The abnormally high expression of TMEM30A in OSCC not only weakens CDDP sensitivity, but also enhances the malignant evolution of cancer cells, regulates the metabolic balance of ATP and lactate in cells, and is a potential oncogenic gene. SignificanceTMEM30A promotes malignant progression of tumors through METTL3 mediated m6A methylation modification, participates in maintaining the balance of tumor ATP and lactate metabolism, and reduces the anti-tumor activity of CDDP. TMEM30A is a potential gene target for CDDP anti-tumor activity in OSCC.

861P Neo-TIME trial: Neoadjuvant tislelizumab combined with albumin-paclitaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil(APF) in patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LA-OSCC)

861P Neo-TIME trial: Neoadjuvant tislelizumab combined with albumin-paclitaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil(APF) in patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LA-OSCC)

Serum CXCL13 as a Novel Biomarker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Despite its low sensitivity (approximately 30%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen is commonly utilized as a serum tumor marker for oral SCC (OSCC) in clinical settings. The objective of this research was to identify novel biomarkers for OSCC. Initially, we performed microarray analysis to evaluate the gene expression signatures of primary OSCC and normal oral mucosal tissues. Our findings showed the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13) to be a promising novel biomarker as it was consistently overexpressed in primary OSCC tissues, a conclusion corroborated by polymerase chain reaction results. Subsequently, we measured serum CXCL13 levels in 125 patients with OSCC using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared the results with those of 29 healthy individuals. Remarkably, the levels of serum CXCL13 were consistently elevated in patients with OSCC, and the high expression of serum CXCL13 was notably associated with tumor size and neck lymph node metastasis. Patients with advanced OSCC with high-serum CXCL13 levels exhibited poor prognosis regarding both overall and disease-free survival. Finally, spatial transcriptome analysis revealed CXCL13 and CD8 expressions within tumor area clusters but not in adjacent normal areas, suggesting specific overexpression of CXCL13 in primary OSCC tissues. These findings imply that serum CXCL13 holds diagnostic and prognostic value, showing promise as a novel biomarker for OSCC.

Lack of knowledge, understanding, and delayed attitudes towards health-seeking behavior in oral cancer patients: a qualitative pilot study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore coping strategies adopted by patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and investigate the reasons for delayed healthcare-seeking help Study DesignData were collected through semi-structured interviews based on the Semi-Structured Self-Regulatory Model (SRM) with participants diagnosed with advanced OSCC, between 2021 and 2023. The sample size was determined based on the saturation point. In this context, saturation refers to the point when no new issues emerge, signaling sufficient sample size. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using framework analysis. ResultsThe sample consisted of 15 patients, 13 male and 2 female, aged between 52 and 80 years (mean 64.5, SD ± 7.5). Four types of coping strategies causing delayed help-seeking emerged: 1) self-medication, 2) seeking medical appointments, 3) abandoning consultations (or treatment), and 4) consulting general dental practitioners. Participants believed that the disease could heal spontaneously and did not consider seeking health help immediately. Socio-economic factors and lack of knowledge on the part of healthcare professionals may have influenced the delay in the diagnosis ConclusionPatients with advanced OSCC demonstrated inadequate disease awareness, oral cancer knowledge, misdiagnosis, and insufficient referrals to specialized treatments.

935P Prognostic significance of diagnostic staging in treatment naïve, resectable locally advanced primary oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma for neoadjuvant leukocyte interleukin injection immunotherapy

935P Prognostic significance of diagnostic staging in treatment naïve, resectable locally advanced primary oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma for neoadjuvant leukocyte interleukin injection immunotherapy

942TiP A randomized controlled clinical trial of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy vs up-front surgery in patients with locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma (Tophill trial)

942TiP A randomized controlled clinical trial of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy vs up-front surgery in patients with locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma (Tophill trial)

The efficacy and potential mechanisms of pyrotinib in targeting EGFR and HER2 in advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma

BackgroundHuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) plays an important role in the progression of multiple solid tumors and induces resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) target treatment. However, the expression status and the clinical significance of HER2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still controversial. Pyrotinib (PYR) is a promising novel EGFR/HER2 dual inhibitor, whose efficacy in OSCC has not been determined.Methods57 locally advanced de novo OSCC patients were included in this study to investigate the relationship between the HER2 expression levels and the prognosis by the tissue microarray analysis (TMA). In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to retrieve the efficacy of PYR in OSCC. The main downstream of HER2 was evaluated by western blotting in OSCC cell lines and xenograft tumors to explore the potential mechanism of PYR.ResultsThis study revealed the primary tumor of OSCC had higher HER2 expression levels. Patients with HER2 overexpression had poor overall survival (P < 0.014) and poor disease free survival (P < 0.042). In vitro, PYR suppressed the proliferation, colony formation and migration of OSCC cells. It also promoted apoptosis of OSCC cells and induced cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, PYR was able to inhibit the occurrence and development of OSCC effectively in vivo. Western blotting revealed that PYR suppressed OSCC by inhibiting the phosphorylation of HER2, AKT and ERK.ConclusionsThis study exhibited the anti-OSCC effects of PYR in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrated PYR inhibited OSCC cells by inducing apoptosis via the HER2/ AKT and ERK pathway. The result of this study also indicated locally advanced OSCC patients might benefit from HER2 assay and EGFR/HER2 dual inhibit treatment.

199 Comparing survival and recurrence patterns in locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

199 Comparing survival and recurrence patterns in locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

Derived Neutrophils to Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Survival Benefit from TPF Induction Chemotherapy in Local Advanced Oral Squamous Cellular Carcinoma.

This study aimed to evaluate the derived neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) in predicting the prognosis of patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LAOSCC) and to assess the survival benefits from docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (TPF) induction chemotherapy (IC). Patients from a phase III trial involving TPF IC in stage III/IVA OSCC patients (NCT01542931) were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed, and the area under the curve was computed to determine dNLR cutoff points. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used for longitudinal analysis. A total of 224 patients were identified (median age: 55.4 years; range: 26 to 75 years; median follow-up: 90 months; range: 3.2 to 93 months). The cutoff point for the dNLR was 1.555. Multivariate analysis showed that the dNLR was an independent negative predictive factor for survival (overall survival (OS): hazard ratio (HR) = 1.154, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.018-1.309, p = 0.025; disease-free survival (DFS): HR = 1.123, 95% CI: 1.000-1.260, p = 0.050; local recurrence-free survival (LRFS): HR = 1.134, 95% CI: 1.002-1.283, p = 0.047; distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS): HR = 1.146, 95% CI: 1.010-1.300, p = 0.035). A low dNLR combined with cTNM stage III disease predicted benefit from TPF IC for the patients [OS (χ2 = 4.674, p = 0.031), DFS (χ2 = 7.134, p = 0.008), LRFS (χ2 = 5.937, p = 0.015), and DMFS (χ2 = 4.832, p = 0.028)]. The dNLR is an independent negative predictive factor in LAOSCC patients. Patients with cTNM stage III disease and a low dNLR can benefit from TPF IC.

Interpretation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Status in Microscopic Tumor-Free Surgical Margins and Lymph Nodes in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Analysis of 125 Margins.

Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of oral cancer contributing for around 90%. The overall survival is below 50% for these patients. There is a requirement for a non-invasive marker to predict the prognosis. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) and their receptors (EGFR, ErbB-1) are not only documented to play a critical and an influential role in cell growth and differentiation in normal/healthy tissues, but may also plays an important role in malignant disease progression and tumorigenesis. This study was done to find the significance of EGF receptor expression on microscopic free tumour margins and lymph nodal margins to predict the survival of the patient in a 2-year follow-up. A prospective cohort study of 25 patients was performed in biopsy proven oral squamous cell carcinoma patients who reported to our department from July 2017 to June 2019. The data were collected from their histopathological report, they were- pTNM staging, surgical margins (superior and inferior, anterior, posterior), nodal status and scoring of EGFR expression on wax blocks was done. Total of 125 wax blocks were analysed for the study. Follow-up of 2years were recorded in the study to evaluate the survival of the patients. The expression of EGFR on microscopic tumour-free surgical margins and lymph nodes was p value 0.023 which was statistically significant. The level of significance between EGFR and status of patients after 2-year follow-up was having p value 0.031. Out of 25 patients, 5 patients were dead at a 2-year follow-up. Out of these 5 patients who were dead, 3 patients had a local recurrence and 2 patients had distant metastasis. This cohort study concludes that EGFR is an important prognostic marker and must be analysed in all microscopic tumour-free margins and lymph nodes in advanced oral squamous cell carcinomas to predict the local recurrences affecting the survival of the patients and the need for addition of anti-EGFR agents in adjuvant treatment. Since the sample size is small, large scale studied must be done to validate the need for adding anti-EGFR agents in adjuvant treatment to improve the survival of patients.

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in resectable locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

Surgery and postoperative adjuvant therapy is the standard treatment for locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), while neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NACI) is believed to lead better outcomes. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of NACI regimens in treating locally advanced resectable OSCC. Patients diagnosed with locally advanced resectable OSCC who received NACI and non-NACI were reviewed between December 2020 and June 2022 in our single center. The pathologic response was evaluated to the efficacy of NACI treatment. Adverse events apparently related to NACI treatment were graded by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rate were assessed. Our analysis involved 104 patients who received NACI. Notably, the pathological complete response (PCR) rate was 47.1%, and the major pathological response (MPR) rate was 65.4%. The top three grade 1-2 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were alopecia (104; 100%), anemia (81; 77.9%) and pruritus (62; 59.6%). Importantly, patients achieving MPR exhibited higher programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS). The diagnostic value of CPS as a biomarker for NACI efficacy was enhanced when combined total cholesterol level. The 3-year estimated DFS rates were 89.0% in the NACI cohort compared to 60.8% in the non-NACI cohort, while the 3-year estimated OS rates were 91.3% versus 64.0%, respectively. The NACI treatment showed safe and encouragingly efficacious for locally advanced resectable OSCC patients. The high response rates and favorable prognosis suggest this approach as a potential treatment option. Prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate these findings.

“Clinical Outcomes of Surgically Treated Locally Advanced Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Infra-Temporal Fossa Involvement: A Tertiary Cancer Centre Experience”

“Clinical Outcomes of Surgically Treated Locally Advanced Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Infra-Temporal Fossa Involvement: A Tertiary Cancer Centre Experience”

Efficacy and safety of induction chemotherapy in oral cavity cancer: An eight-year experience at a Portuguese reference center.

Induction chemotherapy has been described as an option in locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma when the surgical morbidity is expected to be high. This work aimed to evaluate the outcome and safety of induction chemotherapy in this setting. We performed a retrospective and observational study including patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, treated with induction chemotherapy between January 2010 and December 2018. Outcomes included induction chemotherapy toxicity, treatment response, disease-free survival and overall survival. A total of 108 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients were included. Ninety-six (88.9%) had stage IV disease, while 12 (11.1%) had stage III. Eighty-four patients (80.8%) achieved at least a partial response to induction chemotherapy at clinical evaluation, and 75 (72.1%) at radiological evaluation. Seventy-eight patients have been proposed for subsequent definitive treatments, with no differences obtained in prognosis, when comparing surgical to non-surgical approaches. In patients treated with definitive treatments, improved five-year disease-free survival was obtained if at least a clinical (56.3%; p=0.001) or radiological (52.9%; p=0.001) partial response was achieved after induction chemotherapy. Similarly, superior five-year overall survival was verified for those achieving at least clinical (51.1%; p<0.0001) or radiological (52.6%; p=0.001) partial response. Also, accomplishing a pathologic complete response (n=22.6%) significantly improved disease-free survival (p=0.039) and overall survival (p=0.005). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were observed in 52 patients (41.8%). Responses to induction chemotherapy predicted prognosis in our population, however important toxicities were observed. Further studies are necessary to identify induction chemotherapy response predictors and subgroups who may benefit from this approach.

Associations of ctDNA clearance and pathological response after neoadjuvant treatment in patients with locally advanced oral cancer.

6043 Background: Neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) has improved clinical outcomes in some patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LAOSCC). Effective biomarkers assessing the treatment response is still lacking. Previous studies have posed the potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in monitoring treatment response, but the underlying mechanisms behind non-shedding in tumors remain unclear. Methods: 29 LAOSCC patients received NAT followed by surgery were enrolled. Seven (24.1%), 9 (31%), and 13 (44.8%) patients received NAT of apatinib+camrelizumab, TPF chemoagents, and toripalimab+paclitaxel+cisplatin, respectively. Tumor tissues before NAT underwent whole exome sequencing and whole transcriptome resequencing. Blood samples at pre-NAT (T0), mid-NAT (T1), before surgery (T2) and after surgery (T3) were analyzed using a tumor-informed, personalized NGS assay. Multi-omics analysis, including ctDNA status, was performed with patients' clinical features and outcomes. Results: Among the 29 patients received NAT, the MPR rate was 55.2% (16/29), and the pCR rate was 27.6% (8/29). At baseline(T0), ctDNA was detectable in 25/29 (86.2%) patients, which decreased over time (T1: 77.8%; T2: 51.7%; T3: 6.9%). Persistent ctDNA at T2 indicates a higher rate of residual disease after NAT (100% non-pCR) compared to ctDNA-negative patients (42.8% non-pCR; p = 0.0047). All patients achieving pCR at T2 were ctDNA-negative (n=8, 100%) including 2 non-shedders. The PPV and NPV for predicting pCR by ctDNA clearance at T2 were 57.1% (8/14) and 100% (15/15), respectively. ARSF, CFAP47, or HAUS8 mutations at baseline were associated with significantly higher pCR rates (p&lt;0.05). Four non-shedders with undetectable ctDNA at T0 were significantly enriched in patients with negative lymph nodes, lower clinical T stage, and high CPS score. The non-shedders had significantly lower tumor mutational burden (TMB), higher stromal score and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) (p&lt;0.05). Spatial transcriptome analysis further supports that MHC-II pathway-related genes were significantly up-regulated in the non-shedders. The enhancing communication intensity between CAFs, endothelial cells and T cells might provide an anti-cancer immune microenvironment for non-shedders. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the clearance of ctDNA clearance at T2 was associated with an improved pCR rate. Furthermore, our findings shed light on the factors that prevent ctDNA release from oral squamous cell carcinoma.[Table: see text]

Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy and new radiomic predictor for resectable locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma.

6090 Background: The effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NAIC) in treating resectable locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LAOSCC) remains uncertain, with a notable lack of precise prognostic markers for NAIC outcomes. Methods: A single-arm prospective phase II trial was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of NAIC, consisting of 2 cycles of intravenous camrelizumab (200 mg), albumin paclitaxel (260 mg/m²), and cisplatin (75 mg/m²) administered every 3 weeks prior to radical surgery in LAOSCC patients. Adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy was determined by post-surgical pathology. Patients with previously untreated, stage III-IVB LAOSCC (the 8th edition of UICC/AJCC staging system), aged 18-75 years were enrolled. The primary endpoints were major pathological response (MPR, defined as ≤10% residual viable tumour (%RVT) cells) and safety, the second primary point was objective response rate (ORR) according to RECIST 1.1. To identify potential radiomic markers predictive of NAIC benefit, oscillating-gradient spin-echo (OGSE) magnetic resonance imaging sequences were obtained before and after NAIC. Results: From Feb 1, 2023 to Jan 1, 2024, 30 patients were enrolled, among which, 26 patients have received NAIC followed by surgery. The MPR rate was 65.4% (17/26), including a 34.6% (9/26) pathological complete response. Patients with PD-L1 (Combined Positive Score) ≥ 1 had higher MPR (80.0%, 16/20) than those with PD-L1 &lt; 1 (16.7%, 1/6). NAIC was well-tolerated, without adverse effects on subsequent surgery, only two patients experienced grade 3 or 4 adverse events during NAIC, including one with grade 4 neutropenia (3.8%), and one with grade 3 thrombocytopenia (3.8%). The ORR was 80.8% (21/26), with 15.4% (4/26) complete response, 65.4% (17/26) partial response, and with no cases of progressive disease observed. The mean cell diameters of the whole tumor were calculated based on the OGSE sequences, twenty patients completed the OGSE scaning pre- and post-NAIC treatment. Pearson correlation analyses found that small post-NAIC mean cell diameter significantly related with fewer %RVT ( p = 0.026), supporting its potential as new radiomic predictors of NAIC efficacy. Among patients with MPR, the cell diameters were significantly decreased after NAIC, with a mean cell diameter of 18.87 ± 2.49 μm and 14.77 ± 1.85 μm for pre- and post-NAIC tumor, respectively ( p = 0.001). Conclusions: Camrelizumab combined with albumin paclitaxel/cisplatin as NAIC for LAOSCC demonstrates promising MPR and well safety. Mean cell diameter of tumor, derived from OGSE sequences, emerges as a potential new radiomic marker for predicting NAIC efficacy. Ongoing follow-ups on long-term survival and the development of a bio-radiomic prediction model integrating pathological features with OGSE data are underway. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2200066119.

Exploring lived experiences in oral cavity cancer: An Asia-Pacific perspective on psychosocial challenges and opportunities for enhanced patient-centric care.

12097 Background: Locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (LA OC SCC) is profoundly emotionally taxing, characterized by a dual burden of undergoing treatment and adapting to post-treatment changes. The research explores lived experiences including psychosocial aspects, to identify approaches to establish a resilient supportive system for patients to improve coping and reduce anxiety and distress. Methods: A total of115in-depth interviews were conducted across Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam. Informants were LA OC SCC patients who underwent surgery and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, their caregivers, multidisciplinary team (surgeons and clinical, radiation and medical oncologists) and supportive care HCPs (nursing, case managers/care coordinators, psychologists, speech therapists, dietitians, and dentists). Interview guide design and thematic analysis were guided by the Psycho-Onco Emotional Anxiety (POEM) framework and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) model. Results: The POEM framework illuminated patients’ lived cancer experiences, emotions and psychological thoughts and processes influenced by beliefs of the world, others and self which impact coping responses that maintain or drive anxiety. Key themes emerged: physical and functional impairments result in negative psychosocial impact; constraints hinder person-centered care communications with HCPs and interpersonal dynamics with significant others; and personal and interpersonal experiences result in negative coping, exacerbated by inadequate health services and social support. Multimodal therapeutic interventions for LA OC SCC lead to physical and functional impairments implicating psychosocial and psychosexual quality of life. LA OC SCC stigma, societal norms and highly socially constrained patients grapple with distress from inadequate psychosocial support. Furthermore, HCPs may have preconceptions of LA OC SCC patients hindering patient-centered approaches to care and management. In certain regions, insufficient hospital support systems exacerbate the toll of strained interpersonal relationships and caregiver burden on physical, psychological and emotional well-being. Consequently, treatment adherence, self-care and survivorship experiences of patients and caregivers are affected. Conclusions: Utilizing the POEM framework, the study delved into nuanced patient and caregiver-narrated experiences in 5 Asia-Pacific countries/territories with distinctive supportive care systems. Findings underscore the imperative of improving patient-centric care through enhanced psychosocial support for patients and caregivers, identifying specific areas where health services can be better equipped to support holistic patient health delivery, especially psychosocial health.

Elucidating the Role of Let-7d-5p and OLR1 in the Progression and Prognosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma via FAK/P53 Signaling Axis.

Despite advances in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) diagnosis and treatment, the five-year survival rate remains low, underscoring the need for improved biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the role of let-7d-5p microRNA (miRNA) and its target gene OLR1 in OSCC, focusing on their implications in tumor progression, metastasis and potential as therapeutic targets. Employing next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic tools, we profiled differentially expressed miRNAs in metastatic OSCC cell lines, identifying let-7d-5p as a key down-regulated miRNA and OLR1 as a novel target of let-7d-5p. We validated this interaction using luciferase reporter assays and studied the biological effects of modulating let-7d-5p and OLR1 expression on OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and stemness. Additionally, we analyzed clinical data to establish the relevance of OLR1 expression in OSCC prognosis. Our findings revealed let-7d-5p as a potent suppressor of OSCC metastasis, primarily by targeting and down-regulating OLR1. OLR1-silencing reduced OSCC cell invasiveness, migration, and stemness, indicating its prominent role in tumor progression. Mechanistically, let-7d-5p modulates a signaling cascade involving FAK, SRC, PAXILLIN, and p53, influencing cellular apoptosis and chemoresistance. Clinically, elevated OLR1 expression significantly correlates with advanced OSCC stages and poorer survival rates, highlighting its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target. Our study uncovers the significance of the let-7d-5p-OLR1 axis in OSCC pathogenesis, offering novel insights for future therapeutic interventions.