Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Research Articles

Diagnostic performance of depth of invasion, thickness, and styloglossus and hyoglossus muscle invasion on magnetic resonance imaging in predicting potential neck lymph node metastasis in clinical N0 tongue cancer.

To evaluate previously reported quantitative (tumor thickness 11mm and depth of invasion [DOI] 7.5mm) and qualitative (styloglossus/hyoglossus muscle invasion [SHMI]) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters for predicting occult neck node metastasis in clinical N0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. This single-center retrospective study included 76 patients. MRI images were independently reviewed by two radiologists for tumor thickness, DOI, and SHMI. Statistical analysis assessed the predictive capability of these parameters for 2-year potential lymph node metastasis. Among the 76 cases, 30.2% developed 2-year potential lymph node metastasis. For tumor thickness ≥ 11mm, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 0.46, 0.68, 0.37, 0.75, and 0.61, respectively. DOI ≥ 7.5mm exhibited a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 0.73, 0.59, 0.42, 0.84, and 0.63, respectively. SHMI demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of 0.87, 0.51, 0.46, 0.89, and 0.63, respectively. DOI ≥ 7.5mm and SHMI demonstrated comparable diagnostic accuracy in predicting neck metastasis, surpassing tumor thickness of > 11mm. These findings underscore their potential utility in guiding decisions concerning elective neck dissection.

Prognostic Effect of Patterns of Local Extension and Satellitosis in cT3 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Tongue: A Prospective Observational Study.

The anatomy of the tongue is three-dimensionally complex and is thought to play a central role in the local growth of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Understanding patterns of tumor extension could improve a multimodal therapeutic approach. Thus, the main aim of this study was to provide a histological and microanatomical analysis of surgical specimens after compartmental surgery for OTSCC. The present prospective observational study included primary cT3 OTSCC (according to the eighth edition of the TNM classification) treated in an academic tertiary referral center with curative compartmental surgery, from July 2016 to July 2019. Analysis of histologic macrosections allowed assessment of standard pathologic parameters as well as a detailed analysis of the position of OTSCC cells from microanatomic and topographic standpoints. Of the 28 patients included, 71.4% were males, with a mean age of 64.9 years. Nine (32.1%) patients presented satellitosis, which was always located within the T-N tract. OTSCCs displaying satellitosis had a significantly higher median pathologic depth of invasion (DOI). A radiologic and pathological DOI > 15 mm significantly predicted the presence of satellites. There was a significant relationship between the presence of satellites and both positive lymph nodes and distant metastases. Approximately one-third of cases of intermediate-to-advanced OTSCC are characterized by tumor satellites located in the T-N tract. DOI exceeding 15 mm and the presence of clinically appreciable nodal metastases best predict the presence of satellitosis. Satellite-bearing OTSCC behave more aggressively, with an increased risk of distant metastasis and reduced survival.

The role of postoperative radiation therapy in early-stage tongue carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although the overall prognosis for early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma is good, a significant portion of patients still experience locoregional recurrence and affect the disease-specific survival. At present, whether more aggressive postoperative radiation therapy in this particular patient population should be taken is still controversial. The analysis exhibited that disease-free survival (OR = 0.53, 95 % CI:0.35-0.81; P = 0.003) and locoregional recurrence-free survival (OR = 0.59, 95 % CI:0.38-0.93; P = 0.022) was significant improved in patients received radiotherapy compared to surgery alone. However, radiotherapy failed to improve overall survival (HR = 1.06 95 % CI:0.42-2.64, P = 0.901). Furthermore, two studies reported overall survival based on depth of invasion as well. The pooled OR was 1.65 (95 % CI:0.31-8.91, P = 0.221) and no survival benefit was observed for early-stage patients underwent adjuvant radiotherapy according to depth of invasion. Current evidence is insufficient to independently support the depth of invasion as an effective indication for radiotherapy of early tongue cancer.

Impact of Close Margins on Oral Cancer Outcomes According to the Oral Subsite.

The prognostic significance of close margins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is controversial. We wished to investigate the impact of close margins on the risk of local recurrence (LR) in OSCC according to the oral subsite. A retrospective cohort study of 342 OSCC patients undergoing primary surgical treatment was conducted. Surgical margins were based on the main specimen and defined as positive (SCC at margins), close (< 5 mm), or clear (≥ 5 mm). Among tongue SCC cases, both positive (hazard ratio 13.48, 95% CI 2.03, 32.91) and close margins (hazard ratio 3.87, 95% CI 1.31, 11.34) were significantly associated with LR. Tongue margins < 4 mm were associated with higher LR. Among non-tongue SCC cases, only positive margins (hazard ratio 4.10, 95% CI 1.19, 14.21) were associated with LR. Close margins were not significant (hazard ratio 1.59, 95% CI 0.46, 5.42). Close margins appear to have a differential impact on LR in OSCC according to the oral subsite.

The predictive and prognostic value of tumor-stromal ratio and tumor budding in the recurrence and outcome of patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

This study aimed to explore the predictive and prognostic value of tumor-stromal ratio (TSR) and tumor budding (TB) in the recurrence and outcome of patients with Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). All patients with OTSCC who underwent glossectomy with or without neck dissection in a tertiary center between 2010 and 2020 were included. The pathology slides of all patients were reviewed by a consulting pathologist. All pathologic features including tumor size, tumor grade, tumor thickness, surgical margin status, lymphovascular- and perineural invasion, T-stage, number of dissected, TB, TSR, and involved, tumor budding and tumor-stromal ratio were defined, we categorized the tumors as stroma-rich (low TSR) and stroma-poor (high TSR); as well as TB as low (0-4 buds) and high (≥ 5 buds). The inter-observer reliability of TB and TSR was assessed using the Kappa statistics analysis. A total of 109 patients, with a median age of 62 (range 19-88) years, were included. There was a significant correlation between TSR and tumor budding with other adverse pathologic features and prognostic factors. In univariate analysis, both stromal-rich tumors and tumor budding were poor prognostic factors for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). However, on multivariate analysis, N-stage, adjuvant radiotherapy, tumor size, depth of invasion (DOI) and tumor budding emerged as independent prognostic factors for DFS. Likewise, N-stage, and DOI were recognized as independent prognostic factors for OS. Both TSR and TB are important histopathological parameters strongly linked to other pathologic prognostic indicators. Additionally, they play key roles in predicting tumor behavior, recurrence, and patient survival.

TRAIP enhances progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma through EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling by interacting with DDX39A

BackgroundTongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high mortality and poor prognosis. Its incidence rate is increasing gradually. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor interacting protein (TRAIP), as a factor related to several tumors, reveals that its gene expression is different between normal tissue and primary tumor of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using bioinformatics analysis.MethodIn our study, TCGA database, immunohistochemistry, proliferation assay, colony formation, wound healing assay, Transwell, cell cycle analysis and tumor xenografts model were used to determine the expression and functions of TRAIP in TSCC.ResultWe found that TRAIP may promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of TSCC. Furthermore, the results of bioinformatics analysis, mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation suggested that DDX39A may be a TRAIP interacting protein. DDX39A has been proven to be an oncogene in several tumors, which may have an important effect on cell proliferation and metastasis in multiple tumors. In addition, the high expression of DDX39A implies the poor prognosis of patients. Our study demonstrated that TRAIP probably interact with DDX39A to regulate cell progression through epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In addition, we show that the necessary domain of DDX39A for the interaction between DDX39A and TRAIP region.ConclusionThese results indicate that TRAIP is important in occurrence and development of TSCC and is expected to become the new promising therapeutic target.

Incidence of Skip Metastasis in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Tongue.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the incidence of skip metastasis in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on those who presented to tertiary care settings in Lahore. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study with a prospective time frame. The sample size was determined using the formula for estimating proportions, which was 59. Sixty patients with TSCC were selected based on rigorous inclusion criteria, and informed consent was taken before participants were included in the study. Paper-based forms were used to collect data following the examination of the patient by the researcher after obtaining informed consent. After the collection of results, an analysis was done to determine the correlation between the prevalence of SM and factors such as age, gender, level of lymph node involvement, smoking status, betel chewing, and alcohol usage. Results: Of the 60 participants, 71% showed evidence of metastasis involving lymph node levels I-IV. Isolated skip metastasis (SM), involving only levels IV and V, was only seen in 5% of the total group. The prevalence of skip metastasis could be correlated with gender, indicating a male predilection. Advanced age did not impact the prevalence of skip metastasis, as the mean age of participants was 54, while that for showing skip metastasis was 51.3 years. Conclusion: The study provides clinicians with a deeper understanding of the prevalence of skip metastasis. However, further research is necessary to improve the diagnosis and management of TSCC. This study provides avenues for further research into skip metastasis, its existence in the Pakistani population, and its thorough management.

The effectiveness of onodera`s prognostic nutritional in predicting the prognosis of tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

To clarify the effects of preoperative nutritional evaluation on the prognosis of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma. This retrospective cohort study involves 126 consecutive patients who underwent radical surgery as their initial treatment and received treatment for >3 years. The markers considered in this study are GGT (γ-GTP), CAR (C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-Alb Ratio), GLR (GGT-to-Lymphocytes Ratio), GPR (GGT-to-Platelet ratio), GNR (GGT-to-Neutrophil ratio), NLR (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio), PLR (platelet-to-lymphocytes ratio), OPNI (Onodera`s prognostic nutritional index), PINI (Prognostic Immune and Nutritional Index) and Albumin (Alb). Each marker was calculated from blood test results up to one month before the initial surgery to assess overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Univariate analysis of OS identified the depth of invasion (DOI P = 0.004), stage classification (P < 0.001), Body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.007), OPNI (P = 0.005), prognostic inflammatory and nutritional indices (PINI, P = 0.011), and albumin (Alb) (P = 0.006) as significant predictors. Cox regression analysis revealed significant differences in BMI, pathological grade, and OPNI. The OPNI cut-off value was 51.05, indicating its effectiveness in predicting tongue cancer prognosis. With regard to DFS, only BMI showed a significant difference, with no notable difference among other markers. The OPNI may be a useful prognostic factor for tongue cancer.

Prognostic Implications of the Number of Lymph Node Metastases in Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Population Study of the SEER Database and an Institutional Registry.

To investigate the impact of the number of positive lymph nodes (PLNs) on long-term survival and pathological nodal stage in patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Newly diagnosed and nonmetastatic adult patients with OTSCC who underwent curative resection were identified between January 2010 and December 2020. External validation was performed via the SEER registry. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was employed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of pathological nodal features. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to assess effect of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (ACRT). Among 518 curative-intent OTSCC patients, the number of PLNs independently predicted overall survival (OS), surpassing other pathological nodal features, including extranodal extension, laterality, and lower neck involvement. Patients with 1 or 2 PLNs had comparable worse OS than those with no PLN (median OS of 1 PLN vs. 2 PLNs vs. 0 PLN: 35.1 vs. 30.5 vs. 40.2 months), but better than those with ≥ 3 PLNs (median OS of 1-2 PLNs vs. 3 PLNs: 32.1 vs. 19.0 months). A proposed nodal category with 0, 1-2 PLNs, and ≥ 3 PLNs exhibited increasingly worse OS (HR of 1-2 PLNs and ≥ 3 PLNs vs. 0 PLN: 2.98 [95% CI: 1.89-4.71], p < 0.001; 5.47 [95% CI: 3.33-9], p < 0.001; respectively) and showed improved prediction power versus current pN staging (C-index: 0.717 vs. 0.713, p < 0.001). PSM analysis revealed that ACRT benefited patients with advanced nodal disease (≥ 3 PLNs) and improved OS. These findings were validated in SEER registry. The number of PLNs is a better predictor of overall tumor burden for OTSCC and could be a more accurate metric for survival estimation, which should be considered in future simplified pathological nodal staging for better risk stratification and decision-making in subsites of the oral cavity.

Impact of age stratification on risk of lymph node metastasis in T1 oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas patients

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to assess the association between age and lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) in T1 oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (OTSCC) patients. MethodsPatients with T1 OTSCC were extracted from the SEER database between 2005 and 2014. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were produced to recognize the association between age and risk factors of LNM. ResultsA total of 3535 patients were analyzed. Younger patients more frequently presented with LNM compared to their older peers (P < 0.01). In multivariate analyses, older age was associated with a significantly lower risk of LNM. Compared to patients aged 12–39-years-old, the hazard ratios for patients aged 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79 and 80–101 years old were 0.999 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.684–1.461), 0.863 (95 % CI 0.611–1.219), 0.972 (95 % CI 0.687–1.373), 0.667 (95 % CI 0.452–0.983), and 0.395 (95 % CI 0.241–0.646), respectively. Subgroups analysis shows that the effect of older age was significantly associated with a lower risk of LNM in Caucasian female who harbored moderately differentiated disease. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that younger patients with T1 OTSCC had a higher risk of LNM than their old peers, especially for tumors with poor differentiation. More accurate assessments of LNM and prophylactic neck dissection or prophylactic adjuvant radiation therapy to neck will be imperative for reducing recurrence in younger T1 OTSCC.

Synergistic inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma by mebendazole and paclitaxel via PI3K/AKT pathway mitigation.

Serve as one of common cancer in the mouth, oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is a serious problem affecting human oral health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mebendazole (MBZ) alone and combined with paclitaxel on the proliferation and occurrence of OTSCC and its molecular mechanism. Cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and the expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, and Western blot, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to assess changes in microtubule morphology of CAL-27 and UM-SCC-1 cells with α-tubulin antibody labeling. The CCK-8 assay revealed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect of both MBZ and paclitaxel on CAL-27 and UM-SCC-1 cells. The apoptosis assay showed significantly elevated levels of apoptosis-specific markers, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP, in the combined treatment group compared to the control and single-agent groups. The combination of MBZ and paclitaxel showed enhanced inhibition of key PI3K/AKT pathway proteins' phosphorylation and reduced expression of Cyclin B and PCNA compared to the control. The α-tubulin staining area was notably reduced in the combined treatment group relative to the other groups. Both MBZ and paclitaxel treatments inhibited of cell proliferation and microtubule formation by reducing the PI3K/AKT pathway in CAL-27 and UM-SCC-1 cells, with the combination demonstrating synergistic effects. Our study suggests MBZ and paclitaxel as potential agents for the treatment of OTSCC.

Innovations in radiotherapy for tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Radiotherapy sensitivity is associated with the prognosis of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). In the present study, we proposed to explore the specific mechanism of interventional radiology (IR) therapy for TSCC in vitro and in vivo. TSCC cells were treated with 6 Gy IR and tumor bearing mice were treated with 20 Gy × 1 IR. DIA quantitative proteomics along with bioinformatics analysis were conducted in TSCC cells to investigate differential proteins related to IR and relation of which involved in TMEM147 and SPHK1 was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy& autophagy flux along with calcium signaling pathway detection were performed in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that IR induced increasing calcium levels accompanied by up-regulated TMEM147 and down-regulated SPHK1 along with enhancing autophagy together with apoptosis. The effect of calcium overloading induced by IR on autophagy and apoptosis was dependent on increasing TMEM147 and decreasing SPHK1. However, IR-induced autophagy and apoptosis tended to be independent of only increasing calcium levels when down-regulating TMEM147 or up-regulating SPHK1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Our study suggested that calcium-mediated TMEM147/SPHK1 may promote autophagy and apoptosis to improve radiotherapy sensitivity in TSCC.

Immunoexpression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma of young and older patients.

This study analyzed the immunoexpression of C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) of young (≤ 45 years) and older (≥ 60 years) patients and correlated the findings with clinicopathological parameters (sex, tumor size, regional metastasis, clinical stage, and histopathological grade of malignancy). Forty OTSCC cases (20 diagnosed in young patients and 20 diagnosed in older patients) were selected. Cytoplasmic (CXCL12 and CXCR4) and nuclear (CXCR4) staining percentages in epithelial and stromal cells were assessed at the invasive tumor front. Low median percentages of CXCL12 positivity were observed in epithelial and stromal cells of OTSCC in both age groups. In stromal cells, expression of this chemokine was higher in older individuals compared to young individuals (p = 0.026). Expression of CXCR4 in neoplastic cells was more frequent in older individuals, with higher median percentages of cytoplasmic (p = 0.023) and nuclear (p = 0.001) positivity compared to young individuals. In stromal cells, older individuals exhibited a significantly higher cytoplasmic expression of CXCR4 (p < 0.001). No significant differences in CXCL12 or CXCR4 immunoexpression according to clinicopathological parameters was observed in either age group (p > 0.05). Positive correlations between cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions of CXCR4 were found in young (r = 0.580; p = 0.007) and older individuals (r = 0.476;p = 0.034). The results suggest the participation of CXCR4 in the development of OTSCC, especially in older individuals. The findings also support possible age-related differences in the pathogenesis of this malignant neoplasm. Nevertheless, this protein may not be involved in the progression of OTSCC.

Modulation of the malignant behavior of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells by matrix metallopeptidase 25 through the NF-κB pathway.

Accumulating evidence has implicated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the progression of human cancers. Matrix metallopeptidase 25 (MMP25) is a membrane-type MMP whose role in tumorigenesis and cancer development is not well understood. Here, we investigated the functions of MMP25 in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Gene expression was measured using real-time PCR and western blot. CCK-8 and Transwell assays were used to determine the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TSCC cells. An NK cell co-culture experiment was performed to evaluate the killing of TSCC cells by NK cells. MMP25 had higher expression levels in TSCC tissues than in adjacent non-cancerous tissues. MMP25-overexpressing and MMP25-silenced TSCC cell lines were established by lentiviral transduction. Overexpression of MMP25 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of TSCC cells, whereas knockdown of MMP25 had opposite effects. MMP25 modulated the levels of proliferation- and apoptosis-related proteins (PCNA, cyclin D, cyclin B1, p27, and cleaved caspase 3 and 9) and upregulated two invasion-related MMPs (mature MMP2 and MMP9). Additionally, MMP25 promoted tumor growth of TSCC cells in athymic nude mice. Notably, MMP25 upregulated PD-L1 in TSCC cells, attenuated NK cell killing of TSCC cells, and inhibited the secretion of anti-tumor cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ). Furthermore, MMP25 promoted the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, suggesting that activation of NF-κB signaling may mediate the pro-tumor functions of MMP25 in TSCC. This study revealed a novel role for MMP25 in TSCC, highlighting the potential of MMP25 as a therapeutic target in TSCC.

Treatment Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Stage IV Tongue Cancer: Subgroup Analysis According to T and N Combination

Background and Objectives We analyzed the treatment results and prognostic factors of stage IV oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) patients and explored the existence of subgroups with distinctive prognoses. In addition, the outcome of salvage therapy was analyzed in recurrent cases, and the survival rates and prognostic factors were investigated.Subjects and Method This study was conducted on patients who were diagnosed with OTSCC and underwent surgery at our hospital between June 2005 and January 2020. A total of 144 patients with stage IV OTSCC was enrolled.Results A total of 64 recurrences, local (6), regional (21), distant metastasis (33), and locoregional (4), occurred. Seventy-five patients died because of disease progression during the course of study. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 54.5%, and the 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 49.2%. Surgical margins, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), T classification, and lymph nodes (LNs) metastasis exhibited significant correlation with mortality. LVI and advanced T were statistically important factors for predicting distant metastasis. The treatment outcome of the T4N0 patient group without LN metastasis fared the best, while the treatment outcome of the T4N1-3 patient group with advanced T and N findings was the worst.Conclusion The major type of treatment failure in stage IV OTSCC patients was distant metastasis, and the related predictors of distant metastasis were LVI and advanced T. In the stage IV OTSCC patient group, there were subgroups with distinct prognosis according to the combination of T and N classification. The T4N0 group had the best survival rate, and the T4N1-3 group had the worst prognosis.

Investigating the Cytotoxic Effects of Artemisia absinthium Extract on Oral Carcinoma Cell Line

Background: Artemisia absinthium (A. absinthium), commonly known as absinthe, is a perennial plant with distinctive broad ovate pointed leaves of a silvery-gray color, reaching a height of 1.5 m. The utilization of this herb as a source of natural compounds and as the primary ingredient in the alcoholic beverage absinthe has recently seen a resurgence following a period of prohibition. This study investigates the biological effects of A. absinthium extract on healthy human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and the human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line (HSC-3). Methods: A. absinthium element characterization was performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and the Folin method. Alizarin assays evaluated the osteogenic capacity of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLSCs) while CCK-8 and MTT determined the cytotoxicity of the extract against HSC-3 and hPDLSCs. Results: High artemisinin levels were detected, revealing a concentration of 89 μM (25 μg/mL). The total phenolic concentration of the extract was 1.07 mM +/− 0.11. The in vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed the biocompatible profile of the Artemisia extract in hPDLSCs without exhibiting any osteogenic potential. After 24 h of incubation with HSC-3, Artemisia extract (10 µM) decreased cancer cell viability by 99% and artemisinin by 64%, and increased the expression of Caspase 3 and 9 almost six and two times, respectively. Conclusions: In summary, our preliminary findings suggest that A. absinthium extract exhibits a toxic effect against carcinoma cell lines without affecting healthy human periodontal ligament stem cells.

Increased cell killing effect in neutron capture enhanced proton beam therapy

Thermal neutrons generated in the body during proton beam therapy (PBT) can be used to cause boron neutron capture reactions and have recently been proposed as neutron capture enhanced PBT (NCEPBT). However, the cell killing effect of NCEPBT remains underexplored. Here, we show an increase in the cell killing effect of NCEPBT. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we showed that neutrons generated by proton beam irradiation are uniformly spread on tissue culture plates. Human salivary gland tumor cell line (HSG), human osteosarcoma cell line (MG63), human tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line (SAS), and human malignant melanoma cell line (G-361) were irradiated with X-rays, proton beams, and proton beams with 10B-enriched boronophenylalanine (boron concentration of 20 and 80 ppm). The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values of proton beams alone, proton beams with 20 ppm boron, and proton beams with 80 ppm boron for HSG, MG63, SAS, and G-361 were 1.02, 1.07, and 1.23; 1.01, 1.08, and 1.44; 1.05, 1.09, and 1.46; and 1.04, 1.13, and 1.63, respectively. NCEPBT with high boron concentration showed high RBE and a high sensitizing effect. Our results confirm an increase in the cell killing effect of NCEPBT, should aid in its clinical use, and warrant its further investigation.

Jing-Si herbal tea attenuates oral cancer cell viability, migration, and invasion by regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and reactive oxygen species accumulation

IntroductionOral cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Jing-Si herbal tea (JSHT), containing eight traditional Chinese medicine-based herbs, is known to suppress the malignancy, growth, and metastasis of several tumour cells, including breast, lung, and colon cancer cells. However, the pharmacological effect of JSHT on oral cancer progression is still unclear. MethodsIn this study, we evaluated the potential of JSHT to arrest the development of oral cancer via induction of cell death by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and inhibition of migration, invasion, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). For this purpose, we employed the human tongue squamous cell carcinoma human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line, which we treated with different JSHT concentrations for 24 hours, and assessed cell viability, migration, and wound healing capabilities, together with western blotting for measuring expression levels of EMT markers. ResultsSurvival, migration/invasion ability, EMT, and ROS production in the human tongue squamous carcinoma human tongue squamous carcinoma and FaDu human pharynx squamous cell carcinoma cell line were decreased by JSHT treatment via Lon protease-independent mechanisms. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that JSHT could be regarded as a candidate new supplement to existing anticancer therapies and an alternative, orally administered healthcare product for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Retraction of: Exosomal miR-200c suppresses chemoresistance of docetaxel in tongue squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing TUBB3 and PPP2R1B.

Retraction of: Exosomal miR-200c suppresses chemoresistance of docetaxel in tongue squamous cell carcinoma by suppressing TUBB3 and PPP2R1B.

Enhancing sensitivity to oxaliplatin in tongue squamous cell carcinoma: mechanistic insights and therapeutic potential of DHA combination therapy.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, a common and aggressive malignancy, poses a substantial threat to health and well-being. Despite the promising results of combination therapy with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and oxaliplatin (Oxa) in various cancers, its effectiveness in treating tongue squamous cell carcinoma had not been explored prior to this study. Our research found that DHA significantly enhances the sensitivity of tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells to Oxa, even at very low concentrations. The combination treatment was observed to modulate the activity of CDK1 and Cyclin B1, arresting the cell cycle in the G2 phase. Additionally, it reduces mitochondrial membrane potential, prompting the release of cytochrome c and activating cleaved caspase-3, which promotes apoptosis. Notably, surface plasmon resonance and immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that DHA targets and attenuates CDK1 modification, weakening its interaction with STAT3 protein. This leads to reduced expression of anti-apoptotic genes and facilitates programmed cell death in CAL-27 cells. The findings underscore the potential of DHA and Oxa as a potent therapeutic strategy for tongue squamous cell carcinoma, opening avenues for clinical application and further exploration into its mechanistic pathways.