Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Li-Jen Liao, Wan-Lun Hsu, Chi-Ju Chen, Yen-Ling Chiu
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is endemic in southern Asia and this article describes the molecular abnormalities in NPC and potential molecular mechanisms for future therapy. It provides an up-to-date review on the molecular pathways of NPC, improving our understanding of the disease and highlighting areas for further research.
Review
Oncology
Ramon Yarza, Mateo Bover, Maria Teresa Agullo-Ortuno, Lara Carmen Iglesias-Docampo
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a molecularly paradigmatic tumor with complex environmental and host dependent factors, where Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) plays a key role in malignant transformation. The dysregulation of proteasome signaling is central in NPC pathogenesis and could be a potential therapeutic target. Studies have shown the efficacy of immunotherapy in NPC, with novel strategies aiming to reverse immune resistance and favor tumor recognition.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Kelly J. Yu, Wan-Lun Hsu, Chun-Ju Chiang, Tseng-Cheng Chen, Zhiwei Liu, Pei-Jen Lou, Scott Diehl, Alisa M. Goldstein, Chien-Jen Chen, Cheng-Ping Wang, Allan Hildesheim
Summary: This study reassessed familial aggregation of cancer in high-risk Taiwanese multiplex families with NPC cases and found evidence of NPC coaggregation within families, but not a broader familial syndrome involving NPC and other tumors. The study also observed elevated rates of secondary cancers among NPC cases, mostly head and neck and hematopoietic cancers, suggesting radiation treatment effects on subsequent cancer risk.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huey-Huey Chua, Toshiki Kameyama, Akila Mayeda, Te-Huei Yeh
Summary: This study reveals that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can promote specific alternative splicing of TSG101 pre-mRNA, generating a variant called TSG101 increment 154-1054, which enhances the EBV lytic cycle and the synthesis of viral proteins. The expression of TSG101 increment 154-1054 in NPC tumor tissues is associated with high levels of serum antibodies and viral DNA. Targeting EBV-induced TSG101 alternative splicing could be a potential therapeutic approach for EBV-associated malignancies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Rina Jiromaru, Takashi Nakagawa, Ryuji Yasumatsu
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has shown improved treatment outcomes in recent years, but advanced stages still carry a poor prognosis. Chemoradiotherapy is the main treatment option, along with platinum-based chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, is being explored as a potential treatment for recurrent or metastatic NPC. Future trends in NPC treatment include risk classification based on plasma EBV-DNA levels and personalized therapy selection.
CANCER MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Chin-King Looi, Lian-Chee Foong, Felicia Fei-Lei Chung, Alan Soo-Beng Khoo, Ee-Mun Loo, Chee-Onn Leong, Chun-Wai Mai
Summary: This review provides updated understanding of the roles of epigenetic factors in regulating EBV latent gene expression and promoting NPC progression. The crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion in NPC is explored, along with the potential roles of DNMT and HDAC inhibitors in reversing immune suppression and augmenting antitumour immunity. Furthermore, the advantages of combining epigenetic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor to reverse immune resistance and improve clinical outcomes are highlighted.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Xiandong Lin, Steven Wang, Keyu Lin, Jingfeng Zong, Qianlan Zheng, Ying Su, Tao Huang
Summary: This study investigated the roles of microRNAs and circular RNAs in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) by constructing a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression network and performing differential expression analysis. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection was found to be an important risk factor for NPC, with potential pathological differences between EBV+ and EBV- subtypes. The study identified differentially expressed coding and non-coding RNAs across different comparison groups, helping to elucidate genetic and epigenetic changes central to NPC progression.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Zhi Yi Su, Pui Yan Siak, Chee-Onn Leong, Shiau-Chuen Cheah
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a metastasis-prone malignancy associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Despite global EBV infection, NPC incidences are higher in certain ethnic groups and endemic regions. Research has revealed the molecular mechanisms of NPC pathogenesis due to EBV infection and environmental/genetic factors. EBV-associated biomarkers can be used for mass population screening and EBV products may act as therapeutic targets. This review discusses the role of EBV in NPC and efforts to utilize EBV-associated molecules as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Zhi Yi Su, Pui Yan Siak, Chee-Onn Leong, Shiau-Chuen Cheah
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma microenvironment is a complex niche with important clinical value, which can serve as a rich field for the discovery of potential predictive or diagnostic biomarkers and the development of therapeutic strategies. Studying this environment can provide a better understanding of tumor biology mechanisms and guide clinical practice.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xiao-Hui Zheng, Chang-Mi Deng, Ting Zhou, Xi-Zhao Li, Cao-Li Tang, Cheng-Tao Jiang, Ying Liao, Tong-Min Wang, Yong-Qiao He, Wei-Hua Jia
Summary: Saliva sampling is a non-invasive method that can be done by individuals themselves. This study used saliva samples to explore the use of EBV methylation as a biomarker in the diagnosis of NPC. The results showed that EBV methylation was significantly increased in NPC patients compared to controls, and detection of specific CpG sites showed good diagnostic performance. The study suggests that non-invasive detection of NPC through saliva sampling could be a promising alternative for future large-scale screening.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Pathology
Sudipta Samanta, Muthukaruppan Swaminathan, Jianing Hu, Khai Tuck Lee, Ajitha Sundaresan, Chuan Keng Goh, Chor Hiang Siow, Kwok Seng Loh, Soh Ha Chan, Joshua K. Tay, Ian Cheong
Summary: The use of immunofluorescence assay for detecting serum Epstein-Barr virus antibodies is the gold standard screening test for nasopharyngeal cancer in high-risk populations. This study demonstrates that integrating deep learning with automated fuzzy inference can improve the scalability and accuracy of NPC detection.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yudi Xiong, Mengting Yuan, Zhigang Liu, Jing Huang, Jianping Bi, Guoliang Pi, Ying Li, Yanping Li, Hanping He, Vivek Verma, Suqing Tian, Guang Han
Summary: This multicenter study examined the clinical characteristics of EBV-negative patients in the Chinese population and compared their long-term outcomes with EBV-positive patients. The study found that most EBV-negative patients were diagnosed in advanced stages and were more associated with the keratinizing subtype. Compared to EBV-negative patients, EBV-positive patients were more likely to experience local recurrence, but there was no significant difference in mortality during the follow-up period. Additionally, EBV-positive NPC patients seemed to have better survival compared to EBV-negative NPC patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Tengteng Ding, Yuanbin Zhang, Zhixuan Ren, Ying Cong, Jingyi Long, Manli Peng, Oluwasijibomi Damola Faleti, Yinggui Yang, Xin Li, Xiaoming Lyu
Summary: This study developed a model using Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated hub genes to predict the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Through differential expression analysis, regression analysis, and machine learning, 25 genes significantly associated with NPC prognosis were identified, along with six hub genes related to immune infiltration and cell cycle regulation. These genes could be used to predict NPC prognosis, with functions related to tumor proliferation and immune infiltration, making them potential therapeutic targets.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaqi Chen, Anqi Cao, Qinkai Li, JunMin Quan
Summary: In this study, DNA aptamers specifically binding to EBV positive NPC cells were developed using the Cell-SELEX procedure, and the EphA2/CD98hc complex was identified as a potential target. The results revealed a potential function of the EphA2 and CD98hc complex in NPCs.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Raja Pramanik, Shalabh Arora, Preity Sharma, Ahitagni Biswas, Baibaswata Nayak, Alok Thakar, Atul Sharma, Sampa Ghose
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is not endemic in India but shows higher incidences in its North-Eastern regions. Detecting NPC early is challenging, and assessing plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA load can help monitor disease status, treatment response, and future relapse risk in nonendemic NPC patients.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Angela Kwok-Fung Lo, Christopher W. Dawson, Lawrence S. Young, Kwok-Wai Lo
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2017)
Article
Oncology
Hui Min Lee, Kwok-Wai Lo, Wenbin Wei, Sai Wah Tsao, Grace Tin Yun Chung, Maha Hafez Ibrahim, Christopher W. Dawson, Paul G. Murray, Ian C. Paterson, Lee Fah Yap
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2017)
Article
Virology
Jun Zhang, Lin Jia, Weitao Lin, Yim Ling Yip, Kwok Wai Lo, Victoria Ming Yi Lau, Dandan Zhu, Chi Man Tsang, Yuan Zhou, Wen Deng, Hong Lok Lung, Maria Li Lung, Lai Man Cheung, Sai Wah Tsao
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2017)
Review
Biology
Sai Wah Tsao, Chi Man Tsang, Kwok Wai Lo
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2017)
Article
Oncology
Raymond W-M Lung, Pok-Man Hau, Ken H-O Yu, Kevin Y. Yip, Joanna H-M Tong, Wing-Po Chak, Anthony W-H Chan, Ka-Hei Lam, Angela Kwok-Fung Lo, Edith K-Y Tin, Shuk-Ling Chau, Jesse C-S Pang, Johnny S-H Kwan, Pierre Busson, Lawrence S. Young, Lee-Fah Yap, Sai-Wah Tsao, Ka-Fai To, Kwok-Wai Lo
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Munirah Ahmad, Shazlan-Noor Suhaimi, Tai-Lin Chu, Norazlin Abdul Aziz, Noor-Kaslina Mohd Kornain, D. S. Samiulla, Kwok-Wai Lo, Chew-Hee Ng, Alan Soo-Beng Khoo
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chi-Hang Wong, Brigette B. Y. Ma, Connie W. C. Hui, Kwok-Wai Lo, Edwin P. Hui, Anthony T. C. Chan
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2018)
Review
Oncology
Hoi-Lam Ngan, Lan Wang, Kwok-Wai Lo, Vivian Wai Yan Lui
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Pan, Joanna Hung Man Tong, Raymond Wai Ming Lung, Wei Kang, Johnny Sheung Him Kwan, Wing Po Chak, Ka Yee Tin, Lau Ying Chung, Feng Wu, Simon Siu Man Ng, Tony Wing Chung Mak, Jun Yu, Kwok Wai Lo, Anthony Wing Hung Chan, Ka Fai To
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinglin Zhang, Yuhang Zhou, Tingting Huang, Feng Wu, Yi Pan, Yujuan Dong, Yan Wang, Aden K. Y. Chan, Liping Liu, Johnny S. H. Kwan, Alvin H. K. Cheung, Chi Chun Wong, Angela K. F. Lo, Alfred S. L. Cheng, Jun Yu, Kwok Wai Lo, Wei Kang, Ka Fai To
Article
Oncology
Loucia Kit Ying Chan, Tat San Lau, Kit Ying Chung, Chit Tam, Tak Hong Cheung, So Fan Yim, Jacqueline Ho Sze Lee, Ricky Wai Tak Leung, Jing Qin, Yvonne Yan Yan Or, Kwok Wai Lo, Joseph Kwong
Summary: sfTSLP, predominantly expressed in ovarian and endometrial cancers, promotes tumor growth by activating multiple signal pathways.
Review
Oncology
Oscar Emanuel, Jacklyn Liu, Volker H. Schartinger, Wen Long Nei, Yuk Yu Chan, Chi Man Tsang, Herbert Riechelmann, Liam Masterson, Johannes Haybaeck, Udo Oppermann, Stefan M. Willems, Marc L. Ooft, Guido Wollmann, David Howard, Bart Vanhaesebroeck, Valerie J. Lund, Gary Royle, Melvin L. K. Chua, Kwok Wai Lo, Pierre Busson, Matt Lechner
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor primarily found in Asia and associated with poor outcomes when detected at a late stage. Treatment options mainly include radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which can have significant side effects. Recent advances in understanding the molecular biology of the disease have highlighted the potential of somatostatin receptor 2 as a key tumor biomarker and target for improved diagnosis and therapy.
Review
Oncology
Huan Yan, Jing-Ling Zhang, Kam-Tong Leung, Kwok-Wai Lo, Jun Yu, Ka-Fai To, Wei Kang
Summary: Gastric cancer is a highly life-threatening malignancy, particularly in Asian countries. Aberrant activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and G proteins promotes the progression of gastric cancer. These activated GPCRs/G proteins can potentially serve as valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognostic prediction, as well as therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the recent research progress of GPCRs and highlights their mechanisms in tumorigenesis, specifically in gastric cancer initiation and progression.
Article
Oncology
Shweta Mahajan, Hayri E. Balcioglu, Astrid Oostvogels, Willem A. Dik, K. C. Allen Chan, Kwok-Wai Lo, Edwin P. Hui, Anna Tsang, Joanna Tong, Wai Kei Jacky Lam, Kenneth Wong, Anthony T. C. Chan, Brigette B. Y. Ma, Reno Debets
Summary: Post-radiotherapy clearance of plasma EBV DNA is associated with prognosis in NPC patients. T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells expressing CCR1, 4 and/or 5, play a role in this clearance process. Differences in chemo-attractants related to T-cell chemotaxis are also linked to clinical outcome. Validation in larger cohorts is needed to confirm these findings.
Letter
Oncology
Vivian Wai Yan Lui, Ka-Fai To, Kwok-Wai Lo