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)
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
Virology
Kena Lin, Zhiwen Zeng, Xueqi Li, Wenjie Chen, Dongfeng Lin, Shanghang Xie, Zhicong Wu, Mengmeng Li, Sumei Cao, Jinlin Du
Summary: This study investigated the association between hypertension and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation. It found that hypertension increased the risk of EBV reactivation, while beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) were associated with a reduced risk of EBV reactivation.
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.
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)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yong-Qiao He, Ting Zhou, Da-Wei Yang, Yi-Jing Jia, Lei-Lei Yuan, Wen-Li Zhang, Tong-Min Wang, Ying Liao, Wen-Qiong Xue, Jiang-Bo Zhang, Xiao-Hui Zheng, Xi-Zhao Li, Pei-Fen Zhang, Shao-Dan Zhang, Ye-Zhu Hu, Fang Wang, William C. Cho, Jun Ma, Ying Sun, Wei-Hua Jia
Summary: Oral Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load is a non-invasive predictor that can be used for prognostic evaluation and risk stratification in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Y-J. Hu, T. -Z. Lu, H. Zhang, M. Fang, B. -J. Chen, Q. -J. Guo, S. -J. Lin, P. Feng, Y. Wang, T. -C. Jiang, X. -C. Gong, J. -J. Pan, J. -G. Li, Y. -F. Xia
Summary: Palliative chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 mAbs followed by LRRT improved the progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (dmNPC), especially for patients with early Epstein-Barr virus DNA (EBV DNA) clearance.
Review
Oncology
James C. H. Chow, Anne W. M. Lee, Charlene H. L. Wong, Wai Tong Ng, Zhiwei Liu, Joshua K. Tay, Kwok Seng Loh, Pia Pace-Asciak, Oded Cohen, June Corry, Juan Pablo Rodrigo, Raymond K. Y. Tsang, Fernando Lopez, Nabil F. Saba, Remco de Bree, Alfio Ferlito
Summary: In endemic areas of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), individuals with a positive family history (FH+) and positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status have a higher risk of developing NPC. Familial screening using EBV serology may aid in the early detection of NPC.
Article
Oncology
Amina Gihbid, Raja Benzeid, Abdellah Faouzi, Jalal Nourlil, Nezha Tawfiq, Nadia Benchakroun, Amal Guensi, Karima Bendahhou, Abdellatif Benider, Naima El Benna, Imane Chaoui, Rachida Cadi, Mohammed El Mzibri, Meriem Khyatti
Summary: The present study in Moroccan NPC patients found a significant correlation between pre-treatment plasmatic Epstein-Barr virus DNA load and conventional prognostic factors, suggesting that pre-treatment EBV DNA can be a useful prognostic biomarker for improving NPC treatment outcomes.
INFECTIOUS AGENTS AND CANCER
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Satoru Kondo, Atsushi Okabe, Takuya Nakagawa, Keisuke Matsusaka, Masaki Fukuyo, Bahityar Rahmutulla, Hirotomo Dochi, Harue Mizokami, Yuki Kitagawa, Tomoya Kurokawa, Masato Mima, Kazuhira Endo, Hisashi Sugimoto, Naohiro Wakisaka, Kiyoshi Misawa, Tomokazu Yoshizaki, Atsushi Kaneda
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignancy associated with Epstein-Barr virus and epigenetic abnormalities play important roles in its development. The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is a key factor in inducing aberrant DNA methylation of tumour suppressor genes. This study identified LMP1-inducible methylation genes and demonstrated that DERL3 repression by DNA methylation contributes to the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The findings suggest potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qiao He, Yecai Huang, Linjia Yuan, Zuo Wang, Qiuju Wang, Daduan Liu, Luona Li, Xianbing Li, Zhi Cao, Dongsheng Wang, Mu Yang
Summary: In non-endemic areas, the prognostic value of EBV DNA in predicting NPC has received little attention. This study found that EBV DNA in combination with PNI is an independent prognostic factor for NPC patients in a non-endemic area.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Julien Lupo, Mansour Tsougaev, Stephane Blachier, Guillaume Chovelon, Aurelie Truffot, Corentin Leroy, Joris Giai, Olivier Epaulard, Raphaele Germi, Patrice Morand
Summary: This study compared the performance of two immunoassays for detecting serological markers of EBV infection. The results showed a high agreement between the two methods, but differences were found in sensitivity and detection rates for early primary infection and past infection.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
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)
Correction
Otorhinolaryngology
Thomas Radulesco, Jerome R. Lechien, Leigh J. Sowerby, Sven Saussez, Carlos Chiesa-Estomba, Zoukaa Sargi, Philippe Lavigne, Christian Calvo-Henriquez, Chwee Ming Lim, Napadon Tangjaturonrasme, Patravoot Vatanasapt, Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki, Nicolas Fakhry, Tareck Ayad, Justin Michel
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Otorhinolaryngology
Thomas Radulesco, Jerome R. Lechien, Leigh J. Sowerby, Sven Saussez, Carlos Chiesa-Estomba, Zoukaa Sargi, Philippe Lavigne, Christian Calvo-Henriquez, Chwee Ming Lim, Napadon Tangjaturonrasme, Patravoot Vatanasapt, Dehgani-Mobaraki Puya, Nicolas Fakhry, Tareck Ayad, Justin Michel
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, sinus and skull base surgeries are recommended to be postponed, with an algorithm proposed for classifying surgical procedures and preoperative assessment of patients' COVID-19 status. It is advised to use the highest level of personal protective equipment and limit face-to-face postoperative visits.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Linus Lau, Donovan Eu, Thomas Loh, Qasim Ahmed, Chwee Ming Lim
Summary: Histopathologic parameters, such as tumor depth of invasion and lymphovascular invasion, serve as independent predictors of nodal metastases in surgically treated tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Positive margins predict poor recurrence-free survival and local recurrence-free survival. Margins' status was the only independent predictor of local recurrence, while tumor depth of invasion, nodal and margin status were key prognosticators of survival.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chi Shu, Wei Zheng, Kan Lin, Chweeming Lim, Zhiwei Huang
Summary: This study applies fiberoptic Raman endoscopy to conduct follow-up surveys and accurate detection of tumor recurrence in post-treatment NPC patients. The Raman endoscopy shows significant spectral differences among normal tissue, NPC, and nonrecurring post-treatment patients, with high diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing recurrent NPC from post-treatment inflammation and fibrosis. This work demonstrates the clinical potential of fiberoptic Raman endoscopy as a powerful diagnostic tool for post-treatment surveying and recurrent tumor detection at the molecular level.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Mobarakol Islam, V. S. Vibashan, Chwee Ming Lim, Hongliang Ren
Summary: The study introduces an end-to-end trainable model for image-guided robotic surgery, aiming to reduce operation time and facilitate surgeons and patients. The model utilizes spatio-temporal multi-task learning and task-oriented saliency detection, combining techniques like asynchronous optimization, competitive squeeze and excitation unit, enhanced LSTM module, and Sinkhorn regularized loss. The results show that the model outperforms state-of-the-art methods in surgical instrument segmentation and saliency detection.
MEDICAL IMAGE ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Chwee Ming Lim, Anthony Liou, Michelle Poon, Liang Piu Koh, Lip Kun Tan, Kwok Seng Loh, Bengt Fredrik Petersson, Eric Ting, Dario Campana, Boon Cher Goh, Noriko Shimasaki
Summary: The study demonstrated that combining cetuximab with autologous expanded NK cells in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic NPC is safe and showed promising clinical responses, with some patients achieving durable stable disease.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Emily Nickles, Bhushan Dharmadhikari, Li Yating, Robert J. Walsh, Liang Piu Koh, Michelle Poon, Lip Kun Tan, Ling-Zhi Wang, Yvonne Ang, Yugarajah Asokumaran, Wan Qin Chong, Yiqing Huang, Kwok Seng Loh, Joshua Tay, Ross Soo, Mickey Koh, Liam Pock Ho, Marieta Chan, Madelaine Niam, Melissa Soh, Yen Hoon Luah, Chwee Ming Lim, Nivashini Kaliaperumal, Veonice B. Au, Najwa Binte Said Nasir Talib, Reina Sng, John E. Connolly, Boon Cher Goh, Herbert Schwarz
Summary: The study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of CD137L-DC-EBV-VAX in inducing an immune response against EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma, leading to tumor regression or prevention of progression.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Anna See, Clarisse Chu, Kimberley L. Kiong, Constance Teo, Hiang Khoon Tan, Eddy W. Y. Wong, Jason Y. K. Chan, Raymond K. Y. Tsang, Jimmy Chan, Kai-Ping Chang, Chih-Yen Chien, Sheng-Po Hao, Mingyuan Chen, Chwee Ming Lim
Review
Immunology
Shuting Han, Joshua K. Tay, Celestine Jia Ling Loh, Axel Jun Ming Chu, Joe Poh Sheng Yeong, Chwee Ming Lim, Han Chong Toh
Summary: The text discusses the similarities and differences of EBV-associated epithelial cancers (such as NPC, LELC, and EBVaGC), providing a comprehensive description of their clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics. It emphasizes the importance of research in uncovering targets for future drug development and resistance to immunotherapy.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Mukul Prasad, Sashigala Ponnalagu, Qun Zeng, Khang Luu, Si Min Lang, Hiu Yi Wong, Man Si Cheng, Meihui Wu, Karthik Mallilankaraman, Radoslaw Mikolaj Sobota, Yan Ting Lim, Loo Chien Wang, Chuan Keng Goh, Kai Xun Joshua Tay, Kwok Seng Loh, Cheng- Wang, Wen-Hsien Lee, Boon Cher Goh, Chwee Ming Lim, Herbert Schwarz
Summary: This study identifies CD137 as a potential target for immunotherapy in non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), as its overexpression allows NPC to evade immune surveillance and promotes its growth and spread. CD137-specific chimeric antigen receptors on natural killer cells induce death in CD137(+) NPC cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic approach for NPC.
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Johanna Benali, Gerrit Viljoen, Tareck Ayad, Robinson Gravier-Dumonceau, Fabio Pupo Ceccon, Napadon Tangjaturonrasme, Alberto Maria Saibene, Carlos Chiesa-Estomba, Antoine E. Melkane, Jacqueline Allen, Chwee Ming Lim, Miguel Mayo-Yanez, Manuel Tucciarone, Zoukaa Sargi, Francois Mouawad, Adonis Tupac Ramirez, Manuel Magaro, Justin Michel, Thomas Radulesco, Antoine Giovanni, Johannes J. Fagan, Sheng-Po Hao, Jerome R. Lechien, Roch Giorgi, Nicolas Fakhry
Summary: Despite increasing number of publications, there still lacks evidence to support early oral feeding. The majority of respondents preferred to delay its initiation until at least 7 days after surgery.
HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Kirthika Senthil Kumar, Xiao Xiao, Manivannan Sivaperuman Kalairaj, Godwin Ponraj, Changsheng Li, Catherine Jiayi Cai, Chwee Ming Lim, Hongliang Ren
Summary: This study reports handheld steerable surgical forceps equipped with skin-like soft stretchable strain sensors to improve perception and achieve direct motion translation through omni-directional continuum joints.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jonathan Poh, Kao Chin Ngeow, Michelle Pek, Kian-Hin Tan, Jing Shan Lim, Hao Chen, Choon Kiat Ong, Jing Quan Lim, Soon Thye Lim, Chwee Ming Lim, Boon Cher Goh, Yukti Choudhury
Summary: Next-generation sequencing of circulating tumor DNA offers a promising approach to cancer diagnostics, providing minimally invasive serial testing and broad genomic coverage through a simple blood draw, maximizing therapeutic benefit for patients.
Article
Robotics
Changsheng Li, Xiaoyi Gu, Xiao Xiao, Chwee Ming Lim, Hongliang Ren
Summary: This paper introduces a compliant and flexible robotic system for transoral surgery and validates its feasibility and efficiency through a pilot cadaveric study.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Lalithkumar Seenivasan, Mobarakol Islam, Chi-Fai Ng, Chwee Ming Lim, Hongliang Ren
Summary: Surgical scene understanding is crucial for situation-aware robotic surgeries and training. The study proposes an incremental domain generalization approach that combines incremental learning, knowledge distillation, enhanced curriculum, and temperature normalization. The model successfully predicts instrument-tissue interaction in robot-assisted surgery and shows superior performance in adapting to new domains.