Article
Immunology
Simona Secondino, Paolo Pedrazzoli, Sabrina Basso, Paolo Bossi, Alba Bianco, Ilaria Imarisio, Anna Pagani, Marica De Cicco, Stella Muscianisi, Michela Casanova, Carlo Morosi, Cristiana Bergamini, Marco Benazzo, Maria Cossu Rocca, Cesare Perotti, Fausto Baldanti, Marco Zecca, Lisa F. Licitra, Patrizia Comoli
Summary: This study aimed to explore the efficacy of autologous EBV-specific CTL transplantation in the treatment of recurrent/metastatic EBV-NPC patients after chemotherapy. The results showed that patients who received CTL transplantation had a 5-year overall survival rate of 44% and a median overall survival of 60 months. This indicates that autologous CTL transplantation can effectively control the disease.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Hua Zheng, Ping Zhou, Jun Wang, Yi-Feng Yu, Rui Zhou, Qin Lin, San-Gang Wu
Summary: Plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load after induction chemotherapy (postIC-EBV DNA) has a prognostic effect on survival outcomes in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). Patients with detectable postIC-EBV DNA had a significantly worse prognosis in terms of locoregional relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival compared to those with undetectable postIC-EBV DNA.
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)
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.
Article
Oncology
Shuiqing He, Yan-Ling Wu, Yongxiang Gao, Danjie He, Ying Huang
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate risk stratification and select beneficiaries from concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT) combined with induction chemotherapy (IC) in elderly Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Prognostic nomograms were generated based on clinical characteristics and serum biomarkers. The results showed that IC + CCRT significantly improved 5-year survival rates in the high-risk group, specifically in patients younger than 70 years old. TPF and three IC cycles were recommended for treatment.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicholas J. Campion, Munira Ally, Bernhard J. Jank, Jahangir Ahmed, Ghassan Alusi
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus, and recent discoveries in abnormal molecular processes have enhanced our understanding of its pathophysiology.
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
Lisheng Zhu, Tao Ouyang, Ying Xiong, Li Ba, Qiuting Li, Mengjun Qiu, Zhenwei Zou, Gang Peng
Summary: The plasma levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) at different treatment stages showed significant prognostic value. Nomograms combining pre-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (pre-NACT) and post-NACT EBV DNA levels had a superior prognostic ability than those of post-radiotherapy and post-treatment EBV DNA levels, providing a more reliable prediction of survival outcomes in patients with NPC.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Yung-Hsuan Chen, Sheng-Dean Luo, Shao-Chun Wu, Ching-Nung Wu, Tai-Jan Chiu, Yu-Ming Wang, Yao-Hsu Yang, Wei-Chih Chen
Summary: The study found that long-latent recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma is not rare and is associated with poor survival outcomes. Most patients had early-stage primary cancer and a higher percentage of local recurrence. Regular follow-up for early detection of long-latent recurrence is necessary.
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
Oncology
Qun Zhang, Zhen-Wei Peng, Zhuo-Sheng Gu, Yan Wang, Fang He, Wen-Bin Zhao, Wei Luo, Yong-Yu Mei
Summary: Combining Epstein-Barr virus load with TNM staging can be used to determine the individualized chemotherapy intensity for patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and it can reduce treatment toxicity.
Article
Oncology
Jingfeng Zong, Pengjie Ji, Cheng Lin, Ruiting Zhang, Yuebing Chen, Qiongjiao Lu, Xiane Peng, Jianji Pan, Shaojun Lin
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of plasma Epstein-Barr virus DNA level after two induction chemotherapy cycles in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The results showed that post-ICT DNA level is a powerful predictor of prognosis, and patients with detectable post-ICT DNA and N3 stage are at the highest risk of treatment failure.
Article
Oncology
Hao Peng, Bin-bin Chen, Xiao-hui Wang, Yun-Xian Mo, Fei Han
Summary: In this study, the prognostic value of regression rate (RR) of plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA after induction chemotherapy (IC) in stages II-IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients was explored. Results showed that patients with a RR > 95.127% had significantly better 5-year overall survival than those with a RR <= 95.127%. The study also found that RR in conjunction with current TNM staging could better conduct risk stratification and prognosis prediction, with RR having stronger prognostic power than post-IC EBV DNA.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniela Jicman (Stan), Elena Niculet, Mihaela Lungu, Cristian Onisor, Laura Rebegea, Doinita Vesa, Laura Bezman, Florin Ciprian Bujoreanu, Mihaela Ionela Sarbu, Raul Mihailov, Silvia Fotea, Alin Laurentiu Tatu
Summary: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare epithelial tumor with complex epidemiological characteristics. It is influenced by environmental factors, genetic traits, nitrosamine-containing food consumption, and Epstein-Barr virus infection. The symptoms vary and the treatment options are diverse, with the main goal being tumor control.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniela Jicman (Stan), Elena Niculet, Mihaela Lungu, Cristian Onisor, Laura Rebegea, Carmen Bobeica, Alina Mihaela Elisei, Lucretia Anghel, Alin Laurentiu Tatu
Summary: This study presents a rare case of a patient with a history of rectal malignant tumor who was later diagnosed with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, suggesting potential interactions between the two cancers due to genetic instabilities. Further research is needed on multidisciplinary therapeutic management and early detection of nasopharyngeal cancer.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Stephanie C. Y. Yu, Jiaen Deng, Rong Qiao, Suk Hang Cheng, Wenlei Peng, So Ling Lau, L. Y. Lois Choy, Tak Y. Leung, John Wong, Vincent Wai-Sun Wong, Grace L. H. Wong, Peiyong Jiang, Rossa W. K. Chiu, K. C. Allen Chan, Y. M. Dennis Lo
Summary: Recent studies have highlighted the presence of a substantial amount of analyzable long cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma through single molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing. In this study, the size biases of SMRT sequencing by PacBio and nanopore sequencing by ONT were evaluated. The results showed that both platforms had biases towards sequencing longer DNA fragments, with PacBio showing a stronger bias. Tissue-of-origin analysis based on single-molecule methylation patterns performed comparably on both platforms. It is important to be aware of the analytical characteristics and biases of the sequencing platforms used when analyzing the size and end motif of cfDNA.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Rongli Zhang, Ann D. King, Lun M. Wong, Kunwar S. Bhatia, Sahrish Qamar, Frankie K. F. Mo, Alexander C. Vlantis, Qi Yong H. Ai
Summary: This study retrospectively evaluated the diagnostic performances of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) for distinguishing between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors (SGTs). Significant differences in ADC(mean), D-mean, and D*(mean) were found between SGTs. IVIM showed higher accuracy than DWI in discriminating between benign and malignant SGTs due to its advantage in detecting Warthin's tumors (WTs).
DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTIONAL IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Oncology
A. T. C. Chan, V. H. F. Lee, R-L Hong, M. -J. Ahn, W. Q. Chong, S. -B. Kim, G. F. Ho, P. B. Caguioa, N. Ngamphaiboon, C. Ho, M. A. S. A. Aziz, Q. S. Ng, C. -J. Yen, N. Soparattanapaisarn, R. K. -C Ngan, S. K. Kho, M. L. A. Tiambeng, T. Yun, V. Sriuranpong, A. P. Algazi, A. Cheng, E. Massarelli, R. F. Swaby, S. Saraf, J. Yuan, L. L. Siu
Summary: Pembrolizumab showed robust antitumor activity and manageable safety in patients with platinum-pretreated recurrent and/or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, it did not significantly improve overall survival compared with chemotherapy.
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
W. K. Jacky Lam, Ann D. King, Jacob A. Miller, Zhiwei Liu, Kelly J. Yu, Melvin L. K. Chua, Brigette B. Y. Ma, Ming Yuan Chen, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Pei-Jen Lou, John K. S. Woo, Wan-Lun Hsu, Julia Simon, Denise L. Doolan, Tim Waterboer, Edwin P. Hui, Hui Li, Raymond K. Tsang, Kenneth C. W. Wong, Julian P. Goh, Alexander C. Vlantis, Qi Yong Ai, Lun M. Wong, Victor Abdullah, Jin Ching Lin, Chien-Jen Chen, Ruth M. Pfeiffer, Quynh-Thu Le, Anne W. M. Lee, Mingfang Ji, Sumei Cao, Jun Ma, Anthony T. C. Chan, K. C. Allen Chan, Allan Hildesheim
Summary: A meeting of experts in November 2021 discussed the performance and cost-effectiveness of EBV-based approaches for screening early stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Both serum EBV antibody and plasma EBV DNA testing methods were found to be favorable. Additionally, the use of MRI was recommended to increase the sensitivity of NPC detection without greatly impacting the cost-effectiveness of the screening program.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lili Li, Xing-sheng Shu, Hua Geng, Jianming Ying, Lei Guo, Jie Luo, Tingxiu Xiang, Longtao Wu, Brigette B. Y. Ma, Anthony T. C. Chan, Xiaofeng Zhu, Richard F. Ambinder, Qian Tao
Summary: Peptides/small proteins encoded by noncanonical open reading frames (ORF) of previously claimed non-coding RNAs have important biological functions but are largely uncharacterized. In this study, we identified and validated a small protein SP0495 as a novel tumor suppressor, frequently inactivated by promoter methylation in multiple tumors. SP0495 functions as a phosphoinositide-binding protein, regulating AKT signaling activation and autophagy. It inhibits tumor cell growth and induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, senescence, and autophagy through multiple mechanisms, including the modulation of phosphoinositides turnover and autophagic/proteasomal degradation of autophagy regulators. SP0495 has the potential to be a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
CELL DEATH AND DIFFERENTIATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chun Sing Lam, Keary Zhou, Herbert Ho-Fung Loong, Vincent Chi-Ho Chung, Chun-Kit Ngan, Yin Ting Cheung
Summary: This study utilized data from social media platforms and health forums to explore patients' use, interest, and perception of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) for cancer care. The study found that patients commonly discuss the use of TCIM modalities for symptoms such as pain, anxiety and depression, and poor sleep. Positive and negative themes were identified, along with patients' perceptions of TCIM. The findings provide valuable insights for understanding patients' needs and concerns regarding TCIM and integrating it into cancer care.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ze Zhou, Mary-Jane L. Ma, Rebecca W. Y. Chan, W. K. Jacky Lam, Wenlei Peng, Wanxia Gai, Xi Hu, Spencer C. Ding, Lu Ji, Qing Zhou, Peter P. H. Cheung, Stephanie C. Y. Yu, Jeremy Y. C. Teoh, Cheuk-Chun Szeto, John Wong, Vincent W. S. Wong, Grace L. H. Wong, Stephen L. Chan, Edwin P. Hui, Brigette B. Y. Ma, Anthony T. C. Chan, Rossa W. K. Chiu, K. C. Allen Chan, Y. M. Dennis Lo, Peiyong Jiang
Summary: Using a non-negative matrix factorization algorithm, this study identified distinct types of cfDNA cleavage patterns based on different end motifs. These profiles were associated with specific DNA nucleases and could be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders and cancer.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
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.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Nancy Y. Lee, Jonathan Harris, John Kim, Adam Garden, James Mechalakos, David G. Pfister, Anthony T. C. Chan, Kenneth Hu, A. Dimitrios Colevas, Steven Frank, George Shenouda, Voichita Bar-Ad, John N. Waldron, Paul M. Harari, Adam Raben, Pedro Torres-Saavedra, Quynh-Thu Le
Summary: The study aimed to assess the long-term toxic effects and clinical outcomes associated with adding bevacizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, to standard chemoradiation for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The results showed favorable long-term outcomes and no severe adverse events when using bevacizumab in combination with chemoradiation. Further investigation may be warranted.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Stephanie C. Y. Yu, L. Y. Lois Choy, Y. M. Dennis Lo
Summary: Liquid biopsy using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has gained global interest as a molecular diagnostic tool. Recent studies have discovered long cfDNA in the plasma of pregnant women and cancer patients, opening up a new avenue of long cfDNA-based liquid biopsy. This review summarizes the current knowledge in this nascent field of long cfDNA analysis, focusing on its fragmentomic and epigenetic features. Long-read sequencing enables single-molecule methylation analysis, which has promising clinical potential in prenatal and cancer testing. The limitations hindering the immediate clinical applications of long cfDNA analysis and the efforts to address them are also discussed. With concerted efforts, long cfDNA analysis is expected to contribute to the expanding armamentarium of liquid biopsy.
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS & THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
W. K. Jacky Lam, Anthony T. C. Chan
Summary: A recent study has identified a new serological biomarker for NPC screening that targets the EBV protein BNLF2b. This biomarker demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity for NPC detection compared with conventional antibodies.
NATURE REVIEWS CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Claire Petit, Anne Lee, Jun Ma, Benjamin Lacas, Wai Tong Ng, Anthony T. C. Chan, Ruey-Long Hong, Ming-Yuan Chen, Lei Chen, Wen-Fei Li, Pei-Yu Huang, Terence Tan, Roger K. C. Ngan, Guopei Zhu, Hai-Qiang Mai, Edwin P. Hui, George Fountzilas, Li Zhang, Alexandra Carmel, Dora L. W. Kwong, James Moon, Jean Bourhis, Anne Auperin, Jean-Pierre Pignon, Pierre Blanchard
Summary: This study updated the evaluation of chemotherapy for nasopharynx carcinoma through a network meta-analysis. The results showed that the addition of induction chemotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy to chemoradiotherapy improved overall survival for patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma compared to chemoradiotherapy alone.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christopher C. H. Yip, L. Li, Thomas K. H. Lau, Vicky T. C. Chan, Carol C. H. Kwok, Joyce J. S. Suen, Frankie K. F. Mo, Winnie Yeo
Summary: This retrospective analysis compared the efficacy of olanzapine-based and NEPA-based regimens in controlling chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in breast cancer patients receiving AC. The olanzapine group showed higher rates of no rescue therapy and no significant nausea during cycle 1 of AC. However, there were no differences in quality of life between the two groups. Multiple cycle assessment revealed higher rates of total control in the NEPA group in later cycles. These results do not support the superiority of either regimen for breast cancer patients receiving AC.
HONG KONG MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chun Sing Lam, Rong Hua, Yu Kang Wu, Ho Kee Koon, Keary Rui Zhou, Herbert Ho-Fung Loong, Vincent Chi-Ho Chung, Yin Ting Cheung
Summary: This study investigated the potential supplement-drug interactions involving the hepatic system and their associations with liver diseases among cancer patients. The results showed that approximately one-third of cancer patients who used supplements had a risk of potential interactions, but no significant association was observed between the use of these combinations and subsequent liver diseases.
CLINICAL NUTRITION ESPEN
(2023)