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
Simon Beyaert, Jean-Pascal Machiels, Sandra Schmitz
Summary: Therapeutic vaccines are administered to cancer patients to stimulate an immune T cell response against specific antigens, with the challenge of considering tumor heterogeneity. Current research in therapeutic vaccines focuses on viral or non-viral antigens, particularly in head and neck cancers, with advancements seen in clinical trials and FDA approvals for certain treatments.
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
Microbiology
Makoto Ohashi, Mitchell Hayes, Kyle McChesney, Eric Johannsen
Summary: EBV infection can lead to specific types of lymphoma and some epithelial cancers. In vitro, EBV infection of resting B-lymphocytes drives them to proliferate as lymphoblastoid cell lines, serving as a model for studying EBV lymphomagenesis. This study reveals that interaction between EBNA3C and CtBP results in EBNA3C-mediated upregulation.
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
Virology
Chang-Mi Deng, Tong-Min Wang, Yong-Qiao He, Wen-Li Zhang, Wen-Qiong Xue, Dan-Hua Li, Da-Wei Yang, Qiao-Ling Wang, Ying Liao, Hua Diao, Cheng-Tao Jiang, Jiang-Bo Zhang, Lei-Lei Yuan, Xue-Yin Chen, Ting Zhou, Xi-Zhao Li, Pei-Fen Zhang, Xiao-Hui Zheng, Shao-Dan Zhang, Ye-Zhu Hu, Miao Xu, Mu-Sheng Zeng, Lin Feng, Wei-Hua Jia
Summary: This study investigated the association between HLA-bound EBV peptides and NPC risk through in silico HLA-peptide binding prediction. It found that NPC-associated EBV peptides were significantly enriched in immunogenic proteins and core LD proteins related to evolution. HLA supertype A02 and A03 were found to have an NPC-risk effect and NPC-protective effect respectively.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(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
Oncology
Pei-Wen Wu, Chien-Chia Huang, Yun-Shien Lee, Yung-Chih Chou, Kang-Hsing Fan, Chien-Yu Lin, Bing-Shen Huang, Shih-Wei Yang, Chi-Che Huang, Po-Hung Chang, Ta-Jen Lee, Joseph Tung-Chieh Chang
Summary: This study compared the incidence and severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy using intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) and volume-modulated arc therapy (VMAT). The results showed that patients in the IMPT group had a significantly lower incidence and decreased severity of CRS compared to the VMAT group, and also showed better and faster recovery of sinonasal function after radiotherapy.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yi-Ying Wu, I-Shan Hsieh, Chia-Hao Tung, Chen-Hsun Weng, Jia-En Wu, Jau-Song Yu, Tse-Ming Hong, Yuh-Ling Chen
Summary: Aptamers are synthetic single-stranded oligonucleotides that can specifically bind to molecular targets. In this study, a CSC-specific aptamer that targets lung cancer stem cells was developed, which has potential applications in lung cancer therapy and diagnosis.
MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Chung-Pu Wu, Cheng-Yu Hung, Megumi Murakami, Yu-Shan Wu, Chun-Ling Lin, Yang-Hui Huang, Tai-Ho Hung, Jau-Song Yu, Suresh Ambudkar
Summary: In this study, we investigate the role of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in the reduced sensitivity of cancer cells to the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor ensartinib. Our results demonstrate that P-gp overexpression decreases the intracellular accumulation and cytotoxic activity of ensartinib in cancer cells. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms of ensartinib resistance mediated by P-gp.
Article
Developmental Biology
Pei-Yu Wang, Archan Chakraborty, Hsin-Ju Ma, Jhen-Wei Wu, Anna C-C Jang, Wei-Cheng Lin, Hai-Wei Pi, Chau-Ting Yeh, Mei-Ling Cheng, Jau-Song Yu, Li-Mei Pai
Summary: This study highlights the regulatory role of cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPsyn) in collective border cell migration through regulating the asymmetrical distribution of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2).
Article
Cell Biology
Yi-Tung Chen, Chia-Hua Kan, Hsuan Liu, Yu-Hao Liu, Chih-Ching Wu, Yu-Ping Kuo, Ian Yi-Feng Chang, Kai-Ping Chang, Jau-Song Yu, Bertrand Chin-Ming Tan
Summary: Recent findings have highlighted the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gene regulation, particularly in pathways associated with tumorigenesis. HOXA10-AS, a tumor-biased expressed lncRNA, plays a critical role in oral cancer growth and metastasis and is also associated with drug sensitivity.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hang Chen, Shurui Zhang, Yung-Chin Hsiao, Qun Wang, Jau-Song Yu, Wanming Li
Summary: The study developed a no-wash fluorescent aptasensor for sensitive detection of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) cells. This aptasensor can detect target cells in one step and shows good specificity and sensitivity. Additionally, it can detect cancer cells in human whole blood with good reproducibility.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pei-Wen Wu, Yen-Ling Lin, Yun-Shien Lee, Cheng-Hsun Chiu, Ta-Jen Lee, Chien-Chia Huang
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate prognostic factors related to the need for surgical drainage in pediatric periorbital infection secondary to acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Delayed initiation of intravenous antibiotics and proptosis at initial presentation were significantly associated with the need for surgical intervention. C-reactive protein value and timing of intravenous antibiotic treatment showed predictive power for surgery.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chih-Chuan Lin, Chia-Pang Shih, Chia-Cheng Wang, Chun-Hsiang Ouyang, Chien-Chun Liu, Jau-Song Yu, Chih-Hong Lo
Summary: The Taiwan bivalent freeze-dried hemorrhagic (FH) antivenom has been found to be effective in neutralizing venom and reducing limb swelling caused by snakebites from Protobothrops mucrosquamatus and Viridovipera stejnegeri in Taiwan.
Article
Oncology
Srinivas Dash, Chia-Chun Wu, Chih-Ching Wu, Sum-Fu Chiang, Yu-Ting Lu, Chien-Yuh Yeh, Jeng-Fu You, Lichieh Julie Chu, Ta-Sen Yeh, Jau-Song Yu
Summary: A study found that membrane proteins CD59 and TSPAN9 derived from colorectal cancer (CRC) cells are novel biomarkers for the early detection of CRC. Quantitative analysis of EV samples from 73 CRC patients and 80 healthy subjects identified CD59 and TSPAN9 as potential markers for distinguishing CRC patients from healthy individuals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hsiang-Pu Feng, Yu -Chin Liu, Chih-Liang Wang, Wei -Chao Liao, Jau-Song Yu, Chia-Jung Yu
Summary: KPNA2 is a nucleoplasmic protein responsible for nuclear import. Aberrant nuclear accumulation of KPNA2 has been observed in cancer tissues. AMPK is involved in the phosphorylation and acetylation of KPNA2, but its impact on the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of KPNA2 and its oncogenic role is unclear.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Chin-Kuo Chen, Yan-Heng Lai, Li-Chun Hsieh, Po-Hsiang Tsui
Summary: This study developed a new ultrasound signature, the multiregional-weighted Nakagami parameter (MNP), for assessing the severity and fluid properties of middle ear effusion (MEE) in pediatric patients. The MNP values were estimated through multiregional backscattering measurements of the mastoid, and compared with clinical examination results. The MNP was found to be capable of detecting MEE, assessing effusion severity, and potentially characterizing fluid properties.
COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chien-Chia Huang, Pei-Wen Wu, Chi-Che Huang, Po-Hung Chang, Chia-Hsiang Fu, Ta-Jen Lee
Summary: This study aimed to investigate depression- and anxiety-associated psychological symptoms in patients with empty nose syndrome (ENS) before and after surgical reconstruction, and to compare them with those of control subjects. The results showed that patients with ENS experienced significant improvement in nasal and psychological evaluations after surgery, but both were still significantly greater than those in the control group. Preoperative BDI-II and BAI scores were significant predictors of postoperative residual psychological symptoms.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Chung-Pu Wu, Cheng-Yu Hung, Ya-Ju Hsieh, Megumi Murakami, Yang-Hui Huang, Tsung-Yao Su, Tai-Ho Hung, Jau-Song Yu, Yu-Shan Wu, Suresh V. Ambudkar
Summary: The phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway plays a crucial role in tumor growth, and the drug HS-173, a PI3K inhibitor, has shown potential in halting cancer cell proliferation. However, this study found that the multidrug efflux transporters ABCB1 and ABCG2 can reduce the efficacy of HS-173 through drug-efflux processes. Inhibiting the drug-efflux function of ABCB1 and ABCG2 can restore the effectiveness of HS-173 in multidrug-resistant cancer cells.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yu-Hsi Fan, Kai-Yi Shih, Pei-Wen Wu, Yen-Lin Huang, Ta-Jen Lee, Chi-Che Huang, Po-Hung Chang, Chien-Chia Huang
Summary: Maxillary sinus fungal ball (MSFB) is a common type of non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and CT imaging characteristics of MSFB. The results showed that older age, female sex, lower white blood cell and neutrophil counts, as well as certain CT imaging features were significantly associated with MSFB. Additionally, the presence of adjacent maxillary odontogenic pathology was associated with a decreased likelihood of MSFB. Two nomograms were proposed to predict the probability of MSFB, which could assist clinicians in determining the need for CT scan and facilitating accurate and timely diagnosis.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chien-Lun Chen, Yi-Ting Chen, Wen-Yu Liao, Yu-Sun Chang, Jau-Song Yu, Bao-Rong Juo
Summary: This study establishes a metabolomic platform for analyzing urine samples and identifies four metabolites related to prostate cancer. This research provides insights for future studies in this field.
Article
Oncology
Vanita Noronha, Aditya Dhanawat, Vijay Maruti Patil, Nandini Menon, Ajay Kumar Singh, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Prathamesh Pai, Devendra Chaukar, Sarbani Ghosh Laskar, Kumar Prabhash
Summary: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy has shown long term survival benefits in patients with locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas.
Article
Oncology
Andrea Costantino, Claudio Sampieri, Gian Marco Pace, Bianca Maria Festa, Luca Cerri, Giorgio Gregory Giordano, Michael Dale, Giuseppe Spriano, Giorgio Peretti, Armando De Virgilio
Summary: This study aimed to predict the necessity of enteral nutrition at 28 days after surgery in patients with head and neck cancers. The results showed that the machine learning models had optimistic accuracy in predicting the need for enteral nutrition, but had moderate sensitivity.
Article
Oncology
Lirui Zhang, Qiaoshi Xu, Zhien Feng
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive clinical, genomic, and transcriptomic analysis of primary ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC). The results provide the first comprehensive molecular atlas for primary GCOC, including previously identified CTNNB1 mutation and novel alterations in MAP3K, EP300, and the 22q11.21 region. The transcriptome analysis reveals significant involvement of cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. More GCOC cases should be compared to validate these findings for accurate clinical guidance.
Article
Oncology
Emily Capone, Vittoria Perrotti, Ilaria Cela, Rossano Lattanzio, Lucrezia Togni, Corrado Rubini, Vito Carlo Alberto Caponio, Lorenzo Lo Muzio, Martina Colasante, Francesco Giansanti, Rodolfo Ippoliti, Stefano Iacobelli, Michael J. Wick, Nicole Spardy Burr, Gianluca Sala
Summary: This study explores the potential of galectin-3 binding protein (LGALS3BP) as a novel target for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapy in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The results show that LGALS3BP is highly expressed in ACC tissues and treatment with anti-LGALS3BP ADC leads to durable tumor growth inhibition in animal models.
Article
Oncology
Andrea Costantino, Claudio Sampieri, Piero Giuseppe Meliante, Armando De Virgilio, Se-Heon Kim
Summary: This study compares the outcomes of transoral resections using the da Vinci SP and da Vinci Xi systems for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The results indicate that the da Vinci SP system has advantages in terms of reduced docking and console times, as well as improved rates of wide negative resection margins. However, there were no significant differences in complication rates or postoperative functional outcomes between the two systems.