Article
Hematology
Hannes Vietzen, Philippe L. Furlano, Jan J. Cornelissen, Georg A. Boehmig, Peter Jaksch, Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stoeckl
Summary: This study found that nonclassic human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E)-restricted immune responses have a significant impact on the development of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) diseases in the individual host. The highly expressed HLA-E*0103/0103 genotype is protective against infectious mononucleosis (IM) by inducing potent EBV BZLF1-specific HLA-E-restricted CD8(+) T-cell responses. Variations in the inhibitory NKG2A/LMP-1/HLA-E axis are associated with the risk of symptomatic EBV reactivations in both immunocompetent individuals and immunocompromised transplant recipients.
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
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lei-Lei Yuan, Chang-Mi Deng, Wen-Qiong Xue, Yong-Qiao He, Tong-Min Wang, Jiang-Bo Zhang, Da-Wei Yang, Ting Zhou, Zi-Yi Wu, Ying Liao, Mei-Qi Zheng, Dan-Hua Li, Lian-Jing Cao, Yi-Jing Jia, Wen-Li Zhang, Ruo-Wen Xiao, Lu-Ting Luo, Xia-Ting Tong, Yan-Xia Wu, Jing-Wen Huang, Wei-Hua Jia
Summary: This study identified the association between HLA-DRB1*09:01 and a higher risk of Zta-IgA seropositivity, particularly in smokers carrying this allele. These findings emphasize the importance of smoking cessation in high-risk populations and offer insights for further research on the etiology of NPC.
JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Eiji Kobayashi, Satoru Kondo, Hirotomo Dochi, Makiko Moriyama-Kita, Nobuyuki Hirai, Takeshi Komori, Takayoshi Ueno, Yosuke Nakanishi, Miyako Hatano, Kazuhira Endo, Hisashi Sugimoto, Naohiro Wakisaka, Tomokazu Yoshizaki
Summary: This article provides an overview of the molecular pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, focusing on the potential of farnesylation as a therapeutic target.
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.
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
Immunology
Wesley Huisman, Ilse Gille, Lieve E. van der Maarel, Lois Hageman, Laura T. Morton, Rob C. M. de Jong, Mirjam H. M. Heemskerk, Derk Amsen, J. H. Frederik Falkenburg, Inge Jedema
Summary: In this study, we isolated the first functional HLA-A*01:01-restricted EBV-LMP2-specific T-cell populations and TCRs and demonstrated that these T-cell populations and T cells modified to express the LMP2-specific T-cell receptor showed IFN-gamma secretion and cytotoxicity toward EBV-LMP2-expressing malignant cell lines.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(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)
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
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)
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)
Review
Oncology
Kenneth C. W. Wong, David Johnson, Edwin P. Hui, Rachel C. T. Lam, Brigette B. Y. Ma, Anthony T. C. Chan
Summary: The combination of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors has potential for improving prognosis in locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancers, but the clinical trials have yielded largely negative results. Further investigation is needed to explore parameters such as dose fractionation, sequencing, irradiated volume, and predictive biomarkers.
CANCER TREATMENT REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Peter A. C. Wing, Maria Prange-Barczynska, Amy Cross, Stefania Crotta, Claudia Orbegozo Rubio, Xiaotong Cheng, James M. Harris, Xiaodong Zhuang, Rachel L. Johnson, Kathryn A. Ryan, Yper Hall, Miles W. Carroll, Fadi Issa, Peter Balfe, Andreas Wack, Tammie Bishop, Francisco J. Salguero, Jane A. McKeating
Summary: This study identifies the role of the hypoxic inducible factor (HIF) signaling axis in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection, epithelial damage, and respiratory symptoms in a Syrian hamster model. Activation of HIF using a pharmaceutical inhibitor significantly reduces viral replication in the respiratory tract, decreases epithelial damage, and increases the expression of ciliated cells. These findings provide new insights into the antiviral properties of the HIF signaling pathway and suggest potential therapeutic opportunities for other respiratory pathogens.
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
I'ah Donovan-Banfield, Rachel Milligan, Sophie Hall, Tianyi Gao, Eleanor Murphy, Jack Li, Ghada T. Shawli, Julian Hiscox, Xiaodong Zhuang, Jane A. McKeating, Rachel Fearns, David A. Matthews
Summary: In this study, the species of viral mRNA transcripts during RSV infection were characterized. The researchers used human fibroblast-like MRC-5 lung cells and Calu-3 lung epithelial cells infected with RSV to analyze the viral transcriptome. The findings provide insights into the process of RSV gene transcription and its interaction with the host.
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
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
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
Oncology
D. C. T. Chan, W. K. J. Lam, E. P. Hui, B. B. Y. Ma, C. M. L. Chan, V. C. T. Lee, S. H. Cheng, W. Gai, P. Jiang, K. C. W. Wong, F. Mo, B. Zee, A. D. King, Q. T. Le, A. T. C. Chan, K. C. A. Chan, Y. M. D. Lo
Summary: Sequencing of plasma EBV DNA can enhance the accuracy of prognostication for nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. It provides better prediction of local and distant recurrences through quantitative and size profiling analysis. It can also further define a subgroup of patients with undetectable EBV DNA on quantitative PCR, resulting in improved survival outcomes.
ANNALS OF ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Michael L. M. Cheung, Monica W. K. Kan, Vanessa T. Y. Yeung, Darren M. C. Poon, Michael K. M. Kam, Louis K. Y. Lee, Anthony T. C. Chan
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiobiological effect of using Acuros XB (AXB) vs Analytic Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Different computational methods may have an impact on tumor control probability (TCP), normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), and uncomplicated tumor control probability (UTCP).
Article
Oncology
Pierre Blanchard, Anne W. M. Lee, Alexandra Carmel, Ng Wai Tong, Jun Ma, Anthony T. C. Chan, Ruey Long Hong, Ming-Yuan Chen, Lei Chen, Wen-Fei Li, Pei-Yu Huang, Dora L. W. Kwong, Sharon S. X. Poh, Roger Ngan, Hai-Qiang Mai, Camille Ollivier, George Fountzilas, Li Zhang, Jean Bourhis, Anne Auperin, Benjamin Lacas, Jean-Pierre Pignon
Summary: This study provides an update on the meta-analysis of chemotherapy in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The results confirm the benefits of concomitant chemotherapy and concomitant + adjuvant chemotherapy, and suggest that the addition of induction or adjuvant chemotherapy to concomitant chemotherapy improves tumor control and survival. The effectiveness of chemotherapy decreases with increasing patient age.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL RADIATION ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Darren M. C. Poon, Daisy Lam, Kenneth C. W. Wong, Cheuk-Man Chu, Michael Cheung, Frankie Mo, Joyce Suen, Chi-Fai Ng, Anthony T. C. Chan
Summary: This study compared the effects of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and conventional fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) in Chinese men with localized prostate cancer (PC). The results showed that SBRT had similar patient-reported quality of life (PRQOL) but fewer toxicities compared to CFRT in the first year.