Single-Cell Molecular Profiling of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Five Dysregulated Signaling Pathways Associated With Circulating Tumor Cells.

Objectives: To determine the dysregulated signaling pathways of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) via single-cell molecular characterization.

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a significant global burden and is a disease with poor survival. Despite trials exploring new treatment modalities to improve disease control rates, the 5 year survival rate remains low at only 60%.

Reciprocal inhibition between TP63 and STAT1 regulates anti-tumor immune response through interferon-γ signaling in squamous cancer.

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common and aggressive malignancies. Immune check point blockade (ICB) therapy using PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies has been approved in several types of advanced SCCs. However, low response rate and treatment resistance are common.

Activation of Epstein-Barr Virus' Lytic Cycle in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells by NEO212, a Conjugate of Perillyl Alcohol and Temozolomide.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is accepted as a primary risk factor for certain nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) subtypes, where the virus persists in a latent stage which is thought to contribute to tumorigenesis. Current treatments are sub-optimal, and recurrence occurs in many cases. An alternative therapeutic concept is aimed at triggering the lytic cycle of EBV selectively in tumor cells as a means to add clinical benefit.

Epigenomic analyses identify FOXM1 as a key regulator of anti-tumor immune response in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Unlike most cancer types, the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has rapidly escalated in the western world over recent decades. Using whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS), we identify the transcription factor (TF) FOXM1 as an important epigenetic regulator of EAC. FOXM1 plays a critical role in cellular proliferation and tumor growth in EAC patient-derived organoids and cell line models.

Comprehensive analyses of partially methylated domains and differentially methylated regions in esophageal cancer reveal both cell-type- and cancer-specific epigenetic regulation.

Background: As one of the most common malignancies, esophageal cancer has two subtypes, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, arising from distinct cells-of-origin. Distinguishing cell-type-specific molecular features from cancer-specific characteristics is challenging.

Results: We analyze whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data on 45 esophageal tumor and nonmalignant samples from both subtypes.

Comparison of Free Flap Outcomes at a University Hospital versus County Hospital Setting for Head and Neck Reconstruction.

 Patients at public county hospitals often have poorer access to healthcare with advanced disease on presentation. These factors, along with limited resources at county hospitals, may have an impact on outcomes for patients requiring complex head and neck reconstruction.  To delineate differences in the frequency of complications in two different care settings, a public county hospital and a private university hospital.

A novel role of master regulator transcription factor in anti-tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapy.

Gene expression network in cancer cells is orchestrated by a small number of master regulator transcription factors (MRTFs), which play a prominent role in regulating cancer intrinsic hallmarks, such as sustaining proliferative signaling, evading growth suppressors, resisting cell death, etc. A new study reports a new role of one MRTF, KLF5, in regulating tumor microenvironment in an extrinsic manner. These findings not only reveal novel mechanistic underpinnings of tumor evasion from immune destruction but also broaden our understanding of the transcriptional deregulation in cancer biology.

Opioid Sparing Multimodal Analgesia for Transoral Robotic Surgery: Improved Analgesia and Narcotic Use Reduction.

Objective: To compare postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption in patients after transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

Study Design: Single institution retrospective cohort study.

Setting: TORS was performed at a single academic tertiary care center.

Human papillomavirus detection in oral rinses and history of tonsillectomy in U.S. adults.

Purpose: This study aims to elucidate any relationship between prior tonsillectomy and the presence of oropharyngeal HPV DNA found in screening mouth rinses.

Materials And Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants between 40 and 69 were included in the study and medical, surgical, and sexual health history were recorded.

Variation in compensatory strategies as a function of target constriction degree in post-glossectomy speech.

Individuals who have undergone treatment for oral cancer oftentimes exhibit compensatory behavior in consonant production. This pilot study investigates whether compensatory mechanisms utilized in the production of speech sounds with a given target constriction location vary systematically depending on target manner of articulation. The data reveal that compensatory strategies used to produce target alveolar segments vary systematically as a function of target manner of articulation in subtle yet meaningful ways.

An Exploration of Online Support Community Participation Among Patients With Vestibular Disorders.

Objectives/hypothesis: To formally document online support community (OSC) use among patients with vestibular symptoms and gain an appreciation for the perceived influence of participation on psychosocial outcomes and the impact on medical decision-making.

Study Design: Self reported internet-based questionnaire.

Methods: The Facebook search function was paired with a comprehensive list of vestibular diagnoses to systematically collect publicly available information on vestibular OSCs.

Evidence for AJUBA-catenin-CDH4-linked differentiation resistance of mesenchymal stem cells implies tumorigenesis and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a single-cell transcriptome approach.

An increasing number of reports indicate that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an essential role in promoting tumorigenesis and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Using the MSC model system, this study analyzes the molecular pathway by which differentiation resistant MSCs promote HNSCC.

Complexity of vocal tract shaping in glossectomy patients and typical speakers: A principal component analysis.

The glossectomy procedure, involving surgical resection of cancerous lingual tissue, has long been observed to affect speech production. This study aims to quantitatively index and compare complexity of vocal tract shaping due to lingual movement in individuals who have undergone glossectomy and typical speakers using real-time magnetic resonance imaging data and Principal Component Analysis. The data reveal that (i) the type of glossectomy undergone largely predicts the patterns in vocal tract shaping observed, (ii) gross forward and backward motion of the tongue body accounts for more change in vocal tract shaping than do subtler movements of the tongue (e.

Outcomes of Combined Antegrade-Retrograde Dilations for Radiation-Induced Esophageal Strictures in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

The purpose of this study is to analyze outcomes of combined antegrade-retrograde dilations (CARD). This retrospective study was conducted on 14 patients with a history of head and neck cancer, treated with radiation therapy that was complicated by either complete or near-complete esophageal stenosis. All patients had minimal oral intake and depended on a gastrostomy tube for nutrition.

Evaluation of lymph node ratio and lymph node yield as prognosticators of locoregional recurrence in p16-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: The prognostic value of lymph node yield (LNY) and lymph node ratio (LNR), or the ratio of number of metastatic LNs to total number dissected, has not been well established in p16-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated locoregional disease-free survival (LRDFS) in 82 patients with p16+ OPSCC who underwent neck dissection at a single institution from 2009 to 2017. LNR and LNY cutoffs were estimated using time-dependent receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves.

ERAS for Head and Neck Tissue Transfer Reduces Opioid Usage, Peak Pain Scores, and Blood Utilization.

Objectives: We implement a novel enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol with pre-operative non-opioid loading, total intravenous anesthesia, multimodal peri-operative analgesia, and restricted red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions. 1) Compare differences in mean postoperative peak pain scores, opioid usage, and pRBC transfusions. 2) Examine changes in overall length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, complications, and 30-day readmissions.

Association of Race/Ethnicity, Stage, and Survival in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A SEER Study.

Objective: Survival differences in oral cancer between black and white patients have been reported, but the contributing factors, especially the role of stage, are incompletely understood. Furthermore, the outcomes for Hispanic and Asian patients have been scarcely examined.

Study Design: Retrospective, population-based national study.