Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Oral Dis 2021 Jun 15. Epub 2021 Jun 15.

Department of Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Objectives: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) can cause oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OpSCC). The revised 8 edition of the AJCC Staging Manual now stages OpSCC by incorporating p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC), the surrogate marker for HPV status. This study assessed the prognostic values of p16 and HPV markers. Read More

Head Neck 2021 Jun 15. Epub 2021 Jun 15.

Head & Neck Pathology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an accurate staging modality in early oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but its accuracy relies on labor-intensive histopathology protocols. We sought to determine whether serial step sections with immunohistochemistry (SSSIHC) at narrow intervals of the entire SLN are required to accurately exclude metastasis.

Methods: Consecutive SLN biopsies over a 13-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Read More

Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2020 Sep 28. Epub 2020 Sep 28.

National Dental Hospital Colombo, Sri Lanka. Electronic address:

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains the most common cancer among males in Sri Lanka. Metastasis to neck is a crucial prognostic factor. A modified radical/radical neck dissection including levels I -V, was performed in patients with OSCC who had a clinically positive neck (cN+). Read More

Arch Oral Biol 2021 Jun 8;129:105195. Epub 2021 Jun 8.

Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Electronic address:

Objectives: Investigate the DNA copy number and the methylation profile of the homeobox genes HOXA5, HOXA7, HOXA9, HOXB5, HOXB13, HOXC12, HOXC13, HOXD10, HOXD11, IRX4 and ZHX1, and correlate them with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival.

Material And Methods: DNA from OSCC samples and surgical margins were submitted to DNA amplification by qPCR and to DNA methylation analysis using a DNA Methylation PCR Array System.

Results: HOXA5, HOXB5 and HOXD10 were amplified in surgical margins while HOXA9, HOXB13 and IRX4 were amplified in OSCC. Read More

J Oral Pathol Med 2021 Jun 14. Epub 2021 Jun 14.

Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.

Background: Tertiary lymphoid structures have been observed in several solid tumors and suggested to be a favorable prognostic factor. However, the prognostic value of tertiary lymphoid structures for early clinical stage (cT1/2N0) oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of tertiary lymphoid structures in cT1/2N0 stage OTSCC. Read More

Gynecol Oncol Rep 2021 Aug 27;37:100797. Epub 2021 May 27.

Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, M210 Starling Loving Hall, 320 W 10 Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.

Cervical cancer with co-existing pathologic components of squamous cell carcinoma, basaloid morphology and sarcomatoid carcinoma is rare, with limited reports in the literature. Here we present a patient who underwent a modified radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer, with final pathology specimen demonstrating multiple histologic variants including basal carcinoma, adenoid cystic-like areas, basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and areas of high-grade transformation to sarcomatoid carcinoma. Read More

Front Cell Dev Biol 2021 28;9:676156. Epub 2021 May 28.

Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. However, the mechanism that drives the evolution of EC is still unclear. On this basis, we identified the key genes and molecular pathways that may be related to the progression of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma to find potential markers or therapeutic targets. Read More

Front Oncol 2021 26;11:667495. Epub 2021 May 26.

Biology Department, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.

Spliceosomes are large RNA-protein molecular complexes which mediate splicing of pre-mRNA in eukaryotic cells. Their function is frequently altered in cancer, providing opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches. The ubiquitin specific protease 39 (USP39) is a highly conserved deubiquitylation family member that plays an essential role in pre-mRNA splicing where it serves to assemble the mature spliceosome complex. Read More

Cureus 2021 May 11;13(5):e14963. Epub 2021 May 11.

Pathology, Steward Health Care, Warren, USA.

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid (PSCCT) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm that accounts for less than 1% of all thyroid malignancies. Its incidence is higher in females in their fifth and sixth decades of life. The pathophysiology of PSCCT is still a subject of debate as squamous cells are generally absent in the thyroid gland under normal physiologic conditions. Read More

Biomed Opt Express 2021 May 28;12(5):3008-3020. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Department of Dermatology, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

For vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), the mainstay of treatment is surgical removal with tumour-free margins. Surgeons still operate without objective tools that provide margin-status. This study assesses Raman spectroscopy potentiality for distinguishing ex-vivo VSCC from healthy tissue in 11 patients. Read More

World J Gastrointest Surg 2021 May;13(5):406-418

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, United States.

Several benign conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, and paraduodenal pancreatitis can present as mass lesions and may mimic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) clinically and radiologically. Thorough histologic examination with attention to certain morphologic features can assist in deciphering neoplastic from reactive, however small biopsies often remain a challenge. Variable histologic patterns in conventional PDAC may also confound the diagnosis of PDAC. Read More

Front Immunol 2021 27;12:678028. Epub 2021 May 27.

Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax Regional Municipality, NS, Canada.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide, with ever increasing incidence and mortality. While most patients can be treated successfully with surgical excision, cryotherapy, or radiation therapy, there exist a subset of patients with aggressive cSCC who lack adequate therapies. Among these patients are solid organ transplant recipients who due to their immunosuppression, develop cSCC at a dramatically increased rate compared to the normal population. Read More

EJNMMI Res 2021 Jun 13;11(1):59. Epub 2021 Jun 13.

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 68 Changle Road, Nanjing, 210006, China.

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are beneficial in patients with lung cancer. We explored the clinical value of [Tc]Tc-Galacto-RGD single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in patients with lung cancer, integrin αβ expression, and neovascularization in lung cancer subtypes was also addressed.

Methods: A total of 185 patients with lung cancer and 25 patients with benign lung diseases were enrolled in this prospective study from January 2013 to December 2016. Read More

J Equine Vet Sci 2021 Jul 29;102:103639. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

Ocular neoplasms represent 10% of all equine neoplasms and ocular squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common one. This report describes the clinical presentation, laboratory, ultrasonography, postmortem, histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings of a mixed ocular neoplasm in a 10-year-old draft mare. The mare had a one-year history of left ocular mass. Read More

ESMO Open 2021 Jun 9;6(4):100178. Epub 2021 Jun 9.

Department of Drug Development and Innovation (D3i), Institut Curie, Paris and Saint-Cloud, France. Electronic address:

Background: Oral cavity is the most prevalent site of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Most often diagnosed at a locally advanced stage, treatment is multimodal with surgery as the cornerstone. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular landscape of a homogenous cohort of oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCCs), and to assess the prognostic value of tumor mutational burden (TMB), along with classical molecular and clinical parameters. Read More

Carcinogenesis 2021 Jun 12. Epub 2021 Jun 12.

Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Uncontrolled activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, operating through GLI transcription factors, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cutaneous basal cell carcinoma and contributes to the development of several malignancies arising in extracutaneous sites. We now report that K5-tTA;tetO-Gli2 bitransgenic mice develop distinctive epithelial tumors within their jaws. These tumors consist of large masses of highly proliferative, monomorphous, basaloid cells with scattered foci of keratinization and central necrosis, mimicking human basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC), an aggressive upper aerodigestive tract tumor. Read More

Head Neck 2021 Jun 11. Epub 2021 Jun 11.

Maxillofacial Surgery and Odontostomatology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy.

Background: Lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor prognosis. The 8th edition of TNM has implemented new nodal staging criteria. We assess the prognostic utility of the lymph node ratio (LNR) and compare it to that of pN in the TNM 8th edition. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2021 Jun;100(23):e25774

Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly anti-PD-1 antibody, have dramatically changed cancer treatment; however, fatal immune-related adverse events (irAEs) can develop. Here, we describe a severe case of sclerosing cholangitis-like irAE. We report the use of 3 immunosuppressive agents that resulted in the death of the patient due to treatment inefficacy. Read More

Int Med Case Rep J 2021 4;14:381-384. Epub 2021 Jun 4.

Department of Infectious Diseases, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA, 01608, USA.

Lower extremity soft-tissue lesions are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Cellulitis, osteomyelitis, and diabetic foot ulcerations remain the top differentials. The acuity of illness, imaging studies, and deep wound cultures are helpful in most cases. Read More

Ther Clin Risk Manag 2021 3;17:571-575. Epub 2021 Jun 3.

Department of General Internal Medicine 4, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan.

A 72-year-old man with locally advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma experienced red purpura on the lower legs and hematuria when the disease progressed during definitive chemoradiotherapy. He had renal dysfunction and proteinuria. Biopsy specimens of the skin lesion and kidney revealed immunoglobulin A vasculitis. Read More

BMC Oral Health 2021 Jun 10;21(1):298. Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Division of Oral Health Sciences, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosa disease that is recognized as an oral potentially malignant disorder. However, the potentially malignant nature of OLP remains unclear.

Methods: We designed this study to examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with OLP and evaluate the associated malignant transformation rate. Read More

ESMO Open 2021 Jun 7;6(4):100180. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland. Electronic address:

Squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum is a rare malignancy (0.3% of all rectal cancers), with no known risk factor. These tumours are assessed as rectal cancer using immunohistochemical and radiological tests, and certain criteria (localisation, relationship with neighbouring structures) have to be fulfilled to make the diagnosis. Read More

Oral Oncol 2021 Jun 7;119:105368. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France; Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon 69008, France. Electronic address:

Background: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the most validated predictive biomarker used for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Several gene expression-based signatures surrogate of the activation of IFN-gamma pathway and of the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) have also been proposed as potential biomarkers. While they may have a potential therapeutic implication, the longitudinal changes of either PD-L1 or gene expression profiles between the initial and recurrent HNSCC lesions is unknown. Read More

Cancer Genet 2021 May 26;256-257:115-121. Epub 2021 May 26.

Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea; Hanvit Institute for Medical Genetics, Daegu, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a common cutaneous neoplasm which often resembles typical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in both its clinical and historical presentation. Several studies have attempted to identify methods for distinguishing between KA and SCC, however, none of these have proven to play any obvious roles in these tumors. Given this we went on to evaluate mitochondrial microsatellite instability (mtMSI) in KA and SCC in an effort to understand these tumors better. Read More

Mol Ther 2021 Jun 7. Epub 2021 Jun 7.

Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry; Pathology, Medical School. Electronic address:

Radiation therapy, a mainstay of treatment for head and neck cancer, is not always curative due to the development of treatment resistance; additionally, multi-institutional trials have questioned the efficacy of concurrent radiation with cetuximab, the EGFR inhibitor. We unraveled a mechanism for radiation resistance; radiation induces EGFR, which phosphorylates TRIP13 on tyrosine 56. Phospho-TRIP13 promotes non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair to induce radiation resistance. Read More

J Pak Med Assoc 2021 Jun;71(6):1588-1591

Department of Pathology, Ziauddin University, Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan.

Objective: To analyse dose-response relationship between the common risk factor of tobacco consumption and oral lesions like squamous cell carcinoma and pre-cancerous lesions.

Methods: The cross-sectional case-control study was conducted at Ziauddin University, Karachi from 2011 to 2016, and comprised histologically-confirmed cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma in group A, clinically-diagnosed oral pre-cancerous lesions in group B, and habit-matched controls in group C. The subjects were enrolled from 2011 to 2016. Read More

Esophagus 2021 Jun 10. Epub 2021 Jun 10.

Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.

Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is occasionally observed with synchronous multiple tumor lesions. Our study is aiming to define the clinical and prognostic features of this pathological subtype.

Methods: This study included a large cohort of 1126 ESCC patients received esophagectomy with systemic lymph-node dissection between 2003 and 2013 in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. Read More

Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021 Jun 9:e29140. Epub 2021 Jun 9.

French Reference Center for Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, Trousseau Hospital, Paris, France.

Background: The somatic BRAF mutation occurs in 38-64% of pediatric cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Vemurafenib (VMF), a BRAF inhibitor, was approved for refractory BRAF mutated LCH. In adults, VMF causes frequent cutaneous adverse events (CAE) including skin tumors (squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas), but little is known in children. Read More

Mod Pathol 2021 Jun 9. Epub 2021 Jun 9.

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

A novel DEK-AFF2 fusion has been recently identified in four cases of basaloid to nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the sinonasal tract and middle ear with high-grade morphology. The exceptional response to immune checkpoint inhibitor in the first reported case highlights the potential clinical importance of identifying tumors with DEK-AFF2 fusions. We herein reported the first series of seven cases of DEK-AFF2 fusion-associated sinonasal SCC with deceptively bland morphology, including four cases of low-grade papillary Schneiderian carcinoma, which is a recently described tumor type with unknown molecular underpinnings. Read More

Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi 2021 ;118(6):571-577

Department of Pathology, National Hospital Organization Kyushu Cancer Center.

A 76-year-old woman with a history of radiation therapy for vaginal cancer was referred to our hospital because of fever and hepatobiliary dysfunction. Computed tomography showed stenosis of the lower bile duct and edema-like changes in the duodenum from the descending to transverse parts. Endoscopic biliary stenting was performed according to the rendezvous method. Read More