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Biomarkers aid cost-benefit analysis of head and neck cancer immunotherapy

A new study examines the KEYNOTE-689 trial cohort to determine whether anticipated survival benefits outweigh the costs based on a standard threshold. Patients with higher combined positive scores saw significant quality-adjusted life years gains with perioperative pembrolizumab.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

Latin American research indicates a lower prevalence of a type of head and neck cancer

A recent study analyzing over 1,400 cases of squamous cell carcinoma found that more aggressive histopathological variants occur at a rate of 4.6%, significantly lower than previous estimates. The researchers highlight the importance of considering regional differences in tumor origin and behavior to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAnnals of Diagnostic Pathology·DateDec 18, 2025

How to reduce the risk of lymphedema

Researchers found that patients with low physical activity levels are at higher risk of developing lymphedema. The study used a lymph scanner to measure tissue water and identified limits for what is considered lymphedema. Regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalOral Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025

Relationship between mutation profile detected by next-generation sequencing and histopathological parameters in lung squamous cell carcinoma

The study evaluated the mutation profiles of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) detected by next-generation sequencing to assess relationships with clinicopathological parameters. Detection of mutations revealed associations between certain genes, such as PIK3CA and NF1, with specific histopathological features.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateMay 26, 2025

Chemo-immunotherapy approach shows potential benefit in patients with advanced HPV-negative head and neck cancer

A Phase 2 clinical trial found that a neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy regimen achieved a 53% deep response rate, exceeding historical data with chemotherapy alone. The treatment approach led to impressive survival outcomes and fewer toxic side effects in patients with advanced HPV-negative head and neck cancer.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2025

ASTRO issues its first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for anal cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published its first clinical guideline on radiation therapy for anal cancer, providing guidance on treatment options and techniques. The guideline recommends a combination of radiation therapy and drug therapy as the standard of care, with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IM...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateFeb 27, 2025

Innovative CT scan technique could improve prognosis and treatments for head and neck cancers, new research suggests

Researchers analyzed pre-treatment CT scans of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to identify radiomic biomarkers that can predict the aggressiveness of the disease and its response to treatment. These biomarkers may lead to more targeted therapies and improved survival outcomes for patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2025

Cancer-preventing topical immunotherapy trains the immune system to fight precancers

A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers reveals that a novel immunotherapy can eliminate precancerous spots and prevent skin cancer through the activation of specific immune cells. The therapy successfully cleared over 95% of facial lesions and showed long-term efficacy, with benefits lasting up to five years after treatment.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 2, 2025

New imaging technique to improve head and neck cancer surgery

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance visibility of tumors and nerves during head and neck cancer surgery. The technique uses two near-infrared fluorophores, one for tumors and another for facial nerves, allowing for clear differentiation between cancerous tissues and nerves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 7, 2024

Singapore scientists to use exosomes secreted by living cells to successfully target TKI-resistant cancer

Researchers from National Cancer Centre Singapore have successfully used exosomes to target squamous cell cancer tumours resistant to EGFR-TKIs. The study found that exosomes carrying a specific protein can increase sensitivity to TKIs in both lab and mouse models, providing new therapeutic solutions for patients with poor prognosis.

SourceSingHealth·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2024

HPV’s hidden hand: New study by Pusan National University scientists reveals key details in head and neck cancer microenvironment

A recent study by Pusan National University scientists discovered the crucial role of PKM gene and EPHA2 pathway in HNSCC development. The research highlights the importance of HPV infection status in shaping the tumor microenvironment, enabling precision medicine for targeted treatment.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Moffitt study finds neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves outcomes for penile squamous cell carcinoma patients

A large retrospective cohort analysis found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved overall and progression-free survival for locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma patients. The study also showed that platinum-based chemotherapy was well-tolerated, with low treatment-related mortality.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 16, 2024

New drug developed for melanoma and lung cancer shows potential in treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma – the most common metastatic skin cancer

A new study at the University of Turku discovered that plixorafenib inhibits multiple signaling pathways in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, showing promise for treatment. The drug was originally developed for melanoma and lung cancer, but its effectiveness against cSCC is significant.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalOncogene·DateNov 22, 2023

Novel drug, NFX-179, inhibits MEK activity, prevents cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma development

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute have identified a new drug, NFX-179, that can prevent the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with minimal side effects. The topical application of NFX-179 gel was shown to reduce tumor formation by up to 92% in pre-clinical models.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2023

Oncotarget | Oncogenic driver FGFR3-TACC3 requires 5 coiled-coil heptads for activation and disulfide bonds for stability

Researchers identify the minimum contribution of TACC3 for FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein activation, revealing a novel target for treating FGFR translocation-driven cancers. The study shows that clinically identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusion proteins differ in biological activity depending on specific breakpoints.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

NRG Oncology trial NRG-HN004 shows addition of durvalumab to radiation does not improve outcomes over cetuximab for head & neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with a contraindication to cisplatin, highlights need for further research

The NRG-HN004 trial found that radiotherapy with durvalumab did not improve progression-free survival or overall survival compared to cetuximab in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have a contraindication to cisplatin. The study highlighted the need for further research in this population.

Immunotherapy before surgery induces complete response in more than half of patients with common skin cancer in international study

In an international clinical trial, 63.3% of patients with stage II-IV cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma saw their tumors nearly or completely disappear when treated with immunotherapy before surgery. The anti-PD1 therapy cemiplimab was well-tolerated and met its primary endpoint with a pathologic complete response rate of 50.6%.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 12, 2022

Preliminary study shows minimally invasive diagnostic biomarker strategy successful in detecting early esophageal cancer

A minimally invasive device combined with molecular biomarkers has shown a 90% success rate in detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer. Early detection is crucial to improve survival rates, as symptoms often become apparent too late for effective treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGastroenterology·DateMay 18, 2022

Patients with rare skin cancer face 40% recurrence rate

Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma face a high risk of recurrence, with 95% of cases occurring within the first three years. The study found that advanced age, male sex, immunosuppression, and known primary lesions are associated with higher recurrence rates, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance efforts.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

How oral cancer acquires radioresistance

A recent study has identified a new mechanism by which oral cancer cells acquire radioresistance through the transfer of microRNA, specifically miR-503-3p. This discovery brings hope for the development of new treatments for radiation-resistant oral cancer.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021