{"title":"The use of international radiotherapy consensus guidelines for primary clinical target volume delineation for oropharyngeal carcinoma: case series with recurrence pattern analysis","authors":"Alina Kiewell , Lily Bevan , Chinyereugo Umemneku-Chikere , Robin.J.D. Prestwich , Zsuzsanna Iyizoba Ebozue","doi":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100765","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>International consensus guidelines for head and neck cancer primary clinical target volume (CTV) delineation based upon a geometric ‘5 + 5’ expansion and anatomical editing were published in 2018. Analysis of recurrence patterns in relation to target volumes is required to validate this approach.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma treated between 2019–22 with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy using the guideline approach to primary CTV delineation were identified. Patterns of locoregional recurrence were analysed using combined spatial and dosimetric analysis. Central, high dose recurrences were defined by mapped a centroid of the volume of recurrence (Vrec) to within the high dose planning target volume (PTV) and >95 % of Vrec receiving >95 % of prescribed dose to high dose PTV.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>133 patients were treated using the consensus outlining guidelines. Median follow up was 3.9 years. 78.9 % had p16 positive disease. 3-year local and regional control rates were 96 % and 94.7 %. Locoregional recurrence occurred in 6/133 (4.5 %) of patients including 3 patients with primary site recurrences. All primary site recurrences were classified as central high dose recurrences.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>All primary tumour site recurrences were within the high dose volume with no evidence of marginal or out-of-field recurrences. There results provide evidence for the safety of the consensus outlining approach for primary tumour CTVs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94378,"journal":{"name":"Oral Oncology Reports","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100765"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145121083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Durable partial response of pulmonary metastases from primary sublingual gland squamous cell carcinoma after pembrolizumab failure: Salvage therapy with paclitaxel plus cetuximab","authors":"Kumiko Kamada , Atsushi Uesugi , Yasusei Kudo , Takaaki Tsunematsu , Yoshiaki Kitamura , Naito Kurio","doi":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100768","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100768","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the sublingual gland is an extremely rare salivary gland malignancy with limited treatment options, particularly once distant metastases develop. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as pembrolizumab have demonstrated efficacy in PD-L1–positive tumors; however, progression after ICI therapy remains a major clinical challenge.</div></div><div><h3>Case presentation</h3><div>An 82-year-old man underwent surgical resection of a primary SCC of the sublingual gland in February 2021. Surgical margins were negative, and no recurrence has been observed at the primary or cervical sites up to the present time in 2025. In August 2021, multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules were detected and diagnosed as pulmonary metastases. Pembrolizumab was initiated in January 2022 and administered for 10 cycles, but CT imaging revealed progressive disease with >20 % tumor growth and new lesions. Consequently, paclitaxel plus cetuximab therapy was started in September 2022 and continued until November 2022, when grade 1 interstitial pneumonitis led to discontinuation. CT imaging in October and December 2022 showed marked regression, resulting in a partial response (PR) by RECIST criteria. The PR has been maintained without new lesions or progression through June 2025.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This case highlights the potential efficacy of paclitaxel plus cetuximab as salvage therapy after ICI failure in pulmonary metastases of PD-L1–high primary SCC of the sublingual gland, even in elderly patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94378,"journal":{"name":"Oral Oncology Reports","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100768"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral Oncology ReportsPub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1016/j.oor.2025.100770
Erik Dargel , Paul Meissner , Anne-Sophie Becker , Daniel Fabian Strüder , Björn Schneider , Annette Zimpfer , Sonja Oehmcke-Hecht , Israel Barrantes , Claudia Maletzki
{"title":"The tumor microbiome in head and neck cancer: Insights into the complexity, distribution, and differential regulation of metabolic pathways between HPV-positive and HPV-negative subtypes","authors":"Erik Dargel , Paul Meissner , Anne-Sophie Becker , Daniel Fabian Strüder , Björn Schneider , Annette Zimpfer , Sonja Oehmcke-Hecht , Israel Barrantes , Claudia Maletzki","doi":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100770","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100770","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Recent studies have underscored the influence of intratumoral microbiota on cancer biology, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the relationship between microbial distribution, survival outcomes, and tumor metabolism remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the presence, diversity, and clinical relevance of intratumoral microbiota in HNSCC using immunohistochemistry and 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing.</div><div>Analyzing a tissue microarray of over 150 HNSCC samples, we detected both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial components, with Gram-negative bacteria being more prevalent (44.1 % vs. 18.9 %). Substantial heterogeneity was observed both within tumors and between individuals. Microbial 16S rRNA was identified in 37.4 % of primary HNSCC samples (37/99), with microbial load varying considerably across cases. <em>Firmicutes</em> was the most dominant phylum, followed by <em>Bacteroidota</em> and <em>Proteobacteria</em>. Microbial composition was significantly associated with HPV status, gender, age, and alcohol consumption.</div><div>Importantly, we identified distinct metabolic pathways enriched in HPV+ and HPV− tumors. The methylaspartate cycle was upregulated in HPV + cases, while L-glutamate degradation VIII was predominant in HPV− tumors. Despite these differences, the presence of intratumoral microbiota was not significantly associated with patient survival.</div><div>In conclusion, our findings confirm the presence of diverse bacterial communities within HNSCC tumors, shaped by clinical and demographic variables. While microbiota did not correlate with survival outcomes, their influence on tumor metabolism and microenvironment warrants further investigation. These insights lay the groundwork for exploring microbiome-targeted strategies as adjuncts to conventional cancer therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94378,"journal":{"name":"Oral Oncology Reports","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100770"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145571382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral Oncology ReportsPub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.oor.2025.100767
Ravi Bhushan , Sakshi Rai , Preeti Jangra , Palak Sonker , Nitesh Singh , Raj Lakshami , Reya Rene Philip , Saloni Gakhar , Tikam Chand Dakal
{"title":"The role of artificial intelligence in predicting cancer immunotherapy response","authors":"Ravi Bhushan , Sakshi Rai , Preeti Jangra , Palak Sonker , Nitesh Singh , Raj Lakshami , Reya Rene Philip , Saloni Gakhar , Tikam Chand Dakal","doi":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100767","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100767","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking approach in oncology, leveraging the immune system's ability to target and eliminate tumor cells. Despite its success, the variability in patient responses to immunotherapy poses a significant challenge, necessitating the development of robust predictive tools. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques, offers promising solutions by enabling the analysis of complex and multidimensional data to predict treatment outcomes with greater accuracy. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the current advancements in AI-driven models for predicting cancer immunotherapy responses. We discuss the integration of multiomics data, including genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic information, into AI models to enhance predictive accuracy. Furthermore, we explore the discovery of novel biomarkers through AI methodologies that hold the potential to refine patient stratification and treatment personalization. Despite the promising advancements, several challenges persist, including data quality, model interpretability, and ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges is critical for the successful clinical integration of AI tools in oncology. This review also highlights future directions, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of explainable AI models to ensure their utility in clinical decision-making. In conclusion, AI has the potential to revolutionize the prediction of cancer immunotherapy responses, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies. Continued research and innovation in this field are essential to fully realize the benefits of AI in enhancing patient outcomes and advancing precision oncology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94378,"journal":{"name":"Oral Oncology Reports","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100767"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321870","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral Oncology ReportsPub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.oor.2025.100761
Darren P. Reynolds , Samantha J. Tordesillas , Ashlie Denison , Abigail Legg
{"title":"Implementing an embedded psychology service within a multi-disciplinary community head and neck cancer team: preliminary service evaluation and clinical audit of referrals from the first two years","authors":"Darren P. Reynolds , Samantha J. Tordesillas , Ashlie Denison , Abigail Legg","doi":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100761","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100761","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The Community Head and Neck Team (CHANT) is an award winning multi-disciplinary team provided by Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, supporting patients across South East London post-treatment for head and neck cancer. In 2022, CHANT was expanded to include a dedicated psychology service. This study aimed to audit all psychology referrals to date, evaluate patient reported outcome measures, and explore patient feedback to inform future service development.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective audit of head and neck cancer patients who were referred to the CHANT Psychology Service between September 2022 and February 2025 was conducted. Routine clinical outcomes were analysed at assessment and at discharge from the service, and additional qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted using patient feedback forms from those who completed therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 247 referrals were received (56.7 % male; mean age = 59.1 years). Primary reasons for referral included adjustment difficulties (44.1 %), low mood (28.7 %), and anxiety regarding health (18.6 %) amongst others. Statistically significant reductions in symptoms of low mood and anxiety, improved HRQoL, and reduced psychological inflexibility were observed. Patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive indicating psychological support was valued and beneficial.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>To our knowledge, the CHANT Psychology Service is the only dedicated community-based head and neck cancer psychology service in the UK. Audit and evaluation findings highlight the need for such a service and suggest it is both effective and acceptable in terms of its current service delivery. Ongoing data collection will support further evaluation and guide future development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94378,"journal":{"name":"Oral Oncology Reports","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100761"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144771563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oral Oncology ReportsPub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-06DOI: 10.1016/j.oor.2025.100764
Jessica Sonal Monteiro , Sowmya M. Kumar , Yash P. Merchant , Anand Ramanathan , José Alcides Almeida de Arruda , Eleni Georgakopoulou , Charles E. Anyanechi , Darshana Devadiga , Nitya Krishnasamy , Sameep Shetty
{"title":"Red flags of oral cancer: Unravelling the early symptoms – A literature review","authors":"Jessica Sonal Monteiro , Sowmya M. Kumar , Yash P. Merchant , Anand Ramanathan , José Alcides Almeida de Arruda , Eleni Georgakopoulou , Charles E. Anyanechi , Darshana Devadiga , Nitya Krishnasamy , Sameep Shetty","doi":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100764","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.oor.2025.100764","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a complex and insidious disease, often presenting with subtle symptoms that can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages. The oral cavity, comprising various heterogeneous subsites, poses a unique challenge in identifying malignant transformations due to its complex anatomy and the potential for asymptomatic presentations. The difficulty in distinguishing oral potentially malignant disorders or malignant lesions from benign ones through visual inspection alone highlights the need for heightened clinical vigilance. Despite the advances in medical knowledge and technology, oral cancer continues to have a poor prognosis when diagnosed at an advanced stage. This is partly due to the delayed recognition of early warning signs or “red flags,” which include persistent lesions, non-healing ulcers, unexplained lumps and other harbingers of disease. A comprehensive search of the existing literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, focusing on studies and reviews related to the early detection and diagnosis of OSCC. The literature reveals a consistent theme: the early detection of OSCC depends on the clinician's meticulous attention to subtle lesions, increased patient awareness, and the screening of individuals at high risk. This review aims to elucidate the early symptoms of oral cancer, highlighting the critical red flags that should prompt immediate diagnostic workup. By improving the recognition of these early signs, we can potentially reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with oral cancer, ensuring better outcomes for patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94378,"journal":{"name":"Oral Oncology Reports","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100764"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144852939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}