Pei-jen Lou | National Taiwan University (original) (raw)

Papers by Pei-jen Lou

Oral oncology, 2015

The treatment strategies for advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), especially with necrot... more The treatment strategies for advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), especially with necrotic changes, are not effective. The programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune escape may be one of the underlying sources of resistance. Furthermore, anti-PD-L1 directed immunotherapy may be another choice for adjuvant therapy. Therefore, the expression of PD-L1 in advanced OSCC with necrotic changes is very important. A total of 218 eligible patients with advanced stage (stage III/IV) OSCC and neck metastasis were enrolled. The presence of necrosis was reviewed by pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging. Paired paraffin-embedded primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes (LN) sections were stained with antibodies against hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and PD-L1. Moderate-to strong HIF-1α nuclear staining in >10% and cell surface PD-L1 expression in >5% of OSCC cells were recorded as a positive result. For advanced OSCC with necrotic changes, there was substantial agreement in pr...

Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, Jan 6, 2015

Genetic loci within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been associated with nasophar... more Genetic loci within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated cancer, in several GWAS. Results outside this region have varied. We conducted a meta-analysis of four NPC GWAS among Chinese individuals (2,152 cases;3,740 controls). 43 noteworthy findings outside the MHC region were identified and targeted for replication in a pooled analysis of 4 independent case-control studies across 3 regions in Asia (4,716 cases;5,379 controls). A meta-analysis that combined results from the initial GWA and replication studies was performed. In the combined meta-analysis, rs31489, located within the CLPTM1L/TERT region on chromosome 5p15.33, was strongly associated with NPC (OR=0.81;p-value 6.3*10-13). Our results also provide support for associations reported from published NPC GWAS - rs6774494 (p = 1.5*10-12;located in the MECOM gene region), rs9510787 (p = 5.0*10-10;located in the TNFRSF19 gene reg...

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

The incidence of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is exceedingly rare. To our knowledge, only 1 case ... more The incidence of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is exceedingly rare. To our knowledge, only 1 case has been reported previously. This article presents 4 cases of actinomycosis involving the nasopharynx that imitated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Acidic gas exposure and farming of aquatic products are possibly involved in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis. Patients in the case studies completely recovered after 4 weeks of oral antibiotic treatment. We recommend including actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal neoplasms.

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

ABSTRACT

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

This article reports on 21 long-term (10 years) survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, divided in... more This article reports on 21 long-term (10 years) survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, divided into 2 groups: those subjected to an inflation-deflation test and a clearance function test in a longitudinal study, and those receiving sonotubometry in a cross-sectional study. On the inflation-deflation test, 12 (55%) out of 22 ears had a patulous eustachian tube, and on sonotubometry, 10 (50%) out of 20 ears also revealed a patulous eustachian tube. Except for 4 ears with chronic otitis media, the ears had resolved to a normal eardrum appearance at 10 years postirradiation. The phenomenon might be attributed to both restoration of the impaired tubal function and the development of a patulous tube.

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon neoplasms. Multiple schwannomas of the facial nerve in the ... more Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon neoplasms. Multiple schwannomas of the facial nerve in the parotid region are rare. Research regarding the pathogenesis of multiple facial nerve schwannomas is incomplete. Both the neoplastic bridging of tumor cells and tumor multicentricity have been hypothesized. We present a case of multiple intraparotid facial nerve schwannomas. In this case, the histologic features of the tumors support the multicentric hypothesis.

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are a new class of highly branched spherical polymers and have ... more Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are a new class of highly branched spherical polymers and have emerged as a novel synthetic drug and gene carrier. The aim of this study is to elucidate the intracellular trafficking of generation 4 (G4) PAMAM dendrimers. We conjugated G4 PAMAM to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and implemented organelle-selective dyes for double-labeling confocal microscopy studies. The results revealed that the dendrimers were endocytosed into the endo-lysosomal compartments. Certain amounts of the dendrimers shuttled between lysosomes and mitochondria at later time points. Small amounts of dendrimers were localized in the Golgi apparatus. There was no endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or nuclear localization of the dendrimers. These results not only provide us invaluable information in dendrimer biology but also have great impact to the future development of more precise dendrimer-drug or -gene delivery systems.

Technology in cancer research & treatment

Head-and-neck cancers not only carry poor prognoses, but also reduced quality of life for the pat... more Head-and-neck cancers not only carry poor prognoses, but also reduced quality of life for the patients. Disease control is often achieved at the expense of substantial functional loss and disfigurement. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is particularly well suited to the treatment of head-and-neck-tumors because it has little effect on underlying functional structures and has an excellent cosmetic outcome. Studies in the past decades have shown that PDT is of similar efficacy as traditional measures in the treatment of early-stage head-and-neck cancers with an overall response rate of 85%-100% with up to 75% of the complete responses sustained at 2 years after PDT. For advanced head-and-neck cancers, studies were also conducted to evaluate the palliative effects of PDT. Overall, 58%-70% palliative benefit can be observed in these patients. Using interstitial PDT, median survival of the patients with recurrent unresectable head-and-neck cancers can be improved to 14 months (cf. 226 days by using surface illumination PDT). PDT is thus a therapeutic option that may prove a useful addition to the armamentarium of the integrated head and neck oncology team.

Nucleic acids research, Jan 19, 2015

G-quadruplex (G4) is a promising target for anti-cancer treatment. In this paper, we provide the ... more G-quadruplex (G4) is a promising target for anti-cancer treatment. In this paper, we provide the first evidence supporting the presence of G4 in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of live cells. The molecular engineering of a fluorescent G4 ligand, 3,6-bis(1-methyl-4-vinylpyridinium) carbazole diiodide (BMVC), can change its major cellular localization from the nucleus to the mitochondria in cancer cells, while remaining primarily in the cytoplasm of normal cells. A number of BMVC derivatives with sufficient mitochondrial uptake can induce cancer cell death without damaging normal cells. Fluorescence studies of these anti-cancer agents in live cells and in isolated mitochondria from HeLa cells have demonstrated that their major target is mtDNA. In this study, we use fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to verify the existence of mtDNA G4s in live cells. Bioactivity studies indicate that interactions between these anti-cancer agents and mtDNA G4 can suppress mitochondrial gene express...

To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurren... more To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the primary site after a full course of radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive patients treated by surgical resection of the recurrent tumors, with a mean follow-up of 43.1 months (range, 19-96 months). Academic tertiary referral center. The overall survival and locoregional relapse-free survival were 56% and 60% at 2 years, respectively, and 30% and 40% at 5 years. Twenty-nine (81%) of 36 patients died with uncontrolled local disease. The T stage of the recurrent tumors appeared to be an important prognostic factor. Age, sex, pathologic findings, and disease-free interval (time between previous radiotherapy and local recurrence) were not significant prognosis-affecting factors by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with recurrent tumors of undifferentiated carcinoma, sarcoma, or small cell carcinoma had unfavorable prognoses. Uncontrolled local disease and the emergence of distant metastasis predicted grave results as well. Postoperative irradiation showed some benefit to patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. The T stage of the recurrence was the prominent prognosis-affecting factor in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received salvage surgery. Patients with local recurrence should be carefully selected for the salvage surgery. We recommend this surgery for patients with rT1, rT2, or limited rT3 lesions. The results of surgical resection in terms of local control and overall survival were slightly better than those of high-dose reirradiation, with fewer late complications.

Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurren... more To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the primary site after a full course of radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive patients treated by surgical resection of the recurrent tumors, with a mean follow-up of 43.1 months (range, 19-96 months). Academic tertiary referral center. The overall survival and locoregional relapse-free survival were 56% and 60% at 2 years, respectively, and 30% and 40% at 5 years. Twenty-nine (81%) of 36 patients died with uncontrolled local disease. The T stage of the recurrent tumors appeared to be an important prognostic factor. Age, sex, pathologic findings, and disease-free interval (time between previous radiotherapy and local recurrence) were not significant prognosis-affecting factors by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with recurrent tumors of undifferentiated carcinoma, sarcoma, or small cell carcinoma had unfavorable ...

Journal of Clinical Oncology

Survival in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is compromised by distant metastasis. Because... more Survival in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is compromised by distant metastasis. Because mitomycin is active against hypoxic and G0 cells, which may help to eradicate micrometastasis, we investigated the effect of mitomycin-containing cisplatin-based induction chemotherapy. Recruited for this study were American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 1992 staging system stage IV NPC patients with the following adverse features: obvious intracranial invasion, supraclavicular or bilateral neck lymph node metastasis, large neck node (> 6 cm), or elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. Patients were given three cycles of chemotherapy before radiotherapy. The chemotherapy comprised a 3-week cycle of mitomycin, epirubicin, and cisplatin on day 1 and fluorouracil and leucovorin on day 8 (MEPFL). From January 1994 to December 1997, 111 patients were recruited. The median follow-up period was 43 months. The actuarial 5-year overall survival rate was 70% (95% confidence interv...

The Second Asian and Pacific Rim Symposium on Biophotonics, 2004. APBP 2004., 2004

Studies in the past have confirmed the safety and eficacy ofphotodynamic therapy (PDT) in the tre... more Studies in the past have confirmed the safety and eficacy ofphotodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of various human cancers. Because of the concern for cosmetic and functional preservation, PDT seems to be particularly suited for head and neck tumor treatment. Results from previous studies are promising. Good cosmetic and functional outcomes can be achieved without compromising the patients'survival. PDT is a therapeutic option that may prove a useful addition to the armamentarium ofthe integrated head and neck oncology team.

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2015

Routine or incremental work, however competently researched and reported, should not be recommend... more Routine or incremental work, however competently researched and reported, should not be recommended for publication if it does not meet our expectations with regard to novelty and impact.

Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery, 2001

To assess the utility of a previously proposed staging system for patients with primary squamous ... more To assess the utility of a previously proposed staging system for patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. Retrospective chart review of 15 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone over a 13-year period at an academic tertiary referral center. A review of the medical and surgical records, radiographic studies, and surgical pathology reports allowed for an evaluation of the University of Pittsburgh staging system. Outcome analysis was performed on 13 patients with more than 24 months of follow-up. Radiographic and surgical pathology staging according to the University of Pittsburgh staging system correlated in 11 (73%) of 15 cases. The radiographic staging system was more accurate for larger (T3/T4) tumors than for smaller (T1/T2) tumors (83% vs 67%). When compared with patients with no evidence of disease, nonsurvivors were more likely to present with otalgia (67% vs 43%), facial nerve paralysis (33% vs 0%), and T3/T4 tumors (100% ...

Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery, 2001

To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurren... more To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the primary site after a full course of radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive patients treated by surgical resection of the recurrent tumors, with a mean follow-up of 43.1 months (range, 19-96 months). Academic tertiary referral center. The overall survival and locoregional relapse-free survival were 56% and 60% at 2 years, respectively, and 30% and 40% at 5 years. Twenty-nine (81%) of 36 patients died with uncontrolled local disease. The T stage of the recurrent tumors appeared to be an important prognostic factor. Age, sex, pathologic findings, and disease-free interval (time between previous radiotherapy and local recurrence) were not significant prognosis-affecting factors by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with recurrent tumors of undifferentiated carcinoma, sarcoma, or small cell carcinoma had unfavorable ...

Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy, 2002

Journal of cellular biochemistry, Jan 14, 2000

Taxol affects microtubule dynamics by promoting microtubule assembly. To obtain a better insight ... more Taxol affects microtubule dynamics by promoting microtubule assembly. To obtain a better insight into possible cross-talk between the microtubule- and actin-based cytoskeletons, we studied the short-term effects of Taxol treatment on the expression of actin and the E-cadherin/catenin complex in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line TW-039 using immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting methods. Morphologic changes in actin filaments, including ventral actin clumps and perijunctional actin blebs, were seen at Taxol concentrations > or =1 microM. Levels of detergent-soluble E-cadherin fell to 53% or 58% compared to controls in cells treated, respectively, with 1 or 5 microM Taxol, while levels of detergent-soluble beta-catenin fell to 76% or 74%. Levels of the detergent-soluble pool of alpha- and gamma-catenin and the detergent-insoluble pool of the E-cadherin/catenin complex were unchanged by Taxol treatment and no significant difference was seen in the levels o...

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology, 2000

We investigated the laryngotracheal mucociliary transport pathway of guinea pigs in vivo and imme... more We investigated the laryngotracheal mucociliary transport pathway of guinea pigs in vivo and immediately postmortem. Only intraperitoneal anesthesia was used during the procedure to avoid the disturbance of mucociliary function. Resin particles were used as the marking substance. A microcolpohysteroscope was placed at different levels in the laryngotracheal region for observing the marking particles and recording the transport pattern. The tracheal mucociliary transport flow primarily moved along the posterior wall and both lateral walls in a zigzag trace. Upon reaching the subglottis, the resin particles stayed underneath the vocal cords, and a whirlpool phenomenon developed. The majority of the particles were shifted and directed onto the posterior glottic area. With a short delay, some resin particles crossed over the free edge of the vocal cords and turned posteriorly along the medial upper cordal margin. No mucociliary transport could be observed on the entire upper surface of ...

Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, 2014

Giant cell tumour (GCT) in the parotid region is a rare lesion whose origin can be divided into t... more Giant cell tumour (GCT) in the parotid region is a rare lesion whose origin can be divided into three compartments: giant cell tumour of the salivary gland (GCT-SG), giant cell tumour of the bone (GCT-bone) and giant cell tumour of the soft tissue (GCT-ST). A low risk of malignancy has been observed, in which all of them were GCT-SG. We present a case of GCT in the parotid region and review the features of GCT in origin, immunohistochemical characteristics, treatment of choice and disease outcome.

Oral oncology, 2015

The treatment strategies for advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), especially with necrot... more The treatment strategies for advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), especially with necrotic changes, are not effective. The programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune escape may be one of the underlying sources of resistance. Furthermore, anti-PD-L1 directed immunotherapy may be another choice for adjuvant therapy. Therefore, the expression of PD-L1 in advanced OSCC with necrotic changes is very important. A total of 218 eligible patients with advanced stage (stage III/IV) OSCC and neck metastasis were enrolled. The presence of necrosis was reviewed by pretreatment magnetic resonance imaging. Paired paraffin-embedded primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes (LN) sections were stained with antibodies against hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and PD-L1. Moderate-to strong HIF-1α nuclear staining in >10% and cell surface PD-L1 expression in >5% of OSCC cells were recorded as a positive result. For advanced OSCC with necrotic changes, there was substantial agreement in pr...

Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology, Jan 6, 2015

Genetic loci within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been associated with nasophar... more Genetic loci within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) have been associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated cancer, in several GWAS. Results outside this region have varied. We conducted a meta-analysis of four NPC GWAS among Chinese individuals (2,152 cases;3,740 controls). 43 noteworthy findings outside the MHC region were identified and targeted for replication in a pooled analysis of 4 independent case-control studies across 3 regions in Asia (4,716 cases;5,379 controls). A meta-analysis that combined results from the initial GWA and replication studies was performed. In the combined meta-analysis, rs31489, located within the CLPTM1L/TERT region on chromosome 5p15.33, was strongly associated with NPC (OR=0.81;p-value 6.3*10-13). Our results also provide support for associations reported from published NPC GWAS - rs6774494 (p = 1.5*10-12;located in the MECOM gene region), rs9510787 (p = 5.0*10-10;located in the TNFRSF19 gene reg...

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

The incidence of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is exceedingly rare. To our knowledge, only 1 case ... more The incidence of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis is exceedingly rare. To our knowledge, only 1 case has been reported previously. This article presents 4 cases of actinomycosis involving the nasopharynx that imitated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Acidic gas exposure and farming of aquatic products are possibly involved in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal actinomycosis. Patients in the case studies completely recovered after 4 weeks of oral antibiotic treatment. We recommend including actinomycosis in the differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal neoplasms.

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

ABSTRACT

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

This article reports on 21 long-term (10 years) survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, divided in... more This article reports on 21 long-term (10 years) survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, divided into 2 groups: those subjected to an inflation-deflation test and a clearance function test in a longitudinal study, and those receiving sonotubometry in a cross-sectional study. On the inflation-deflation test, 12 (55%) out of 22 ears had a patulous eustachian tube, and on sonotubometry, 10 (50%) out of 20 ears also revealed a patulous eustachian tube. Except for 4 ears with chronic otitis media, the ears had resolved to a normal eardrum appearance at 10 years postirradiation. The phenomenon might be attributed to both restoration of the impaired tubal function and the development of a patulous tube.

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology

Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon neoplasms. Multiple schwannomas of the facial nerve in the ... more Facial nerve schwannomas are uncommon neoplasms. Multiple schwannomas of the facial nerve in the parotid region are rare. Research regarding the pathogenesis of multiple facial nerve schwannomas is incomplete. Both the neoplastic bridging of tumor cells and tumor multicentricity have been hypothesized. We present a case of multiple intraparotid facial nerve schwannomas. In this case, the histologic features of the tumors support the multicentric hypothesis.

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are a new class of highly branched spherical polymers and have ... more Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are a new class of highly branched spherical polymers and have emerged as a novel synthetic drug and gene carrier. The aim of this study is to elucidate the intracellular trafficking of generation 4 (G4) PAMAM dendrimers. We conjugated G4 PAMAM to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and implemented organelle-selective dyes for double-labeling confocal microscopy studies. The results revealed that the dendrimers were endocytosed into the endo-lysosomal compartments. Certain amounts of the dendrimers shuttled between lysosomes and mitochondria at later time points. Small amounts of dendrimers were localized in the Golgi apparatus. There was no endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or nuclear localization of the dendrimers. These results not only provide us invaluable information in dendrimer biology but also have great impact to the future development of more precise dendrimer-drug or -gene delivery systems.

Technology in cancer research & treatment

Head-and-neck cancers not only carry poor prognoses, but also reduced quality of life for the pat... more Head-and-neck cancers not only carry poor prognoses, but also reduced quality of life for the patients. Disease control is often achieved at the expense of substantial functional loss and disfigurement. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is particularly well suited to the treatment of head-and-neck-tumors because it has little effect on underlying functional structures and has an excellent cosmetic outcome. Studies in the past decades have shown that PDT is of similar efficacy as traditional measures in the treatment of early-stage head-and-neck cancers with an overall response rate of 85%-100% with up to 75% of the complete responses sustained at 2 years after PDT. For advanced head-and-neck cancers, studies were also conducted to evaluate the palliative effects of PDT. Overall, 58%-70% palliative benefit can be observed in these patients. Using interstitial PDT, median survival of the patients with recurrent unresectable head-and-neck cancers can be improved to 14 months (cf. 226 days by using surface illumination PDT). PDT is thus a therapeutic option that may prove a useful addition to the armamentarium of the integrated head and neck oncology team.

Nucleic acids research, Jan 19, 2015

G-quadruplex (G4) is a promising target for anti-cancer treatment. In this paper, we provide the ... more G-quadruplex (G4) is a promising target for anti-cancer treatment. In this paper, we provide the first evidence supporting the presence of G4 in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of live cells. The molecular engineering of a fluorescent G4 ligand, 3,6-bis(1-methyl-4-vinylpyridinium) carbazole diiodide (BMVC), can change its major cellular localization from the nucleus to the mitochondria in cancer cells, while remaining primarily in the cytoplasm of normal cells. A number of BMVC derivatives with sufficient mitochondrial uptake can induce cancer cell death without damaging normal cells. Fluorescence studies of these anti-cancer agents in live cells and in isolated mitochondria from HeLa cells have demonstrated that their major target is mtDNA. In this study, we use fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to verify the existence of mtDNA G4s in live cells. Bioactivity studies indicate that interactions between these anti-cancer agents and mtDNA G4 can suppress mitochondrial gene express...

To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurren... more To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the primary site after a full course of radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive patients treated by surgical resection of the recurrent tumors, with a mean follow-up of 43.1 months (range, 19-96 months). Academic tertiary referral center. The overall survival and locoregional relapse-free survival were 56% and 60% at 2 years, respectively, and 30% and 40% at 5 years. Twenty-nine (81%) of 36 patients died with uncontrolled local disease. The T stage of the recurrent tumors appeared to be an important prognostic factor. Age, sex, pathologic findings, and disease-free interval (time between previous radiotherapy and local recurrence) were not significant prognosis-affecting factors by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with recurrent tumors of undifferentiated carcinoma, sarcoma, or small cell carcinoma had unfavorable prognoses. Uncontrolled local disease and the emergence of distant metastasis predicted grave results as well. Postoperative irradiation showed some benefit to patients, but the difference was not statistically significant. The T stage of the recurrence was the prominent prognosis-affecting factor in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received salvage surgery. Patients with local recurrence should be carefully selected for the salvage surgery. We recommend this surgery for patients with rT1, rT2, or limited rT3 lesions. The results of surgical resection in terms of local control and overall survival were slightly better than those of high-dose reirradiation, with fewer late complications.

Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurren... more To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the primary site after a full course of radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive patients treated by surgical resection of the recurrent tumors, with a mean follow-up of 43.1 months (range, 19-96 months). Academic tertiary referral center. The overall survival and locoregional relapse-free survival were 56% and 60% at 2 years, respectively, and 30% and 40% at 5 years. Twenty-nine (81%) of 36 patients died with uncontrolled local disease. The T stage of the recurrent tumors appeared to be an important prognostic factor. Age, sex, pathologic findings, and disease-free interval (time between previous radiotherapy and local recurrence) were not significant prognosis-affecting factors by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with recurrent tumors of undifferentiated carcinoma, sarcoma, or small cell carcinoma had unfavorable ...

Journal of Clinical Oncology

Survival in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is compromised by distant metastasis. Because... more Survival in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is compromised by distant metastasis. Because mitomycin is active against hypoxic and G0 cells, which may help to eradicate micrometastasis, we investigated the effect of mitomycin-containing cisplatin-based induction chemotherapy. Recruited for this study were American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 1992 staging system stage IV NPC patients with the following adverse features: obvious intracranial invasion, supraclavicular or bilateral neck lymph node metastasis, large neck node (> 6 cm), or elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. Patients were given three cycles of chemotherapy before radiotherapy. The chemotherapy comprised a 3-week cycle of mitomycin, epirubicin, and cisplatin on day 1 and fluorouracil and leucovorin on day 8 (MEPFL). From January 1994 to December 1997, 111 patients were recruited. The median follow-up period was 43 months. The actuarial 5-year overall survival rate was 70% (95% confidence interv...

The Second Asian and Pacific Rim Symposium on Biophotonics, 2004. APBP 2004., 2004

Studies in the past have confirmed the safety and eficacy ofphotodynamic therapy (PDT) in the tre... more Studies in the past have confirmed the safety and eficacy ofphotodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of various human cancers. Because of the concern for cosmetic and functional preservation, PDT seems to be particularly suited for head and neck tumor treatment. Results from previous studies are promising. Good cosmetic and functional outcomes can be achieved without compromising the patients'survival. PDT is a therapeutic option that may prove a useful addition to the armamentarium ofthe integrated head and neck oncology team.

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2015

Routine or incremental work, however competently researched and reported, should not be recommend... more Routine or incremental work, however competently researched and reported, should not be recommended for publication if it does not meet our expectations with regard to novelty and impact.

Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery, 2001

To assess the utility of a previously proposed staging system for patients with primary squamous ... more To assess the utility of a previously proposed staging system for patients with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. Retrospective chart review of 15 patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone over a 13-year period at an academic tertiary referral center. A review of the medical and surgical records, radiographic studies, and surgical pathology reports allowed for an evaluation of the University of Pittsburgh staging system. Outcome analysis was performed on 13 patients with more than 24 months of follow-up. Radiographic and surgical pathology staging according to the University of Pittsburgh staging system correlated in 11 (73%) of 15 cases. The radiographic staging system was more accurate for larger (T3/T4) tumors than for smaller (T1/T2) tumors (83% vs 67%). When compared with patients with no evidence of disease, nonsurvivors were more likely to present with otalgia (67% vs 43%), facial nerve paralysis (33% vs 0%), and T3/T4 tumors (100% ...

Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery, 2001

To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurren... more To analyze the factors affecting overall survival after salvage surgery in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma at the primary site after a full course of radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of 60 consecutive patients treated by surgical resection of the recurrent tumors, with a mean follow-up of 43.1 months (range, 19-96 months). Academic tertiary referral center. The overall survival and locoregional relapse-free survival were 56% and 60% at 2 years, respectively, and 30% and 40% at 5 years. Twenty-nine (81%) of 36 patients died with uncontrolled local disease. The T stage of the recurrent tumors appeared to be an important prognostic factor. Age, sex, pathologic findings, and disease-free interval (time between previous radiotherapy and local recurrence) were not significant prognosis-affecting factors by the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with recurrent tumors of undifferentiated carcinoma, sarcoma, or small cell carcinoma had unfavorable ...

Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy, 2002

Journal of cellular biochemistry, Jan 14, 2000

Taxol affects microtubule dynamics by promoting microtubule assembly. To obtain a better insight ... more Taxol affects microtubule dynamics by promoting microtubule assembly. To obtain a better insight into possible cross-talk between the microtubule- and actin-based cytoskeletons, we studied the short-term effects of Taxol treatment on the expression of actin and the E-cadherin/catenin complex in the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line TW-039 using immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting methods. Morphologic changes in actin filaments, including ventral actin clumps and perijunctional actin blebs, were seen at Taxol concentrations > or =1 microM. Levels of detergent-soluble E-cadherin fell to 53% or 58% compared to controls in cells treated, respectively, with 1 or 5 microM Taxol, while levels of detergent-soluble beta-catenin fell to 76% or 74%. Levels of the detergent-soluble pool of alpha- and gamma-catenin and the detergent-insoluble pool of the E-cadherin/catenin complex were unchanged by Taxol treatment and no significant difference was seen in the levels o...

The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology, 2000

We investigated the laryngotracheal mucociliary transport pathway of guinea pigs in vivo and imme... more We investigated the laryngotracheal mucociliary transport pathway of guinea pigs in vivo and immediately postmortem. Only intraperitoneal anesthesia was used during the procedure to avoid the disturbance of mucociliary function. Resin particles were used as the marking substance. A microcolpohysteroscope was placed at different levels in the laryngotracheal region for observing the marking particles and recording the transport pattern. The tracheal mucociliary transport flow primarily moved along the posterior wall and both lateral walls in a zigzag trace. Upon reaching the subglottis, the resin particles stayed underneath the vocal cords, and a whirlpool phenomenon developed. The majority of the particles were shifted and directed onto the posterior glottic area. With a short delay, some resin particles crossed over the free edge of the vocal cords and turned posteriorly along the medial upper cordal margin. No mucociliary transport could be observed on the entire upper surface of ...

Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, 2014

Giant cell tumour (GCT) in the parotid region is a rare lesion whose origin can be divided into t... more Giant cell tumour (GCT) in the parotid region is a rare lesion whose origin can be divided into three compartments: giant cell tumour of the salivary gland (GCT-SG), giant cell tumour of the bone (GCT-bone) and giant cell tumour of the soft tissue (GCT-ST). A low risk of malignancy has been observed, in which all of them were GCT-SG. We present a case of GCT in the parotid region and review the features of GCT in origin, immunohistochemical characteristics, treatment of choice and disease outcome.