Jeffrey N Myers

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

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Publications (114)567.95 Total impact

  • Article: Molecular profiling of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) remains a poorly characterized malignancy at both the clinical and molecular level, and, consequently, the optimal treatment strategy remains undefined. METHODS: We used a mass spectroscopy-based approach (Sequenom) to evaluate 95 hallmark single nucleotide variations (SNVs) within 12 oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes (AKT, BRAF, CDK4, Beta-catenin, epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR], FBXW7, JAK2, c-KIT, KRAS, PDGFR, PI3K, and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) in 13 histologically confirmed SNUC cases. RESULTS: None of the samples demonstrated activating mutations in any of the 95 SNVs. CONCLUSION: Select clinically relevant activating genomic mutations were not identified in the 13 patient samples. However, polymorphisms were noted within the promoter region of VEGF. These may merit future studies as predictive biomarkers for treatment response or overall survival. Additionally, future studies focusing on larger tumor sets and utilizing whole genome or exome sequencing may help define genetic aberrations in SNUC that can be clinically targeted with available or emerging biological agents. Head Neck, 2013.
    Head & Neck 04/2013; · 2.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: Serine substitution of proline at codon 151 of TP53 confers gain of function activity leading to anoikis resistance and tumor progression of head and neck cancer cells.
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    ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Mutation of the TP53 gene occurs in more than half of cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, little is known about how specific TP53 mutations affect tumor progression. The objective of this study is to determine the gain of function of mutant p53 with a proline-to-serine substitution at codon 151. STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory-based study. METHODS: A panel of HNSCC cell lines was determined with anoikis assays, and orthotopic mouse experiments were performed. TP53 was sequenced. The shRNA knockdown and overexpression approaches were used for testing mutant p53 functions. The crystal structure of the p53 protein was analyzed using an in silico approach. RESULTS: An anoikis-resistant cell line, Tu138, was found to have a proline-to-serine substitution at codon 151 of TP53, which results in loss of wild-type p53 transcriptional activity. Moreover, the mutant p53 was shown to promote anoikis resistance and soft agar growth. Using an in silico approach based on the crystal structure of wild-type p53 protein, substitution of proline by serine at position 151 would create a cavity in a hydrophobic pocket, the loss of van der Waals contacts, and the thermodynamically unfavorable placement of a polar group, the hydroxyl oxygen atom of the serine, within a hydrophobic region, all of which likely cause a locally altered structure. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that mutation at position 151 leads to a structural alteration, which results in significant functional changes in the p53 protein that impact tumor progression. Laryngoscope, 2013.
    The Laryngoscope 04/2013; · 1.75 Impact Factor
  • Article: Integrative genomic characterization of oral squamous cell carcinoma identifies frequent somatic drivers.
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    ABSTRACT: The survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has not changed significantly in several decades, leading clinicians and investigators to search for promising molecular targets. To this end, we performed comprehensive genomic analysis of gene expression, copy number, methylation and point mutations in OSCC. Integrated analysis revealed more somatic events than previously reported, identifying four major driver pathways (mitogenic signaling, Notch, cell cycle, TP53) and two additional key genes (FAT1, CASP8). The Notch pathway was defective in 66% of patients, and in follow-up studies of mechanism, functional NOTCH1 signaling inhibited proliferation of OSCC cell lines. Frequent mutation of CASP8 defines a new molecular subtype of OSCC with few copy number changes. Although genomic alterations are dominated by loss of tumor suppressor genes, 80% of patients harbored at least one genomic alteration in a targetable gene, suggesting that novel approaches to treatment may be possible for this debilitating disease.
    Cancer discovery. 04/2013;
  • Article: Interleukin-8 as a modulator of response to bevacizumab in preclinical models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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    ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES: Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody to VEGF-A, is under active clinical evaluation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and appears to be a promising therapy in at least a subset of patients. However, there are no reliable predictive biomarkers to identify those patients most likely to benefit. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of bevacizumab in HNSCC xenograft models to characterize escape mechanisms underlying intrinsic resistance and identify potential biomarkers of drug response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the angiogenic profile of HNSCC cells from sensitive and resistant cell lines using antibody array. We further examined the role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in contributing to resistance both in vitro and in vivo, using a loss- and gain-of-function approach. RESULTS: Angiogenic profiling indicated that resistant cells expressed higher levels of proangiogenic factors including IL-8, interleukin-1α (IL-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-a (FGF-a), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). IL-8 was the most differentially expressed protein. IL-8 signaling compensated for VEGF inhibition in endothelial cells. Downregulation of IL-8 resulted in sensitization of resistant tumors to bevacizumab by disrupting angiogenesis and enhancing endothelial cell apoptosis. Overexpression of IL-8 in sensitive tumors conferred resistance to bevacizumab. Serum analysis of HNSCC patients treated with a bevacizumab-containing regime revealed high baseline IL-8 levels in a subset of patients refractory to treatment but not in responders. CONCLUSIONS: These results implicate IL-8 in mediating intrinsic resistance to bevacizumab in HNSCC. Hence, co-targeting of VEGF and IL-8 may help overcome resistance and enhance therapeutic efficacy.
    Oral Oncology 04/2013; · 2.86 Impact Factor
  • Article: Bcl-2 Inhibition or FBXW7 Mutation Sensitizes Solid Tumor Cells to HDAC Inhibition In Vitro but Could Prove Difficult to Validate in Patients.
    Curtis R Pickering, Jeffrey N Myers
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    ABSTRACT: In this issue of Cancer Discovery, He and colleagues determined that Mcl-1 levels are a key factor in the response to histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, and FBXW7 mutation is a biomarker for sensitivity to HDAC inhibition. They also present evidence for synergy between treatment with HDAC inhibitors and Bcl-2-targeted therapeutics. These data provide an exciting new biomarker and combination therapy that should be evaluated clinically. Cancer Discov; 3(3); 258-9. ©2013 AACR.
    Cancer discovery. 03/2013; 3(3):258-9.
  • Article: Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors for treatment of orbital squamous cell carcinoma.
    Archives of ophthalmology 12/2012; 130(12):1608-11. · 3.86 Impact Factor
  • Article: Establishment and Characterization of Novel Cell Lines from Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma.
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    ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare and aggressive cancer. Despite the use of multi-modality treatment, the overall prognosis remains poor. To better understand the biological features of SNUC and help develop new therapies for the disease, we established SNUC cell lines and characterized their biological behaviors. Methods: Cell lines were established from a patient with a T4N0M0 SNUC of the right maxillary sinus who was treated with surgical resection at our center. Tumor colonies were harvested and were sequentially replated onto larger plates. Two populations were developed and labeled MDA8788-6 and MDA8788-7. These cell lines were characterized with molecular, biomarker, functional and histologic analyses. RESULTS: Short tandem repeat genotyping revealed that the cell line is isogenic to the parental tumor, and cytogenetic analysis identified 12 chromosomal translocations. The SNUC cell lines do not form colonies in soft agar, but are tumorigenic and non-metastatic in an orthotopic mouse model of sinonasal cancer. Western blot analysis revealed that both MDA8788 cell lines express epithelial markers, but do not express mesenchymal markers or the endocrine marker synaptophysin. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the establishment of stable human-derived SNUC cell lines. The lines were highly tumorigenic and maintain the histologic and molecular features of the original tumor. These cell lines should serve as useful tools for the future study of SNUC biology and the development and testing of novel therapies for this deadly disease.
    Clinical Cancer Research 10/2012; · 7.74 Impact Factor
  • Article: Residual nodal disease in patients with advanced-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with definitive radiation therapy and posttreatment neck dissection: Association with locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, and decreased survival.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing in frequency. We reviewed patients with advanced-stage OPSCC treated with chemoradiation to assess the impact of residual neck disease on survival. METHODS: We reviewed 202 patients with OPSCC between 1990 and 2010 treated with primary chemoradiation followed by neck dissection. Imaging was analyzed using RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors) 1.1 criteria. Survival was evaluated using both univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Overall survival at 5 years was 89%. Forty-two patients (21%) had residual disease in the neck (pN+). pN+ was associated with greater locoregional recurrence (LRR) and distant metastasis (DM) and decreased survival. No clinicopathologic factors were predictive of pN+. Contrasted posttreatment CT had low sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: In advanced OPSCC pN+, patients have higher rates of LRR and DM. Neither clinicopathologic factors nor posttreatment imaging was predictive of pN+, although increased use of modern imaging may reduce the rate of negative neck dissections. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012.
    Head & Neck 09/2012; · 2.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: Lessons learned from next-generation sequencing in head and neck cancer.
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    ABSTRACT: Scientific innovation has enabled whole exome capture and massively parallel sequencing of cancer genomes. In head and neck cancer, next-generation sequencing has granted us further understanding of the mutational spectrum of squamous cell carcinoma. As a result of these new technologies, frequently occurring mutations were identified in NOTCH1, a gene that had not previously been implicated in head and neck cancer. The current review describes the most common mutations in head and neck cancer: TP53, NOTCH1, HRAS, PIK3CA, and CDKN2A. Emphasis is placed on the involved cellular pathways, clinical correlations, and potential therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the implications of human papillomavirus on mutation patterns are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012.
    Head & Neck 08/2012; · 2.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: Glycolytic inhibition alters anaplastic thyroid carcinoma tumor metabolism and improves response to conventional chemotherapy and radiation.
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    ABSTRACT: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) accounts for more than 50% of thyroid cancer mortality and is generally refractory to conventional treatment. On the basis of recent studies, we hypothesized that ATC metabolism can be targeted to improve response to chemoradiotherapy. Eight established and authenticated ATC cell lines were sequenced at 140 sites contained within 26 commonly mutated genes to identify novel potential therapeutic targets. Cellular proliferation, energy, and reducing potential stores were measured under conditions of specific nutrient deprivation. Tumor metabolism was evaluated using hyperpolarized (13)C MRI in a murine orthotopic xenograft model of ATC. Sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents and radiation (XRT) was assayed using cytotoxicity assays. We identified mutations in BRAF, NRAS, and KIT but failed to identify generalized novel targets for therapeutic intervention. ATC cell lines exhibited a mesenchymal phenotype and generalized dependence on glucose for energy, reducing potential and survival. Glycolytic inhibition using 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) sensitized ATC cells to conventional chemotherapy and external beam radiation. In vivo, 2-DG induced a transient, but significant reduction in ATC metabolic activity. Generalized dependence of ATC cells on glucose catabolism makes them susceptible to the sensitizing effects of 2-DG for radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Under in vivo conditions, 2-DG can inhibit ATC metabolism. However, the modest magnitude and transient nature of this effect suggest the need for antimetabolic agents with more favorable pharmacodynamics to achieve therapeutic effects.
    Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 05/2012; 11(6):1373-80. · 5.23 Impact Factor
  • Article: Prediction of neck dissection requirement after definitive radiotherapy for head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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    ABSTRACT: This analysis was undertaken to assess the need for planned neck dissection in patients with a complete response (CR) of involved nodes after irradiation and to determine the benefit of a neck dissection in those with less than CR by tumor site. Our cohort included 880 patients with T1-4, N1-3M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx who received treatment between 1994 and 2004. Survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier Method, comparisons of rates with the log-rank test and prognostic factors by Cox's proportional hazard model. Nodal CR occurred in 377 (43%) patients, of whom 365 patients did not undergo nodal dissection. The 5-year actuarial regional control rate of patients with CR was 92%. Two hundred sixty-eight of the remaining patients (53%) underwent neck dissections. The 5-year actuarial regional control rate for patients without a CR was 84%. Those who had a neck dissection fared better with 5-year actuarial regional control rates of 90% and 76% for those operated and those not operated (p < 0.001). Variables associated with poorer regional control rates included higher T and N stage, non-oropharynx cancers, non-CR, both clinical and pathological. With 92% 5-year neck control rate without neck dissection after CR, there is little justification for systematic neck dissection. The addition of a neck dissection resulted in higher neck control after partial response though patients with viable tumor on pathology specimens had poorer outcomes. The identification of that subgroup that benefits from additional treatment remains a challenge.
    International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics 03/2012; 82(3):e367-74. · 4.59 Impact Factor
  • Article: Early postoperative epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition: Safety and effectiveness in inhibiting microscopic residual of oral squamous cell carcinoma in vivo.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The local-regional failure of advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) after surgery results from the regrowth of residual tumor cells that may be stimulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands during the wound healing process. METHODS: The level of EGFR ligands in human drain fluids (DFs) from OSCC resection and remote flap donor site were determined. A mouse model of microscopic residual OSCC was established and treated with cetuximab to measure tumor growth, survival, and cervical lymph node metastases. A mouse model of wound healing was also established to assess the effect of an EGFR antibody on the wound healing process. RESULTS: EGFR ligands are found in sites from OSCC resection. EGFR targeted therapy can delay tumor regrowth in a microscopic residual disease model of OSCC without significant effects on local wound healing. CONCLUSION: These results provide a strong rationale for clinical evaluation of this approach to treat patients with local-regionally advanced OSCC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012.
    Head & Neck 02/2012; · 2.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: Noncovalent assembly of targeted carbon nanovectors enables synergistic drug and radiation cancer therapy in vivo.
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    ABSTRACT: Current chemotherapeutics are characterized by efficient tumor cell-killing and severe side effects mostly derived from off-target toxicity. Hence targeted delivery of these drugs to tumor cells is actively sought. In an in vitro system, we previously demonstrated that targeted drug delivery to cancer cells overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR+) can be achieved by poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized carbon nanovectors simply mixed with a drug, paclitaxel, and an antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor, cetuximab. This construct is unusual in that all three components are assembled through noncovalent interactions. Here we show that this same construct is effective in vivo, enhancing radiotherapy of EGFR+ tumors. This targeted nanovector system has the potential to be a new therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, deserving of further preclinical development.
    ACS Nano 02/2012; 6(3):2497-505. · 10.77 Impact Factor
  • Article: t(3;8) as the sole chromosomal abnormality in a myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma: A putative progression event.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (Ca ex-PA) is defined as a carcinoma arising from a primary (de novo) or recurrent benign pleomorphic adenoma (PA). METHODS: We present a parotid myoepithelial carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in a 38-year-old man with a t(3;8)(p21;q13) as the only chromosomal alteration by cytogenetic and spectral karyotypic analysis (SKY). RESULTS: The finding of this translocation in a subset of PA and in the present case suggests a critical role for this event in the malignant transformation of PA. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, both the cytogenetic and the molecular studies suggest the concept that PA lacking alterations pursue a benign behavior, whereas those with the t(3;8) translocation may progress to carcinoma. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012.
    Head & Neck 01/2012; · 2.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: TP53 disruptive mutations lead to head and neck cancer treatment failure through inhibition of radiation-induced senescence.
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    ABSTRACT: Mortality of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is primarily driven by tumor cell radioresistance leading to locoregional recurrence (LRR). In this study, we use a classification of TP53 mutation (disruptive vs. nondisruptive) and examine impact on clinical outcomes and radiation sensitivity. Seventy-four patients with HNSCC treated with surgery and postoperative radiation and 38 HNSCC cell lines were assembled; for each, TP53 was sequenced and the in vitro radioresistance measured using clonogenic assays. p53 protein expression was inhibited using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and overexpressed using a retrovirus. Radiation-induced apoptosis, mitotic cell death, senescence, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were carried out. The effect of the drug metformin on overcoming mutant p53-associated radiation resistance was examined in vitro as well as in vivo, using an orthotopic xenograft model. Mutant TP53 alone was not predictive of LRR; however, disruptive TP53 mutation strongly predicted LRR (P = 0.03). Cell lines with disruptive mutations were significantly more radioresistant (P < 0.05). Expression of disruptive TP53 mutations significantly decreased radiation-induced senescence, as measured by SA-β-gal staining, p21 expression, and release of ROS. The mitochondrial agent metformin potentiated the effects of radiation in the presence of a disruptive TP53 mutation partially via senescence. Examination of our patient cohort showed that LRR was decreased in patients taking metformin. Disruptive TP53 mutations in HNSCC tumors predicts for LRR, because of increased radioresistance via the inhibition of senescence. Metformin can serve as a radiosensitizer for HNSCC with disruptive TP53, presaging the possibility of personalizing HNSCC treatment.
    Clinical Cancer Research 11/2011; 18(1):290-300. · 7.74 Impact Factor
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    Article: Targeted multifunctional gold-based nanoshells for magnetic resonance-guided laser ablation of head and neck cancer.
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    ABSTRACT: Image-guided thermal ablation of tumors is becoming a more widely accepted minimally invasive alternative to surgery for patients who are not good surgical candidates, such as patients with advanced head and neck cancer. In this study, multifunctional superparamagnetic iron oxide coated with gold nanoshell (SPIO@Au NS) that have both optical and magnetic properties was conjugated with the targeting agent, C225 monoclonal antibody, against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). C225-SPIO@Au NS have an average a diameter of 82 ± 4.4 nm, contain 142 ± 15 antibodies per nanoshell, have an absorption peak in the near infrared (~800 nm), and have transverse relaxivity (r(2)) of 193 and 353 mM(-1) s(-1) versus Feridex™ of 171 and 300 mM(-1) s(-1), using 1.5 T and 7 T MR scanners, respectively. Specific targeting of the synthesized C225-SPIO@Au NS was tested in vitro using A431 cells and oral cancer cells, FaDu, OSC19, and HN5, all of which overexpress EGFR. Selective binding was achieved using C225-SPIO@Au NS but not with the non-targeting PEG-SPIO@Au NS and blocking group (excess of C225 + C225-SPIO@Au NS). In vivo biodistribution on mice bearing A431 tumors also showed selective targeting of C225-SPIO@Au NS compared with the non-targeting and blocking groups. The selective photothermal ablation of the nanoshells shows that without laser treatment there were no cell death and among the groups that were treated with laser at a power of 36 W/cm(2) for 3 min, only the cells treated with C225-SPIO@Au NS had cell killing (p < 0.001). In summary, successful synthesis and characterization of targeted C225-SPIO@Au NS demonstrating both superparamagnetic and optical properties has been achieved. We have shown both in vitro and in vivo that these nanoshells are MR-active and can be selectively heated up for simultaneous imaging and photothermal ablation therapy.
    Biomaterials 10/2011; 32(30):7600-8. · 7.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: A functional variant at the miR-184 binding site in TNFAIP2 and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
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    ABSTRACT: Although the role of TNFAIP2 is still unclear, it is an important gene involved in apoptosis, and there are single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at its microRNA (miRNA)-binding sites that could modulate miRNA target gene function. In this study, we evaluated associations of four selected SNPs (rs8126 T > C, rs710100 G > A, rs1052912 G > A and rs1052823 G > T) in the miRNA-binding sites of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) risk in 1077 patients with SCCHN and 1073 cancer-free controls in a non-Hispanic White population. We found that, compared with the rs8126 TT genotype, the variant C allele were associated with increased SCCHN risk in an allele dose-response manner (adjusted odds ratio = 1.48 and 95% confidence interval = 1.06-2.05 for CC, respectively; P(trend) = 0.009). No significant associations were seen for the other three SNPs (rs710100 G > A, rs1052912 G > A and rs1052823 G > T). Additionally, we identified that the rs8126 T > C SNP is within the miR-184 seed binding region in the 3' UTR of TNFAIP2. Further functional analyses showed that the rs8126 variant C allele led to significantly lower luciferase activity, compared with the T allele. In the genotype-phenotype correlation analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 64 SCCHN patients, the rs8126 CC genotype was associated with reduced expression of TNFAIP2 messenger RNA. Taken together, these findings indicate that the miR-184 binding site SNP (rs8126 T > C) in the 3' UTR of TNFAIP2 is functional by modulating TNFAIP2 expression and contributes to SCCHN susceptibility. Larger replication studies are needed to confirm our findings.
    Carcinogenesis 09/2011; 32(11):1668-74. · 5.70 Impact Factor
  • Article: Disruptive TP53 mutation is associated with aggressive disease characteristics in an orthotopic murine model of oral tongue cancer.
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    ABSTRACT: To characterize tumor growth and metastatic potential in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines in an orthotopic murine model of oral tongue cancer and to correlate TP53 mutation status with these findings. Cells from each of 48 HNSCC cell lines were orthotopically injected into the oral tongues of nude mice. Tumor volume, cervical lymph node metastasis, and mouse survival were recorded. Direct sequencing of the TP53 gene and Western blot analysis for the p53 protein after induction with 5-fluorouracil was conducted. Cell lines were categorized as either mutant TP53 or wild-type TP53, and lines with TP53 mutation were further categorized on the basis of type of mutation (disruptive or nondisruptive) and level of p53 protein expression. The behavior of tumors in these different groups was compared. These 48 HNSCC cell lines showed a wide range of behavior from highly aggressive and metastatic to no tumor formation. Mice injected with cells harboring disruptive TP53 mutations had faster tumor growth, greater incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis, and shorter survival than mice injected with cells lacking these mutations. HNSCC cell lines display a wide spectrum of behavior in an orthotopic model of oral cancer. Cell lines with disruptive TP53 mutations are more aggressive in this system, corroborating clinical reports that have linked these mutations to poor patient outcome.
    Clinical Cancer Research 09/2011; 17(21):6658-70. · 7.74 Impact Factor
  • Article: Hyaluronic acid-paclitaxel conjugate inhibits growth of human squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck via a hyaluronic acid-mediated mechanism.
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    ABSTRACT: Chemotherapeutic regimens incorporating taxanes significantly improve outcomes for patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN). However, treatment with taxanes is limited by toxicities, including bone marrow suppression and peripheral neuropathies. We proposed that conjugating taxanes to targeting carrier molecules would increase antitumor efficacy and decrease toxicity. The cell surface proteoglycan, CD44, is expressed on most SCCHNs, and we hypothesized that it is an attractive candidate for targeted therapy via its natural ligand, hyaluronic acid (HA). We determined whether HA-paclitaxel conjugates were able to decrease tumor growth and improve survival in orthotopic nude mouse human SCCHN xenograft models. HA-paclitaxel concentration-dependent growth inhibition of human SCCHN cell lines OSC-19 and HN5 in vitro, very similarly to free paclitaxel treatment. Tumor cell uptake of FITC-labeled HA-paclitaxel was significantly blocked with free HA, indicating the dependence of uptake on CD44. HA-paclitaxel administered intravenously once per week for three weeks at 120 mg/kg paclitaxel equivalents, far above the paclitaxel maximum tolerated dose, exerted superior tumor growth control to that of paclitaxel in both orthotopic OSC-19-luciferase and HN5 xenograft models in vivo. Mouse survival following HA-paclitaxel administration was prolonged compared with that of controls in mice implanted with either of these xenografts. Mice treated with HA-paclitaxel displayed increased TUNEL(+) cells in tumor tissue, as well as markedly reduced microvessel density compared to those treated with free paclitaxel. No acute histopathological changes were observed in mice treated with HA-paclitaxel. Thus, we conclude that HA-paclitaxel effectively inhibits tumor growth in human SCCHN xenografts via an HA-mediated mechanism and this conjugate should be considered for further preclinical development for this disease.
    Oral Oncology 09/2011; 47(11):1039-47. · 2.86 Impact Factor
  • Article: Assembly and initial characterization of a panel of 85 genomically validated cell lines from diverse head and neck tumor sites.
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    ABSTRACT: Human cell lines are useful for studying cancer biology and preclinically modeling cancer therapy, but can be misidentified and cross-contamination is unfortunately common. The purpose of this study was to develop a panel of validated head and neck cell lines representing the spectrum of tissue sites and histologies that could be used for studying the molecular, genetic, and phenotypic diversity of head and neck cancer. A panel of 122 clinically and phenotypically diverse head and neck cell lines from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, thyroid cancer, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, oral leukoplakia, immortalized primary keratinocytes, and normal epithelium was assembled from the collections of several individuals and institutions. Authenticity was verified by carrying out short tandem repeat analysis. Human papillomavirus (HPV) status and cell morphology were also determined. Eighty-five of the 122 cell lines had unique genetic profiles. HPV-16 DNA was detected in 2 cell lines. These 85 cell lines included cell lines from the major head and neck primary tumor sites, and close examination shows a wide range of in vitro phenotypes. This panel of 85 genomically validated head and neck cell lines represents a valuable resource for the head and neck cancer research community that can help advance understanding of the disease by providing a standard reference for cell lines that can be used for biological as well as preclinical studies.
    Clinical Cancer Research 08/2011; 17(23):7248-64. · 7.74 Impact Factor

Institutions

  • 2002–2013
    • University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
      • • Department of Head and Neck Surgery
      • • Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology
      • • Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders
      • • Division of Radiation Oncology
      Houston, TX, USA
  • 2002–2012
    • Baylor College of Medicine
      Houston, TX, USA
  • 2011
    • Johns Hopkins University
      • Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
      Baltimore, MD, USA
    • Rice University
      • Department of Chemistry
      Houston, TX, USA
  • 2010
    • University of Miami
      Coral Gables, FL, USA
  • 2009
    • Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans
      • Department of Medicine
      New Orleans, LA, USA
  • 2007
    • University of Wisconsin, Madison
      Madison, MS, USA
  • 2003
    • University of Colorado Denver
      Denver, CO, USA