Mark W Lingen

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This study looked at the risk of oral cancer among nearly 15,000 people in Northeast India, aiming to create a model that predicts the likelihood of developing oral precancer or cancer based on various factors like age, education, and tobacco use. Researchers found that 321 cases had confirmed precancers or cancers, with 30% of the highest-risk individuals responsible for nearly 82% of these cases. The findings highlight the need for better cancer screening and prevention strategies tailored to specific regions in India. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of oral cancer, healthcare providers, and public health officials.

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Researchers studied how certain cancer stem cells influence the behavior of immune cells called neutrophils within tumors. They found that tumor-initiating stem cells can create a protective environment that helps survive cancer treatments, by blocking neutrophils from effectively fighting cancer. This is important because it highlights a mechanism that allows cancer to persist and potentially return, showing the need for more effective therapies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers looking to improve cancer treatments.

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This study focused on early detection methods for oral cancer and related disorders, especially using cytology tests to decide if a biopsy is needed. The researchers found that cytology tests are not recommended generally but can be useful in specific situations when a biopsy isn't possible. They emphasized that a regular oral examination should be performed for all adults, as a biopsy is still the most reliable way to diagnose oral cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for oral cancer and healthcare providers involved in early detection.

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This study looked at using a less invasive test called cytology to help decide whether adults with potential oral cancer should have a biopsy. The researchers found that cytology correctly identified healthy patients 89% of the time but also produced many false positives, leading to unnecessary biopsies in some cases. This is important because while cytology can help avoid some invasive procedures, it may also cause unwanted stress and anxiety for patients due to the false alarms. Who this helps: Patients who may need evaluation for oral cancer.

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This study explored a rare type of cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), which mainly affects the salivary glands. Researchers identified a protein called PRMT5 that drives ACC growth and tested new drugs that inhibit this protein. They found that using PRMT5 inhibitors significantly reduced tumor growth in laboratory models, and combining these inhibitors with another drug, lenvatinib, made the treatment even more effective. Who this helps: This helps patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma by providing new potential treatment options.

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This study looked at how oral precancer can progress to cancer by following nearly 2,000 patients with early signs of disease and comparing them to over 700 cancer patients in Taiwan from 2013 to 2019. The researchers found that 71% of oral precancers and 62% of oral cancers were linked to habits like chewing betel quid, smoking, and drinking alcohol. They also discovered that patients with precancer had a much greater risk of developing cancer - 14 times higher than the general population. Who this helps: This research helps patients with oral precancer by highlighting their risks and the importance of monitoring their condition.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) can help identify features of head and neck cancers that are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). Researchers analyzed tissue images from 981 patients and found that AI could accurately predict whether a cancer was HPV-positive with a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 92%. This is important because it offers a way to diagnose HPV-related cancers more effectively, especially in places with fewer medical resources. Who this helps: Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers.

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This study looked at a new treatment approach for patients with advanced head and neck cancer that isn't caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Researchers found that 53% of patients had significant shrinkage of their tumors after receiving a combination of nivolumab (an immune therapy) and chemotherapy, and the treatment resulted in a high overall response rate of 86%. The findings are important because this approach might lead to better survival rates—66% at two years—and reduced side effects compared to standard treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with HPV-negative advanced head and neck cancer who are looking for more effective treatment options.

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This study explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can automatically identify potentially harmful oral conditions and oral cancer from clinical images. Researchers analyzed 778 images and found that two specific AI models, ConvNeXt and MobileNet, achieved impressive results, with accuracies of around 80% in distinguishing between the disorders. This is important because improving diagnosis can lead to better patient care and timely treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing more accurate diagnostic tools for oral health issues.

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This study focused on a new testing method called HPV-SEQ, designed to detect and measure HPV DNA in the blood of patients with a type of throat cancer. The researchers found that HPV-SEQ can accurately identify HPV DNA with great precision, making it a much better option than currently available tests. This advancement is important because it can help doctors better manage treatment and monitor patients after treatment for this cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with oropharyngeal cancer and their doctors.

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Researchers studied different types of tumors found in the salivary glands, specifically looking at certain benign and early-stage cancerous lesions linked to a condition called pleomorphic adenoma. They found that many of these lesions, even with some unusual cell features, do not lead to recurrence or spread of cancer if they remain contained within the tumor. This is important because it suggests that some terms used to describe these lesions might cause unnecessary worry and treatment, and simpler names that reflect their generally harmless nature could be more appropriate.

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This study looked at how inflammatory conditions of the tongue might be linked to oral tongue cancer in older adults in the U.S. Researchers found that those diagnosed with inflammatory tongue conditions had a significantly higher likelihood of developing oral tongue cancer, with a 6% prevalence in cancer patients compared to just 0.6% in healthy controls. Specifically, conditions like glossitis showed an even stronger link, with odds ratios indicating a very high risk. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for doctors and patients, especially older individuals with inflammatory tongue conditions, as it highlights the need for careful monitoring and early intervention.

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This study looked at how combining a new immune treatment, nivolumab, with chemotherapy helps patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer before they receive additional therapy tailored to their response. They found that 70.8% of the 73 patients had significant tumor shrinkage, and two years after treatment, 90% of patients were still cancer-free, with high survival rates among different treatment groups. The findings suggest that this combined approach is both effective and easier to tolerate, which can lead to better quality of life for patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer and their doctors by providing a new treatment option.

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This study looked at how some head and neck cancer patients become resistant to a drug called cetuximab, which only helps about 13% of them. Researchers found a specific mutation in the cancer cells that stopped cetuximab from working but did not affect a different drug, duligotuzumab. This finding is important because it shows that switching drugs can help patients who stopped responding to cetuximab due to this mutation. Who this helps: This benefits patients with head and neck cancer who develop resistance to cetuximab.

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Researchers examined oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), a serious cancer that makes up about one third of head and neck cancer cases in the U.S. Despite advances in treatment, OCSCC still has a low 5-year survival rate, and identifying early warning signs through tissue biopsies is often unreliable. The study emphasizes the need for better diagnostic tools, like Artificial Intelligence and new biomarkers, to help doctors make more accurate predictions about cancer development and improve patient management. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of OCSCC and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a protein called SMYD3 affects the immune system's response to a type of aggressive throat cancer that isn't caused by HPV. Researchers found that lower levels of SMYD3 led to increased immune activity and a better response to treatments, specifically noting an increase in CD8 T cells and improved sensitivity to an anti-cancer drug called pembrolizumab. This finding is important because it suggests that reducing SMYD3 could make treatments more effective for patients with this type of cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancers.

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This research paper looks at liquid biopsies, which analyze tumor markers found in blood or other body fluids, as a promising tool for improving the care of patients with head and neck cancer. The study reveals that while these biopsies could help with early cancer detection, tracking treatment effectiveness, and monitoring for recurrence, there are still significant challenges to overcome before they can be widely used in hospitals. Improving how we detect and manage head and neck cancer could lead to better survival rates, which currently sit at around 60% over five years. Who this helps: This benefits patients with head and neck cancer and their doctors by providing new ways to diagnose and manage the disease.

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This study looked at a new treatment approach for people with recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that often has poor outcomes. Researchers tested a combination of a chemotherapy drug called nab-paclitaxel with other treatments to see how much of the drug can be safely given. They found that the highest safe dose was 100 mg/min, and this could be an important step forward in improving treatment options for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients, particularly those with recurrent head and neck cancers.

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This study looked at a new treatment, called PRV111, designed to deliver a cancer drug (cisplatin) directly to tumors in patients with oral cancer, minimizing harmful side effects. In animal tests, PRV111 showed strong anti-cancer effects, while in a small patient trial, it reduced tumor size by an average of 69% in about a week, and over 87% of patients had a positive response without serious side effects. This matters because it may offer a safer and more effective way to treat a challenging type of cancer. Who this helps: Patients with oral cancer.

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This study looked at whether dental work done before radiation therapy affects the risk of a serious jaw condition called osteoradionecrosis in patients with head and neck cancer. The review found that patients who had dental extractions prior to radiation may face a 55% higher risk of developing this jaw issue compared to those who didn't have dental work, although the certainty of this finding is low. The results emphasize the importance of good oral health to possibly avoid delaying cancer treatment and reduce the risk of this complication. Who this helps: This helps patients with head and neck cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined whether tumor DNA can be found in the saliva of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), a common type of mouth cancer. The researchers tested saliva samples from 121 patients and found that 93% of the samples contained mutations that matched those found in the tumors, showing a highly accurate detection rate of at least 88%. This breakthrough could allow for earlier and more effective screening for OCSCC, which is crucial since early detection significantly improves survival rates. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of developing mouth cancer by providing a simple, non-invasive screening method.

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This study looked at a condition called proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL), which affects the mouth and can lead to cancer. Researchers examined 299 tissue samples from 84 patients over at least three years, finding that some patients developed oral cancer, specifically squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), from these lesions. The study created a guideline to help doctors consistently identify and report on PVL lesions, improving patient care and research by categorizing them into three specific types. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients by providing clearer guidelines for diagnosis and treatment decisions.

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This study looked at different tests to detect oral cancer and potentially harmful oral disorders, which can help catch these issues early. They found that oral cytology (a test that examines cells from the mouth) showed high accuracy, with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 94%, meaning it was good at correctly identifying both the presence and absence of disease. However, none of the tests are ready to replace the current painful standard of surgical biopsy, even though cytology appears promising and may need more research. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for oral cancer by potentially leading to less invasive testing options.

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Researchers studied how certain immune cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs) affect oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a type of cancer linked to HPV. They found that removing Tregs in mice led to an increase in other immune cells fighting the cancer, but instead of helping, it caused the cancer to spread faster. This is important because it shows that targeting Tregs in cancer treatment might actually make some tumors worse. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand how to better treat patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

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This study looked at how effective different tests are in identifying oral cavity cancer and possibly malignant disorders in people who appear healthy. Researchers reviewed 18 studies involving over 72,000 participants, finding that a standard oral examination had a sensitivity (the ability to correctly identify those with the condition) ranging from 50% to 99%, with specificity (the ability to correctly identify those without the condition) between 94% and 99%. However, overall evidence quality was low, indicating that while some tests may work, we need more reliable research before implementing screening in the general population. Who this helps: This research helps patients and healthcare professionals by identifying the need for caution in screening practices for oral cavity conditions.

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This study looked at oral leukoplakia, a common precancerous condition in the mouth, to understand its risk of turning into oral cancer. The researchers found that patients with oral leukoplakia had a 40 times higher chance of developing oral cancer compared to the general population and that those with severe dysplasia had a 32.2% risk of progression to cancer over five years. The findings stress the importance of regular biopsies for all leukoplakia cases, even if they appear normal, to monitor for possible cancer development. Who this helps: This helps patients with oral leukoplakia and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on a rare type of bone cancer called craniofacial osteosarcoma, which makes up only 2-10% of all osteosarcomas. Researchers tested specific markers (MDM2 and CDK4) in bone samples and found that 72.7% of the osteosarcoma cases showed some level of these markers, but they were not present in benign cases, which helps in differentiating between cancerous and non-cancerous growths. This matters because identifying these markers can help doctors diagnose craniofacial osteosarcoma more accurately, but they should be cautious since weakly positive results do not always mean cancer is present. Who this helps: This helps doctors and pathologists diagnose craniofacial osteosarcoma accurately.

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This study looked at a type of lung cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to see if a protein called p16 could help tell if it came from the throat or started in the lungs. They found that 8 out of 25 lung SCC cases (32%) had p16 out of which none tested positive for HPV, while 3 out of 12 cases with potential metastasis showed HPV, confirming that p16 alone isn't a reliable way to differentiate the two. This matters because correctly identifying the source of the cancer can change treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better decisions on how to treat lung cancer patients.

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This study looked at how the presence of cancer cells in lymph nodes affects the outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after treatment with chemoradiotherapy. Researchers examined lymph nodes from 146 patients and found that those with active cancer cells (viable SCC) in their lymph nodes after treatment had a worse prognosis, particularly those who did not have oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, indicating a significant risk of recurrence or persistence of the disease. In fact, having viable cancer cells was associated with a 10% increase in the likelihood of poor outcomes compared to patients with no viable cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by providing clearer insights on how to evaluate treatment effectiveness based on lymph node status.

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This study focused on a new way to explore how immune cells are distributed within tumors by using a method called transparent tissue tomography (T3). Researchers found that certain immune cells, specifically CD3CD8 cytotoxic T cells, are not evenly spread throughout the tumor and have a strong relationship with the tissue's blood vessels. This new imaging technique could lead to better and more personalized cancer treatments by helping doctors understand the tumor environment more clearly. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing cancer treatment and their doctors by improving how therapies are tailored to individual tumors.

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This study looked at patients with HPV-positive throat cancer to see if lower doses of radiation or a different type of treatment could reduce side effects while still being effective. They found that among the low-risk patients, 95% were free of disease after two years, and side effects were significantly lower for those who received reduced treatment doses: only 30% of patients who received lower radiation experienced severe mouth sores compared to 91% for those who received standard treatment. This research is important because it shows that patients may achieve similar cancer control with less intense treatments, leading to a better quality of life. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients by potentially reducing their treatment side effects while maintaining effective care.

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This paper looks at how the diagnosis and treatment of oral and head and neck cancers have evolved over thousands of years, highlighting major contributions from historical figures and advancements in medical technology. It notes that the understanding of these cancers improved notably in the 20th century, often involving surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and emphasizes the role of risk factors like tobacco and HPV in developing these cancers. The research shows a trend towards precision medicine, where treatments are tailored to individual patients, promising better effectiveness and outcomes in the future. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and healthcare providers by improving diagnosis and treatment options.

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This research focused on mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), a common type of salivary gland cancer. The study compared different grading systems for diagnosing MEC and examined the connection to MAML2 rearrangement, a genetic change. It found that 80% of cases had MAML2 rearrangement, and nearly half (47%) were consistently graded across all systems, suggesting that a simpler grading system could better represent the cancer's behavior. It also noted that non-MEC types, higher grades, and advanced stages increased the chances of cancer recurrence. Who this helps: Patients and doctors working with mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

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The study looked at special cells called plasmacytoid cells in salivary tumors known as pleomorphic adenomas. Researchers found that these cells do not show typical features of muscle cells, which suggests they are not myoepithelial but can change types by adapting to their environment. They also discovered that one tumor had a genetic abnormality, indicating that these cells can evolve during tumor development. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and pathologists who diagnose and treat salivary gland tumors.

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This study looked at a new bone substitute made of β-tricalcium phosphate and a bioresorbable polymer, which is applied to the gums after a tooth is removed to preserve the bone for future dental implants. The researchers treated two patients, and when they placed dental implants 10 months later, they found that the bone substitute helped maintain the bone volume effectively, with 54.1% of the material replaced by new bone when a protective membrane was used, and 34.6% without it. This is important because it shows that this bone substitute can be useful for people needing dental implants after a significant time has passed since tooth loss. Who this helps: Patients who need dental implants after losing teeth.

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This study focused on understanding the role of a protein called MET in the development of oral cancer by examining 86 patients with a condition called oral leukoplakia. Researchers found that patients with higher levels of MET had nearly four times the risk (hazard ratio of 3.84) of developing oral cancer compared to those with lower levels. In a laboratory test with mice, a drug called crizotinib reduced the development of cancer by lowering abnormal tissue growth from 75% to 25% in treated mice. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk for oral cancer and doctors looking for effective preventive treatments.

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This study focused on updating guidelines for testing human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients with head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. The expert panel found that testing for HPV is important and should be done for newly diagnosed cases, with a specific positivity threshold of at least 70% for certain test results. These guidelines help ensure that patients receive accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment options based on their HPV status. Who this helps: Patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.