Abstract CT047: Effects of Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) on OSCC cell morphology, PDPN expression, viability, and motility in a phase 1 clinical trial

Cancer Research · 2026-04-17

Abstract Oral cancer kills over 180 thousand peoplearound the world each year, and can cause permanent sequelae in survivors. Over90 percent of oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). Thepodoplanin (PDPN) receptor has emerged as a functionally relevant biomarker andchemotherapeutic target expressed by OSCC cells. PDPN signaling can directlyincrease tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and inhibit host lymphocyteactivation and immune response. Antibodies and Maackia amurensis seedlectin (MASL) can target PDPN to inhibit OSCC cell migration and viability. Weconducted a Phase 1 human clinical trial to examine the effects of MASL on OSCCcell morphology, PDPN expression, and immune cell infiltration in oral cancerpatient lesions. We also examined the effects of MASL on motility, viability,and PDPN expression in cells cultured from these patient lesions. Oral MASLadministration was found to be safe and did not produce any adverse effects inany patients in this study. MASL did not affect OSCC cell morphology in lesionsin situ, but appeared to increase lymphocyte infiltration into tumor fields inone out of three patients examined within 24 hours after dosing (p<0.01).MASL also inhibited the growth and motility of all OSCC cells cultured fromthese patient lesions in a dose dependent manner in vitro (p<0.05 in allcases). We also examined the ability of antibodies to target PDPN and kill OSCCcells by near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT). We found that antibodiescan target PDPN on OSCC cells from patients to destroy them by NIR-PIT. Theseresults suggest that protocols using MASL and photoimmunotherapy targeting PDPNcan be developed to effectively treat OSCC lesions in oral cancer patients. Inparticular, these data support the overall approach of using antibodies thatrecognize human PDPN to target and kill human OSCC cells by NIR-PIT. Thesenovel results support a general and powerful approach to use NIR-PIT to treatoral cancer patients and, by deduction, patients with other cancers thatexpress the PDPN receptor. Citation Format: Ariel C. Yin, Cayla J. Holdcraft, Tyler J. Hellmig, Eamonn J. Brace, David I. Suster, Alan J. Shienbaum, Dylan Roden, Evelyne Kalyousef, Ghayoour Mir, Eugenio Capitle, Soly Baredes, Rabie Shanti, Mika K. Kaneko, Yukinari Kato, Hisataka Kobayashi, Aki Furusawa, Mahnaz Fatahzadeh, Gary S. Goldberg. Effects of Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) on OSCC cell morphology, PDPN expression, viability, and motility in a phase 1 clinical trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT047.

Orofacial granulomatosis: recognition, management, and referral by dental providers.

PubMed · 2026-04-29

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a chronic inflammatory condition manifesting with erythema and granulomatous enlargement of the orofacial soft tissues with predilection for children and young adults. The clinical spectrum and severity are highly variable, ranging from subtle to disfiguring swelling, ulceration, and/or neurological manifestations in the orofacial region. The precise cause of OFG is unclear and its diagnosis is one of exclusion relying on thorough history and physical and clinicopathologic correlation. Management of OFG remains challenging, and may require retreatment for control of recurrences. Orofacial granulomatosis is a rare clinical entity and likely unfamiliar to dental practitioners, but orofacial localization of this disorder may lead patients to consult dental providers. Not only could the clinical presentation of OFG be confused with an infection of dental or periodontal origin but also granulomatous inflammation may arise from a long-standing oral infection. Exclusion of oral infection as a potential etiologic culprit and the ruling out of hypersensitivity to oral hygiene products and dental materials are routine steps in diagnostic workup of cases involving oral cavity and well within the scope of dentistry. Both delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of OFG could lead to permanent, unsightly sequelae that are distressing to patients. This article aims to raise awareness of OFG and its diagnostic algorithm in the dental community, facilitate early recognition, and guide appropriate interventions and timely referral which are essential for optimal outcome. Sometimes, this enhanced vigilance could also lead to detection of serious systemic conditions with similar orofacial presentations.

Angina Bullosa Hemorrhagica an Elusive Localized Blood-Filled Vesiculo-bullous Condition of the Oral Mucosa Case Presentation and Literature Review

Bratislavské lekárske listy/Bratislava medical journal · 2025-08-05 · 1 citations

Abstract Angina bullosa hemorrhagica (ABH) is a rare, self-limiting oral mucosal condition characterized by the spontaneous onset of blood-filled vesicles or bullae which are not associated with mucocutaneous blistering diseases, hematological malignancies, genetic/acquired bleeding diathesis or vascular anomalies. These blood-filled bullae are minimally symptomatic, leave shallow erosions upon rupture and heal without scarring. ABH usually affects middle-aged or older individuals with predilection for lining mucosa, and particularly the soft palate. Although most cases are solitary, multiple and/or recurrent lesions are possible. The etiology of ABH remains unclear but diabetes, hypertension, chronic use of inhaled corticosteroids and mucosal trauma during oral functions/procedures have been implicated as risk factors or triggers. Differentiation of ABH from serious conditions with similar oral presentation is important and in most cases; diagnosis can be accomplished on clinical grounds through a detailed history and physical, focused review of systems and screening blood work. Although microscopic exam of ABH shows subepithelial clefting, it does not have an immunopathologic basis and biopsy for direct immunofluorescence should be reserved for atypical situations. Management of ABH includes patient reassurance and education as well as symptomatic treatment, if necessary. Although cases of ABH have been reported in the dental, oral medicine and dermatology literature, this idiopathic entity is not well-recognized by clinicians. In this review, we present an illustrative case to detail the presentation, clinical course, and diagnostic algorithm of ABH as well as highlight features differentiating it from clinical mimics to raise awareness, facilitate recognition, minimize unnecessary diagnostic procedures and prevent misdiagnosis.

Effects of Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) on OSCC cell morphology, PDPN expression, growth, and motility in a phase 1 clinical trial

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology · 2025-07-19

BACKGROUND: Podoplanin (PDPN) has emerged as a functionally relevant biomarker and chemotherapeutic target expressed by OSCC cells. PDPN signaling can directly increase tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and also inhibit host lymphocyte activation and immune response. Accordingly, antibodies and Maackia amurensis seed lectin (MASL) can target the PDPN receptor to inhibit OSCC cell migration and viability. However, the effects of MASL on OSCC cells in oral cancer patients has not yet been reported. METHODS: We conducted a Phase 1 human clinical trial to examine the effects of a single 100 mg oral dose of MASL on OSCC cell morphology, PDPN expression, and immune cell infiltration in lesions in oral cancer patients. We also examined the effects of MASL on the PDPN expression, motility, and viability of cells cultured from these patient lesions. In addition, we examined the ability of antibodies to target PDPN and kill OSCC cells by near-infrared photoimmunotherapy. RESULTS: MASL administration was found to be safe and did not produce any adverse effects in any patients. While this single dose did not affect OSCC cell morphology in lesions in situ, it did appear to increase lymphocyte infiltration into tumor fields in one patient by over 5 fold (p < 0.01). In addition, MASL inhibited the growth and motility of all OSCC cells cultured from these patient lesions in a dose responsive manner in vitro (p < 0.05 in all cases) We also report that antibodies can target PDPN on OSCC cells obtained from these patients to destroy them by near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that protocols using MASL and photoimmunotherapies that target PDPN can be developed to effectively treat OSCC lesions in oral cancer patients.

Salivary genetic biomarkers of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy

Cancer Cell International · 2025-10-03 · 1 citations

Considering the elevated mortality linked to lung cancer and the constraints of diagnostic and screening techniques, non-invasive biomarkers offer a promising alternative for early diagnosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the diagnostic accuracy of salivary genetic biomarkers for lung cancer. We searched for pertinent keywords in the Cochrane Library, Embase, LIVIVO, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar for relevant studies. A systematic review was performed, and data were extracted from the eligible studies. The methodological quality of the studies included in this review was assessed using the Quality Assessment tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). The split component synthesis method was used to determine sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratios. Studies were classified into three categories based on the type of biomarkers used: the single salivary biomarker model, the multiple salivary biomarker model (using multiple salivary biomarkers), and the mixed biomarker model (combining salivary biomarkers with other data, such as blood biomarkers or demographic data). By synthesizing data from six studies, including single, multiple, and mixed biomarker models, the study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these models. The findings indicate that single-salivary biomarker models exhibit moderate diagnostic performance, with sensitivity and specificity of 0.72 and 0.73, respectively. However, multiple salivary biomarker models demonstrate improved diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity: 0.88, specificity: 0.75), supporting the use of multiple salivary biomarkers to increase accuracy and reduce false-positive results. Mixed models using a combination of salivary and blood biomarkers outperformed other models, achieving a diagnostic odds ratio of 115.66, with sensitivity at 0.92 and specificity at 0.91. Our findings show that the mixed biomarker model (model using salivary and blood genetic biomarkers) yields the highest diagnostic odds ratio and area under the curve, making it the most efficacious diagnostic approach among the models analyzed.

Diagnosis of lung cancer using salivary miRNAs expression and clinical characteristics

BMC Pulmonary Medicine · 2025-01-25 · 6 citations

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer (LC), the primary cause for cancer-related death globally is a diverse illness with various characteristics. Saliva is a readily available biofluid and a rich source of miRNA. It can be collected non-invasively as well as transported and stored easily. The process is also reproducible and cost-effective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the salivary expression of microRNAs let-7a-2, miR-221, and miR-20a in saliva and evaluate their efficacy, using multiple logistic regression (MLR) model, in diagnosis of lung cancer. MATERIALS: Samples of saliva were obtained from 40 lung cancer patients (20 lung adenocarcinoma and 20 lung squamous cell carcinoma) and 20 healthy controls. The levels of let-7a-2, miR-221, and miR-20a expression in saliva were assessed by RT-qPCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to assess the potential significance of miRNAs in saliva for lung cancer diagnosis with the use of multiple logistic regression (MLR), principal component analysis, and machine learning methods. RESULTS: Diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of miR-20a in lung adenocarcinoma diagnosis versus healthy control was higher than miR-221, and DOR of miR-221 was higher than let-7a-2. miR-20a demonstrated a higher DOR for small cell lung carcinoma versus healthy control compared to let-7a-2, which in turn exhibited a higher DOR than miR-221. MLR of miR-221, let-7a-2, miR-20a, and smoking habit using main effects led to accuracy of 0.725 (sensitivity: 0.80, specificity: 0.65) and AUC = 0.795 for differentiation of small-cell lung carcinoma from lung adenocarcinoma. Our results showed that MLR based on salivary miRNAs could diagnose LUAD and SCLC from healthy control using main effects and two-way interactions with the accuracy of 0.90 (sensitivity = 0.95 and specificity = 0.85). CONCLUSION: A salivary miRNA-based MLR model is a promising diagnostic tool for lung cancer, offering a non-invasive screening option for high-risk asymptomatic individuals.

Salivary metabolites for pancreatic cancer diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Gastroenterology · 2025-11-29 · 1 citations

Pancreatic cancer (PC), a malignancy with poor prognosis, demands innovative diagnostic strategies for early detection. Current methods, such as endoscopic ultrasound and blood-based biomarkers, face limitations in accessibility, invasiveness, and accuracy, particularly for early-stage disease. Saliva, a non-invasive biofluid enriched with metabolites and proteins, offers promise as a diagnostic medium. A systematic search was conducted across databases, including MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, LIVIVO, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and the Google Scholar search engine. The search had no restrictions on language or publication date. The database search was performed in September 2024 and updated in December 2024 using PRISMA-DTA guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Statistical analysis was performed, and pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) calculated. This systematic review and meta-analysis include five studies published between 2010 and 2024. 7,799 records were screened, yielding five studies (4,328 subjects: 854 patients with PC, 3,474 controls) for inclusion in our analysis. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for salivary metabolites were 0.784 (95% CI: 0.769–0.797) and 0.793 (95% CI: 0.764–0.819), respectively, with a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 15.79 (95% CI: 12.61–19.76) and an AUC of 0.867. Multi-metabolite panels significantly outperformed single biomarkers (DOR: 101.68, 95% CI: 24.79-417.08 vs. 14.29, 95% CI: 11.59-17.62), underscoring the value of combinatorial approaches. Subgroup analyses revealed pathway-specific variations, with nervous system-related pathways showing the highest DOR (24.58, 95% CI: 12.41-48.69) and polyamine pathways the lowest (8.96, 95% CI: 5.36-14.98). This study highlights saliva’s potential as a complementary tool in PC diagnosis and in bridging the gap between experimental biomarkers and clinical utility.

Oral microbiome as a diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy

Journal of Oral Microbiology · 2025-10-21

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the oral microbiome in detecting pancreatic cancer. Methods: A comprehensive search of relevant studies was conducted using key terms across multiple databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Diagnostic accuracy metrics were calculated including specificity, sensitivity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the effects of oral sample collection methods, bacterial taxonomy, and oral microbiome classifications. Results: ). Conclusions: Oral microbiome holds promise as a diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer, supporting its potential as a noninvasive tool for the screening and early detection of this malignancy.

Identification of common salivary miRNA in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Oral Health · 2024-10-04 · 13 citations

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can impact patients' quality of life. While its exact etiology remains unclear, it is associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation. Currently, the diagnosis of OLP relies on clinical examination and histopathological analysis, which can be invasive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for non-invasive and accurate diagnostic biomarkers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the potential of salivary microRNAs as promising candidates for OLP diagnosis. This meta-analysis seeks to identify specific microRNAs that are differentially expressed and could serve as reliable biomarkers for OLP diagnosis. METHODS: Our strategy involved searching for pertinent keywords in multiple academic databases including Cochrane Library, Embase, LIVIVO, MEDLINE, Ovid, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, Espacenet, and Google Scholar search engine. Upon identification, articles were screened and data extracted from the eligible studies. Split component synthesis method was utilized to assess specificity, sensitivity, likelihood and diagnostic odds ratios. The random-effects meta-analysis approach was used to combine study findings and develop pooled diagnostic performance metrics. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots were generated to determine area under the curve. Subgroup analyses concerning the type of saliva and control groups were also performed. RESULTS: Among the fourteen studies included in our systematic review, five were eligible for meta-analysis. Salivary microRNAs showed the pooled sensitivity of 0.80 (95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.68-0.88), specificity of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.82-0.94), diagnostic odds ratio of 28.45 (95% CI: 10.40-77.80), and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93 for OLP diagnosis. Unstimulated saliva had higher sensitivity and specificity than oral swirl samples as the biomarker medium for OLP diagnosis. Meta-analysis uncovered that miR-27a, miR-137, miR-1290, miR-27b, miR-4484, miR-142, and miR-1246 had the highest diagnostic odds ratio for OLP. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that salivary microRNAs can serve as valuable biomarkers for the diagnosis of OLP. The findings highlight the exceptional accuracy of salivary microRNAs in differentiating OLP patients from healthy controls and assessing the risk of malignant transformation.

Secretory carcinoma of minor salivary glands.

PubMed · 2024-05-30

Secretory carcinoma is a malignant salivary gland tumor, which typically presents as an indolent painless mass within the parotid gland. Involvement of the minor gland is reported but less common. Secretory carcinoma was often misclassified as other salivary gland mimics, particularly acinic cell carcinoma, prior to 2010. It was first recognized as a molecularly distinct salivary gland tumor harboring the same fusion gene as well as histologic and cytogenetic features seen in juvenile breast cancer. Secretory carcinoma is generally managed in the same way as other low-grade salivary gland neoplasms and has a favorable prognosis; however, high-grade transformation requiring aggressive therapeutic interventions have been documented. Recent studies of biologic agents targeting products of this fusion gene offer the promise of a novel therapeutic option for treatment of this malignancy. Due to the limited number of reported cases, the spectrum of clinical behavior, best practices for management, and long-term treatment outcomes for secretory carcinoma remain unclear. A long-standing secretory carcinoma involving minor salivary glands of the mucobuccal fold, which was detected years after it was first noted by the patient, is reported. This case brings to light the importance of a thorough clinical exam during dental visits and reviews diagnostic differentiation of this malignancy from other mimics and discusses decision making for its management.