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Updated: Jul 15, 2025
Near Infrared Photoimmunotherapy for Mouse Models of Pleural Dissemination
Published on: February 9, 2021
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy for salivary duct carcinoma
Takuma Makino1, Yasuharu Sato2, Kensuke Uraguchi1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine and Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
Abstract:
In Japan, near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) was introduced in 2021 as a treatment option for unresectable recurrent head and neck cancer. The treatment targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overexpressed in 80-90 % of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). NIR-PIT should theoretically show therapeutic efficacy if EGFR is expressed, even in nonsquamous cell carcinomas (non-SCC). To the best of our knowledge, there are no case reports of NIR-PIT for non-SCC. We performed NIR-PIT in a patient with non-SCC of the head and neck region. After performing two NIR-PIT treatments, small free clusters of residual tumor cells were observed. Immunostaining in this specimen revealed EGFR expression in residual tumor cells. The residual tumor cells had been irradiated sufficiently to achieve necrosis. It is suggested that not only laser irradiation and expression of EGFR but also other factors are involved in the efficacy of this treatment. Further investigation for these other factors is warranted.
Insights
Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) shows potential for non-squamous cell head and neck cancers expressing EGFR. Further research is needed to understand all factors influencing NIR-PIT efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Head and Neck Cancer Research
Background:
- Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is an approved treatment in Japan for unresectable recurrent head and neck cancer.
- NIR-PIT targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), commonly overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
- Theoretically, NIR-PIT efficacy extends to non-squamous cell carcinomas (non-SCC) if EGFR is expressed.
Observation:
- This report details the first known case of NIR-PIT application in a patient with non-SCC of the head and neck.
- Two NIR-PIT treatments were administered to the patient.
- Residual tumor cells were observed post-treatment.
Findings:
- Immunostaining confirmed EGFR expression in the residual tumor cells.
- The residual tumor cells demonstrated sufficient irradiation leading to necrosis.
- The study suggests factors beyond laser irradiation and EGFR expression influence NIR-PIT treatment efficacy.
Implications:
- This case expands the potential application of NIR-PIT to non-SCC head and neck cancers.
- The findings highlight the necessity for further investigation into additional factors governing NIR-PIT effectiveness.
- Understanding these factors could optimize NIR-PIT protocols for diverse head and neck malignancies.
