Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
10:43
Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
Published on: December 23, 2022
3.3K
Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Never Smokers: An Insight into SMARCB1 Loss
Akshay J Patel1,2, Hanan Hemead2, Hannah Jesani2
1Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 10, 2024
Summary
Lung cancer in never smokers with squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) is aggressive. SMARCB1-deficient SqCC in never smokers shows rapid progression and poor survival, necessitating targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of cases, with squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) linked to smoking.
- Lung cancer in never smokers (LCINS), particularly LCINS-SqCC, is increasing and less understood regarding genomic drivers and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genomic alterations and clinical outcomes of lung cancer in never smokers with squamous cell carcinoma (LCINS-SqCC).
- To identify specific molecular subtypes and their prognostic implications in this understudied population.
- To inform personalized treatment strategies for LCINS-SqCC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 59 LCINS-SqCC patients undergoing radical surgical resection over 20 years (2003-2023) at two UK tertiary centers.
- Collection of demographic, comorbidity, histopathological, and survival data.
- Molecular sequencing of tumor specimens to identify genomic aberrations.
Main Results:
- Median patient age was 71 years, with a slight male predominance.
- Disease recurrence occurred in 39% of patients, and 54% died within 3 years.
- Biallelic SMARCB1 loss was identified in two younger patients, associated with rapid progression, PDL1-negativity, and specific immunophenotype (cytokeratin+, CD56+, p40+).
Conclusions:
- SMARCB1-deficient SqCC in never smokers is a highly aggressive variant with poor disease-free survival.
- Advanced molecular diagnostics are crucial for identifying this aggressive subtype.
- Personalized treatment strategies, including EZH2 inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade, are needed for SMARCB1-deficient lung cancers.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin Cancer
4.0K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
4.0K
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
4.1K
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
4.1K
02:21Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
11.8K
Cancer arises from mutations in the critical genes that allow healthy cells to escape cell cycle regulation and acquire the ability to proliferate indefinitely. Though originating from a single mutation event in one of the originator cells, cancer progresses when the mutant cell lines continue to gain more and more mutations, and finally, become malignant. For example, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) develops initially as a non-lethal increase in white blood cells, which progressively...
11.8K
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
4.7K
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
4.7K
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
4.5K
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
4.5K
02:59Cancer Prevention
6.1K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
6.1K