新型诊断方法助力头颈癌个体化治疗

Core Viewpoint - A new diagnostic method developed by researchers at the University of Turku can determine whether patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma can be cured solely through surgery, avoiding the need for radiotherapy or chemotherapy, thus promoting more personalized and less toxic treatment options [1][2]. Group 1: Diagnostic Method - The new method is based on a protein biomarker called LIMA1-alpha, which is detected using immunohistochemical techniques on tumor tissues [1]. - High expression of LIMA1-alpha in tumor tissues correlates with poor postoperative prognosis, while patients with negative LIMA1-alpha expression achieved good outcomes without subsequent radiotherapy or chemotherapy [1]. Group 2: Clinical Research - A prospective clinical study tracked newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients across five university hospitals in Finland, confirming the predictive capability of LIMA1-alpha for surgical prognosis [2]. - The study revealed that during a two-year follow-up, no patients with negative LIMA1-alpha expression died from the cancer [1]. Group 3: Molecular Mechanism - The research also uncovered that LIMA1-alpha promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in tumor cells, enhancing their invasive capabilities, providing a biological basis for the association between this protein and tumor malignancy [2]. Group 4: Clinical Application - The new detection method is described as a reliable and cost-effective tool that helps identify patients who can be cured through surgery alone, thereby alleviating the physical and psychological burdens associated with multimodal treatments [2].