Name: a model for perineural invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Uploaded: 2017-01-05T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma at JoVE.com

This work was supported in whole by funding from the NIH through the R21 grant, "Mechanisms of Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Cancer" and the NCI T32 training grant, "Post-Doctoral Research Training in Head and Neck Oncology (2T32CA060397-21)." Thank you to Richard Steiman, MD, PhD and lab staff.

1. Preparation of Culture Medium and Dishes (10 min)
<ol>
	<li>Add 100 &#181;L of Dulbecco&#39;s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) to the wells of a 96-well V-bottom plate.</li>
	<li>Remove a pre-aliquoted-vial of approximately 100 &#181;L of semisolid matrix from the 20 &#176;C freezer and place it directly on ice. 
	NOTE: Do this prior to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) harvest because the semisolid matrix takes approximately 30 min to reach liquid state on ice, which is necessary for...

<ol>
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W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Postoperative+irradiation+for+squamous+cell+carcinoma+of+the+oral+cavity:+35-year+experience.">Postoperative irradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: 35-year experience.</a> Head Neck. 26 (11), 984-994 (2004).</li><li>Rahima, B., Shingaki, S., Nagata, M., Saito, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prognostic+significance+of+perineural+invasion+in+oral+and+oropharyngeal+carcinoma.">Prognostic significance of perineural invasion in oral and oropharyngeal carcinoma.</a> Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 97 (4), 423-431 (2004).</li><li>Woolgar, J. 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L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Nosocomial+sinusitis+in+patients+in+the+medical+intensive+care+unit:+a+prospective+epidemiological+study.">Nosocomial sinusitis in patients in the medical intensive care unit: a prospective epidemiological study.</a> Clin Infect Dis. 27 (3), 463-470 (1998).</li><li>Fagan, J. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Perineural+invasion+in+squamous+cell+carcinoma+of+the+head+and+neck.">Perineural invasion in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.</a> Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 124 (6), 637-640 (1998).</li><li>Soo, K. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prognostic+implications+of+perineural+spread+in+squamous+carcinomas+of+the+head+and+neck.">Prognostic implications of perineural spread in squamous carcinomas of the head and neck.</a> Laryngoscope. 96 (10), 1145-1148 (1986).</li><li>Parsons, J. T., Mendenhall, W. M., Stringer, S. P., Cassisi, N. J., Million, R. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+analysis+of+factors+influencing+the+outcome+of+postoperative+irradiation+for+squamous+cell+carcinoma+of+the+oral+cavity.">An analysis of factors influencing the outcome of postoperative irradiation for squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.</a> Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 39 (1), 137-148 (1997).</li><li>Liao, C. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Does+adjuvant+radiation+therapy+improve+outcomes+in+pT1-3N0+oral+cavity+cancer+with+tumor-free+margins+and+perineural+invasion.">Does adjuvant radiation therapy improve outcomes in pT1-3N0 oral cavity cancer with tumor-free margins and perineural invasion.</a> Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 71 (2), 371-376 (2008).</li><li>Fan, K. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Treatment+results+of+postoperative+radiotherapy+on+squamous+cell+carcinoma+of+the+oral+cavity:+coexistence+of+multiple+minor+risk+factors+results+in+higher+recurrence+rates.">Treatment results of postoperative radiotherapy on squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: coexistence of multiple minor risk factors results in higher recurrence rates.</a> Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 77 (4), 1024-1029 (2010).</li><li>Dai, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enhanced+survival+in+perineural+invasion+of+pancreatic+cancer:+an+in+vitro+approach.">Enhanced survival in perineural invasion of pancreatic cancer: an in vitro approach.</a> Hum Pathol. 38 (2), 299-307 (2007).</li><li>Ceyhan, G. O., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neural+invasion+in+pancreatic+cancer:+a+mutual+tropism+between+neurons+and+cancer+cells.">Neural invasion in pancreatic cancer: a mutual tropism between neurons and cancer cells.</a> Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 374 (3), 442-447 (2008).</li><li>Gil, Z., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Paracrine+regulation+of+pancreatic+cancer+cell+invasion+by+peripheral+nerves.">Paracrine regulation of pancreatic cancer cell invasion by peripheral nerves.</a> J Natl Cancer Inst. 102 (2), 107-118 (2010).</li><li>He, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=GFRalpha1+released+by+nerves+enhances+cancer+cell+perineural+invasion+through+GDNF-RET+signaling.">GFRalpha1 released by nerves enhances cancer cell perineural invasion through GDNF-RET signaling.</a> Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 111 (19), 2008-2017 (2014).</li><li>He, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+chemokine+(CCL2-CCR2)+signaling+axis+mediates+perineural+invasion.">The chemokine (CCL2-CCR2) signaling axis mediates perineural invasion.</a> Mol Cancer Res. 13 (2), 380-390 (2015).</li><li>Bakst, R. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Radiation+impairs+perineural+invasion+by+modulating+the+nerve+microenvironment.">Radiation impairs perineural invasion by modulating the nerve microenvironment.</a> PLoS One. 7 (6), 39925 (2012).</li><li>Ayala, G. E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+dorsal+root+ganglia+and+human+prostate+cell+line+interaction:+redefining+perineural+invasion+in+prostate+cancer.">In vitro dorsal root ganglia and human prostate cell line interaction: redefining perineural invasion in prostate cancer.</a> Prostate. 49 (3), 213-223 (2001).</li><li>Na'ara, S., Gil, Z., Amit, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+Vitro+Modeling+of+Cancerous+Neural+Invasion:+The+Dorsal+Root+Ganglion.">In Vitro Modeling of Cancerous Neural Invasion: The Dorsal Root Ganglion.</a> J Vis Exp. (110), (2016).</li></ol>

Critical Steps within the Protocol
The most important steps within this protocol are the precise dissection and extraction of the dorsal root ganglia. Proper transection of the spinal column and a midline-longitudinal division into two hemi-spines are critical to obtaining large numbers of DRG. During the dissection of individual DRGs, the ganglion should never be handled directly, but rather the surrounding fascia should be grasped with the microscopic forceps. Failure to do ...

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the US, with 10,000 deaths per year nationally and 300,000 deaths per year worldwide1. The overall prognosis for HNSCC has remained unchanged at 50% for the past several decades. Perineural invasion (PNI) is one of the most prominent pathological features that portend a poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC. Unfortunately, PNI is a frequent occurrence in HNSCC and can be found in up to 40% of HNSCC patients2,3. 
PNI is the process by which malignant cells track along nerves to adjacent tissues, allowing for higher rates of local and distant spread. Accordingly, PNI-positive HNSCC tumors have higher rates of locoregional recurrences and distant metastases, resulting in lower overall survival compared to HNSCC patients without PNI4-8.
Although the treatment of patients with PNI is typically maximized by employing surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, the overall survival rates of these patients are still decreased by up to 40% compared to patients without PNI9-11. Thus, it is clear that the current treatment modalities for HNSCC are ineffective in improving the adverse prognosis associated with PNI. The approach of developing targeted therapy against PNI in HNSCC has been hindered by the poor understanding of the factors that regulate this process. This is, in part, a consequence of the lack of a consistent in vitro model for the study of PNI in HNSCC. 
In recent years, several groups have been utilizing an in vitro model for studying PNI in predominantly pancreatic and prostate cancers12-19. This model uses the neurites generated from dorsal root ganglia isolated from mice or rats as a surrogate for large-nerve invasion. The dorsal root ganglia are fixed in a factor-depleted semisolid matrix, which is a solubilized basement membrane protein mixture secreted by Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm mouse sarcoma cells. This matrix allows for the outgrowth of the neurites and the tracking of single cancer cells along these neurites. Described here is the adaption of this model for the examination of PNI in HNSCC.

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a model for perineural invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Perineural invasion (PNI) is found in approximately 40% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Despite multimodal treatment with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, locoregional recurrences and distant metastases occur at higher rates, and overall survival is decreased by 40% compared to HNSCC without PNI. In vitro studies of the pathways involved in HNSCC PNI have historically been challenging given the lack of a consistent, reproducible assay. Described here is the adaptation of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) assay for the examination of PNI in HNSCC. In this model, DRG are harvested from the spinal column of a sacrificed nude mouse and placed within a semisolid matrix. Over the subsequent days, neurites are generated and grow in a radial pattern from the cell bodies of the DRG. HNSCC cell lines are then placed peripherally around the matrix and invade preferentially along the neurites toward the DRG. This method allows for rapid evaluation of multiple treatment conditions, with very high assay success rates and reproducibility.

After the dissection of the DRG and the placement within the matrix droplet, the appearance of the assay should resemble Figure 1. Note that the DRG is not perfectly round, but it is centered within the matrix droplet. This allows for the outgrowth of neurites in 360 degrees, shown partially in Figure 2. Be aware that certain parts of the DRG send out neurites faster and in greater numbers than others, typically corresponding to where the efferent and aff...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma at JoVE.com

A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a common feature of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), conferring lower survival rates. Its mechanisms are poorly understood. Utilizing neurites generated from murine dorsal root ganglia confined to a semisolid matrix, the pathways involved in the PNI of HNSCC cell lines can be investigated.

Perineural invasion (PNI) is found in approximately 40% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Despite multimodal treatment with surgery, ...

The overall goal of this experimental protocol is to rapidly evaluate multiple treatment conditions affecting perineural invasion in head and neck squamous cancer with very high assay success rates and reproducibility. This method can help answer key questions in the field of head and neck oncology, such as what are the factors that influence head and neck cancer cell perineural invasion. The main advantage of this technique is that a large number of assays can be rapidly and reproducibly performed from one mouse in a relatively short period of time.Before beginning the dorsal root ganglion, or DRG, dissection procedure, add fresh room temperature medium to at least 40 wells of a V-bottom 96-well plate. Then, use a pair of fine scissors to make a longitudinal incision along the spinal column from the root of the tail to the head of the mouse. And transversely divide the tissue below the sacral spine, dissecting both sides of the spine, all the way up to the skull base.Transfer the specimen under the microscope, and observe the cervical end of the spinal column at low power. The white spinal cord is apparent in the middle of a bony ring, which is surrounded by variable amounts of perispinal muscles and soft tissue. Using microscopic spring scissors, split the dorsal, or superior aspect, of the first two to three vertebral bodies.Then, use the spring action of the scissors to open this initial bony cut, to ensure that the vertebral body dissection occurs at the midline. Continue in small increments toward the sacral spine, bisecting the spine with identical cuts on the ventral, or inferior, aspect of the vertebral bodies. Placing one hemispine aside, transfer the other half of the spine face down on a sterile plate with the spinal cord in place.And use two 18-gauge needles to secure both ends of the hemispine onto the polystyrene dissecting platform. Next, starting at the narrower, cervical end, gently peel back the spinal cord from about four vertebral levels. In the region where the sensory nerves insert into the DRG, gently grasp the surrounding fascia with microscopic forceps, and use microscopic spring scissors to trim this fascia and other nerve tissue to free the DRG.Under increased magnification, use the spring scissors to cut the peripheral nerve as close to the DRG as possible to release the tissue, and trim the proximal branches. Then, trim the DRG of any stray nerve fibers or fascial attachments and place the isolated tissue into one well of the 96-well V-bottom plate. To prepare the semisolid matrix droplets, transfer one glass well-bottom plate from ice onto an ice block under the operating microscope.Place the tip of a no more than 10 microliter pipette directly onto the glass at a 45-degree angle, and carefully dispense a 1.5-microliter droplet of matrix onto the glass. Slowly move the pipette tip away from the glass as the matrix becomes engaged with the plate. Deposit one droplet of matrix onto each of the four corners of the plate, and transfer the plate to a room temperature surface for about one minute.When the matrix has slightly stiffened, return the plate to the ice block, and use closed microscopic forceps to scoop the DRG gently with the left hand. Using the right hand, carefully transfer the nerve tissue to the tip of a 21-gauge needle and use the needle to gently insert the DRG into the middle of the matrix droplet. The DRG should release easily into the matrix for central positioning with the needle.After inserting a DRG piece into each of the four droplets, place the plate into a 37-degree Celsius incubator for three minutes. When all of the DRG have been embedded, hold the plates one at a time, at a slight angle and slowly add four milliliters of DMEM supplemented with 10%FBS to the plates, such that the medium only gradually comes into contact with the matrix DRG units. Return the plates to the incubator for another 48 to 72 hours.When the neurites reach at least 75%of the way to the edge of the matrix, aspirate the medium from the wells without removing the matrix DRG units. Then, using a 200-microliter pipette, with a smooth trigger, place two drops of three times 10 to the fifth cells per milliliter of medium over each matrix DRG assay. And return the plates to the incubator.After one hour, gently add four milliliters of DMEM with 10%FBS along the side wall of the glass-bottom plate, and return the plates to the incubator until their next microscopic evaluation. After their dissection and placement within the matrix droplets, the appearance of the assay should resemble the matrix-embedded DRG shown here. Note that the DRG is not perfectly round, but is centered within the matrix droplet, allowing for the outgrowth of neurites in 360 degrees.Immediately after plating, the head and neck squamous cancer cells form a circumferential ring around the matrix, expanding along the neurites over the next two to three days. Cells plated onto blank control droplets containing matrix alone actively divide around the matrices, but do not enter or extend over the top. For quantification of the perineural invasion of the cancer cells, images of the assays are divided into four quadrants via one vertical and one horizontal line.A series of points are then scored for each perineural invasion extension observed in each quadrant, allowing comparison of the cancer cell ingrowths along the neurites between different cancer cell lines. Once mastered, the dorsal root ganglia isolation technique can be complete in less than two hours if it's performed properly. While attempting this procedure, it's important to minimize excessive handling of the dorsal root ganglia as crush injury is the most common reason for assay failure.Following this procedure, the mechanisms of perineural invasion can be studied, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies against this type of soft tissue invasion. After watching this video, you should have a good understanding of how to dissect dorsal root ganglia from a mouse and set up an assay for examining perineural invasion.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Cancer Research

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects &#62; 60,000 people in the United States annually, and ~ 30% of RCC patients have multiple metastases at the time of diagnosis. Metastatic RCC (mRCC) is incurable, with a median survival time of only 18 months. Immune-based interventions (e.g., interferon (IFN) and interleukin (IL)-2) induce durable responses in a fraction of mRCC patients, and multikinase inhibitors (e.g., sunitinib or sorafenib) or anti-VEGF receptor monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are largely palliative, as complete remissions are rare. Such shortcomings in current therapies for mRCC patients provide the rationale for the development of novel treatment protocols. A key component in the preclinical testing of new therapies for mRCC is a suitable animal model. Beneficial features that recapitulate the human condition include a primary renal tumor, renal tumor metastases, and an intact immune system to investigate any therapy-driven immune effector responses and the formation of tumor-induced immunosuppressive factors. This report describes an orthotopic mRCC mouse model that has all of these features. We describe an intrarenal implantation technique using the mouse renal adenocarcinoma cell line Renca, followed by the assessment of tumor growth in the kidney (primary site) and lungs (metastatic site).

Implementation of an orthotopic model of renal cell carcinoma in immunocompetent mice affords the investigator a clinically-relevant system defined by the presence of a primary renal tumor and lung metastases in the same animal. This system can be used to preclinically test a variety of treatments in vivo.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects &#62; 60,000 people in the United States annually, and ~ 30% of RCC patients have multiple metastases at the time of ...

Four-color Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry of T-cell Subpopulations in Archival Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Human Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Samples

The four-color fluorescence immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique is a method to quantify cell populations of interest while taking into account their relative distribution and their localization in the tissue. This technique has been extensively applied to study the immune infiltrate in various tumor types. The tumor microenvironment is infiltrated by immune cells that are attracted to the tumor site. Different immune cell populations have been found to play different roles in the tumor microenvironment and to have a different impact on the outcome of disease. This manuscript describes the use of multiparameter fluorescence IHC on oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) as an example. This technique can be extended to other tissue samples and cell types of interest. In the presented study, we analyzed the intraepithelial and stromal compartment of a large OPSCC cohort (n = 162). We focused on total T lymphocytes (CD3+), immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs; i.e., FoxP3+), and T helper 17 (Th17) cells (i.e., IL-17+CD3+) using a nuclear counterstain to distinguish tumor epithelium from stroma. A high number of T cells was found to be correlated with improved disease-free survival in patients with a low number of intratumoral IL-17+ non-T cells. This suggests that IL-17+ non-T cells may be correlated with a poor immune response in OPSCC, which is in agreement with the correlation described between IL-17 and poor survival in cancer patients. Currently, novel multiparameter fluorescence IHC techniques are being developed using up to 7 different fluorochromes and will enable the more precise characterization and localization of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.

Multiparameter fluorescence immunohistochemistry can be used to assess the number, relative distribution, and localization of immune cell populations in the tumor microenvironment. This manuscript describes the use of this technique to analyze T-cell subpopulations in oropharyngeal cancer.

The four-color fluorescence immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique is a method to quantify cell populations of interest while taking into account their ...

Moving Upwards: A Simple and Flexible In Vitro Three-dimensional Invasion Assay Protocol

Although 3D invasion assays have been developed, the challenge remains to study cells without affecting the integrity of their microenvironment. Traditional 3D assays such as the Boyden Chamber require that cells are displaced from the original culture location and moved to a new environment. Not only does this disrupt the cellular processes that are intrinsic to the microenvironment, but it often results in a loss of cells. These problems are especially challenging when dealing with cells that are either rare, or extremely sensitive to their microenvironment. Here, we describe the development of a 3D invasion assay that avoids both concerns. In this assay, cells are plated within a small well and an ECM matrix containing a chemoattractant is laid atop the cells. This requires no cell displacement, and allows the cells to invade upwards into the matrix. In this assay, cell invasion as well as cell morphology can be assessed within the collagen gel. Using this assay, we characterize the invasive capacity of rare and sensitive cells; the hybrid cells resulting from fusion between breast cancer cells MCF7 and mesenchymal/multipotent stem/stroma cells (MSCs).

Moving Upwards: A Simple and Flexible In Vitro Three-dimensional Invasion Assay Protocol

This protocol describes an inverted vertical invasion assay that could be used to quantify the migration and invasion capabilities of cells in a three-dimensional setting while preserving the cell microenvironment. This assay is suitable for rare and/or sensitive cells.

Although 3D invasion assays have been developed, the challenge remains to study cells without affecting the integrity of their microenvironment. ...

An In Vivo Murine Sciatic Nerve Model of Perineural Invasion

Cancer cells invade nerves through a process termed perineural invasion (PNI), in which cancer cells proliferate and migrate in the nerve microenvironment. This type of invasion is exhibited by a variety of cancer types, and very frequently is found in pancreatic cancer. The microscopic size of nerve fibers within mouse pancreas renders the study of PNI difficult in orthotopic murine models. Here, we describe a heterotopic in vivo model of PNI, where we inject syngeneic pancreatic cancer cell line Panc02-H7 into the murine sciatic nerve. In this model, sciatic nerves of anesthetized mice are exposed and injected with cancer cells. The cancer cells invade in the nerves proximally toward the spinal cord from the point of injection. The invaded sciatic nerves are then extracted and processed with OCT for frozen sectioning. H&amp;E and immunofluorescence staining of these sections allow quantification of both the degree of invasion and changes in protein expression. This model can be applied to a variety of studies on PNI given its versatility. Using mice with different genetic modifications and/or different types of cancer cells allows for investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of PNI and for different cancer types. Furthermore, the effects of therapeutic agents on nerve invasion can be studied by applying treatment to these mice.

An In Vivo Murine Sciatic Nerve Model of Perineural Invasion

We describe an in vivo murine model of perineural invasion by injecting syngeneic pancreatic cancer cells into the sciatic nerve. The model allows for quantification of the extent of nerve invasion, and supports investigation of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of perineural invasion.

Cancer cells invade nerves through a process termed perineural invasion (PNI), in which cancer cells proliferate and migrate in the nerve ...

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Current treatment options for advanced and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) enclose radiation and chemo-radiation approaches with or without surgery. While platinum-based chemotherapy regimens currently represent the gold standard in terms of efficacy and are given in the vast majority of cases, new chemotherapy regimens, namely immunotherapy are emerging. However, the response rates and therapy resistance mechanisms for either chemo regimen are hard to predict and remain insufficiently understood. Broad variations of chemo and radiation resistance mechanisms are known to date. This study describes the development of a standardized, high-throughput in vitro assay to assess HNSCC cell line&#39;s response to various therapy regimens, and hopefully on primary cells from individual patients as a future tool for personalized tumor therapy. The assay is designed to being integrated into the quality-controlled standard algorithm for HNSCC patients at our tertiary care center; however, this will be subject of future studies. Technical feasibility looks promising for primary cells from tumor biopsies from actual patients. Specimens are then transferred into the laboratory. Biopsies are mechanically separated followed by enzymatic digestion. Cells are then cultured in ultra-low adhesion cell culture vials that promote the reproducible, standardized and spontaneous formation of three-dimensional, spheroid-shaped cell conglomerates. Spheroids are then ready to be exposed to chemo-radiation protocols and immunotherapy protocols as needed. The final cell viability and spheroid size are indicators of therapy susceptibility and therefore could be drawn into consideration in future to assess the patients&#39; likely therapy response. This model could be a valuable, cost-efficient tool towards personalized therapy for head and neck cancer.

We describe the evolution of a spheroid-based, three-dimensional in vitro model that enables us to test the current standard of experimental therapy regimens for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma on cell lines, aiming at evaluating therapy susceptibility and resistance on primary cells from human specimens in the future.

Current treatment options for advanced and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) enclose radiation and chemo-radiation approaches with ...

Fabrication of Tongue Extracellular Matrix and Reconstitution of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro

In order to construct an effective and realistic model for tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) in vitro, the methods were created to produce decellularized tongue extracellular matrix (TEM) which provides functional scaffolds for TSCC construction. TEM provides an in vitro niche for cell growth, differentiation, and cell migration. The microstructures of native extracellular matrix (ECM) and biochemical compositions retained in the decellularized matrix provide tissue-specific niches for anchoring cells. The fabrication of TEM can be realized by deoxyribonuclease (DNase) digestion accompanied with a serious of organic or inorganic pretreatment. This protocol is easy to operate and ensures high efficiency for the decellularization. The TEM showed favorable cytocompatibility for TSCC cells under static or stirred culture conditions, which enables the construction of the TSCC model. A self-made bioreactor was also used for the persistent stirred condition for cell culture. Reconstructed TSCC using TEM showed the characteristics and properties resembling clinical TSCC histopathology, suggesting the potential in TSCC research.

Fabrication of Tongue Extracellular Matrix and Reconstitution of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro

A method is shown here for the preparation of the tongue extracellular matrix (TEM) with efficient decellularization. The TEM can be used as functional scaffolds for the reconstruction of a tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) model under static or stirred culture conditions.

In order to construct an effective and realistic model for tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) in vitro, the methods were created to produce ...

Enrichment and Characterization of the Tumor Immune and Non-immune Microenvironments in Established Subcutaneous Murine Tumors

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has recently been recognized as a critical mediator of treatment response in solid tumors, especially for immunotherapies. Recent clinical advances in immunotherapy highlight the need for reproducible methods to accurately and thoroughly characterize the tumor and its associated immune infiltrate. Tumor enzymatic digestion and flow cytometric analysis allow broad characterization of numerous immune cell subsets and phenotypes; however, depth of analysis is often limited by fluorophore restrictions on panel design and the need to acquire large tumor samples to observe rare immune populations of interest. Thus, we have developed an effective and high throughput method for separating and enriching the tumor immune infiltrate from the non-immune tumor components. The described tumor digestion and centrifugal density-based separation technique allows separate characterization of tumor and tumor immune infiltrate fractions and preserves cellular viability, and thus, provides a broad characterization of the tumor immunologic state. This method was used to characterize the extensive spatial immune heterogeneity in solid tumors, which further demonstrates the need for consistent whole tumor immunologic profiling techniques. Overall, this method provides an effective and adaptable technique for the immunologic characterization of subcutaneous solid murine tumors; as such, this tool can be used to better characterize the tumoral immunologic features and in the preclinical evaluation of novel immunotherapeutic strategies.

Here we describe a method to separate and enrich components of the tumor immune and non-immune microenvironment in established subcutaneous tumors. This technique allows for the separate analysis of tumor immune infiltrate and non-immune tumor fractions which can permit comprehensive characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment.

The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has recently been recognized as a critical mediator of treatment response in solid tumors, especially for ...

A Simple Migration/Invasion Workflow Using an Automated Live-cell Imager

Cancer cell mobility is crucial for the initiation of metastasis. Therefore, investigation of the cell movement and invasive capacity is of great significance. Migration assays provide basic insight of cell movement at a 2D level, whereas invasion assays are more physiologically relevant, mimicking in vivo cancer cell dislodgment from the original site and invading through the extracellular matrix. The current protocol provides a single workflow for migration and invasion assays. Together with the integrated automated microscopic camera for real-time HD images and built-in analysis module, it gives researchers a time-efficient, simple and reproducible experimental option. This protocol also includes substitutions for the consumables and alternative analysis methods for users to choose from.

The current protocol describes an integrated method investigating cancer cell migration and invasion on a single platform in real-time, providing an easily reproducible and time-efficient option to study cell mobility and morphology.

Cancer cell mobility is crucial for the initiation of metastasis. Therefore, investigation of the cell movement and invasive capacity is of great ...

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating and deadly disease with a high prevalence of recurrence and treatment failure. To develop better therapeutic strategies, understanding tumor microenvironmental factors that contribute to the treatment resistance is important. A major impediment to understanding disease mechanisms and improving therapy has been a lack of murine cell lines that resemble the aggressive and metastatic nature of human HNSCCs. Furthermore, a majority of murine models employ subcutaneous implantations of tumors which lack important physiological features of the head and neck region, including high vascular density, extensive lymphatic vasculature, and resident mucosal flora. The purpose of this study is to develop and characterize an orthotopic model of HNSCC. We employ two genetically distinct murine cell lines and established tumors in the buccal mucosa of mice. We optimize collagenase-based tumor digestion methods for the optimal recovery of single cells from established tumors. The data presented here show that mice develop highly vascularized tumors that metastasize to regional lymph nodes. Single-cell multiparametric mass cytometry analysis shows the presence of diverse immune populations with myeloid cells representing the majority of all immune cells. The model proposed in this study has applications in cancer biology, tumor immunology, and preclinical development of novel therapeutics. The resemblance of the orthotopic model to clinical features of human disease will provide a tool for enhanced translation and improved patient outcomes.

Here we present a reproducible method for developing an orthotopic murine model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Tumors demonstrate clinically relevant histopathological features of the disease, including necrosis, poor differentiation, nodal metastases, and immune infiltration. Tumor-bearing mice develop clinically relevant symptoms including dysphagia, jaw displacement, and weight loss.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a debilitating and deadly disease with a high prevalence of recurrence and treatment failure. To develop ...

In Vitro Establishment of a Genetically Engineered Murine Head and Neck Cancer Cell Line using an Adeno-Associated Virus-Cas9 System

The use of primary normal epithelial cells makes it possible to reproducibly induce genomic alterations required for cellular transformation by introducing specific mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, using clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based genome editing technology in mice. This technology allows us to accurately mimic the genetic changes that occur in human cancers using mice. By genetically transforming murine primary cells, we can better study cancer development, progression, treatment, and diagnosis. In this study, we used Cre-inducible Cas9 mouse tongue epithelial cells to enable genome editing using adeno-associated virus (AAV) in vitro. Specifically, by altering KRAS, p53, and APC in normal tongue epithelial cells, we generated a murine head and neck cancer (HNC) cell line in vitro,which is tumorigenic in syngeneic mice. The method presented here describes in detail how to generate HNC cell lines with specific genomic alterations and explains their suitability for predicting tumor progression in syngeneic mice. We envision that this promising method will be informative and useful to study tumor biology and therapy of HNC.

Development of murine models with specific genes mutated in head and neck cancer patients is required for understanding of neoplasia. Here, we present a protocol for in vitro transformation of primary murine tongue cells using an adeno-associated virus-Cas9 system to generate murine HNC cell lines with specific genomic alterations.