Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • ItemRestricted
    The Role of Peripheral Neuroglia in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Tumor Progression
    (Queen Mary University of London, 2024) AlJuhani, Hebah; Caetano, Ana
    Abstract: Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive malignancy that accounts for 90% of oral cancers and has a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50% despite the advances in treatment strategies. Recent studies have highlighted the role of the peripheral nervous system in shaping the tumor microenvironment of various cancers, however the role of Peripheral Neuroglia (PNG) in OSCC is largely unknown. Higher neuronal activity is found in advanced OSCC stages; we therefore hypothesize that oral PNG may also have an important role in OSCC progression. Objectives: To address this, we investigated their density, proliferation, and spatial distribution across all stages, prognostic outcomes, and anatomical sites. Methods: Multiplex immunofluorescence was performed on 12 OSCC samples (n=12) across OSCC progressive stages (Premalignant, AJCC TNM 7/8th edition stages1-3, and stage 4 with good and poor prognostic outcomes). SOX10, a key regulator of PNG was used for PNG detection along other markers (S100B, TUBB3, KI67) to assess PNG morphology, axon association, and proliferation. A deep learning imaging analysis pipeline for PNG classification was created for this novel study. Automated image analysis was then used to quantify PNG density, proliferation, and spatial relationships to epithelial-tumor cells based on our customized imaging pipeline analysis. Results: One-way ANOVA analysis of our technical sample (t=33) did not show a statistically significant increase in PNG density across OSCC progression (F(5,27) = 2.068, p = 0.101). However, the small sample size precludes definitive conclusions. Interestingly, we observed site-specific variations in PNG involvement, with higher PNG detection in buccal mucosa OSCC (T2-T3) and stage 4 tumors with good prognosis in the anterior maxillary alveolus more than its counterpart sample in the hard palate. Positive proliferative PNG were more prevalent in later OSCC stages, particularly in stages 2 and 4 with good prognosis. Spatial analysis revealed closer proximity between axon-free PNG and tumor epithelial cells in pre-malignant and early-stage samples compared to advanced stages with the exclusion of stage 4 good prognosis. Conclusion: Our study provides novel insights into tumor-associated PNG cellular dynamics and heterogeneity. These findings suggest a complex role for PNG in OSCC, potentially influencing tumor behavior and prognosis in a stage- and site-dependent manner which confirms our hypothesis. Further large-scale studies are needed to fully determine the functional role of PNG in OSCC progression and explore their potential as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets.
    12 0
  • ItemRestricted
    Approaches and Hurdles in Timely Identification of Oral Cancer: A Scope Review
    (University of Leeds, 2024-08-08) Alshammari, Abdulsalam; Jones, Adam; Lancaster, Paula
    Abstract Aim and Objectives: The scoping review seeks to identify barriers and challenges in timely diagnosing oral cancer and the advanced diagnostic methodologies available, as well as strategies for improving early diagnosis and patient outcomes. It has the following objectives: looking at patient and healthcare provider factors that cause delays, evaluating screening programs and technological advancements, and proposing strategies for enhancing early diagnosis of oral cancer. Research Methods: Databases searched included ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. Articles focused on early detection of oral cancer, diagnostic delay, and new diagnostic techniques were included up to July 2024. Information such as the article's title, authors, publication date, type of study, and sample size was documented along with relevant data extraction. Results: A total of 26 articles met the study eligibility criteria, addressing patient- related factors (low awareness, sociocultural factors, psychological factors), healthcare provider-related factors (inadequate training, infrequent oral examinations, delayed referrals), and systemic factors (limited access to specialised care, healthcare referral variations). Additionally, new diagnostic tools such as salivary biomarkers and molecular markers were evaluated for their capacity to enhance early detection. Discussion and Conclusion: The review highlighted several key findings: 1. Implementing patient education and public awareness campaigns is essential to increase the rate of early detection. 2. Routine oral examinations and healthcare provider training are indispensable for the early detection of oral cancer. 3. Integrating advanced diagnostic technologies holds promise for being practical and cost-effective; however, additional clinical trials and consensus guidelines are necessary to confirm these findings. Enhancing early identification and outcomes of oral cancer demands a multipart strategy in which targeted public health campaigns, general population enlightenment, and the development of technological novelties play a crucial role. The active participation of public health policymakers gives confidence in the change.
    24 0
  • ItemRestricted
    Approaches and Hurdles in Timely Identification of Oral Cancer: A Scope Review
    (University of Leeds, 2024-08-08) Alshammari, Abdulsalam; Lancaster, Paula; Jones, Adam; McKechnie, Alasdair
    Aim and Objectives: The scoping review seeks to identify barriers and challenges in timely diagnosing oral cancer and the advanced diagnostic methodologies available, as well as strategies for improving early diagnosis and patient outcomes. It has the following objectives: looking at patient and healthcare provider factors that cause delays, evaluating screening programs and technological advancements, and proposing strategies for enhancing early diagnosis of oral cancer. Research Methods: Databases searched included ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines. Articles focused on early detection of oral cancer, diagnostic delay, and new diagnostic techniques were included up to July 2024. Information such as the article's title, authors, publication date, type of study, and sample size was documented along with relevant data extraction. Results: A total of 26 articles met the study eligibility criteria, addressing patient- related factors (low awareness, sociocultural factors, psychological factors), healthcare provider-related factors (inadequate training, infrequent oral examinations, delayed referrals), and systemic factors (limited access to specialised care, healthcare referral variations). Additionally, new diagnostic tools such as salivary biomarkers and molecular markers were evaluated for their capacity to enhance early detection. Discussion and Conclusion: The review highlighted several key findings: 1. Implementing patient education and public awareness campaigns is essential to increase the rate of early detection. 2. Routine oral examinations and healthcare provider training are indispensable for the early detection of oral cancer. 3. Integrating advanced diagnostic technologies holds promise for being practical and cost-effective; however, additional clinical trials and consensus guidelines are necessary to confirm these findings. Enhancing early identification and outcomes of oral cancer demands a multipart strategy in which targeted public health campaigns, general population enlightenment, and the development of technological novelties play a crucial role. The active participation of public health policymakers gives confidence in the change.
    9 0

Copyright owned by the Saudi Digital Library (SDL) © 2025