SSTR2 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Relationship with Latent EBV Infection and Potential as a Therapeutic Target

  • Oscar Emanuel
  • , Jacklyn Liu
  • , Volker H. Schartinger
  • , Wen Long Nei
  • , Yuk Yu Chan
  • , Chi Man Tsang
  • , Herbert Riechelmann
  • , Liam Masterson
  • , Johannes Haybaeck
  • , Udo Oppermann
  • , Stefan M. Willems
  • , Marc L. Ooft
  • , Guido Wollmann
  • , David Howard
  • , Bart Vanhaesebroeck
  • , Valerie J. Lund
  • , Gary Royle
  • , Melvin L.K. Chua
  • , Kwok Wai Lo
  • , Pierre Busson*
  • Matt Lechner
*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    17 Citations (Scopus)
    130 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor endemic to parts of Asia and associated with infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in these regions. The cancer is often detected at a late stage which is associated with poor outcomes (63% 5-year survival). Advances for the management of this disease have remained largely stagnant and treatment relies primarily on radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as surgery when indicated. Nevertheless, our understanding of its underlying biology has grown rapidly in the past two decades, laying the foundation for the development of improved therapeutics which have the potential to improve outcomes. This review offers a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of this disease, with a focus on the role of somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) in NPC and how this increased knowledge may lead to improved diagnosis and management of this disease.

    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor, most commonly located in the pharyngeal recess and endemic to parts of Asia. It is often detected at a late stage which is associated with poor prognosis (5-year survival rate of 63%). Treatment for this malignancy relies predominantly on radiotherapy and/or systemic chemotherapy, which can be associated with significant morbidity and impaired quality of life. In endemic regions NPC is associated with infection by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which was shown to upregulate the somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) cell surface receptor. With recent advances in molecular techniques allowing for an improved understanding of the molecular aetiology of this disease and its relation to SSTR2 expression, we provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of this disease and highlight the emergence of SSTR2 as a key tumor biomarker and promising target for imaging and therapy.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number4944
    Number of pages17
    JournalCancers
    Volume13
    Issue number19
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1-Oct-2021

    Keywords

    • Biomarkers
    • Carcinogenesis
    • EBV
    • Epidemiology
    • Global health
    • Imaging
    • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)
    • Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR)
    • Therapeutics

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'SSTR2 in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Relationship with Latent EBV Infection and Potential as a Therapeutic Target'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this