Abstract. Protein expression of human toll-like receptors (TLR) 1-10 was measured in cell lines and solid tumors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). All HNSCC cell lines and 80% of solid tumors were found to express TLR3 as a predominantly intracellular protein, while no other TLR proteins were expressed. TLR3 has previously been shown to contribute to the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a transcription factor which promotes several types of human cancers. Significantly, NF-κB expression was strongest in protein extracts from carcinoma tissue in which TLR3 was overexpressed. Inhibition of TLR3 expression in permanent HNSCC cell lines resulted in decreased expression of the oncoprotein c-Myc resulting in decreased cell proliferation. Correspondingly, overexpression of human TLR3 in mouse fibroblasts resulted in an upregulation of c-Myc and increased sensitivity for PolyI:C-induced cell proliferation. Our data suggest that TLR3 contributes to the malignant phenotype leading to invasive carcinoma in HNSCC.

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If given early (within 30 minutes.) after tumor cell seeding, gemcitabine is effective for preventing tumor cell implantation and the resulting tumor outgrowth.

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A multimodal, interdisciplinary approach known as intensity-modified brachytherapy is a promising alternative for patients with advanced head and neck cancer infiltrating the orbita and skull base. An 87-year-old man presented with a recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the medial corner of the left eye that had been locally resected and irradiated by external beam radiotherapy multiple times. The cancer was resected with preservation of the eye with close margins, implantation of afterloading catheters, and reconstruction of the defect with a median forehead flap. The patient was irradiated with a total radiation dose of 30 Gy IMBT. After 1 year, there was no evidence of locoregional recurrence. The background of this therapeutic process and analysis of the current literature regarding this interdisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer infiltrating the orbita and skull base are discussed based on this case report.