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Liu S, Wang R, Fang J. Exploring the frontiers: tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:22. [PMID: 38294629 PMCID: PMC10830966 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of head and neck malignancies positions them as the sixth most common form of cancer, with the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) representing the predominant histological subtype. Despite advancements in multidisciplinary approaches and molecular targeted therapies, the therapeutic outcomes for HNSCC have only marginally improved, particularly in cases of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC (R/MHNSCC). This situation underscores the critical necessity for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Such strategies are essential not only to enhance the efficacy of HNSCC treatment but also to minimize the incidence of associated complications, thus improving overall patient prognosis. Cancer immunotherapy represents a cutting-edge cancer treatment that leverages the immune system for targeting and destroying cancer cells. It's applied to multiple cancers, including melanoma and lung cancer, offering precision, adaptability, and the potential for long-lasting remission through immune memory. It is observed that while HNSCC patients responsive to immunotherapy often experience prolonged therapeutic benefits, only a limited subset demonstrates such responsiveness. Additionally, significant clinical challenges remain, including the development of resistance to immunotherapy. The biological characteristics, dynamic inhibitory changes, and heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in HNSCC play critical roles in its pathogenesis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. This review aims to elucidate the functions and mechanisms of anti-tumor immune cells and extracellular components within the HNSCC TME. It also introduces several immunosuppressive agents commonly utilized in HNSCC immunotherapy, examines factors influencing the effectiveness of these treatments, and provides a comprehensive summary of immunotherapeutic strategies relevant to HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaokun Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ru Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jugao Fang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Stucky A, Viet CT, Aouizerat BE, Ye Y, Doan C, Mundluru T, Sedhiazadeh P, Sinha UK, Chen X, Zhang X, Li SC, Cai J, Zhong JF. Single-Cell Molecular Profiling of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Five Dysregulated Signaling Pathways Associated With Circulating Tumor Cells. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241251571. [PMID: 38869038 PMCID: PMC11179551 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241251571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the dysregulated signaling pathways of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) via single-cell molecular characterization. INTRODUCTION Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a significant global burden and is a disease with poor survival. Despite trials exploring new treatment modalities to improve disease control rates, the 5 year survival rate remains low at only 60%. Most cancer malignancies are reported to progress to a fatal phase due to the metastatic activity derived from treatment-resistant cancer cells, regarded as one of the most significant obstacles to develope effective cancer treatment options. However, the molecular profiles of cancer cells have not been thoroughly studied. METHODS Here, we examined in-situ HNSCC tumors and pairwisely followed up with the downstream circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-based on the surrogate biomarkers to detect metastasis that is established in other cancers - not yet being fully adopted in HNSCC treatment algorithms. RESULTS Specifically, we revealed metastatic HNSCC patients have complex CTCs that could be defined through gene expression and mutational gene profiling derived from completed single-cell RNASeq (scRNASeq) that served to confirm molecular pathways inherent in these CTCs. To enhance the reliability of our findings, we cross-validated those molecular profiles with results from previously published studies. CONCLUSION Thus, we identified 5 dysregulated signaling pathways in CTCs to derive HNSCC biomarker panels for screening HNSCC in situ tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Stucky
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Chi T Viet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Bradley E Aouizerat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yi Ye
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Coleen Doan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Tarun Mundluru
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Parish Sedhiazadeh
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Department of Periodontics and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Uttam K Sinha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xuelian Chen
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Shengwen Calvin Li
- Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience Research, CHOC Children's Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Jin Cai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Zhuhai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang F Zhong
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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Cao Y, Dong H, Li G, Wei H, Xie C, Tuo Y, Chen N, Yu D. Temporal and spatial characteristics of tumor evolution in a mouse model of oral squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1209. [PMID: 36424557 PMCID: PMC9694863 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives We aimed to elucidate the temporal and spatial characteristics of tumor evolution in an oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) mouse model with higher burden of lymphatic metastasis through high-throughput sequencing. Methods The OSCC model was established in 9 mice. DNA was extracted from the tumors of primary tongue lesions and disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) of submandibular gland lymph nodes and bone marrow, and then whole genome sequencing was performed. After bioinformatics analysis, somatic single-nucleotide variants (SSNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs) data were obtained. Based on SSNVs, clonal architecture and ancestor-descendant relationships among tumor cell subclones were elucidated. Results A total of 238 tumor-related SSNVs with 120 high-frequency mutated genes were obtained from 36 samples of 9 mice by whole-genome sequencing. The number of unique SSNVs in the primary lesion, submandibular lymph node and bone marrow was greater than the number of shared SSNVs. Furthermore, the primary lesion-originated subclones, which were identified by SSNVs, were also detected in submandibular lymph nodes in the early stage of oral carcinogenesis. Moreover, at different histopathological stages, unique subclones were also identified in DTCs isolated from lymph nodes. Conclusion Tumor heterogeneity is significant in primary tumor cells and disseminated tumor cells. OSCC cells probably disseminate to lymph nodes in the early stage of oral carcinogenesis. OSCC is characterized by polyclonal dissemination, and the evolutionary trajectory of DTCs is potentially dominated by the tumor microenvironment.
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