Gene therapy in head and neck cancer: a review

E Chisholm1, U Bapat, C Chisholm

  • 1Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research UK, Barts and The London NHS Trust, London, UK. edwardchisholm@doctors.org.uk

Insights

Gene therapy shows promise for head and neck squamous cell cancer. This review covers evolving strategies and delivery methods, with growing clinical trials and existing treatments in China.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) is a significant global health concern.
  • Gene therapy is an emerging modality for cancer treatment.
  • HNSCC is a frequently targeted cancer type for gene therapy interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current gene therapy strategies for HNSCC.
  • To discuss various delivery mechanisms for gene therapy in HNSCC.
  • To highlight the evolving landscape of HNSCC gene therapy research and clinical application.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of gene therapy approaches for HNSCC.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data and commercially available agents.
  • Synthesis of information on gene therapy strategies and delivery systems.

Main Results:

  • Gene therapy for HNSCC is a rapidly advancing field.
  • The number of clinical trials in the UK is increasing.
  • A commercially available gene therapy agent for HNSCC exists in China.

Conclusions:

  • Gene therapy holds significant potential for treating HNSCC.
  • Continued research and development in gene therapy strategies and delivery are crucial.
  • The global progress in HNSCC gene therapy, including clinical trials and market approvals, indicates a promising future.

Related Concept Videos

Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...