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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
06:11

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Published on: April 20, 2018

Gene alterations in head and neck carcinomas and their role in promoting malignant behavior (Review)

Tibor Görögh1, Ulf Henning Beier

  • 1Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Schleswig Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany. gorogh@hno.uni-kiel.de

International Journal of Oncology
|February 4, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Survival for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor due to limited targeted therapies. This review covers HNSCC molecular understanding and promising new treatments for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) survival rates remain low despite advances in prevention, detection, and treatment.
  • Current therapeutic strategies for HNSCC are limited, particularly for advanced stages, due to a lack of molecularly targeted options beyond general mitosis inhibition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) carcinogenesis.
  • To highlight promising novel therapeutic agents and strategies for HNSCC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of data on HNSCC carcinogenesis and molecular targets.
  • Evaluation of emerging therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapies.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in understanding HNSCC molecular pathways over the past 30 years.
  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockers represent one class of novel therapeutic agents.
  • Several other promising molecular targets and therapeutic strategies are emerging.

Conclusions:

  • A deeper understanding of HNSCC molecular carcinogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Targeted therapies offer significant potential to improve outcomes for HNSCC patients.
  • Continued research into molecular mechanisms and targeted agents is essential for advancing HNSCC care.

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