Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

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

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

Published on: April 20, 2018

Therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: identification, evaluation, and clinical translation

Jason D Howard1, Bo Lu, Christine H Chung

  • 1Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231-1000, United States.

Oral Oncology
|October 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Future head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatments require biomarker-driven trials. Understanding HNSCC oncogenesis pathways and resistance mechanisms is key to developing effective targeted therapies for this diverse cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a diverse group of cancers affecting the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx.
  • Current treatment modalities have improved, but significant challenges remain due to the heterogeneous nature of HNSCC.
  • A single "silver bullet" treatment is unlikely; progress relies on sophisticated, multi-platform approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review critical oncogenic pathways in HNSCC.
  • To identify signaling nodes as potential biomarkers for prognosis and targeted therapies.
  • To discuss mechanisms of resistance and lessons learned from HNSCC and other malignancies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of HNSCC oncogenesis pathways.
  • Analysis of signaling nodes for biomarker potential.
  • Examination of treatment resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key pathways driving HNSCC development.
  • Highlighting specific signaling nodes as prognostic and therapeutic targets.
  • Discussion of resistance mechanisms impacting treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Biomarker-driven clinical trials utilizing multiple assay platforms are essential for advancing HNSCC therapy.
  • Targeted therapies focusing on identified signaling nodes show promise.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies in HNSCC.

More Related Videos

Translationally-Relevant Tumor Resection Model for Murine Preclinical Models of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma07:59

Translationally-Relevant Tumor Resection Model for Murine Preclinical Models of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 3, 2026

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment07:29

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment

Published on: April 22, 2019

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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...
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...