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Updated: May 25, 2026

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
New promising molecular targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Julie E Bauman1, Loren S Michel, Christine H Chung
1Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
Despite advances in multimodality therapy, the overall 5-year survival rate is 40-50% in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and current multimodality approaches impart significant toxicities. This review highlights promising targets with the potential to improve clinical outcomes in HNSCC.
Recent Findings:
In addition to mutagenic exposure to tobacco and alcohol as risk factors, recent studies have shown that human papillomavirus is one of the main causes of HNSCC and as such is being investigated as a therapeutic target. Furthermore, recent data generated from whole exome sequencing of HNSCC, new insights into the biology of DNA damage repair, and increased understanding of tumor hypoxia responses are pointing to new therapeutic possibilities for treating HNSCC.
Summary:
HNSCC is a heterogeneous disease. Improved treatment will require a rapid translation of basic science research, and the simultaneous development of novel therapeutics and corresponding biomarkers to guide their application.
Insights
This review explores novel therapeutic targets for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Advances in understanding HNSCC biology offer new possibilities for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a suboptimal 5-year survival rate (40-50%) despite multimodality treatments.
- Current therapies for HNSCC are associated with significant toxicities.
- Risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, and increasingly, human papillomavirus (HPV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising therapeutic targets for HNSCC.
- To highlight recent advances in understanding HNSCC biology and their clinical implications.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on HNSCC.
- Analysis of data from whole exome sequencing.
- Evaluation of insights into DNA damage repair and tumor hypoxia.
Main Results:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is identified as a key therapeutic target in HNSCC.
- Whole exome sequencing reveals new insights into HNSCC genetic landscape.
- Understanding of DNA damage repair and tumor hypoxia opens new therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- HNSCC is a complex and heterogeneous disease.
- Effective treatment requires translating basic science discoveries into clinical practice.
- Development of novel therapeutics and predictive biomarkers is crucial for advancing HNSCC care.
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