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The endothelin axis in head and neck cancer: a promising therapeutic opportunity?

Gordon A G McKenzie1, Emma E Hinsley, Keith Hunter

  • 1College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK; Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.

Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine : Official Publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology
|August 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The endothelin (ET) axis is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), offering new therapeutic and biomarker opportunities. Targeting the ET axis may improve HNSCC treatment and patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) incidence is rising globally, with invasive cases having a poor prognosis.
  • Current treatments for HNSCC have detrimental side effects, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
  • The endothelin (ET) axis, comprising ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), ETA R, and ETB R, is implicated in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current knowledge on the endothelin (ET) axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs).
  • To explore the potential clinical opportunities for targeting the ET axis in HNSCC.
  • To identify ET axis components as potential biomarkers and targets for localized analgesia.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the role of the ET axis in HNSCC.
  • Analysis of data on ET axis component overexpression in HNSCC.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting the ET axis in preclinical and clinical settings.

Main Results:

  • The ET axis is overexpressed in HNSCC and plays a role in its development and progression.
  • ET-1 promotes HNSCC progression through stromal-epithelial interactions.
  • The stroma and ET axis components present potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HNSCC.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting ET-1 antagonism and ECE inhibition are viable therapeutic strategies for HNSCC.
  • The ET axis offers potential as biomarkers for screening, diagnosis, monitoring recurrence, and prognostic risk stratification.
  • The ET axis may provide targets for localized analgesia with reduced systemic side effects in HNSCC patients.
Keywords:
biomarkersendothelin axishead and neck cancerpaintherapeutics

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