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Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
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Targeting EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling enhances radiosensitivity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Dominik Horn1, Jochen Hess, Kolja Freier

  • 1University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery , Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg , Germany +49 0 6221 56 38462 ; +49 0 6221 56 4222 ; chr.freudlsperger@med.uni-heidelberg.de.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|February 6, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) often resists radiotherapy due to signaling pathway alterations. Targeting the EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway shows promise for sensitizing HNSCC tumors to radiation therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Radiotherapy Research

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits significant radioresistance.
  • Tumor cell signaling pathways and microenvironment interactions are key factors in HNSCC radioresistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT)-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in HNSCC.
  • To discuss the role of this pathway in radioresistance and explore targeted therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of the EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway's role in HNSCC radioresistance.
  • Examination of ongoing clinical trials and future therapeutic perspectives.

Main Results:

  • The EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is frequently activated in HNSCC.
  • Alterations in this pathway are implicated in HNSCC pathogenesis and response to treatment.
  • Targeting components of this pathway demonstrates potential in preclinical and clinical settings.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple signaling pathways contribute to radioresistance in advanced HNSCC.
  • The EGFR-PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway is a promising therapeutic target for sensitizing HNSCC to radiotherapy.
  • Combination therapies involving EGFR and mTOR inhibitors with radiotherapy are under clinical investigation.
Keywords:
head and neck squamous cell carcinomamechanistic target of rapamycinphosphoinositide 3-kinaseproteinkinase Bradiotherapy

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