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Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics
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Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics

Published on: May 11, 2016

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Targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

Kyungsuk Jung1, Hyunseok Kang2, Ranee Mehra2

  • 11Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA USA.

Cancers of the Head & Neck
|May 17, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment is evolving. Targeting the PI3K pathway offers personalized therapeutic strategies and potential immune modulation for improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) landscape is shifting due to increased HPV-related cases and novel therapeutics.
  • Tailored treatments based on genetic biomarkers are crucial for optimizing survival and reducing toxicity in HNSCC.
  • PI3K pathway aberrations are significant in HNSCC, driving oncogenesis and resistance to EGFR inhibitors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the PI3K pathway as a therapeutic target in HNSCC.
  • To summarize PI3K/mTOR inhibitors currently in clinical trials for HNSCC.
  • To explore the potential of PI3K inhibitors as immune modulators in HNSCC treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of PI3K pathway aberrations in HNSCC.
  • Summary of ongoing clinical trials for PI3K/mTOR inhibitors.
  • Analysis of PI3K inhibitors in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • PI3K pathway mutations are common in HNSCC, acting as oncogenic drivers.
  • PI3K pathway alterations contribute to resistance against EGFR inhibitors.
  • Several PI3K/mTOR inhibitors are under clinical investigation for HNSCC.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the PI3K pathway is a promising strategy for HNSCC treatment.
  • PI3K/mTOR inhibitors represent a key area of clinical development for HNSCC.
  • PI3K inhibitors may possess immunomodulatory effects, warranting further investigation alongside immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Keywords:
AktDrug resistanceEGFRHNSCCHPVPI3KPIK3CAPrecision medicinemTOR

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