[Prognostic and predictive methylation biomarkers in HNSCC : Epigenomic diagnostics for head and neck squamous cell...

Prognostic and predictive biomarkers for personalized treatment management in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are of great clinical interest.

DNA methylation is an epigenetic process involved in gene regulation and could be a source of potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers.

This study comprises literature research in PubMed and own studies.

Gene methylation, e.g. of PITX2, is a strong, human papillomavirus (HPV)-independent prognostic biomarker. SHOX2 and SEPT9 methylation in circulating cell-free DNA within blood plasma correlates with tumor stage and prognosis. Methylation of diverse immune checkpoints, e.g., PD‑1, PD-L1, and CTLA4, is also prognostic and correlates with gene expression.

DNA methylation is a source of efficient prognostic blood plasma- and tissue-based biomarkers. However, prior to clinical implementation, studies must prove that biomarker-guided treatment selection can lead to better outcomes or reduced toxicity. The applicability of DNA methylation as a predictive biomarker for targeted drug-based cancer therapy seems promising, although further validation is needed.