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Updated: Nov 23, 2025
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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
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Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Epigenetic Landscape
Kamila Romanowska1,2, Agnieszka Sobecka1,2, Agnieszka A Rawłuszko-Wieczorek3
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, 61-866 Poznan, Poland.
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 30, 2020
Summary
Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and RNA modifications, are key drivers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development. These changes offer potential biomarkers for HNSCC surveillance and therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a globally significant cancer.
- HNSCC pathogenesis involves dysregulation of cell cycle, signaling, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
- Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation and RNA modifications, accompany genetic mutations in HNSCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on epigenetic modifications in HNSCC.
- To explore the predictive value of these epigenetic changes for cancer development.
- To highlight the potential of epigenetic alterations as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on HNSCC epigenetics.
- Analysis of epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA, and RNA methylation.
- Evaluation of the role of epigenetic alterations in HNSCC pathogenesis and progression.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic alterations are crucial in HNSCC development and progression.
- Specific epigenetic changes can influence gene expression, impacting cancer hallmarks.
- These modifications are implicated in controlling cancer cell behavior.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications are integral to HNSCC.
- Epigenetic alterations hold promise as predictive biomarkers for HNSCC surveillance.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms presents a potential therapeutic strategy for HNSCC.
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