Transcription factors: a potential therapeutic target in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathological type of head and neck cancer; it often spreads to and involves the cervical lymph nodes. The tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a multistep process mediated by various transcription factors involved in progression and metastasis. Alterations in transcription factors such as FOSL1, YY1, FOXD1 and NF-κB have been associated with increased cell proliferation, cell migration and poor survival rates in patients with HNSCC. Stimulation of the NF-κB pathway results in transcriptional activation of other target genes associated with cell survival and proliferation. Understanding these molecular mechanisms will helps us develop new treatment strategies that target these transcription factors and may eventually decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with HNSCC.