Current and Emerging Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Predictive Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer

Hänel W Eberly1, Bao Y Sciscent1, F Jeffrey Lorenz1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.

Biomedicines
|February 24, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Biomarkers are crucial for improving prognostics, surveillance, and personalized treatments in head and neck cancers (HNC). This chapter reviews key biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biomarker Research

Background:

  • Head and neck cancers (HNC) represent a diverse group of malignancies with over 660,000 new cases annually.
  • Current HNC treatment involves a multimodal strategy including surgery, radiation, and systemic therapy.
  • Advances in understanding HNC mechanisms drive the need for better prognostic tools and personalized medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review commonly used and studied biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • To highlight the role of biomarkers in improving prognostic accuracy for HNC.
  • To discuss the application of biomarkers in post-treatment surveillance and individualized HNC therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of established and emerging biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Analysis of biomarker utility in predicting HNC outcomes.
  • Synthesis of current research on biomarkers for HNC management.

Main Results:

  • Identified key biomarkers frequently investigated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Emphasized the potential of specific biomarkers to enhance prognostic capabilities.
  • Underscored the evolving role of biomarkers in tailoring HNC treatment strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Biomarkers are essential for advancing the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Further research into biomarkers will facilitate more accurate prognostication and personalized HNC care.
  • The integration of biomarkers promises improved outcomes for patients with head and neck cancers.