The role of the tumor microenvironment in HNSCC resistance and targeted therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has an unfavorable prognosis, largely due to therapeutic resistance.
• Cancer cell resistance to various treatments is a significant challenge in oncology.
• The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences tumor progression and treatment outcomes in HNSCC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of the HNSCC tumor microenvironment.
• To elucidate the role of TME components in HNSCC treatment resistance.
• To explore novel TME-targeting therapeutic strategies for HNSCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of HNSCC tumor microenvironment components.
• Analysis of the role of immune cells (TAMs, Tregs, MDSCs), CAFs, ECM, and metabolic reprogramming in HNSCC.
• Examination of TME's impact on chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy resistance.

Main Results:

• The HNSCC TME comprises various non-malignant components that promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
• Specific TME components, including TAMs, Tregs, MDSCs, CAFs, and altered metabolism, contribute to resistance against diverse therapeutic modalities.
• The TME critically modulates the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in HNSCC.

Conclusions:

• The HNSCC TME plays a pivotal role in treatment resistance and disease progression.
• Understanding TME composition and function is crucial for developing effective HNSCC treatments.
• Targeting the TME presents a promising avenue for overcoming therapeutic resistance and improving HNSCC patient outcomes.