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Updated: Jan 6, 2026
Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Key signalling pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Enas Bani-Ahmad1,2,3, Joshua Dass1,4, Crispin R Dass1,2,5
1Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley 6102, Australia.
Objectives:
This review examines the signalling pathways involved in head and neck cancer cell survival and apoptosis.
Methods:
Articles were sourced from Scopus using the following keywords: oral cavity cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, signalling pathways, target therapy. No publication date limits were set, and the language of publication was restricted to English.
Key Findings:
Head and neck cancers are the sixth most common cancer worldwide (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [HNSCC]). The most common subtype is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC and OPSCC, respectively) being significant subcategories. Multiple signalling pathways play a critical role in oncogenesis and the development of various head and neck malignancies. Theoretically, targeting inhibitors for these pathways could potentially halt tumour growth and restore affected cells. This review highlights key oncogenic cascades, including epidermal growth factor receptor/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mTOR, mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH, the p53 gene, and vascular endothelial growth factor, which contribute to tumour progression, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. A comprehensive understanding of these molecular mechanisms is essential to inform targeted therapies and develop personalized treatment strategies for HNSCC.
Conclusions:
Researchers have studied several signalling pathways in HNSCC due to their known ability to influence apoptosis, survival, angiogenesis, and other biological processes.
Insights
Key signalling pathways are crucial for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) survival and apoptosis. Targeting these pathways offers potential for novel head and neck cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Head and neck cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are globally prevalent.
- Multiple signalling pathways are implicated in the oncogenesis and progression of head and neck malignancies.
- Understanding these pathways is vital for developing effective treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review signalling pathways involved in head and neck cancer cell survival and apoptosis.
- To identify key oncogenic cascades contributing to tumour progression and therapeutic resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted in Scopus.
- Keywords included: oral cavity cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, signalling pathways, target therapy.
- No date or language restrictions were applied beyond English.
Main Results:
- Key pathways identified: EGFR/PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, NOTCH, p53, and VEGF.
- These pathways regulate tumour progression, invasion, and resistance to therapy.
- Targeting these pathways could potentially inhibit tumour growth.
Conclusions:
- Signalling pathways significantly influence apoptosis, survival, and angiogenesis in HNSCC.
- Comprehensive knowledge of these molecular mechanisms is essential for personalized HNSCC treatment strategies.
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