Invasion and metastasis mechanism of human papillomavirus in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas / 华西口腔医学杂志

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major causative agent of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Over the past several decades, an increasing number of studies established the strong association of HPV with the invasion and metastasis of HNSCC. In the present study, we reviewed the gene mutations in HPV-associated HNSCC and the unique mechanism of E6- and E7-mediated carcinogenesis via interactions with an array of cellular elements. We further discussed the progress in the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis; these mechanisms include non-coding RNAs, deregulating cellular energetics, tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis.

Role of human papillomavirus in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas / 华西口腔医学杂志

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major causative agent of cervical cancers. Over the past several decades, increasing number of studies established strong association of HPV with a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). In the present study, we reviewed evidence, including epidemiology, carcinogens, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, showing that HPV-positive HNSCCs exhibit a variety of distinct characteristics for understanding tumor biology and improving cancer treatment.

The progress of targeted therapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas / 中国癌症杂志

Multi-disciplinary modality treatment is the optimal therapeutic strategy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). Recently, molecular targeted agents have been tested in this setting. Epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the major therapeutic target because of its universally high expression in SCCHN. As a human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody, cetuximab is the only molecular targeted agent approved in SCCHN. As compared with radiotherapy alone, radiotherapy in combination with cetuximab was proved to improve progression-free and overall survival in patients with locally advanced SCCHN. However, randomized comparison between radiotherapy plus cetuximab and conventional concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is limited in term of efficacy and toxicity. Although RTOG 0522 study demonstrated it is ineffective to combine cetuximab with CCRT, the optimal chemotherapy agent partner with cetuximab warrants further investigation. For other anti-EGFR inhibitors, how to wisely design pertinent clinical studies based on available evidence is the key for success.