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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Review

Exploring the frontiers: tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Authors: Shaokun Liu, Ru Wang, Jugao Fang

Published in: Discover Oncology | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

The global prevalence of head and neck malignancies positions them as the sixth most common form of cancer, with the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) representing the predominant histological subtype. Despite advancements in multidisciplinary approaches and molecular targeted therapies, the therapeutic outcomes for HNSCC have only marginally improved, particularly in cases of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC (R/MHNSCC). This situation underscores the critical necessity for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Such strategies are essential not only to enhance the efficacy of HNSCC treatment but also to minimize the incidence of associated complications, thus improving overall patient prognosis. Cancer immunotherapy represents a cutting-edge cancer treatment that leverages the immune system for targeting and destroying cancer cells. It's applied to multiple cancers, including melanoma and lung cancer, offering precision, adaptability, and the potential for long-lasting remission through immune memory. It is observed that while HNSCC patients responsive to immunotherapy often experience prolonged therapeutic benefits, only a limited subset demonstrates such responsiveness. Additionally, significant clinical challenges remain, including the development of resistance to immunotherapy. The biological characteristics, dynamic inhibitory changes, and heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in HNSCC play critical roles in its pathogenesis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. This review aims to elucidate the functions and mechanisms of anti-tumor immune cells and extracellular components within the HNSCC TME. It also introduces several immunosuppressive agents commonly utilized in HNSCC immunotherapy, examines factors influencing the effectiveness of these treatments, and provides a comprehensive summary of immunotherapeutic strategies relevant to HNSCC.

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Title: Exploring the frontiers: tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shaokun Liu
Ru Wang
Jugao Fang
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Discover Oncology / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1868-8497
Electronic ISSN: 2730-6011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-024-00870-z

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