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Cancer and Metastasis Reviews
Published in: Cancer and Metastasis Reviews 1/2021

Open Access 01-03-2021 | Epigenetics | Non-Thematic Review

Epigenetic modulation of immunotherapy and implications in head and neck cancer

Authors: Liye Zhou, Na Xu, Hirofumi Shibata, Vassiliki Saloura, Ravindra Uppaluri

Published in: Cancer and Metastasis Reviews | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Cancer progression is facilitated by distinct mechanisms developed by cancer cells to avoid immune recognition and clearance. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), via monoclonal antibodies blocking PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA4, has achieved promising durable therapeutic response in various cancer types, including recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). HNSCC represents a rational target of ICB treatment given its relatively high mutation burden and the presence of immune infiltrates. However, the limited response rates and recent negative clinical trials data identify an urgent need for new strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance. Preclinical studies have revealed an important contribution of epigenetic regulators in the anti-tumor immune response. Multiple components of the tumor and host immune system interaction are under epigenetic regulation, including the cancer cells themselves, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, regulatory T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and tumor-associated macrophages. Epigenetic targeting drugs such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase, and methyltransferase inhibitors have demonstrated the potential to reverse immune suppression in various cancer models. The aim of this review is to summarize recent preclinical studies focused on investigating the function of epigenetic modulation in the host immune and cancer cell interface. We also provide a perspective on combining epigenetic modulation and immunotherapy in the management of HNSCC to improve outcomes—an area of great interest in future clinical studies.
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Metadata
Title
Epigenetic modulation of immunotherapy and implications in head and neck cancer
Authors
Liye Zhou
Na Xu
Hirofumi Shibata
Vassiliki Saloura
Ravindra Uppaluri
Publication date
01-03-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Epigenetics
Published in
Cancer and Metastasis Reviews / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 0167-7659
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7233
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-020-09944-0

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