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Published in: Current Oncology Reports 8/2020

Open Access 01-08-2020 | Human Papillomavirus | Head and Neck Cancers (EY Hanna, Section Editor)

The Immune Microenvironment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: on Subsets and Subsites

Authors: Niels E. Wondergem, Irene H. Nauta, Tara Muijlwijk, C. René Leemans, Rieneke van de Ven

Published in: Current Oncology Reports | Issue 8/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

To understand why some patients respond to immunotherapy but many do not, a clear picture of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is key. Here we review the current understanding on the immune composition per HNSCC subsite, the importance of the tumor’s etiology and the prognostic power of specific immune cells.

Recent Findings

Large cohort data are mostly based on deconvolution of transcriptional databases. Studies focusing on infiltrate localization often entail small cohorts, a mixture of HNSCC subsites, or focus on a single immune marker rather than the interaction between cells within the TME.

Summary

Conclusions on the prognostic impact of specific immune cells in HNSCC are hampered by the use of heterogeneous or small cohorts. To move forward, the field should focus on deciphering the immune composition per HNSCC subsite, in powered cohorts and considering the molecular diversity in this disease.
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Metadata
Title
The Immune Microenvironment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: on Subsets and Subsites
Authors
Niels E. Wondergem
Irene H. Nauta
Tara Muijlwijk
C. René Leemans
Rieneke van de Ven
Publication date
01-08-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Oncology Reports / Issue 8/2020
Print ISSN: 1523-3790
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-020-00938-3

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