We identified six proteins which are differentially expressed in most OSCC compared to healthy tissues. Of those, by string analysis, multiple interaction partners are assumed for hsp70. This protein is supposed to be the most promising candidate as marker molecule and target for OSCC therapy.

Intraoperative definition of tumor free resection margins in head and neck cancer is challenging. In the current proof-of-principle study we evaluated a novel silica nanoparticle-based agent for its potential use as contrast enhancer. We synthesized silica nanoparticles with an average size of 45 nm and modified these particles with the fluorescence stain fluorescein isocyanate (FITC) for particle detection and with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeting antibodies for enhanced tumor specificity. The nanoparticles exhibited good biocompatibility and could be detected in vitro and in vivo by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Additionally, we show in an ex vivo setting that these modified nanoparticles specifically bind to tumor samples and could be detected using a handheld confocal fluorescence endomicroscope. From a clinical point of view, we believe that this method could be used for tumor border contrast enhancement and for better intraoperative definition of R-0 tumor resection.

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Radiotherapy is an important treatment option in the therapy of multiple tumor entities among them head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the success of radiotherapy is limited by the development of radiation resistances. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) is a cofactor of p53 and represents a potential target for radio sensitization of tumor cells. In this study, we analyzed the impact of hnRNPK on the DNA damage response after gamma irradiation. By yH2AX foci analysis, we found that hnRNPK knockdown increases DNA damage levels in irradiated cells. Tumor cells bearing a p53 mutation showed increased damage levels and delayed repair. Knockdown of hnRNPK applied simultaneously with irradiation reduced colony-forming ability and survival of tumor cells. Taken together, our data shows that hnRNPK is a relevant modifier of DNA damage repair and tumor cell survival. We therefore recommend further studies to evaluate the potential of hnRNPK as a drug target for improvement of radiotherapy success.

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