Recently Identified Biomarkers That Promote Lymph Node Metastasis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous cancer that arises in the upper aerodigestive tract. Despite advances in knowledge and treatment of this disease, the five-year survival rate after diagnosis of advanced (stage 3 and 4) HNSCC remains approximately 50%. One reason for the large degree of mortality associated with late stage HNSCC is the intrinsic ability of tumor cells to undergo locoregional invasion. Lymph nodes in the cervical region are the primary sites of metastasis for HNSCC, occurring before the formation of distant metastases. The presence of lymph node metastases is strongly associated with poor patient outcome, resulting in increased consideration being given to the development and implementation of anti-invasive strategies. In this review, we focus on select proteins that have been recently identified as promoters of lymph node metastasis in HNSCC. The discussed proteins are involved in a wide range of critical cellular functions, and offer a more comprehensive understanding of the factors involved in HNSCC metastasis while additionally providing increased options for consideration in the design of future therapeutic intervention strategies.

Pathway based prognostic gene expression profile of buccal and gingivo‐buccal oral squamous cell carcinoma in smokeless tobacco chewers

“…Invasion and metastasis of tumor cells require proteolysis of the basement membrane and surrounding extracellular matrix wherein MMP2, MMP9, and MMP14 play a critical role in head and neck carcinomas . Studies have linked MMP9 expression with lymph node metastasis, clinicopathological parameters, and patient outcome . A large‐scale transcriptomic analysis and solid validation confirmed the consistent upregulation of BGH3, MMP9, and PDIA3 in OSCC development .…”

Dysregulation of MicroRNA-34a Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Promotes Tumor Growth and Tumor Angiogenesis

“…Survivin is aberrantly expressed in many malignancies including HNSCC [32] and has been shown to play a role in cancer progression and resistance to therapy [33]. Recently, miR-34a was shown to decrease survivin promoter activity [34].…”

Aberrant Myosin 1b Expression Promotes Cell Migration and Lymph Node Metastasis of HNSCC

“…Despite improved locoregional control of HNSCC (2), the 5-year survival rate for HNSCC remains relatively unchanged, at under 50% for the past three decades (3). HNSCC tends to metastasize to lymph nodes before distant metastasis (4)(5)(6). Because lymph node metastasis is strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC (4,(7)(8)(9), understanding the mechanisms that underlie lymph node metastasis of HNSCC is important for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.…”