AUTHOR=Saini Kamal S. , Somara Sasikala , Ko Heidi C. , Thatai Purva , Quintana Angela , Wallen Zachary D. , Green Michelle F. , Mehrotra Ravi , McGuigan Sandra , Pang Lingjuan , Das Soma , Yadav Kavita , Neric Dobrica , Cantini Luca , Joshi Chinmayee , Iwamoto Kazuya , Dubbewar Sudha , Vidal Laura , Chico Isagani , Severson Eric , Lorini Luigi , Badve Sunil , Bossi Paolo 

TITLE=Biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: unraveling the path to precision immunotherapy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2024.1473706

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2024.1473706

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=Recent strides in understanding the molecular underpinnings of head and neck cancers have sparked considerable interest in identifying precise biomarkers that can enhance prognostication and enable personalized treatment strategies. Immunotherapy has particularly revolutionized the therapeutic landscape for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, offering new avenues for treatment. This review comprehensively examines the application and limitations of the established and emerging/novel biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Established biomarkers, including well-characterized genetic mutations, protein expressions, and clinical factors, have been extensively studied and validated in clinical practice. Novel biomarkers identified through molecular analyses, including novel genetic alterations, immune-related markers, and molecular signatures, are currently being investigated and validated in preclinical and clinical settings. Biomarkers hold the potential to deepen our understanding of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma biology and guide therapeutic strategies. The evolving paradigm of predictive biomarkers facilitates the study of individual responses to specific treatments, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy.