Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a cancer involving the epidermal and mucosal epithelial cells of the skin surface and of the uro-genital, gastro enteric and respiratory surface. SCC varies in its presentation, pathogenesis, frequency and prognosis based on its anatomical location. SCC subtypes include non-melanoma skin cancers, prevalently associated to sun exposure and UV light; non-small lung cancer, mainly associated to tobacco smoking; SCC of the anogenital region associated with high risk human papilloma virus (HR HPV) infection; SCC affecting the head and neck region (HNSCC) in particular the oral cavity, and oropharyngeal/tonsil cancers, associated to different oncogenic factors (cigarette smoking, drinking and viral agents); esophageal SCC (ESCC) associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol abuse; SCC of bladder (SCCB), prevalently associated to chronic irritation from bladder stones. All SCCs have a potential to metastasize to lymph nodes and internal organs, posing significant clinical challenges.

This Research Topic aims to enhance understanding of SCC across different subtypes by delving into their molecular triggers, revealing interactive roles of microbial factors in cancer initiation and progression, and identifying new biomarkers for their early detection. Special focus of the Research Topic is on SCCs in the anogenital and head and neck locations, both associated and not associated with viral infection(s). For SCC associated with HR HPV infection, the aim is to dissect the mechanisms underlying the difference between HR HPV positive and HR HPV negative SCCs in prognosis and treatment response. The overall goal of the Topic is to uncover shared and unique molecular patterns of SCCs of different subtypes, guide the development of targeted diagnostics and therapies, and improve their prognosis and treatment responses.

To gather further insights within this multifaceted field, we welcome contributions that explore but are not limited to the following themes:
- The molecular biology and immunology of the epithelial neoplasms and cancer driven or not by chronic viral infection;
- The role in SCC development of infections with high risk HPVs, EBV, CMV, HSV, HIV-1, HCV;
- Discovery of novel biomarkers of different SCC sub-types;
- Development of screenings and diagnostics for SCC and associated infections with focus on noninvasive techniques and novel biomarker applications;
- Approaches to prevention of various SCC sub-types from the routine screenings to HPV vaccines and experience in application of screening and prevention in different population groups and health care settings;
- Development of immunotherapies and therapeutic vaccines against various SCC sub-types, their strategies, targets, preclinical and clinical trials of therapeutic vaccine candidates.

We welcome submissions of the following article types: Brief Research Report, Case Report, Clinical Trial, General Commentary, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Mini Review, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Review, Study Protocol, Systematic Review, Technology and Code.

A special invitation to submit is addressed to the participants of the international online conference “Chronic viral infections and cancer, openings for vaccines and cure” VIRCAN2024 held on the platform of Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia, November 21-22, 2024. Information on the event can be viewed at the website of Riga Stradins University https://www.rsu.lv/en/vircan2024-conference .

Please note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases that are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of the scope for this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Squamous Cell Carcinomas – HPV, or No HPV, That Is The Question