Cancer Management and Research (May 2021)
Further Understanding of the Immune Microenvironment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Prognosis
Abstract
Nerina Denaro,1 Marco Carlo Merlano,1 Cristiana Lo Nigro1,2 1Medical Oncology, S. Croce & Carle Teaching Hospital, Cuneo, Italy; 2Central Laboratory, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, ItalyCorrespondence: Cristiana Lo NigroCentral Laboratory, Galliera Hospital, Via Mura Delle Cappuccine 14, Genoa, 16128, ItalyTel +39 3176219417Email [email protected]: We aimed to review the literature on the tumor microenvironment as a key player in tumor growth and anti-cancer treatment responses in head and neck cancer.Patients and Methods: We reviewed the recent literature on this topic, using the following research words: “tumor microenvironment” and “head and neck cancer or neoplasm or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma” and “immune cells” and “stromal cells”. A search was conducted on the PubMed website and reports from international meetings, presentations and abstracts.Results: The tumor microenvironment is a complex network in which myeloid cells, tumoral cells, growth factors and cytokines are involved in angiogenesis, the extracellular matrix and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.Conclusion: Immune resistance and rapid tumor growth depend on immunosuppressive and pro-tumoral environments. Further investigations to classify and adequately treat patients with head and neck cancer are required.Keywords: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, immune microenvironment, prognosis, treatment
