Genomic sequencing and precision medicine in head and neck cancers

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2017 May;43(5):884-892. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2016.12.002. Epub 2016 Dec 15.

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a common and deadly disease. Historically, surgical and chemoradiation treatments have been met with modest success, and understanding of genetic drivers of HNSCC has been limited. With recent next generation sequencing studies focused on HNSCC, we are beginning to understand the genetic landscape of HNSCCs and are starting to identify and advance targeted options for patients. In this review, we describe current knowledge and recent advances in sequencing studies of HNSCC, discuss current limitations and future directions for further genomic analysis, and highlight the translational advances being undertaken to treat this important disease.

Keywords: Genomics; HNSCC; Head and neck cancer; Personalized medicine; Precision medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / genetics*
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Precision Medicine*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents