Further Understanding of the Immune Microenvironment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Prognosis

Abstract

Purpose

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

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.