Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) defines a group of solid tumors originating from the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract, pharynx, larynx, mouth, and nasal cavity. It has a metastatic evolution and poor prognosis and is the sixth most common cancer in the world, with 600,000 new cases reported every year. HNSCC heterogeneity and complexity is reflected in a multistep progression, involving crosstalk between several molecular pathways. The Notch pathway is associated with major events supporting cancerogenic evolution: cell proliferation, self-renewal, angiogenesis, and preservation of a pro-oncogenic microenvironment. Additionally, Notch is pivotal in tumor development and plays a dual role acting as both oncogene and tumor suppressor. In this review, we summarize the role of the Notch pathway in HNSCC, with a special focus on its compelling role in major events of tumor initiation and growth.
Highlights
More than 95% of salivary gland tumors are of epithelial origin, with the most malignant form being represented by the basal cell adenocarcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma
Expression of Notch1 is pivotal for early cancer development. To other carcinoma, such as skin squamous cell carcinoma, the expression of Notch1 in the oral squamous epithelium was localized in the basal cells, which was found to be significantly downregulated in oral epithelial dysplasia [58]
Loss of Notch1 promotes a tumor-inducing effect, impairing barrier integrity and generating a wound-like environment in the underlying stroma. These findings strongly suggest that a reduction in Notch1 activity is a crucial event in oral cancer formation and progression
Summary
Solid tumors are abnormal cellular masses that originate from a cohort of cells within the tissue, disrupting its structure and organization. Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) encompasses all tissues of the oral cavity This cancer is often highly aggressive, especially in young patients under 40 years of age, and with a poor prognosis if diagnosed in advanced stages (III–IV), due to metastasis [2,3,4]. Squamous cells become dysplastic, i.e., highly proliferative and morphologically abnormal, starting to infiltrate different layers of the epithelium [8] (Figures 1 and 2A). These cells degrade the subepithelial basement membrane and invade the underlying tissue structure, acquiring the ability to invade distant tissues and form metastases (Figure 1). Key players in regulating cell cycle and proliferation such as the Notch, Wingless/Integrated (Wnt), Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), p53, or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways
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