Biology and immunology of cancer stem(-like) cells in head and neck cancer

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2015 Sep;95(3):337-45. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.03.009. Epub 2015 Apr 9.

Abstract

Immunological approaches against tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have been investigated for about 50 years. Such immunotherapeutic treatments are still not sufficiently effective for therapy of HNSCC. Despite the existence of immunosurveillance tumor cells may escape from the host immune system by a variety of mechanisms. Recent findings have indicated that cancer stem(-like) cells (CSCs) in HNSCC have the ability to reconstitute the heterogeneity of the bulk tumor and contribute to immunosuppression and resistance to current therapies. With regard to the CSC model, future immunotherapy possibly in combination with other modes of treatment should target this subpopulation specifically to reduce local recurrence and metastasis. In this review, we will summarize recent research findings on immunological features of CSCs and the potential of immune targeting of CSCs.

Keywords: ALDH1; Cancer stem cells; Epithelial–mesenchymal transition; Human papillomavirus; Immunotherapy; Vaccination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / immunology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / virology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunotherapy
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / immunology*
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / radiation effects
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
  • Tumor Escape