Genetic determinants in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and their influence on global personalized medicine
Nicole L. Michmerhuizen1,2, Andrew C. Birkeland1, Carol R. Bradford1,3, J. Chad Brenner1,3
1 Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
2 Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
3 Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Correspondence:
J. Chad Brenner, email:
Keywords: epidemiology, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, human papillomavirus, personalized medicine, sequencing
Received: May 05, 2016 Accepted: July 21, 2016 Published: July 28, 2016
Abstract
While sequencing studies have provided an improved understanding of the genetic landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), there remains a significant lack of genetic data derived from non-Caucasian cohorts. Additionally, there is wide variation in HNSCC incidence and mortality worldwide both between and within various geographic regions. These epidemiologic differences are in part accounted for by varying exposure to environmental risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, high risk human papilloma viruses and betel quid. However, inherent genetic factors may also play an important role in this variability. As limited sequencing data is available for many populations, the involvement of unique genetic factors in HNSCC pathogenesis from epidemiologically diverse groups is unknown. Here, we review current knowledge about the epidemiologic, environmental, and genetic variation in HNSCC cohorts globally and discuss future studies necessary to further our understanding of these differences. Long-term, a more complete understanding of the genetic drivers found in diverse HNSCC cohorts may help the development of personalized medicine protocols for patients with rare or complex genetic events.
