Understanding the tumor microenvironment for personalized immunotherapy in early-onset head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Yidan Shan; Di He; Fengguo Yan; Weijia Huang

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1522820

Understanding the tumor microenvironment for personalized immunotherapy in early-onset head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Front Immunol. 2025 Jan 2:15:1522820. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1522820. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Yidan Shan¹, Di He¹, Fengguo Yan¹, Weijia Huang¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.

Abstract

Early-onset head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been increasingly observed in recent years, exhibiting distinct tumor behavior and a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) compared to older age groups. Studies suggest that early-onset HNSCC is associated with specific risk factors and prognostic outcomes, while the underlying mechanisms driving these age-related differences remain unclear. In this review, we systematically examined original studies involving young HNSCC patient samples, focusing on the characteristics of the TME and potential for personalized immunotherapy. While further evidence is needed, our findings indicate that the TME in early-onset HNSCC often exhibits higher aggressiveness and immune suppression. Consequently, tailored immunotherapy may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for this distinct patient population.

Keywords: early-onset; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; immunotherapy; tumor microenvironment; young.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Age of Onset
Head and Neck Neoplasms* / immunology
Head and Neck Neoplasms* / therapy
Humans
Immunotherapy* / methods
Precision Medicine*
Prognosis
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck* / immunology
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck* / therapy
Tumor Microenvironment* / immunology