Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. Mast cells (MCs), typically associated with allergic responses, have recently emerged as key regulators of the HNSCC tumor microenvironment (TME). This systematic review explores the role of MCs in HNSCC pathogenesis and their potential as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov databases until 31 December 2023, using \"Mast cells\" AND \"Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma\" as search terms. Studies in English which reported on MCs and HNSCC were included. Screening, data extraction and analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. No new experiments were conducted. Results: Out of 201 articles, 52 studies met the inclusion criteria, 43 of which were published between 2020 and 2023. A total of 28821 HNSCC and 9570 non-cancerous tissue samples had been examined. MC density and activation varied among normal tissues and HNSCC. Genetic alterations associated with MCs were identified, with specific gene expressions correlating with prognosis. Prognostic gene signatures associated with MC density were established. Conclusions: MCs have arisen as multifaceted TME modulators, impacting various aspects of HNSCC development and progression. Possible site-specific or HPV-related differences in MC density and activation should be further elucidated. Despite conflicting findings on their prognostic role, MCs represent promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies, necessitating further research and clinical validation for personalized HNSCC treatment.
摘要:
背景与目的:头颈部鳞状细胞癌(HNSCC)是一种异质性恶性肿瘤,受多种遗传和环境因素的影响。肥大细胞(MC),通常与过敏反应有关,最近已成为HNSCC肿瘤微环境(TME)的关键调节剂。本系统综述探讨了MCs在HNSCC发病机制中的作用及其作为预后标志物和治疗靶点的潜力。材料和方法:在PubMed中进行了系统的搜索,截至2023年12月31日的Scopus和ClinicalTrials.gov数据库,使用“肥大细胞”和“头颈部鳞状细胞癌”作为搜索词。包括有关MC和HNSCC的英文研究。筛选,数据提取和分析遵循PRISMA指南。没有进行新的实验。结果:在201篇文章中,52项研究符合纳入标准,其中43篇发表于2020年至2023年之间。总共检查了28821个HNSCC和9570个非癌组织样品。MC密度和活化在正常组织和HNSCC之间变化。确定了与MC相关的遗传改变,与预后相关的特定基因表达。建立与MC密度相关的预后基因特征。结论:MC已经作为多方面的TME调节剂出现,影响HNSCC发展和进步的各个方面。应进一步阐明MC密度和激活中可能的位点特异性或HPV相关差异。尽管关于其预后作用的发现相互矛盾,MC代表了新的治疗策略的有希望的目标,需要进一步研究和临床验证个性化HNSCC治疗。