Perineural invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: background, mechanisms, and prognostic implications.

Perineural invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: background, mechanisms, and prognostic implications.:

Related Articles

Perineural invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: background, mechanisms, and prognostic implications.

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Jan 31;:

Authors: Saidak Z, Lailler C, Clatot F, Galmiche A

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Perineural invasion (PNI) is a pathological feature frequently observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The difficulties of pathological standardization and the lack of a simple validated experimental model to study PNI render its analysis complex. Here, we aim to summarize the recent advances in the understanding of the biology of PNI in HNSCC and their potential clinical implications.

RECENT FINDINGS: PNI is a multistep process leading to a dialogue between cancer cells and nerve fibers in HNSCC. Recent studies have identified some of the active molecular mechanisms involved in PNI. Comprehensive studies addressing the transcriptional regulation of PNI bring interesting perspectives for a standardized molecular diagnosis of PNI and a better assessment of its contribution to the aggressiveness of HNSCC.

SUMMARY: Perineural invasion is a complex process that reflects specific tumor biology. In addition to unveiling new fundamental concepts about the tumor microenvironment, research on PNI promises to identify new biomarkers, enabling progress in therapeutic development against HNSCC.

PMID: 32011398 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]