Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer an Update

Abstract

The study is aimed at establishing the purpose of tumour markers, their application, classification, diagnostic and therapeutic roles in the management of head and neck cancer. A literature review using Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials for articles published between 1993 and 2016 on tumour markers and their role in head and neck cancer was performed. A broader search of prognostic markers in head and neck cancer was also carried out to avoid missing other pertinent markers. Natural history, tumour biology, stage and prognostic factors influence the outcome of management in patients with Head and Neck Squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Evaluation of the cellular lineage and histogenic origin of diverse neoplasms can be done using tumour biomarkers. Identifying predictive tumour markers can lead to improvement in preventive management of HNSCC. There has been remarkable advancement in molecular technology with gene expression and proteomic profiling. Integration of specific tumour markers into routine clinical practice requires substantiation through well designed clinical trials. The investigation of tumour markers is imperative as they influence the prognosis of HNSCC and provide the potential to improve outcomes of treatment through targeted therapy. We have outlined recent tumour biomarkers in this review which have significant role in diagnosis, screening and prognostication in HNSCC. Recent advancement in clinical applications, therapeutic strategies of tumour markers has been highlighted.

Keywords: Biomarker; EGFR; Head and neck cancer; Human papilloma virus; Oral cancer; Squamous cell carcinoma; Tumour marker.