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Review
. 2021 Apr;69(4):249-255.
doi: 10.1007/s00106-020-00964-4. Epub 2020 Nov 19.

[Tumor biology of oropharyngeal carcinoma]

[Article in German]
S Laban  1 , M Brand  2 , J Ezić  2 , J Doescher  2 , G Völkel  3 , H A Kestler  3 , C Brunner  2 , T K Hoffmann  2
Affiliations
Review

[Tumor biology of oropharyngeal carcinoma]

[Article in German]
S Laban et al. HNO. 2021 Apr.

Abstract
in English, German

Background: Etiologically, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) can be divided into OPSCC caused by noxious agents and human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven carcinoma. These types differ with regard to clinical features and prognosis-differences which are rooted in the underlying molecular biology of the tumor.

Objective: The aim of this work is to provide an overview of the molecular biological characteristics of the genetics, epigenetics, and immunology of OPSCC.

Materials and methods: A literature review was performed on a selection of genetic, epigenetic, and immunological factors characterizing OPSCC.

Results: The understanding of genetic aberrations and their consequences for cancerogenesis and tumor biology is increasing. Epigenetic phenomena are complementing functional relationships. However, epigenetic mechanisms of gene regulation are complex and much research is still required in this field. Immunological aspects of cancer molecular biology have moved into the focus in light of recent advances in the field of immunotherapy.

Conclusion: The tumor biology of OPSCC is primarily defined by its HPV status. Additionally, HPV-independent genetic, epigenetic, and immunological signatures are being defined. From these advances, rationales for new treatment concepts may evolve.

Zusammenfassung: HINTERGRUND: Oropharynxkarzinome (OPSCC) unterscheiden sich abhängig von noxenbasierter oder durch humane Papillomaviren (HPV) getriebener Ätiologie in klinischen Faktoren und der Prognose. Zugrunde liegend sind molekulare Unterschiede der Tumorbiologie.

Ziel der arbeit: Ziel war die Darstellung wichtiger molekularbiologischer Charakteristika der Genetik, Epigenetik und Immunologie von OPSCC.

Material und methoden: Es handelt sich um eine Übersichtsarbeit zu einer Auswahl molekularbiologischer Faktoren der Tumorbiologie von OPSCC aus Genetik, Epigenetik und Immunologie.

Ergebnisse: Genetische Veränderungen und deren Auswirkungen auf Kanzerogenese und Tumorbiologie werden in zunehmender Tiefe verstanden. Epigenetische Phänomene ergänzen funktionelle Zusammenhänge. Die epigenetischen Regulationsmechanismen der Gene sind komplex. Daher besteht in diesem Feld weiterhin großer Forschungsbedarf. Immunologische Aspekte der Molekularbiologie gewinnen im Kontext der aktuellen Entwicklungen in der Immunonkologie an Bedeutung.

Schlussfolgerung: Die Tumorbiologie von Oropharynxkarzinomen unterscheidet sich v. a. bezüglich des HPV-Status. Zusätzlich werden HPV-unabhängige Subgruppen genetisch, epigenetisch und immunologisch zunehmend charakterisiert. Aus diesen Erkenntnissen können logische Grundprinzipien neuer Therapiekonzepte abgeleitet werden.

Keywords: Biomarkers, tumor; Epigenetics; Medical genetics; Molecular medicine; Oropharyngeal neoplasms.

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References

Literatur

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