Richismita Hazra, Amity University Kolkata
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related head and neck cancer is identified as a distinct tumor entity with an elevated incidence reported for several countries. These tumors arise from squamous cells, ordinarily in the oropharynx. In contrast to other risk factors that are associated with cancer, HPV related cancer is driven by viral oncoprotein activity and has individual profiles regarding protein expression, genetic and epigenetic alterations. The treatment modality for commending prophesy of HPV related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) consists of high dose radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy. The treatment techniques however show similarity with HPV-negative tumors and are associated with toxic side effects.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane receptor protein involved in cell signaling pathways that control cell division and survival. EGFR is overexpressed in more than 80% of HNSCC and it corresponds to resistance towards radiotherapy. Cetuximab, EGFR inhibiting monoclonal antibody is the only FDA accepted targeted therapy for both HNSCC subtypes but the responses differ between the subtypes.
The role of EGFR in HPV-positive HNSCC response to radiotherapy has been reported in this investigation. In HPV-positive HNSCC cell lines, EFGR activation firmly showed an increased radiotherapy response in vitro and in vivo. EGFR was observed to be involved in the downregulation of HPV E6 expression and induction of P53 activity in response to radiotherapy. This report provides insights into the use of EGFR targeted therapies in the context of the genetic makeup of cancer.
Source: EGFR overexpression increases radiotherapy response in HPV-Positive head and neck cancer through inhibition of DNA damage repair and HPV E6 downregulation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.035
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