Insights into the use of DNA content in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as a method for patient stratification and targeted therapy: Revisiting old concepts and exploring new possibilities - 30/01/25

Doi : 10.1016/j.jormas.2025.102260

Moisés Willian Aparecido Gonçalves ^a,^b, Tayná Figueiredo Maciel ^a,^b, Luccas Lavareze ^a,^b, Erika Said Abu Egal ^a,^c, Albina Altemani ^a, Marcelo Sperandio ^d, Fernanda Viviane Mariano ^a,^⁎
^a Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
^b Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
^c Biorepository and Molecular Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
^d Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, Faculdade São Leopoldo Mandic, Research Institute, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil

^⁎Corresponding author at: Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 - Barão Geraldo, Cidade Universitária, Campinas, SP 13083-887, BrazilDepartment of PathologySchool of Medical SciencesUniversidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)Tessália Vieira de CamargoCidade Universitária126 - Barão GeraldoCampinasSP13083-887Brazil

Sous presse. Épreuves corrigées par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le Thursday 30 January 2025

Highlight

•	DNA content analysis has shown potential for patient stratification and outcome prediction in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
•	Data on DNA content, whether used alone or as part of multivariable models, remain limited, especially when examined across different histopathological subtypes of HNSCC.
•	Investigating targeted therapies that address mechanisms of chromosomal instability in HNSCC could open new therapeutic approaches and support more personalized and effective treatment strategies.

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Abstract

Background

This review aimed to emphasize the implications of DNA content in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), focusing on its predictive value, role in patient stratification, and potential as a therapeutic target for this malignancy.

Methods

A narrative review of the literature was conducted through electronic database searches.

Results

In conventional HNSCC, aneuploid tumors are associated with increased lymph node metastasis, locoregional recurrences, poor response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and worse prognosis. Few studies specifically address the role of DNA content in young HNSCC patients. These studies reveal that young patients exhibit high DNA content abnormalities, suggesting significant genomic instability and potential genetic differences compared to older patients. Regarding HPV and DNA content, no difference was found between HPV-associated and HPV-independent tumors. More research is needed to understand the role of DNA content in histological subtypes, surgical margins, and targeted therapy.