title: Molecular biology and immunology of head and neck cancer.
abstract: In recent years, our knowledge and understanding of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has expanded dramatically. New high-throughput sequencing technologies have accelerated these discoveries since the first reports of whole-exome sequencing of HNSCC tumors in 2011. In addition, the discovery of human papillomavirus in relationship with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has shifted our molecular understanding of the disease. New investigation into the role of immune evasion in HNSCC has also led to potential novel therapies based on immune-specific systemic therapies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. Electronic address: tguo5@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Theresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Califano
mesh_terms: D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Head and neck cancer; Immunology; Molecular biology; Targeted therapy