The Tip of the Iceberg: Clinical Implications of Genomic Sequencing Projects in Head and Neck Cancer.
Recent genomic sequencing studies have provided valuable insight into genetic aberrations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Despite these great advances, certain hurdles exist in translating genomic findings to clinical care. Further correlation of genetic findings to clinical outcomes, additional analyses of subgroups of head and neck cancers and follow-up investigation into genetic heterogeneity are needed. While the development of targeted therapy trials is of key importance, numerous challenges exist in establishing and optimizing such programs. This review discusses potential upcoming steps for further genetic evaluation of head and neck cancers and implementation of genetic findings into precision medicine trials.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. abirkela@med.umich.edu.
Andrew C
AC
Birkeland
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. ludwigml@umich.edu.
Megan L
ML
Ludwig
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. stmahmoo@med.umich.edu.
Taha S
TS
Meraj
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. chadbren@med.umich.edu.|Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. chadbren@med.umich.edu.
J Chad
JC
Brenner
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. mepp@med.umich.edu.|Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. mepp@med.umich.edu.
Mark E
ME
Prince
HNSCC; TCGA; cancer; genomic; personalized medicine; precision medicine; targeted therapy