Immune System in Patients with Head and Neck Carcinoma

Czech version

Authors: S. Partlová ^1,2; J. Bouček ³; K. Kloudová ^1,2; M. Zábrodský ³; R. Špíšek ^1,2; A. Fialová ²
Authors‘ workplace: Sotio a. s., Praha ¹; Ústav imunologie, 2. LF UK a FN v Motole, Praha ²; Klinika otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku 1. LF UK a FN v Motole, Praha ³
Published in: Klin Onkol 2015; 28(Supplementum 4): 86-94
Category: Specials
doi: https://doi.org/10.14735/amko20154S86

Overview

The insight into the biological nature of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has evolved significantly in the last few years. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are proven risk factors of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer patients possessing such a tumor are generally elderly, mostly in fifth or sixth decade of life. In addition, significant association of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) was proven. HPV is now considered to be one of the most important risk factors, particularly for oropharyngeal carcinoma. HPV‑ positive tumors of oropharynx are associated with significantly better prognosis. Experimental and clinical data indicate that HPV‑ positive and HPV‑ negative tumors can be considered as two different entities and it has not been clarified which factors are crucial for better prognosis of HPV‑ positive tumors. The character of immune reaction, which contributes to distinct prognosis, may be one of the important factors. This review summarizes current knowledge concerning various aspects of anti‑tumor immune responses in HPV‑ positive and HPV‑ negative tumors. Recent studies have shown that a broad repertoire of tumor‑ infiltrating HPV‑ specific T-cells is detectable in almost all patients with HPV‑ positive tumors. Despite this, there is a development of tumor, which may be facilitated by abnormalities in antigen processing, T-cell dysfunction or prevalence of immunosuppressive cells. Nonetheless, the immunologic profile of HPV‑ positive vs. HPV‑ negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is associated with better outcome, and HPV‑ specific immune response is suggested to play an essential role in the better response to conventional therapy of HPV‑ positive patients. We also discuss HPV‑ specific antitumor immunotherapy approaches, which are now tested in clinical trials.

Key words:
head and neck cancer – human papillomavirus – immune system – T-lymphocytes – immunotherapy

This study was supported by grant Internal Grant Agency of the Czech Ministry of Health No. NT 11542, FH Motol – grant No. 00064203 and by grants SVV 266513, UNCE 204013 and PRVOUK 27-1.

The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study.

The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers.

Submitted:
31. 7. 2015

Accepted:
22. 8. 2015

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