Head and Neck Cancer (HNC)
Head and neck cancer (HNC), a diverse group of malignancies that affect the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and other anatomical structures in the region, remains a significant challenge in terms of diagnosis and therapeutics. At our company, we are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge drug and therapy development services for head and neck cancer.
Introduction to Head and Neck Cancer (HNC)
Head and neck cancer (HNC) encompasses a range of malignancies that arise from the epithelial lining of the upper aerodigestive tract. These include squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, as well as other less common histological types. It is estimated that head and neck cancer accounts for approximately 4% of all cancers worldwide. The disease often presents with symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, persistent hoarseness, and the presence of a lump or sore in the mouth or throat.
Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC)
The development of head and neck cancer is multifactorial, with various risk factors contributing to its onset. The primary risk factor is tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes and cigars, as well as smokeless tobacco products. Alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use, further increases the risk. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV-16, has also been identified as a significant risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers. Other factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or environmental pollutants, poor oral hygiene, and a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, may also play a role in the development of head and neck cancer.
Fig. 1 Illustration of the head and neck. (Anderson G., et al., 2021)Epigenetic Modifications in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC)
Epigenetic modifications, which involve changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence, have emerged as critical contributors to the development and progression of head and neck cancer. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA molecules, such as microRNAs, have been implicated in the regulation of key genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and DNA repair. These epigenetic alterations can serve as potential biomarkers for early detection and prognostication of head and neck cancer.
Fig. 2 Posttranslational modifications of histones. (Gaździcka J., et al., 2020)Therapies of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC)
To effectively treat head and neck cancer, it is essential to identify and target specific molecules and pathways involved in tumor growth and survival. Several molecular targets have been identified, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and immune checkpoint proteins like programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1. Targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, have shown promising results in trials, providing new avenues for personalized and precision medicine approaches.
The therapeutics landscape for head and neck cancer has evolved significantly, with various drug and therapy options available. Traditional modalities, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, remain integral to therapeutics. However, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination therapies have emerged as novel approaches.
Our Services
Our company is actively involved in the development of diagnostics and therapies for head and neck cancer, including targeted agents that inhibit specific signaling pathways, immunotherapies that harness the human immune system to fight cancer, and combination therapeutics that synergistically enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Therapy Development Platforms
Animal Models of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC)
| Syngeneic Model Development | ||
| Our company offers specialized syngeneic model development services for HNC, providing researchers with an ideal platform to explore immunotherapeutic strategies and investigate the tumor-immune response. | ||
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| Induced Disease Model Development | ||
| Carcinogen-induced models have been instrumental in understanding the role of environmental factors in HNC development. Our company offers expert carcinogen-induced model development services for HNC research. | ||
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| Transgenic Model Development | ||
| Our company excels in transgenic model development services for HNC , enabling researchers to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving HNC pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets. | ||
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| Optional Species | Mouse, Rat, Zebrafish, Hamster, Non-human primates, Others | |
Furthermore, we offer a wide range of personalized animal models tailored to meet various requirements. If you are interested in our services, please do not hesitate to contact us for further information and details regarding pricing and related services.
References
- Anderson G., et al. "An updated review on head and neck cancer treatment with radiation therapy." Cancers 13.19 (2021): 4912.
- Gaździcka J., et al. "Epigenetic modifications in head and neck cancer." Biochemical genetics 58.2 (2020): 213-244.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.