Identification of a Distinct Subclass of Head and Neck Cancers

Researchers from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre recently published a study on a distinct subclass of head and neck cancers in collaboration with MRC Holland scientists.

Genetic profiling of 802 oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OCSCCs) using, amongst others, a custom-made MLPA probemix targeting the most frequently altered regions in head and neck cancers, revealed a genomically distinct subclass of tumours. These tumours were classed as CNA-quiet due to the presence of no or few CNAs – in contrast to the majority of other head and neck tumours. Next to their characteristic genomic landscape, these tumours also exhibit a distinct tumour immune profile that could make them more susceptible to immunotherapy. Patients with CNA-quiet OCSCCs are:

• older
• more often female
• less likely to be current smokers or alcohol consumers
• more likely to survive compared to patients with CNA-other oral cancers.

These findings were published in Nature Communications and highlight potential clinical implications for head and neck cancer patients and their treatment regime.

The MLPA probemix used in this study is available on the market as a research-use-only (RUO) product. P477 Head and Neck Carcinoma targets the most frequently altered regions in head and neck cancers and includes 36 probes for the CUL3, PIK3CA, SOX2, FAT1, KIAA0825, EGFR, SNAI2, NFIB, CCND1, FADD, TGIF1 and BCL2L1 genes.