RGD-Binding Integrins in Head and Neck Cancers.

ABSTRACT

Alterations in integrin expression and function promote tumour growth, invasion, metastasis and neoangiogenesis. Head and neck cancers are highly vascular tumours with a tendency to metastasise. They express a wide range of integrin receptors. Expression of the αv and ß1 subunits has been explored relatively extensively and linked to tumour progression and metastasis. Individual receptors αvß3 and αvß5 have proved popular targets for diagnostic and therapeutic agents but lesser studied receptors, such as αvß6, αvß8, and ß1 subfamily members, also show promise. This review presents the current knowledge of integrin expression and function in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC), with a particular focus on the arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD)-binding integrins, in order to highlight the potential of integrins as targets for personalised tumour-specific identification and therapy.