Single-Cell Molecular Profiling of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Reveals Five Dysregulated Signaling Pathways Associated With Circulating Tumor Cells.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the dysregulated signaling pathways of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma associated with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) via single-cell molecular characterization. INTRODUCTION: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has a significant global burden and is a disease with poor survival. Despite trials exploring new treatment modalities to improve disease control rates, the 5 year survival rate remains low at only 60%. Most cancer malignancies are reported to progress to a fatal phase due to the metastatic activity derived from treatment-resistant cancer cells, regarded as one of the most significant obstacles to develope effective cancer treatment options. However, the molecular profiles of cancer cells have not been thoroughly studied. METHODS: Here, we examined in-situ HNSCC tumors and pairwisely followed up with the downstream circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-based on the surrogate biomarkers to detect metastasis that is established in other cancers - not yet being fully adopted in HNSCC treatment algorithms. RESULTS: Specifically, we revealed metastatic HNSCC patients have complex CTCs that could be defined through gene expression and mutational gene profiling derived from completed single-cell RNASeq (scRNASeq) that served to confirm molecular pathways inherent in these CTCs. To enhance the reliability of our findings, we cross-validated those molecular profiles with results from previously published studies. CONCLUSION: Thus, we identified 5 dysregulated signaling pathways in CTCs to derive HNSCC biomarker panels for screening HNSCC in situ tumors.

ObjectivesInvestigating the dysregulated signaling pathways of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) linked with circulating tumor cells (CTCs) using single-cell molecular characterization.IntroductionHNSCC poses a significant global health burden with poor survival rates despite advancements in treatment. Metastatic activity from treatment-resistant cancer cells remains a major challenge in developing effective treatments. However, the molecular profiles of cancer cells, particularly CTCs, are not well-understood.MethodsWe analyzed in-situ HNSCC tumors and corresponding CTCs using surrogate biomarkers to detect metastasis, a technique not widely used in HNSCC treatment protocols.ResultsOur study revealed complex CTCs in metastatic HNSCC patients characterized by gene expression and mutational gene profiling via single-cell RNASeq (scRNASeq). These profiles confirmed molecular pathways inherent in CTCs, further validated by previous research.ConclusionThrough our research, we identified five dysregulated signaling pathways in CTCs, suggesting potential biomarker panels for HNSCC screening in situ tumors.