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Advances in Molecular and Genetic Biomarkers in Head and Neck...
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Advances in Molecular and Genetic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Cancer Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 4495

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Joanna Katarzyna Strzelczyk

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Interests: molecular biology; genetics; epigenetics, head and neck cancers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Michal Masternak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
2. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
Interests: head and neck cancer; biomarkers; miRNA; cell biology; cellular senescence; animal physiology; insulin signaling; aging; molecular biology; metabolism

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a significant oncological challenge due to its heterogeneity and complex molecular landscape. While research has identified diverse subtypes and neoplastic pathways in HNSCC, there's a critical need for specific and translatable molecular biomarkers for screening and diagnosis.

Recent advancements in analyzing DNA, RNA, and proteins offer unprecedented insights into HNSCC's molecular underpinnings. Identifying novel biomarkers associated with cancer development and progression is crucial for early detection and improved patient outcomes.

This special issue delves into the latest advancements in molecular and genetic biomarkers for HNSCC. We welcome high-quality original research and reviews focusing on multi-omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics) to unravel the fundamental mechanisms of HNSCC carcinogenesis,  specially that explore novel biomarkers for early detection, risk stratification, and potential therapeutic targets.

By fostering research in these areas, this special issue aims to improve our understanding of HNSCC and pave the way for more precise diagnosis, risk assessment, and targeted therapies.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Joanna Katarzyna Strzelczyk
Prof. Dr. Michal Masternak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
  • molecular biomarkers
  • genetic biomarkers
  • multi-omics approaches
  • HNSCC carcinogenesis
  • prognostic biomarkers
  • translational medicine
  • molecular pathology

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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12 pages, 619 KB  
Review
The Oral Microbiome and Head and Neck Cancer: A Narrative Review
by Ewelina Golusińska-Kardach, Hariom Yadav, Shalini Jain, Michal M. Masternak and Wojciech Golusiński
Cancers 2025, 17(17), 2736; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17172736 - 23 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3804
Abstract
In recent years, a growing body of evidence points to a link between alterations in the oral microbiome and the development and progression of head and neck cancer (HNC). At present, however, this highly complex relationship is only partially understood. In this context, [...] Read more.
In recent years, a growing body of evidence points to a link between alterations in the oral microbiome and the development and progression of head and neck cancer (HNC). At present, however, this highly complex relationship is only partially understood. In this context, there is a clear need to characterise and differentiate microbial profiles in patients with and without HNC to identify risk factors, prognostic biomarkers, and potential therapeutic targets. In the present narrative review, we synthesize the current evidence on the role of oral dysbiosis in HNC, with a particular focus on potential biomarkers and novel treatment and prevention strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular and Genetic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
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27 pages, 4755 KB  
Systematic Review
Diagnostic Accuracy and Clinical Utility of Salivary Biomarkers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis
by Arbi Wijaya, Vera Julia, Nurtami Soedarsono, Lilies D. Sulistyani, Moh Adhitya Latief, Turmidzi Fath, Bayu Brahma, Alif Rizqy Soeratman, Denni Joko Purwanto, Yutaro Higashi and Tsuyoshi Sugiura
Cancers 2026, 18(6), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18060970 - 17 Mar 2026
Viewed by 165
Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a major global health burden due to delayed diagnosis. Although salivary biomarkers have been explored in previous meta-analyses, these studies were limited to specific biomarker types. Methods: This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in [...] Read more.
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains a major global health burden due to delayed diagnosis. Although salivary biomarkers have been explored in previous meta-analyses, these studies were limited to specific biomarker types. Methods: This study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD 420261296936). PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched for diagnostic accuracy studies of salivary biomarkers for OSCC. Studies providing sufficient data to construct 2 × 2 tables were included. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, and HSROC curves were estimated using a bivariate random-effects model, and study quality was assessed using QUADAS-2. Results: Eighteen studies comprising 1647 participants yielded 45 diagnostic datasets across multiple biomarker classes. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.64 (95% CI: 0.59–0.69) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.66–0.76), respectively. The pooled DOR was 4.53 (95% CI: 3.18–6.47), indicating moderate discriminatory ability, with an AUC of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.71–0.79). Fagan’s nomogram analysis demonstrated that these biomarkers are not suitable for screening the general population and should be reserved for enriched populations (pre-test probability > 10%). Conclusions: Salivary biomarkers demonstrate moderate but highly heterogeneous diagnostic accuracy. Clinical utility is context-dependent and limited to enriched populations with a baseline probability of OSCC >10%. In screening the general population (prevalence < 0.01%), these tests offer no significant clinical utility. They should be considered complementary triage tools rather than definitive diagnostic modalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular and Genetic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
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