Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer after Radiotherapy
Metadatos
Mostrar el registro completo del ítemEditorial
MDPI
Materia
Head and neck cancer (HNC) Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)
Fecha
2023-12-30Referencia bibliográfica
Fornieles, G.; Núñez, M.I.; Expósito, J. Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer after Radiotherapy. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 527. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010527
Resumen
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is among the ten most frequent tumours, with 5-year
survival rates varying from 30% to 70% depending on the stage and location of the tumour. HNC
is traditionally known as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), since 90% arises from
epithelial cells. Metastasis remains a major cause of mortality in patients with HNSCC. HNSCC
patients with metastatic disease have an extremely poor prognosis with a survival rate of less than
a year. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been described as biomarkers that promote cell
migration and invasion. Radiotherapy is widely used to treat HNSCC, being a determining factor in
the alteration of the tumour’s biology and microenvironment. This review focuses on analysing the
current state of the scientific literature on this topic. Although few studies have focused on the role
of these proteinases in HNC, some authors have concluded that radiotherapy alters the behaviour
of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Therefore, more research is needed
to understand the roles played by MMPs and their inhibitors (TIMPs) as prognostic biomarkers in
patients with HNC and their involvement in the response to radiotherapy.