The head and neck cancer genome in the era of immunotherapy

The recent success of immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has necessitated a new perspective on the cancer genome. Here we review recent advances in the carcinogenesis and molecular genetics of HNSCC with an eye on their implications for cancer immunity. Newer sequencing technologies have recently facilitated dissection of the complex interaction between the HPV virus, tumor, host factors, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) that help shed light on how the immune system interacts with head and neck malignancies.

Automated summary

Recent advances in sequencing technologies have helped unravel the complex interactions between HPV virus, tumor, host factors, and tumor microenvironment (TME) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), shedding light on the interaction of the immune system with these malignancies.