RGD-Binding Integrins in Head and Neck Cancers

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 v and 1 subunits has been explored relatively extensively and linked to tumour progression and metastasis. Individual receptors alpha v beta 3 and alpha v beta 5 have proved popular targets for diagnostic and therapeutic agents but lesser studied receptors, such as alpha v beta 6, alpha v beta 8, and beta 1 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.