A cross-continental perspective of head and neck cancer, with a focus on immune biomarkers
A cross-continental perspective of head and neck cancer, with a focus on immune biomarkers
Head and neck cancer (HNC) occurs in several regions, including the oral cavity, pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), nasal cavity, sinuses and salivary glands. It behaves differently depending on the exact location, the type of tumor, and the person affected. Standard treatments for HNC include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and more recently, immunotherapy. Choosing the right treatment requires careful patient evaluation. However, patients with similar tumors often have different outcomes, making it difficult to predict who will benefit most from which treatment.
This thesis Sangeeta Bisheshar explored how immune cells within the ‘tumor microenvironment’, might help improve predictions about patient outcomes. Different types of immune cells, such as T-cells, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells, were studied in detail using laboratory techniques and computer-based image analysis. Some showed links with recurrence or survival, but adding this information to existing prediction models did not significantly improve accuracy.
The second part of the research focused on Suriname, where majority of HNC cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage. Furthermore, treatment delays were frequent. These findings point to the urgent need for improved public awareness, earlier detection, and stronger health system infrastructure.
In summary, this research highlights the importance of understanding both the biology of the disease and the healthcare context in which patients are treated. To further improve outcomes in HNC, future research should continue to build on clinically relevant work while also striving for greater inclusivity and broader applicability across diverse settings.