New ‘fingerprinting’ method offers hope for targeted head and neck cancer treatments

Head and neck cancers, among the ten most common globally, make up 3-5% of all cancer diagnoses, with squamous cell carcinomas being the most prevalent. These cancers often develop in areas like the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, and their incidence has surged over the past three decades, with 18,000-20,000 new cases reported annually in Germany alone. The rise in middle pharyngeal carcinomas is particularly concerning, largely driven by increasing rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. In light of these trends, an international research team developed an innovative technique with the potential to transform the diagnosis and treatment of these cancers.

Led by Sara Wickström, former professor at the University of Helsinki and now director at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, the team has pioneered a method to analyze cancer cells and surrounding tissues at an unprecedented single-cell level. Using a machine-learning-based approach, this innovative technology provides a detailed "fingerprint" of each patient's cancer, combining insights into cancer cell behavior and tumor architecture. This comprehensive view could significantly improve prognosis accuracy and therapy response predictions, marking a pivotal advancement in the field.

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