Background/Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous and the most common form of head and neck cancer, posing significant challenges for disease management. The objective of this review is to assess the utility of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) in addressing these challenges by enabling a detailed characterization of the tumor microenvironment (TME) at the cellular level. Methods: This review compiles and analyzes current strategies that utilize scRNAseq and other single-cell technologies in HNSCC research. Results: For HNSCC etiology, scRNAseq allows for the construction of cellular atlases, characterization of different cell types, and investigation of genes and processes involved in cancer initiation, development, and progression within the TME. In terms of HNSCC diagnosis and prognosis, the resolution offered by scRNAseq enables the identification of cell type-specific signatures, enhancing prognostic models and disease stratifiers for patient outcome assessments. Regarding HNSCC treatment, scRNAseq provides insights into cellular responses to various treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, contributing to a better understanding of treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. Conclusions: This review highlights the contributions of scRNAseq to HNSCC research, addressing its cellular and biological complexity, and emphasizes its potential for advancing research and clinical practice in other cancer types.
背景/目的：头颈部鳞状细胞癌（HNSCC）是一种高度异质性的头颈部最常见恶性肿瘤，其疾病管理面临重大挑战。本综述旨在评估单细胞RNA测序（scRNAseq）技术通过实现肿瘤微环境（TME）在细胞层面的精细表征，应对这些挑战的应用价值。方法：本综述系统整理并分析了当前HNSCC研究中运用scRNAseq及其他单细胞技术的策略。结果：在HNSCC病因学方面，scRNAseq能够构建细胞图谱、表征不同细胞类型，并探究TME中参与癌症发生、发展和进展的基因及相关生物学过程。在HNSCC诊断与预后评估方面，该技术的高分辨特性有助于识别细胞类型特异性标志物，从而优化预后模型和疾病分层系统以评估患者结局。在HNSCC治疗领域，scRNAseq可揭示细胞对放疗、化疗及免疫治疗等多种治疗方式的反应机制，为深入理解治疗效果和患者预后提供依据。结论：本综述系统阐述了scRNAseq在解析HNSCC细胞与生物学复杂性方面的重要贡献，并强调该技术对推动其他癌症类型的研究与临床实践具有广阔应用前景。
Unravelling the Complexity of HNSCC Using Single-Cell Transcriptomics
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家