The Complex Role of Mast Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma - A Systematic Review

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Liam

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy shaped by genetic and environmental factors, and its tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key determinant of cancer behavior. Mast cells (MCs), classically linked to allergic responses, are highlighted as modulators of the HNSCC TME with potential prognostic value and therapeutic relevance. This systematic review searches PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov through 31 December 2023, applies PRISMA-guided screening and extraction, and synthesizes evidence on MC density, activation, associated genetic alterations, and gene-expression signatures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Tumor microenvironment and mast cells

Materials and Methods

Search strategy and study selection

Results

Included studies and sample overview

Mast cell density, activation, and genetic signatures

Conclusions

medicina Systematic Review The Complex Role of Mast Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review Sofia-Eleni Tzorakoleftheraki and Triantafyllia Koletsa * Citation: Tzorakoleftheraki, S.-E.; Koletsa, T. The Complex Role of Mast Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Medicina 2024, 60, 1173. [https://](https://)[ ](https://)[doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071173](doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071173) Academic Editor: Vincenzo Desiderio Received: 25 May 2024 Revised: 5 July 2024 Accepted: 17 July 2024 Published: 19 July 2024 Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ([https://](https://)[ ](https://)[creativecommons.org/licenses/by/](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[ ](creativecommons.org/licenses/by/)[4.0/](4.0/)) . Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; [sofialenatzo@gmail.com](sofialenatzo@gmail.com) * Correspondence: [tkoletsa@auth.gr](tkoletsa@auth.gr); Tel.: +30-2310999245 Abstract: Background and Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous malignancy influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. Mast cells (MCs), typically associated with allergic responses, have recently emerged as key regulators of the HNSCC tumor microenvironment (TME) . This systematic review explores the role of MCs in HNSCC pathogenesis and their potential as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov databases until 31 December 2023, using “Mast cells” AND “Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma” as search terms. Studies in English which reported on MCs and HNSCC were included. Screening, data extraction and analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. No new experiments were conducted. Results: Out of 201 articles, 52 studies met the inclusion criteria, 43 of which were published between 2020 and 2023 . A total of 28821 HNSCCand 9570 non-cancerous tissue samples had been examined. MC density and activation varied among normal tissues and HNSCC. Genetic alterations associated with MCs were identified, with specific gene expressions correlating with prognosis. Prognostic gene signatures associated with MC density were established. Conclusions: MCs have arisen as multifaceted TME modulators, impacting various aspects of HNSCC development and progression. Possible site-specific or HPV-related differences in MC density and activation should be further elucidated. Despite conflicting findings on their prognostic role, MCs represent promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies, necessitating further research and clinical validation for personalized HNSCC treatment. Keywords: tumor microenvironment; genomic alterations in HNSCC; prognostic signatures; targeted therapy; oral squamous cell carcinoma 1. Introduction Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignancy that develops in the mucosa of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx [1] . It is a heterogeneous disease and smoking, alcohol consumption or previous exposure to oncogenic strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are well-documented risk factors [1,2] . HNSCC development follows a histologically multistep process from hyperplasia to invasive carcinoma. Various genomic changes lead to progression along this pathway, some of which are common and globally found in HNSCC, while others are restricted to one of the HPV-positive or HPV-negative categories [3] . The incidence of the disease is estimated to increase by 30% until 2030 [4], emphasizing the urgency of new prognosticators or treatment response predictors, or even predictors of the dynamics of a premalignant lesion. In this concept, one of the strategies is to investigat

FAQs

What is the main focus of the systematic review on mast cells and HNSCC?

The review examines how mast cells contribute to HNSCC pathogenesis and how they may function as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets within the tumor microenvironment.

How were studies selected for the review?

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 31 December 2023 using “Mast cells” AND “Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma”. Studies reporting MCs and HNSCC in English were screened and analyzed following PRISMA guidelines.

What did the review find regarding mast cell density, activation, and prognostic potential?

MC density and activation differed across normal tissues and HNSCC. Genetic alterations linked to MCs were reported, and prognostic gene signatures associated with MC density were identified, although findings on prognostic roles were conflicting.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Liam