Unravelling the Complexity of HNSCC Using Single-Cell Transcriptomics.

Simple Summary: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a complex and varied cancer that is difficult to treat due to its biological diversity. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) offers a way to study HNSCC by examining individual cells within tumors. This technology helps identify different cell types and their roles in cancer development, diagnosis, and treatment. By understanding how various cells respond to treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, scRNAseq can enhance the study of cancer biology and improve therapeutic outcomes. This review highlights the significant impact of scRNAseq on HNSCC research and its potential to advance the study of other cancers. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]