Head and Neck Cancer Biomarkers

Head and neck cancer encompasses a diverse group of malignancies that arise in the head and neck region, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and salivary glands. These cancers are primarily linked to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with a significant proportion of oropharyngeal cancers being HPV-positive. The global incidence of head and neck cancers varies widely, reflecting regional habits and risk factor exposure. Clinical manifestations can include a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, a lump in the neck, and difficulty swallowing, but early-stage disease may be asymptomatic. Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy. Treatment options are multidisciplinary, combining surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with the choice of treatment depending on the cancer's location, stage, and the patient's overall health. Recent advances in molecular biology and immunotherapy offer new hope for targeted treatments, improving outcomes and reducing toxicity. Despite advancements, the prognosis for head and neck cancer patients remains variable, with early detection and treatment being crucial for survival.

Figure 1 Schematic representation of head and neck region and types of head and neck carcinoma. (Mastronikolis, 2023)

Representative Biomarkers of Head and Neck Cancer

KRT19

Keratin 19 (KRT19) is a type I keratin protein, the smallest in the keratin family, known for its pivotal role in the structural integrity of epithelial cells. It is encoded by the KRT19 gene and is particularly significant in the cytoskeleton of epithelial cells, contributing to cell integrity and stability. In the context of head and neck cancer, KRT19 has gained attention for its involvement in the disease's progression and metastasis. Research indicates that KRT19 is overexpressed in several types of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), suggesting a potential role in tumorigenesis and as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Its expression is associated with enhanced cell migration and invasion, key features of cancer metastasis. Additionally, KRT19 has been studied for its utility in circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection, offering a minimally invasive method for monitoring disease progression and response to treatment.

Recommended Mouse Anti-KRT19 mAb (CAT#: ZG-0466F)

Figure 2 Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded human cervical cancer tissue by DAB staining with cytokeratin 19 monoclonal antibody.

Recommended Mouse Anti-KRT19 mAb (CAT#: ZG-0177U)

Figure 3 Mouse Anti-KRT19 Antibody (ZG-0177U) in WB. All lanes: Mouse anti-Human Cyfra21-1(KS19.1) monoclonal antibody at 4ug/ml; Lane 1: MCF-7 cell lysate; Lane2: MDA-MB-231 cell lysate; Lane3: HepG2 cell lysate; Secondary HRP labeled Goat polyclonal to Mouse IgG at 1/3000 dilution; Predicted band size: 30 kDa; Observed band size: 32 kDa; Additional bands at: 50 kDa.

Recommended Rabbit Anti-KRT19 mAb (CAT#: VS3-FY824)

Figure 4 Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded human colon carcinoma using an antibody to cytokeratin 19. High pressure and high temperature sodium citrate pH 6.0 for antigen retrieval.

FGFR3

The Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3) is a critical receptor tyrosine kinase involved in various cellular processes including cell differentiation, proliferation, and regulation of apoptotic pathways. Structurally, FGFR3 is composed of an extracellular domain, which binds fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), a single transmembrane domain, and an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain that initiates downstream signaling pathways upon activation. In the context of head and neck cancer, aberrations in FGFR3 signaling have been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression. Mutations, amplifications, or overexpression of FGFR3 can lead to altered cell growth and survival, contributing to the oncogenic process. The dysregulation of FGFR3 signaling pathways is associated with various aspects of cancer biology including enhanced tumor growth, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Consequently, FGFR3 has been identified as a potential therapeutic target, with research focusing on the development of FGFR inhibitors that could disrupt these oncogenic signaling pathways.

Recommended Human Anti-FGFR3 mAb (CAT#: HPAB-0160-YC)

Figure 5 ELISA analysis of HPAB-0160-YC was performed by coating with FGFR3 Protein, Human, Recombinant (ECD, His Tag).

Recommended Mouse Anti-FGFR3 mAb (CAT#: TAB-064WM)

Figure 6 Dot Blot analysis of TAB-064WM was performed by coating with Human FGFR3 Protein.

CXCL8

CXCL8, also known as Interleukin-8 (IL-8), is a small cytokine belonging to the CXC chemokine family, playing a pivotal role in the immune system by attracting neutrophils and other inflammatory mediators to sites of infection or injury. This chemokine is produced by various cell types, including macrophages, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells, in response to inflammatory stimuli. It operates primarily through its receptors, CXCR1 and CXCR2, activating multiple signal transduction pathways that lead to enhanced migration, survival, and proliferation of immune cells. In the context of head and neck cancer, CXCL8 has been implicated in tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis. It contributes to the tumor microenvironment by promoting angiogenesis, the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages, and the evasion of immune surveillance. Furthermore, CXCL8 has been associated with resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Recommended Mouse Anti-CXCL8 mAb (CAT#: MOB-0054F)

Figure 7 Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded human kidney tissue using IL-8 Mouse mAb diluted 1:200.

Recommended Mouse Anti-CXCL8 mAb (CAT#: MOB-0056F)

Figure 8 Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded human lung cancer tissue using IL-8 Mouse mAb diluted 1:200.

Full List of Head and Neck Cancer Biomarkers

Tested Data-Supported Products Targeting Head and Neck Cancer Biomarkers

For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.