P53 in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

TP53 is the most commonly mutated gene in head and neck cancer. Mutations in TP53 are associated with poor prognosis; approximately 50% of patients with locally advanced disease and nearly all patients with metastatic disease succumb to their illness. Novel and more effective treatment strategies are needed for these patients. However, due to the numerous intracellular roles of p53, and to the presence of both gain-of-function and loss-of-function mutations, targeting p53 has been challenging. Here, we review the p53 pathway and its role in the pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.