Harnessing the role of epigenetic histone modification in targeting head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Despite advancements made in treatment strategies, the fatality rate of HNSCC is very high. An accumulating body of evidence suggests that epigenetic modification of histones plays an influential role in the development and progression of the disease. In this review we discuss the role of epigenetic modifications in HNSCC and the inter-relationships of human papillomavirus oncoproteins and histone-modifying agents. Further, we explore the possibility of identifying these modifications as biomarkers for their use as drugs in treatment strategies. Plain language summary Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common kind of head and neck cancer. HNSCC can develop therapeutic resistance, making therapy more difficult. Many studies have found that epigenetic events play a key role in HNSCC. Better understanding epigenetic regulation could help discovery of biomarkers that help detect and diagnose HNSCC. This review will present recent studies, showing the importance of epigenetic regulation targeting histone modifications in the development of HNSCC.