Enhancement of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by tumor‐associated fibroblasts in preclinical models

SE Wheeler, H Shi, F Lin, S Dasari, J Bednash… - Head & …, 2014 - Wiley Online Library
SE Wheeler, H Shi, F Lin, S Dasari, J Bednash, S Thorne, S Watkins, R Joshi, SM Thomas
Head & neck, 2014•Wiley Online Library
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has had little improvement
in mortality rates in decades. A clearer understanding of the HNSCC tumor
microenvironment will aid in finding more effective targeted therapies for this disease. Tumor‐
associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are the largest stromal cellular components of the tumor
microenvironment in HNSCC. Methods We isolated TAFs from clinical HNSCC cases and
propagated in vitro. The effects of TAF‐secreted paracrine factors on in vitro HNSCC …
Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has had little improvement in mortality rates in decades. A clearer understanding of the HNSCC tumor microenvironment will aid in finding more effective targeted therapies for this disease. Tumor‐associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are the largest stromal cellular components of the tumor microenvironment in HNSCC.
Methods
We isolated TAFs from clinical HNSCC cases and propagated in vitro. The effects of TAF‐secreted paracrine factors on in vitro HNSCC migration, invasion, and proliferation was assessed. The effect of TAFs on HNSCC growth and metastases was determined in an orthotopic floor‐of‐the‐mouth tumor model.
Results
TAF‐conditioned media increased HNSCC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. TAFs increased HNSCC tumor growth and metastases in vivo.
Conclusion
TAFs play a major role in increasing tumor growth and metastasis in HNSCC. Targeting the tumor stroma may be important to reduce the rate of HNSCC metastasis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 385–392, 2014
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