Adrenergic-Angiogenic Crosstalk in Head and Neck Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are loco-regionally aggressive tumors that often lead to debilitating changes in appearance, speech, swallowing and respiratory function in patients. It is therefore critical to develop novel targeted treatment strategies that can effectively target multiple components within the tumor microenvironment. In this regard, there has been an increased recognition of the role of neural signaling networks as mediators of disease progression in HNSCC. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms of adrenergic signaling in HNSCC specifically focusing on neurovascular crosstalk and the potential of targeting the adrenergic-angiogenic axis through repurposing of FDA-approved drugs against HNSCC.