Genetic Polymorphism of Head and Neck Cancers in African Populations: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective Head and neck cancers are mostly composed of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The incidence and mortality of HNSCC are higher in countries with emerging health care systems, particularly Africa. Given that they are more genetically diverse, characterization of polymorphism in African HNSCC may result in the identification of distinct molecular targets as compared with the known HNSCC candidate genes. This study objective is to review the current evidence of genetic data on HNSCC among African populations as well as to demonstrate any distinctions as compared with known candidate genes and to appraise any research gaps. Data Sources Publications that interrogated susceptible gene polymorphisms to African-based populations with cancer were reviewed for this study. Review Methods Our search methodology was modeled after the Cochrane systematic review protocol, which included MeSH terms and keywords related to cancer, polymorphisms, and African countries. Results Seven articles studying 2 HNSCC cancer types in 3 of 54 African countries met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen polymorphisms from 10 genes were screened ( NOS3, CYP1A1, CYP2D6, NAT1, NAT2, NQO1, IL-10, IL-12, IL-8, COX2). All articles were screened for polymorphisms based on a polymerase chain reaction–based technique. All polymorphs suggested association to HNSCC, with 10 of 13 polymorphs demonstrating a statistically significant association. Conclusion Studies on known HNSCC candidate genes should be undertaken in Africa, particularly among sub-Saharan Africans. Importantly, these studies should be large scale with multiple HNC sites and with use of high-throughput methods.

The PI3K/Akt/mTORC signaling axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Possibilities for therapeutic interventions either as single agents or in combination with conventional therapies

“…101 Moreover, it has been declared that those patients with PTEN:rs35560700 (C > T) are more prone to develop the late stage of oral carcinoma. 102 The downregulation of a gene named PTENP1, which is a pseudogene of PTEN, has also been reported in HNSCC. It has been suggested that the reduction in the copy number of this gene could attenuate the overall survival of the patients without the decrease in the expression of PTEN probably through elevating the capacity of the cells to proliferate and migrate.…”

“…The correlation between PTEN:rs12569998 homozygous variant and the elevated risk of disease progression has been reported in several studies 101 . Moreover, it has been declared that those patients with PTEN:rs35560700 (C > T) are more prone to develop the late stage of oral carcinoma 102 . The downregulation of a gene named PTENP1, which is a pseudogene of PTEN, has also been reported in HNSCC.…”

Liquid Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer: Its Present State and Future Role in Africa

“…A comprehensive report on key liquid biopsy cancer studies from Africa can be found in a review by Temilola et al [159]. The critical dearth of liquid biopsy technology application and research for HNC on the African continent needs to be addressed, as African HNC is well known to harbor notable genetic polymorphisms [185]. Many of the emerging liquid biopsy products, which were tested in non-African patients, also need to be optimized for African HNC patients to maximize their benefit in a personalized manner.…”

Association of the cytochrome P450 and arylamine N-acetyltransferase gene polymorphisms with the incidence of head and neck cancer in Polish population

“…Selected NAT2 polymorphisms lead to amino acid substitutions, which may result in impairment of enzyme activity [13]. The NAT2 polymorphism determines the risk of certain diseases and the rate of inactivation of various xenobiotics and drugs [14]. The reports to date indicate a possible contribution of CYP and NAT gene polymorphisms in the increased risk of breast, lung and colorectal cancers [15].…”