Advances in Biomarkers for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) represents a biologically and clinically heterogeneous group of malignancies with significant global morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and immunotherapy, patient outcomes remain highly variable, reflecting differences in tumor biology, etiologic factors, and host-related characteristics. Traditional clinicopathological staging systems, while essential, are insufficient to fully capture this complexity or to guide personalized treatment strategies. In this context, biomarkers have emerged as crucial tools for improving early detection, risk stratification, prognostication, and therapeutic decision-making. Over the past decade, rapid developments in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, epigenetics, and liquid biopsy technologies have substantially expanded the landscape of potential biomarkers in HNSCC. However, only a limited number have been successfully translated into routine clinical practice, highlighting the need for robust validation and integrative approaches.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to address the gap between biomarker discovery and clinical implementation in HNSCC. Although numerous candidate biomarkers have been proposed, challenges remain regarding reproducibility, standardization, clinical validation, and demonstration of real-world utility. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in biomarker research across different biological layers, including genomic alterations, epigenetic modifications, transcriptomic signatures, protein expression profiles, tumor microenvironment features, and circulating biomarkers derived from blood or other body fluids. We seek to highlight studies that explore biomarkers for early diagnosis, prediction of treatment response, resistance mechanisms, toxicity risk, and long-term prognosis. Particular emphasis will be placed on integrative multi-omics approaches, artificial intelligence–driven analyses, and translational studies that bridge laboratory findings with clinical application. By bringing together original research, reviews, and perspective articles, this Research Topic intends to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate the development of reliable, clinically actionable biomarkers, ultimately supporting precision medicine and improving outcomes for patients with HNSCC.This Research Topic welcomes submissions addressing the discovery, validation, and clinical application of biomarkers in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, molecular and genomic biomarkers, epigenetic and transcriptomic signatures, proteomic and metabolomic profiles, tumor microenvironment and immune-related biomarkers, liquid biopsy approaches, and imaging-based biomarkers. Studies focusing on early detection, prognosis, prediction of treatment response, and mechanisms of resistance are encouraged. We welcome Original Research, Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Meta-analyses, and Perspective articles with strong translational or clinical relevance. Topic editors: Pietro De Luca, Angelo Camaioni, Luca De Campora, Gunnar Wichmann Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80356/advances-in-biomarkers-for-squamous-cell-carcinoma-of-the-head-and-neck