Project 466625

In 2018, Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) was the 6th most common cancer worldwide with approximately 890 000 new cases and 450 000 deaths. The burden of HNSCC is expected to rise by 30% by the year 2030. Amidst the advent of new therapeutic modalities in the past 10 years, the five-year survival rate still sits at roughly 50%. Improvement outcomes are desperately needed to help improve the overall survival and quality of life of patients.The molecular mechanisms behind HNSCC treatment resistance are not fully understood. However, due to advances in genomics, scientists now know about resistance mechanisms found in solid tumours. However, few studies have systemically assessed these mechanisms using a wide variety of human HNSCC tumours.Using the most recent advances in genomic technology, my research will focus on identifying altered molecular pathways involved in HNSCC treatment resistance by using a mouse model. Two treatment groups (control/cisplatin) will be used to identify the topmost treatment resistant and treatment sensitive patient tumours. I will then identify specific resistance patterns by comparing gene expression profiles between treatment resistant/sensitive patient tumours.HNSCC treatment resistance is a twofold problem. Current treatment options provide poor five-year survival rates and also profoundly alter the quality of life of patients. Long-term consequences include difficulty swallowing, speech and breathing impairment, hearing loss, risk of infections, etc. A systematic assessment of these molecular mechanisms could help us either identify future therapeutic targets or help us develop safer and more effective treatment options for the treatment of HNSCC.