Aberrant Expression of Claudins in Head and Neck Carcinomas and Their Prognostic and Therapeutic Value: A Narrative Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Head and neck cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and is associated with poor prognosis. Studies have demonstrated that claudins plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of cancers throughout the human body and highlights their prognostic role. The aberrant expression of various claudins has been strongly associated with carcinomas across the head and neck region. Additionally, the expression of these proteins predicts prognosis in several instances. Preclinical studies have highlighted that inhibiting the pathways which mediate altered claudins expression can halt neoplastic processes and minimize cellular invasion. Hence, understanding the role of claudins in head and neck carcinomas and their related mechanisms provides both prognostic and therapeutic value. ABSTRACT: Head and neck carcinomas have been associated with poor prognosis. Recent studies have highlighted the role of claudins’ expression in tumors throughout the body, and their prognostic and therapeutic role. Understanding the role of claudins and how their expression affects the progression of carcinomas in the head and neck region may allow for advances in the prognosis and management of this type of cancer. Several studies have highlighted the aberrant expression of the proteins in carcinomas in this region. Specifically, the overexpression of claudin-1 and downregulation of claudins-4, -7, and -17 have been linked with poor survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. In laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, increased levels of claudins-1 and reduced levels of claudins-3, -8, and -11 have been linked with poor outcomes. Targeting these proteins has shown promising outcomes as therapeutic in preclinical studies. However, studies remain extremely limited in nasal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas. In this review, we survey the available literature describing the aberrant expression of various claudins in carcinomas in this region, while highlighting their potential prognostic and therapeutic value. Then, we describe some molecular mechanisms involved in the aberrant expression of claudins and how they can be utilized as therapeutic targets.