Advances in Nanoplatform Design and Theranostics for HNC via the Tumor Microenvironment

Head and neck cancer (HNC) accounts for approximately 930,000 new cases and 470,000 deaths annually, with squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) of the upper aerodigestive tract representing the dominant histology. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption and high-risk human papillomavirus infection are the principal risk factors. Standard-of-care modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy frequently fail in advanced disease because of off-target toxicity and inherent or acquired resistance. Recent