The Role of Hedgehog Signalling Pathway Inhibitors in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from the head and neck HNSCC is a challenging tumour with high rates of recurrence and limited therapeutic options in advanced stages. The Hedgehog Hh signalling pathway plays a significant role in embryonic tissue development and homeostasis of tissue. Disruption of this pathway has been associated with etiopathogenesis of various cancers including HNSCC. This paper is an attempt to explore the role of the Hh signalling pathway in HNSCC development and progression and to critically examine the efficacy and limitations of Hh pathway inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for these tumours. In this paper we discuss the mechanisms and modes of action of these inhibitors summarize clinical trial data and discuss the limitations of their clinical application including mechanisms of resistance and the need for combination therapies.