Research progress of reversing treatment resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by targeting lipid metabolism

The reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a significant factor influencing various aspects of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, including its occurrence, development, metastasis, and resistance to radio-chemotherapy. There is a considerable elevation in the expression levels of enzymes and genes related to lipid metabolism in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. This up-regulation is associated with both treatment resistance and a poor prognosis. This review focuses mainly on alterations in lipid metabolism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. It systematically explores the atypical expression and clinical significance of lipid metabolism-related enzymes, evaluates their influence on treatment resistance, elucidates the underlying mechanisms of this resistance, and discusses current and potential targeted therapeutic approaches. The comprehensive analysis comprises four pivotal aspects: de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, glycerophospholipids metabolism, and mevalonate and cholesterol synthesis pathways. Feasible strategies, such as the adjustment of dietary structure, the administration of multi-target drugs, and the utilization of combination treatment therapies, are deliberated as potential interventions to modulate lipid metabolism, reverse treatment resistance, and enhance the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments.