NOVEL THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES IN HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

We have previously described a novel proto-oncogenic axis (GRHL3/GSK3B/MYC) that is activated in many cases of human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this thesis, we explore targeted therapy against this pathway using a bromodomain inhibitor (I-BET 151) in cellular and animal models. We have also expanded the repertoire of pre-clinical models of HNSCC that can be used for drug testing with development of a new protocol for organoid derivation. Cumulatively, the findings in this work may guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies in these poor prognosis cancers.