Randomized trial elucidates immune mechanisms and identifies drug candidates in head and neck cancer, indicating potential for therapeutic repurposing.
Key Points
The study aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and identify drug repurposing candidates.
Analyzed transcriptomic data from GSE148944 (61 HNSCC tumors and 6 normal tissues).
Identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using |fold change| ≥ 2 and an adjusted P value ≤ 0.05.
Conducted pharmacophore-guided virtual screening of FDA-approved drugs.
Identified 271 upregulated and 36 downregulated DEGs associated with immune regulation.
HiSBiN analysis highlighted the immune system as the most perturbed area.
Top drug candidates included rituximab, tocilizumab, and dasatinib.