Fig. 1

Roadmap of cancer neuroscience in head and neck. (A) The head and neck region, serving as critical sensory receptors for receiving external information and as effectors executing neural commands, engages in close physiological communication with the nervous system. (B) In the tumor microenvironment, cancer cells interact with neurons through various effector molecules, while Schwann cells and immune cells also participate in this process. (C) Within tumor tissues, cancer cells may manifest diverse neural invasion phenotypes, such as perineural invasion, neurogenesis, axonogenesis, and brain metastasis. Additionally, cancer cells can facilitate neural invasion by enhancing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. (D) In HNC, various types of tumors may induce a spectrum of neurological symptoms. (E) Current therapeutic approaches for HNC may lead to varying degrees and types of neurological damage. (F) Future intervention in HNC from a neuroscience perspective. Abbreviations: ACC, adenoid cystic carcinoma; CBPT, cognitive behavioral psychological therapy; CNS, central nervous system; HNC, head and neck cancer; HNSCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; NPC, nasopharyngeal carcinoma; OCC, oral cavity cancer; PNS, peripheral nervous system; SCs, Schwann cells; TC, thyroid cancer; TD, targeted drug. (Figure created with BioRender)