Loss of Function of Canonical Notch Signaling Drives Head and Neck Carcinogenesis.

Purpose: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a common cancer worldwide, is etiologically associated with tobacco use, high alcohol consumption, and high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). The Notch signaling pathway, which is involved in cell differentiation decisions with differential downstream targets and effects depending on tissue type and developmental stage, has been implicated in human HNSCC. is among the most frequently mutated genes in both HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC.