Expression and function of long non-coding RNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

No longer regarded as junk DNA, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered as master regulators of cancer development and metastasis nowadays. Among the recently appreciated roles of these transcripts is their fundamental contribution in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Notably, lncRNAs may have interactions with some environmental risk factors for this type of cancer. Moreover, a number of studies have verified diagnostic and prognostic values of lncRNAs in HNSCC. Emerging evidences from functional studies point to the possibility of design of lncRNA-targeted therapies in HNSCC. In the current review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms for participation of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, their potential application in cancer diagnosis and most importantly in the development of personalized methods for treatment of HNSCC.