Enhancement of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma proliferation, invasion, and metastasis by tumor-associated fibroblasts in preclinical models

Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has had little improvement in mortality rates in decades. A clearer understanding of the HNSCC tumor microenvironment will aid in finding more effective targeted therapies for this disease. Tumor‐associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are the largest stromal cellular components of the tumor microenvironment in HNSCC. Methods We isolated TAFs from clinical HNSCC cases and propagated in vitro. The effects of TAF‐secreted paracrine factors on in vitro HNSCC migration, invasion, and proliferation was assessed. The effect of TAFs on HNSCC growth and metastases was determined in an orthotopic floor‐of‐the‐mouth tumor model. Results TAF‐conditioned media increased HNSCC cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. TAFs increased HNSCC tumor growth and metastases in vivo. Conclusion TAFs play a major role in increasing tumor growth and metastasis in HNSCC. Targeting the tumor stroma may be important to reduce the rate of HNSCC metastasis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 385–392, 2014