Somatostatin receptor2 (SSTR2) expression, prognostic implications, modifications and potential therapeutic strategies associates with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) constitute a heterogeneous cluster of tumors celebrated for their predisposition to metastasize and exhibit local recurrence. Recent explorations have illuminated the intricate involvement of Somatostatin Receptor 2 (SSTR2), a growth-regulatory receptor traditionally classified as a tumor suppressor, yet concurrently implicated in bolstering specific tumor phenotypes. Advances in the realm of SSTR2 investigation within HNSCC, with a specific spotlight on laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC), tongue squamous cell carcinomas (TSCC), and nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC), have been established. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of SSTR2 expression patterns, prognostic implications, distinctive signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications, and potential therapeutic strategies associated with SSTR2 in HNSCC. [Display omitted] •Expression and prognosis significance of SSTR2 in HNSCC. encompassing NPC, TSCC and LSCC.•At the mRNA level, the signaling pathway involved by SSTR2 in NPC may be different from other HNSCC.•SSTR2 expression is regulated by epigenetic modifications, and methylation of SSTR2 results in low gene expression.•Potential detection and treatment methods related to SSTR2 in HNSCC.