Necrotic and apoptotic adipocytes in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment supply triglycerides to induce cisplatin resistance in the metastatic lymph nodes of head and neck carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Metastatic lesions in cervical lymph nodes are generally less sensitive to induction chemotherapy than primary tumors, making cervical lymph node metastasis one of the most significant prognostic factors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the underlying mechanism of cisplatin resistance in these lymph nodes remains unclear. Lipidomic analysis of 21 HNSCC patients revealed distinct lipid profiles between cervical lymph node metastases and primary tumors, with triglycerides notably enriched in the metastatic nodes, suggesting a critical role for adipocytes. Further investigation confirmed the presence of cancer-associated adipocytes within cervical lymph node metastases, which supply triglycerides to tumor cells. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment promotes apoptosis a

SUBMITTER: Li F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12644729 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature