Team leader :
Dr Pierre Saintigny
Main research areas :
Our goal is to understand the longitudinal dynamics of head and neck cancer to intercept transformation of premalignant lesions, prevent the development of second primary tumors and improve treatment efficacy. Our strategy is to integrate clinical, pathological and molecular profiles to unravel the dynamic changes during early stages of tumorigenesis and under the selective pressure of systemic and radiation therapies. Specific aims : Aim 1 is to understand the genetic evolutionary trajectories underlying premalignant lesions progression, the co‐evolution between premalignant lesions and the immune micro‐environment and to integrate phenotypic (expression profiles), genetic and immune profiling to improve risk assessment and to develop the rational for innovative interception and preventive strategies. Aim 2 is to evaluate the diversity and heterogeneity of SCCHN before treatment initiation and at the time of progressive disease to refine the current molecular classification of SCCHN, and test its relevance for improved patient stratification. Aim 3 is to identify new targets through a systematic and comprehensive identification and validation of non‐canonical membranous (externalized) proteins in SCCHN, using an in silico and a proteomic approach.
Main tumor models used:
Head and neck cancer, lung cancer
Innovative equipment used:
High throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, HTG EdgeSeq, NanoString DSP, multiplex immunofluorescence, laser micro‐dissection, single cell analysis