Neutrophils and oral squamous cell carcinoma: lessons learned and future directions

The role of cells of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma has been the subject of intense research in recent years. In particular, neutrophils have been shown recently to have either a pro-tumor or anti-tumor phenotype in different cancers. Here, we review the role of neutrophils as tumor microenvironment and signaling modulators of OSCC and their possible role as biomarkers of OSCC prognosis. Current evidence supports a pro-tumor role for neutrophils in OSCC, but more research is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms involved. J. Leukoc. Biol. 96: 695–702; 2014.