Bulk RNA sequencing of de novo and radiation-recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors

We performed bulk RNA sequencing on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumors to identify, characterize, and select specifc cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) as potential precision immuno-oncologic targets. Specifically, we compared CTA expression between previously untreated (de novo) tumors and radiation-recurrent tumors to assess expression patterns in different clinical settings. Tumor samples were taken from patients undergoing standard-of-care surgical resection. Samples were categorized based on whether patients presented with a de novo HNSCC or underwent biopsy for an in-field recurrence in a previously irradiated tumor bed at the time of salvage surgery.