Smoking status regulates a novel panel of PIWI-interacting RNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) represent the sixth deadliest cancer worldwide [1,2]. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, HNSCC patient mortality has improved minimally over the past three decades [3]. HNSCC risk factors include tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and more recently, HPV infection [4,5]; however, tobacco remains the most potent and longstanding etiological agent, increasing disease risk by up to 25-fold [6,7].

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