Targeting cancer stem cell (CSC) subpopulation within the
tumor remains an obstacle for specific
therapy in
head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (
HNSCC). Few studies in the literature describe a panel of stem cell makers, however a distinct panel has not been put forth. This systematic review aims to enhance the knowledge of additional markers to accurately relate their expression to
tumorigenesis,
metastasis, and
therapy resistance. Databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Ebsco, and Science Direct, were searched from 2010 to 2017 using various combinations of the following keywords: "Stem cell markers in
HNSCC" and "chemoresistance and radioresistence in
HNSCC." Original experimental studies (both in vitro and in vivo) published in English considering stem cell markers in
HNSCC, were considered and included. We excluded articles on
tumors other than
HNSCC, reviews, editorial letters, book chapters, opinions, and abstracts from the analyses. Forty-two articles were included, in which 13 types of stem cell markers were identified. The most commonly expressed CSC markers were CD44,
aldehyde dehydrogenase, and CD133, which were responsible for
tumorigenesis, self-renewal, and
therapy resistance, whereas NANOG, SOX-2, and OCT-4 were involved in
metastasis and invasion. Identification of an accurate panel of CSC markers is the need of the hour as nonspecificity of the current markers poses a problem. Further studies with a large sample size would help validate the role of these CSC markers in
HNSCC. These CSC
proteins can be developed as therapeutic targets for
HNSCC therapy, making future treatment modality more specific and effective.