Stem cell transplantation in head and neck oncology: Integrating oncologic treatment and maxillofacial reconstruction

doi:10.5500/wjt.v16.i2.117675

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World Journal of Transplantation

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2220-3230

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Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 7041 Koll Center Parkway, Suite 160, Pleasanton, CA 94566, USA

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Copyright: ©Author(s) 2026. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license. No commercial re-use. See permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.

World J Transplant. Jun 18, 2026; 16(2): 117675
Published online Jun 18, 2026. doi: 10.5500/wjt.v16.i2.117675

Stem cell transplantation in head and neck oncology: Integrating oncologic treatment and maxillofacial reconstruction

Marco Zeppieri, Matteo Capobianco, Federico Visalli, Marieme Khouyyi, Caterina Gagliano, Francesco Cappellani, Massimo Robiony, Alessandro Tel, Luca Michelutti

Marco Zeppieri, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy

Marco Zeppieri, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste 34129, Italy

Matteo Capobianco, Eye Clinic, Policlinico G. Rodolico, University of Catania, Catania 95121, Italy

Matteo Capobianco, Faculty of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy

Federico Visalli, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy

Marieme Khouyyi, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina 98121, Italy

Caterina Gagliano, Francesco Cappellani, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, Enna 94100, Italy

Caterina Gagliano, Francesco Cappellani, Eye Center, “G.B. Morgagni-DSV”, Catania 95125, Italy

Massimo Robiony, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy

Alessandro Tel, Luca Michelutti, Clinic of Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Head-Neck and Neurosciences, University Hospital of Udine, Udine 33100, Italy

Author contributions: Zeppieri M, Gagliano C, Tel A, Michelutti L and Cappellani F wrote the outline; Zeppieri M, Capobianco M, Tel A, Michelutti L and Cappellani F did the research and writing of the manuscript; Zeppieri M, Capobianco M, Visalli F, Khouyyi M, Gagliano C, and Cappellani F assisted in the writing of the paper; Zeppieri M was responsible for the conception and design of the study and completed the English and scientific editing; Zeppieri M, Capobianco M, Visalli F, Khouyyi M, Gagliano C, Tel A, Michelutti L and Cappellani F assisted in the editing and making critical revisions of the manuscript. All authors provided the final approval of the article.

AI contribution statement: ChatGPT (OpenAI, GPT-5.3) and Grammarly were used to assist with summarizing existing literature, addressing issues in the rebuttal, and enhancing the flow and English language quality. No AI-generated images were used.

Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.

Corresponding author: Marco Zeppieri, Consultant, MD, PhD, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, p. le S. Maria della Misericordia 15, Udine 33100, Italy. mark.zeppieri@asufc.sanita.fvg.it

Received: December 15, 2025
Revised: January 10, 2026
Accepted: March 5, 2026
Published online: June 18, 2026
Processing time: 167 Days and 23.9 Hours

Abstract

Head and neck malignancies are aggressive, have complex anatomical placements, and require extensive surgical intervention for functional and cosmetic reasons. Recent advances in stem cell biology have expanded our understanding of their activities beyond oncogenic pathways to encompass tissue repair and regeneration. Mesenchymal and pluripotent stem cells have been studied for their immunomodulatory, microenvironmental, and bone and soft-tissue regeneration abilities following oncologic resection. Stem cells can connect oncologic treatment with reconstructive surgery, as shown in this narrative assessment of recent translational and regenerative advances in head and neck oncology. Autologous and allogeneic stem cell-based approaches, often combined with bioengineered scaffolds, have been shown to improve vascularization and functional restoration in complex craniofacial structures. Despite these promising advances, worries about tumor recurrence, stem cell plasticity, and the carcinogenic dangers of introducing stem cell-derived or growth-factor-enriched materials into previously treated or irradiated areas persist. In addition, regulatory, ethical, and scientific barriers prevent the widespread use of stem cell–based therapies in clinical oncology. Stem cell-centered research can transform head and neck cancer treatment from survival-focused to holistic oncological and functional rehabilitation that improves lifespan and quality of life by integrating regenerative science with precision surgery.

Keywords: Regenerative medicine; Stem cells; Head and neck oncology; Maxillofacial reconstruction tissue engineering; Mesenchymal stem cells

Core Tip: Stem cell transplantation in head and neck oncology signifies a promising advancement that integrates cancer treatment with regenerative reconstruction. Clinicians want to restore form and function after oncologic excision by utilizing the biological plasticity of stem cells, while avoiding consequences. The subject includes innovative methods in bone and soft tissue regeneration, immunomodulation, and integration with surgical reconstruction, presenting the possibility of transforming traditional cancer treatment into a holistic, restorative, and patient-focused strategy.