Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a large family of proteins that are expressed in immune cells and various tumor cells. TLR7/8 are located in the intracellular endosomes, participate in tumor immune surveillance and play different roles in tumor growth. Activation of TLRs 7 and 8 triggers induction of a Th1 type innate immune response in the highly sophisticated process of innate immunity signaling with the recent research advances involving the small molecule activation of TLR 7 and 8. The wide range of expression and clinical significance of TLR7/TLR8 in different kinds of cancers have been extensively explored. TLR7/TLR8 can be used as novel diagnostic biomarkers, progression and prognostic indicators, and immunotherapeutic targets for various tumors. Although the mechanism of action of TLR7/8 in cancer immunotherapy is still incomplete, TLRs on T cells are involved in the regulation of T cell function and serve as co-stimulatory molecules and activate T cell immunity. TLR agonists can activate T cell-mediated antitumor responses with both innate and adaptive immune responses to improve tumor therapy. Recently, novel drugs of TLR7 or TLR8 agonists with different scaffolds have been developed. These agonists lead to the induction of certain cytokines and chemokines that can be applied to the treatment of some diseases and can be used as good adjutants for vaccines. Furthermore, TLR7/8 agonists as potential therapeutics for tumor-targeted immunotherapy have been developed. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the development of immunotherapy strategies targeting TLR7/8 in patients with various cancers and chronic hepatitis B.

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most frequently occurring cancer worldwide. The incidence and mortality of HNC have been demonstrated to significantly impact human health and increase the global health burden. We assessed temporal trends via Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) across 36 countries (2008–2017). No study has yet focused on the latest epidemiological changes of GLOBOCAN 2022 in HNC and made predictions about the trends to 2050.Objectives: Integrate historical HNC records and project global incidence and mortality trends to 2050 to support region-specific prevention strategies.Methods: Data on HNC cases and deaths including rates for subtypes were gathered from GLOBOCAN 2022 (https://gco.iarc.fr). The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 person-years were calculated by the direct age standardization method based on the Segi-Doll World standard population. We counted EAPC in 36 countries over the last decade (2008-2017). Eight of these countries with different levels of development were also selected to observe in detail their annual trends from 1980 to 2017. Relationship between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the HNC subtypes was examined using linear regression.Conclusion: From 2008 to 2017, both the number of male HNC deaths and cases decreased. However, in 2022, the men’s and older people’s HNC burden is still heavier. According to the projection, future reductions in overall HNC incidence and mortality are expected to materialize only in the event of a decline in cases and deaths by 2 or 3 percent or more.