头颈癌（HNC），主要是头颈鳞状细胞癌，起源于口腔、唇、喉和口咽等区域的鳞状上皮。由于高发病率影响关键功能，手术、放疗和化疗等联合治疗在晚期往往效果不佳，这凸显了对创新疗法的需求。这篇综述严格评估了治疗 HNC 的白细胞介素 (IL) 基因疗法。讨论延伸至 HNC 中的关键 IL、各种基因治疗技术和递送方法。我们特别关注 IL-2、IL-12 和 IL-24 基因疗法的应用，在临床前研究和临床试验中检查其机制和结果。最后几节讨论了 HNC 中 IL 基因治疗的挑战，探索解决方案并严格评估未来的治疗方向。尽管基因组和免疫疗法取得了进步，但 HNC 治疗中的重大挑战仍然存在，这主要是由于肿瘤微环境的免疫抑制性质以及当前治疗的不利影响。疗法。 IL 基因治疗的治疗效果取决于通过精细的递送方法克服这些障碍，确保靶向、肿瘤特异性基因表达。未来的策略应侧重于完善基因传递方法并将 IL 基因治疗与其他治疗方法相结合，以优化疗效并最大程度地减少毒性。

Head and neck cancer (HNC), primarily head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, originates from the squamous epithelium in areas like the oral cavity, lip, larynx, and oropharynx. With high morbidity impacting critical functions, combined treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy often fall short in advanced stages, highlighting the need for innovative therapies.This review critically evaluates interleukin (IL) gene therapy for treating HNC. The discussion extends to key ILs in HNC, various gene therapy techniques and delivery methods. We particularly focus on the application of IL-2, IL-12, and IL-24 gene therapies, examining their mechanisms and outcomes in preclinical studies and clinical trials. The final sections address IL gene therapy challenges in HNC, exploring solutions and critically assessing future therapeutic directions.Despite advancements in genomic and immunotherapy, significant challenges in HNC treatment persist, primarily due to the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment and the adverse effects of current therapies. The therapeutic efficacy of IL gene therapy hinges on overcoming these hurdles through refined delivery methods that ensure targeted, tumor-specific gene expression. Future strategies should focus on refining gene delivery methods and combining IL gene therapy with other treatments to optimize efficacy and minimize toxicity.