The biology of stem cells and their properties have already been recognized as integral to tumor pathogenesis in several types of cancer. This observation had already a massive impact in the cancer research field and is likely to modify our understanding of the basic mechanisms of tumor iniziation and cancer treating strategies. A role for stem cells has been demonstrated for the hematopoietic system diseases, and breast and brain cancers (Jordan CT, 2004). Going forward it is likely that the possible involvement of stem cells in other malignancies will also be clarified, including head and neck. Head and neck cancer is still the sixth most common cancer type worldwide. Disappointingly, despite significant advances in surgical and other treatments that enhance quality of life, survival rates only have moderately improved during the last 20 years (Forastiere A et al, 2001, Boudewijin JMB et al, 2005). Moreover, head and neck cancer has a severe impact on patients quality of life and the significant morbidity subsequent to treatment often require long term multidisciplinary care. An other major problem of head and neck cancer is that most patients present with an advanced cancer status as the disease often progress without clear clinical symptoms. Therefore, prevention and early diagnosis, as well as an improved comprehension of the cellular-molecular events that regulates the carcinogenesis processes, would help in reducing local morbidity and increasing survival rates.
Head and Neck cancer: the possible role of stem cells.
BIANCHINI, Chiara;CIORBA, Andrea;PELUCCHI, Stefano;PIVA, Maria Roberta;PASTORE, Antonio
2008
Abstract
The biology of stem cells and their properties have already been recognized as integral to tumor pathogenesis in several types of cancer. This observation had already a massive impact in the cancer research field and is likely to modify our understanding of the basic mechanisms of tumor iniziation and cancer treating strategies. A role for stem cells has been demonstrated for the hematopoietic system diseases, and breast and brain cancers (Jordan CT, 2004). Going forward it is likely that the possible involvement of stem cells in other malignancies will also be clarified, including head and neck. Head and neck cancer is still the sixth most common cancer type worldwide. Disappointingly, despite significant advances in surgical and other treatments that enhance quality of life, survival rates only have moderately improved during the last 20 years (Forastiere A et al, 2001, Boudewijin JMB et al, 2005). Moreover, head and neck cancer has a severe impact on patients quality of life and the significant morbidity subsequent to treatment often require long term multidisciplinary care. An other major problem of head and neck cancer is that most patients present with an advanced cancer status as the disease often progress without clear clinical symptoms. Therefore, prevention and early diagnosis, as well as an improved comprehension of the cellular-molecular events that regulates the carcinogenesis processes, would help in reducing local morbidity and increasing survival rates.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
