Head and neck cancer: the possible role of stem cells

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 Jan;265(1):17-20. doi: 10.1007/s00405-007-0478-7. Epub 2007 Oct 13.

Abstract

There is a rising interest in the field of oncology in order to understand if cancer stem cells can play a key role also in the pathogenesis of head and neck tumors. It is likely that cancer stem cells are a minor population of tumor cells that possess the stem cell property of self-renewal. In addition, dysregulation of stem cell self-renewal is a likely requirement for the development of cancer. This new model for cancer will have significant ramifications for the way we will study and treat tumors. The authors are proposing a discussion of this topic, which, in their opinion, need to be further investigated in the ENT field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / physiology*