[Elements of epidemiology and initiation of carcinogenesis in carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. Future therapeutic consequence?]

Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol (Bord). 1999;120(1):5-12.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The study of epidemiology and of the carcinogenesis in epidermoid carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract shows that their occurrence is not random. Tobacco abuse plays a major role, especially because of benzopyrene, mutagen of the P53 gene, however it is associated with many other potentiating factors: alcohol, metals, hydrocarbures, virus, food, climate, genetic fragility that create genetic lesions at the origin of carcinogenesis. The latter occurs as "field cancerization" with multiple alterations of the mucosa and general attack of the control systems of the differentiation, growth and cell apoptosis which usually protect the cell against the phenomena of carcinogenesis. The P53 protein gene, retinoid receptors as well as the system of detoxifying glutathion S transferase are modified at the very early stage of these diseases, these abnormalities can be logically related to epidemiological data. These data lead us therefore to imagine complementary specific reverting therapies of induced genetic abnormalities, through the reexpression of non mutated gene encoding P53 protein and the use of retinoid. These various modalities are reported hereafter.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / therapy
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Esophageal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Genes, p53 / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Pharyngeal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Retinoids / therapeutic use
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Retinoids