1. Epithelial‑derived head and neck squamous tumourigenesis (Review).
- Author
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Shirima CA, Bleotu C, Spandidos DA, El-Naggar AK, Gradisteanu Pircalabioru G, and Michalopoulos I
- Subjects
- Humans, Tumor Microenvironment, Biomarkers, Tumor metabolism, Biomarkers, Tumor genetics, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell pathology, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell virology, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell genetics, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell metabolism, Carcinogenesis genetics, Prognosis, Cell Transformation, Neoplastic genetics, Cell Transformation, Neoplastic metabolism, Papillomavirus Infections complications, Papillomavirus Infections virology, Papillomavirus Infections pathology, Head and Neck Neoplasms pathology, Head and Neck Neoplasms virology, Head and Neck Neoplasms genetics, Head and Neck Neoplasms metabolism, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck virology, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck pathology, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck genetics
- Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), a heterogeneous group of cancers that arise from the mucosal epithelia cells in the head and neck areas, present great challenges in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis due to their complex aetiology and various clinical manifestations. Several factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, oncogenic genes, growth factors, Epstein‑Barr virus and human papillomavirus infections can contribute to HNSCC development. The unpredictable tumour microenvironment adds to the complexity of managing HNSCC. Despite significant advances in therapies, the prediction of outcome after treatment for patients with HNSCC remains poor, and the 5‑year overall survival rate is low due to late diagnosis. Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. The present review aimed to bring together the latest findings related to the molecular mechanisms of HNSCC carcinogenesis and progression. Comprehensive genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, microbiome and proteomic analyses allow researchers to identify important biological markers such as genetic alterations, gene expression signatures and protein markers that drive HNSCC tumours. These biomarkers associated with the stages of initiation, progression and metastasis of cancer are useful in the management of patients with cancer in order to improve their life expectancy and quality of life.
- Published
- 2024
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