Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2014 Jul;57(7):427-432. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2014.57.7.427.

Cancer Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cancer

• Joo YH

• KMID: 2277909
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2014.57.7.427

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Despite advances in therapy, which have improved the quality of life, survival rates have remained static for many years. To develop more effective therapies for HNSCC, it is essential that we gain a deeper understanding of its biology and the cells that are responsible for recurrent and persistent cancers. Evidences have been accumulated indicating that only a minority of cancer cells with stem cell properties are responsible for maintenance and growth of the tumor. These cells have been designated as cancer stem cells (CSC) for they have been shown to have stem cell-like characters: self-renewal, tumorigenesis and the ability to recapitulate a heterogeneous tumor. A recent work on the role of HNSCC CSC in tumorigenesis has shown that CSC have a greater capacity for tumor growth, increased motility, and invasive characteristics. Clinically, growth of CSC has been shown to be augmented in recurrent disease, treatment failure, and metastasis. CSC is a novel target of study given their slow growth and innate mechanisms conferring treatment resistance. Further understanding of their unique phenotype may reveal potential molecular targets to improve therapeutic and survival outcomes in patients with HNSCC.

Keyword

Head and neck neoplasms; Neoplastic stem cells; Squamous cell carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Biology
Carcinogenesis
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Head
Head and Neck Neoplasms*
Humans
Neck
Neoplasm Metastasis
Neoplastic Stem Cells*
Phenotype
Quality of Life
Stem Cells
Survival Rate
Treatment Failure