Work

Current understanding of the tumor microenvironment of laryngeal dysplasia and progression to invasive cancer

Year: 2016

Type: review

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the historical tumor progression genetic model of laryngeal carcinomas, from dysplasia to invasive carcinoma and the role of infiltrating immune and inflammatory cells as contributors to this process. RECENT FINDINGS: Classically, the genetic model of carcinogenesis describes overexpression of oncogenes and/or silencing of tumor suppressor genes which, when combined with exposure to environmental carcinogens over the course of time, results in damage to cellular DNA. Increasing evidence indicates that innate and adaptive immune mediators also play an important role in tumor progression of laryngeal carcinomas. Cellular mediators of immune suppression are often over represented in the tumor microenvironment and these cells release cytokines, which perpetuate immune suppression allowing for tumor immune evasion. SUMMARY: Future therapies targeting laryngeal malignancies should focus on a combined approach which targets both genetic variations and immune mediators.

Source: Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery

DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000245

Authors: Sumita Trivedi, Clark A. Rosen, Robert L. Ferris

Institutions: University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research