C Simon1, M Simon, H P Zenner. 1. HNO-Universitätsklinik, Silcherstrasse 5, 72076 Tübingen. csimon1407@aol.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region are highly aggressive cancers. Survival of these patients critically depends on the prevention of locoregional recurrences. A locoregional relapse is associated with an invasive growth pattern of the primary cancer. Thus, we need to understand regulatory mechanisms of cancer invasion to be able to develop therapeutic strategies, which may help to improve survival in this patient population. METHOD: Literature search. RESULTS: Certain tumor proteases are required for invasive growth of head and neck cancers. DISCUSSION: It is our understanding that further indepth investigation of mechanisms involved in the regulation of protease expression may help to develop treatment strategies, which improve survival by reducing the invasive capacity of head and neck cancer cells.
BACKGROUND:Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region are highly aggressive cancers. Survival of these patients critically depends on the prevention of locoregional recurrences. A locoregional relapse is associated with an invasive growth pattern of the primary cancer. Thus, we need to understand regulatory mechanisms of cancer invasion to be able to develop therapeutic strategies, which may help to improve survival in this patient population. METHOD: Literature search. RESULTS: Certain tumor proteases are required for invasive growth of head and neck cancers. DISCUSSION: It is our understanding that further indepth investigation of mechanisms involved in the regulation of protease expression may help to develop treatment strategies, which improve survival by reducing the invasive capacity of head and neck cancer cells.