Salivary secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and head and neck cancer: The Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the eighth most common cancer worldwide [1], arising in the epithelial lining of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Lifestyle risk factors include tobacco and alcohol consumption, although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has recently emerged as a contributing factor, especially at the oropharynx [2,3]. Although early-stage cancers have a favorable prognosis, there are no reliable methods for the early detection of HNC. Over half of all HNCs present with advanced disease, highlighting the need for studies to investigate molecular biomarkers indicative of HNC risk.

Source: Oral Oncology - February 24, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Christine M. Pierce Campbell, Anna R. Giuliano, B. Nelson Torres, Michael T. O’Keefe, Donna J. Ingles, Rebecca L. Anderson, Lauren R. Teras, Susan M. Gapstur Source Type: research