The role of tumor DNA as a diagnostic tool for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Publication date: Available online 3 August 2018Source: Seminars in Cancer BiologyAuthor(s): Jason Y.K. Chan, Gooi Zhen, Nishant AgrawalAbstractHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the most common type of head and neck cancer worldwide. However, despite advances in cancer care globally there has been little progress in HNSCC, with survival remaining static and slightly worse in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma with 5 year survivals remaining at ∼50%. Conventional analysis of tissue through cytopathology or histopathology are the mainstay of diagnosis. Furthermore there are no useful biomarkers for disease diagnosis or surveillance. With recent technological advances, particularly in next generation sequencing, here we explore the application of tumor DNA for HNSCC diagnosis and surveillance, to improve surgical margin analysis and the potential use of molecular agents aiding in the imaging of HNSCC.
Source: Seminars in Cancer Biology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research