Prevention of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Removing the "chemo" from "chemoprevention"

Nabil F. Saba, Missak Haigentz, Jan B. Vermorken, Primož Strojan, Paolo Bossi, Alessandra Rinaldo, Robert P. Takes, Alfio Ferlito

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

The concept of chemoprevention whereby the use of a systemic agent is intended to halt the carcinogenesis process has been an attractive topic in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Yet, despite the significant efforts over the past decades and the substantial gain in knowledge of the biology of premalignant lesions of the head and neck, no tangible indications for chemoprevention have emerged for this disease. The negative results observed in the earlier larger studies using retinoids did not encourage further trials with these agents. Attention has been more recently focused on epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs) as well as cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors with early studies showing encouraging responses but rather poor tolerance to therapy. Natural compounds have gained more interest recently given preclinical evidence of activity as well as a low side effect profile. We herein offer a comprehensive overview of the field of chemoprevention in HNSCC with an in depth analysis of the challenges we face and discuss a road map for future directions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)112-118
Number of pages7
JournalOral Oncology
Volume51
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015

Keywords

  • Carcinoma in situ
  • Chemoprevention
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Oral dysplasia
  • Premalignant lesions
  • Second primary tumor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oral Surgery
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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