Molecular markers of metastasis in squamous carcinomas.
The prognosis for patients with squamous carcinomas of the head and neck region is strongly influenced by the presence or absence of cervical lymph node metastases. Biological markers that indicated a high risk of metastasis would have a major role in determining the optimal therapeutic strategy for these patients. This editorial discusses recent studies of molecular and genetic markers of squamous carcinomas in relation to metastatic potential and highlights some of the issues that limit current progress in this field of study.
Helliwell
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D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000556:secondary*; D002999:Clone Cells / Q000473:pathology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism; D017353:Gene Deletion; D016158:Genes, p53; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000032:analysis; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D009154:Mutation; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D011379:Prognosis; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism
D005819:Genetic Markers; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases