Cancer stem cell model in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
The concept of "field cancerization" describes the presence of histological abnormal tissue surrounding oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Molecular model of multistep carcinogenesis indicates that an accumulation of genetic alterations forms the basis for the OSCC progression with genetic heterogeneity. Furthermore, we reviewed cancer stem cell (CSC) model, which suggests functional heterogeneity in the tumor mass and current supporting evidence in OSCC. According to CSC model, prevention from carcinogen exposure and eliminating the particular CSCs instead of targeting tumor mass could help obtain a more long-lasting therapeutic effect.
Zhou
Zeng-Tong
ZT
Department of Oral Medicine, School of Stomatology, The Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhi-zao-ju Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai 200011, China. zhouzengtong@hotmail.com
Jiang
Wei-Wen
WW
D000818:Animals; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009055:Mouth / Q000473:pathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology*