Generation of precursor cell lines from preneoplastic fields surrounding head and neck cancers.
BACKGROUND
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) develops in the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract. HNSCC may develop in large preneoplastic fields, which are in most cases invisible, but can be detected microscopically and by genetic analysis.


METHODS
Cells of mucosal tissue biopsies were cultured and genetically analyzed. Genetic changes in established preneoplastic cultures were compared to the corresponding tumor and surgical margins.


RESULTS
Of 45 mucosal tissue biopsies taken from primary tumor resection specimen, 26 were successfully cultured and could be genetically analyzed. In 1 culture, genetic changes were found and an immortalized preneoplastic cell line was obtained with genetic changes that were also found in a surgical margin of the corresponding specimen.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data show that noninvasive fields surrounding HNSCC may consist of immortalized preneoplastic cell clones. Our preneoplastic cell line is a valuable tool to develop and test treatment strategies for precursor fields in patients with HNSCC.
Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Hester J T
HJ
van Zeeburg
A Peggy
AP
Graveland
Arjen
A
Brink
Melanie
M
Nguyen
C René
CR
Leemans
Elisabeth
E
Bloemena
Boudewijn J M
BJ
Braakhuis
Ruud H
RH
Brakenhoff
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002469:Cell Separation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology*; D009154:Mutation; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck