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Journal of Cellular and Molecular... 2009There is increasing evidence to show that only a subset of cancer cells drives the growth and progression of a tumour. These cells share similar properties with normal... (Review)
Review
There is increasing evidence to show that only a subset of cancer cells drives the growth and progression of a tumour. These cells share similar properties with normal stem cells and are termed 'cancer stem cells'. Cancer stem cells have been identified in acute myeloid leukaemia and in some solid tumours by their distinct expression of cell surface antigens. Their long-term, self-renewing capacity is thought to be a determining factor in the maintenance and regrowth of the tumour. Studies on haematopoietic cancers show that important signalling pathways and genes for normal haematopoiesis, such as Wnt, NF-kappaB, Notch, hedgehog (Hh) and Bmi1, are oncogenic, thereby potentially involved in cancer stem cell regulation. Elimination of cancer stem cells in tumours could result in the degeneration of downstream cells, which makes them potential targets for new cancer therapies.
Topics: Animals; Cell Differentiation; Hematopoiesis; Humans; Models, Biological; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Precancerous Conditions; Stem Cell Niche
PubMed: 19175465
DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2008.00664.x -
Cells Mar 2022Early identification and management of precancerous lesions at high risk of developing cancers is the most effective and economical way to reduce the incidence,... (Review)
Review
Early identification and management of precancerous lesions at high risk of developing cancers is the most effective and economical way to reduce the incidence, mortality, and morbidity of cancers as well as minimizing treatment-related complications, including pain, impaired functions, and disfiguration. Reliable cancer-risk-predictive markers play an important role in enabling evidence-based decision making as well as providing mechanistic insight into the malignant conversion of precancerous lesions. The focus of this article is to review updates on markers that may predict the risk of oral premalignant lesions (OPLs) in developing into oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs), which can logically be discovered only by prospective or retrospective longitudinal studies that analyze pre-progression OPL samples with long-term follow-up outcomes. These risk-predictive markers are different from those that prognosticate the survival outcome of cancers after they have been diagnosed and treated, or those that differentiate between different lesion types and stages. Up-to-date knowledge on cancer-risk-predictive markers discovered by longitudinally followed studies will be reviewed. The goal of this endeavor is to use this information as a starting point to address some key challenges limiting our progress in this area in the hope of achieving effective translation of research discoveries into new clinical interventions.
Topics: Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Mouth Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35326482
DOI: 10.3390/cells11061033 -
Journal of Cancer Research and... 2018Head neck cancer (HNCA) in North-East India accounts for 54.48% cancers at all sites, one of the highest in the country. Increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)...
CONTEXT
Head neck cancer (HNCA) in North-East India accounts for 54.48% cancers at all sites, one of the highest in the country. Increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity is considered as a marker of cellular necrosis while serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is recognized as an important marker of induction of tumor cell differentiation. Considering the importance and need of biomarker in HNCA and there being no previous study on tumor markers from this highly prevalent region, we intended to examine the role of serum LDH and ALP in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and epithelial precursor lesions (EPLs) and also to find their correlation with the different histological grades of tumor.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This is a prospective observational study on patients with HNSCC and precancerous lesions attending Department of ENT of a Teaching Hospital. Serum LDH and ALP was measured in HNSCC, EPL and control groups and the results were statistically analyzed and compared using analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and sensitivity-specificity analysis.
RESULTS
Serum LDH was found to be a significant marker of HNSCC. Total serum LDH level was high in both premalignant and HNSCC cases. There was a significant correlation between serum LDH and grades of HNSCC showing highest levels of expression in moderately differentiated SCC. Elevated serum LDH was also seen in erythroleukoplakia, leukoplakia, and verrucous lesion, but serum ALP levels were not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study from this highly prevalent region of HNCA showing that serum LDH could be regarded as a biomarker for malignant and premalignant conditions of the head and neck.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Alkaline Phosphatase; Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Epithelial Cells; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Leukoplakia; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Grading; Precancerous Conditions; Prospective Studies; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
PubMed: 30197328
DOI: 10.4103/0973-1482.172718 -
Gut and Liver Nov 2017Serrated polyps are important contributors to the burden of colorectal cancers (CRC). These lesions were once considered to have no malignant potential, but currently up... (Review)
Review
Serrated polyps are important contributors to the burden of colorectal cancers (CRC). These lesions were once considered to have no malignant potential, but currently up to 30% of all CRC are recognized to arise from the serrated neoplasia pathway. The primary premalignant lesions are sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps), although traditional serrated adenomas are relatively uncommon. Compared to conventional adenomas, SSA/Ps are morphologically subtle with indistinct borders, may be difficult to detect endoscopically, are more prevalent than previously thought, are associated with synchronous and metachronous advanced neoplasia, and have a higher risk of incomplete resection. Although many lesions remain "dormant," progressive disease is associated with the development of dysplasia and more rapid progression to CRC. As a result, SSA/Ps are strongly implicated in the development of interval cancers. These factors represent unique challenges that require a meticulous approach to their management. In this review, we summarize the contemporary literature on the characterization, detection and resection of SSA/Ps.
Topics: Adenoma; Adenomatous Polyps; Colonoscopy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Humans; Precancerous Conditions
PubMed: 28494577
DOI: 10.5009/gnl16523 -
International Journal of Gynecological... Jul 2020Benign normal (NL), premalignant (endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, EIN) and malignant (cancer, EMCA) endometria must be precisely distinguished for optimal...
Benign normal (NL), premalignant (endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia, EIN) and malignant (cancer, EMCA) endometria must be precisely distinguished for optimal management. EIN was objectively defined previously as a regression model incorporating manually traced histologic variables to predict clonal growth and cancer outcomes. Results from this early computational study were used to revise subjective endometrial precancer diagnostic criteria currently in use. We here use automated feature segmentation and updated machine learning algorithms to develop a new classification algorithm. Endometrial tissue from 148 patients was randomly separated into 72-patient training and 76-patient validation cohorts encompassing all 3 diagnostic classes. We applied image analysis software to keratin stained endometrial tissues to automatically segment whole-slide digital images into epithelium, cells, and nuclei and extract corresponding variables. A total of 1413 variables were culled to 75 based on random forest classification performance in a 3-group (NL, EIN, EMCA) model. This algorithm correctly classifies cases with 3-class error rates of 0.04 (training set) and 0.058 (validation set); and 2-class (NL vs. EIN+EMCA) error rate of 0.016 (training set) and 0 (validation set). The 4 most heavily weighted variables are surrogates of those previously identified in manual-segmentation machine learning studies (stromal and epithelial area percentages, and normalized epithelial surface lengths). Lesser weighted predictors include gland and lumen axis lengths and ratios, and individual cell measures. Automated image analysis and random forest classification algorithms can classify normal, premalignant, and malignant endometrial tissues. Highest predictive variables overlap with those discovered independently in early models based on manual segmentation.
Topics: Algorithms; Cohort Studies; Endometrial Hyperplasia; Endometrial Neoplasms; Endometrium; Epithelial Cells; Female; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Machine Learning; Models, Statistical; Precancerous Conditions; Workflow
PubMed: 31157686
DOI: 10.1097/PGP.0000000000000615 -
British Journal of Cancer Dec 2008Evidence from human studies suggests that angiogenesis commences during the pre-malignant stages of cancer. Inhibiting angiogenesis may, therefore, be of potential value... (Review)
Review
Evidence from human studies suggests that angiogenesis commences during the pre-malignant stages of cancer. Inhibiting angiogenesis may, therefore, be of potential value in preventing progression to invasive cancer. Understanding the mechanisms inducing angiogenesis in these lesions and identification of those important in human tumourigenesis are necessary to develop translational strategies that will help realise the goal of angioprevention.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Hypoxia; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Precancerous Conditions; Risk Factors
PubMed: 18941463
DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6604733 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2019Vaccines can successfully prevent viral infections and have emerged as an effective strategy for preventing some virally mediated malignancies. They also represent our... (Review)
Review
Vaccines can successfully prevent viral infections and have emerged as an effective strategy for preventing some virally mediated malignancies. They also represent our major hope for cost-effective reduction of the cancer burden. The concept that the immune system mediates surveillance and editing roles against tumors is now well-established in murine models. However, harnessing the immune system to prevent human cancers that do not have a known viral etiology has not yet been realized. Most human cancers originate in a premalignant phase that is more common than the cancer itself. Many of the genetic changes that underlie carcinogenesis originate at this stage when the malignant phenotype is not manifest. Studies evaluating host response in human premalignancy have documented that these lesions are immunogenic, setting the stage for immune-based approaches for targeted prevention of human cancer. However, recent studies suggest that the hierarchy of T cell exhaustion and immune-suppressive factors have already begun to emerge in many preneoplastic states. These considerations underscore the need to link immune prevention to earlier detection of such lesions and to personalize such approaches based on the status of the pre-existing immune response.
Topics: Animals; Antigens, Neoplasm; Cancer Vaccines; Cell Transformation, Viral; Chronic Disease; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Susceptibility; Early Detection of Cancer; Humans; Immunologic Surveillance; Immunotherapy; Mutation; Neoplasms; Precancerous Conditions; T-Lymphocytes; Treatment Outcome; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 31649683
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02385 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Aug 2010Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 20% of the population in the United States. About 10%-15% of patients with GERD develop Barrett's esophagus,... (Review)
Review
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects an estimated 20% of the population in the United States. About 10%-15% of patients with GERD develop Barrett's esophagus, which can progress to adenocarcinoma, currently the most prevalent type of esophageal cancer. The esophagus is normally lined by squamous mucosa, therefore, it is clear that for adenocarcinoma to develop, there must be a sequence of events that result in transformation of the normal squamous mucosa into columnar epithelium. This sequence begins with gastroesophageal reflux, and with continued injury metaplastic columnar epithelium develops. This article reviews the pathophysiology of Barrett's esophagus and implications for its treatment. The effect of medical and surgical therapy of Barrett's esophagus is compared.
Topics: Barrett Esophagus; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Disease Progression; Esophageal Neoplasms; Esophagus; Fundoplication; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Gastrointestinal Agents; Humans; Laparoscopy; Metaplasia; Precancerous Conditions; Risk Reduction Behavior; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 20698038
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v16.i30.3762 -
African Health Sciences Mar 2022Although endometrial polyps are generally benign, there are also risks of malignancy.
BACKGROUND
Although endometrial polyps are generally benign, there are also risks of malignancy.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the premalignancy and malignancy prevalence in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps and to investigate factors affecting premalignancy and malignancy.
METHODS
In our retrospective study, patients who were diagnosed with endometrial polyp with endometrial samples and who underwent polypectomy by hysteroscopy or hysterectomy within one year were included.
RESULTS
Premalignant / malignant histopathological results were detected in 7 (2.8%) patients. There were no statistically significant differences in histopathological results and endometrial sampling indications between premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Hysterectomy in patients with premalignant/ malignant results and hysteroscopy in patients with benign results were found to be significantly different. There was not a statistically significant difference between patients with benign results and those with premalignant/malignant results in menopausal status, symptoms, status of hormone replacement therapy and endometrial polyp size.
CONCLUSION
The possibility of premalignant/ malignant results in patients diagnosed with endometrial polyps should be kept in mind. The menopausal status, symptoms, sizes of endometrial polyps and whether or not the patient is on hormone replacement therapy should be considered while making the management plan. However, these should not be the decisive factors on their own.
Topics: Female; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Polyps; Precancerous Conditions; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Tertiary Care Centers; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 36032424
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v22i1.16 -
Cancer Biomarkers : Section a of... 2010As with other epithelial cancers, lung cancer develops over a period of several years or decades via a series of progressive morphological changes accompanied by...
As with other epithelial cancers, lung cancer develops over a period of several years or decades via a series of progressive morphological changes accompanied by molecular alterations that commence in histologically normal epithelium. However the development of lung cancer presents certain unique features that complicates this evaluation. Anatomically the respiratory tree may be divided into central and peripheral compartments having different gross and histological anatomies as well as different functions. In addition, there are three major forms of lung cancer and many minor forms. Many of these forms arise predominantly in either the central or peripheral compartments. Squamous cell and small cell carcinomas predominantly arise in the central compartment, while adenocarcinomas predominantly arise peripherally. Large cell carcinomas are not a single entity but consist of poorly differentiated forms of the other types and, possibly, some truly undifferentiated "stem cell like" tumors. The multistage origin of squamous cell carcinomas, because of their central location, can be followed more closely than the peripherally arising adenocarcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas arise after a series of reactive, metaplastic, premalignant and preinvasive changes. However, long term observations indicate that not all tumors follow a defined histologic course, and the clinical course, especially of early lesions, is difficult to predict. Peripheral adenocarcinomas are believed to arise from precursor lesions known as atypical adenomatous hyperplasias and may have extensive in situ growth before becoming invasive. Small cell carcinomas are believed to arise from severely molecularly damaged epithelium without going through recognizable preneoplastic changes. The molecular changes that occur prior to the onset on invasive cancers are extensive. As documented in this chapter, they encompass all of the six classic Hallmarks of Cancer other than invasion and metastasis, which by definition occur beyond preneoplasia. A study of preinvasive lung cancer has yielded much valuable biologic information that impacts on clinical management.
Topics: Carcinoma in Situ; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Precancerous Conditions; Stem Cells
PubMed: 22112486
DOI: 10.3233/CBM-2011-0166