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Genetics and Epigenetics of Head and Neck Cancer

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Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is caused by a multi-step progression of genetic and epigenetic aberrations resulting in a clonal expansion of cells. These cells have a selective growth advantage characterised as the “hallmarks of cancer” including loss of control of the cell cycle, genomic instability, inhibition of apoptosis, insensitivity to growth signals and promotion of angiogenesis. A greatly increased understanding of the pathogenesis of the various underlying genetic and epigenetic lesions has accompanied the recent explosion of knowledge, coined the “omics” revolution. In a variety of cancer sites, we are already able to explain and classify much of the heterogeneity of tumour behaviour in terms of the underlying molecular lesions responsible. This capacity will increase with the scope of technologies becoming available, and being able to offer a corresponding tailored approach to therapy remains the ultimate goal.

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  1. Head and Neck Surgery, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Aintree, University of Liverpool, Daulby Street, Liverpool, L69 3GA, UK

    Richard J. Shaw

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  2. Jagtar Dhanda
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  1. , Dept of Radio-Oncology, Genolier Swiss Medical Network, 4 Route du Muids, Genolier, CH-1272, Switzerland

    Jacques Bernier

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Shaw, R.J., Dhanda, J. (2011). Genetics and Epigenetics of Head and Neck Cancer. In: Bernier, J. (eds) Head and Neck Cancer. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9464-6_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-9463-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-9464-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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