Biologic modifiers and chemoprevention of cancer of the oral cavity
Article Abstract:
The effectiveness and low toxicity of a biological modifier in preventing squamous-cell carcinogenesis in patients with oral-cavity leukoplakia may alter current clinical practices of tumor control. Leukoplakia is a precancerous condition characterized by white patches on mucous membranes. In a recent study, patients with oral-cavity leukoplakia underwent high dose isotretinoin therapy and then maintenance therapy with either beta-carotene or low doses of isotretinoin. Patients taking low doses of isotretinoin were significantly less likely to develop squamous-cell carcinoma, and the low dose therapy produced only mild side effects. This successful chemoprevention of cancer, even in patients who continued using tobacco, reinforces the idea that cancer progression is not inevitable. Further studies are needed on isotretinoin's usefulness in preventing squamous-cell cancer in other sites of the head and neck and in people at high risk for squamous-cell cancer but who do not have leukoplakia.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1993
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P-glycoprotein - a marker of cancer-cell behavior
Article Abstract:
High P-glycoprotein levels in cancer cells may be associated with chemotherapy resistance and poor prognosis. However, drugs that inhibit P-glycoprotein may not be effective in improving chemotherapy response. P-glycoprotein transports chemicals out of cells and may specifically protect cancer cells by exporting toxic, chemotherapeutic drugs. A 1995 study found that high levels of P-glycoprotein in osteosarcoma cells was associated with a high risk of tumor relapse after chemotherapy. However, this study did not clearly indicate that P-glycoprotein was responsible for chemotherapy resistance. Drugs that interfere with transport molecules like P-glycoprotein increase the impact of chemotherapy on isolated cancer cells in culture. However, these drugs have not successfully improved chemotherapy response and outcome in patients with cancer. These drugs which block transport molecules also may be dangerous because they may affect the transport of other molecules.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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DNA content as a prognostic marker in patients with oral leukoplakia
Article Abstract:
Patients with oral leukoplakia who have an abnormal number of chromosomes have a high risk of progressing to squamous cell carcinoma, according to a study of 150 patients. Oral leukoplakia are white patches inside the mouth.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2001
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