Cancer stem cells: mediators of tumorigenesis and metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells responsible for tumor growth. Their role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumorigenesis and metastasis remains uncertain.

Methods

Wound healing and an orthotopic animal model were used to study cells expressing the CSC phenotype (CD44(high) and aldehyde dehydrogenase [ALDH](+)) and assess mobility, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. A prospective collection of 40 patient-derived primary HNSCC specimens were analyzed for CSC-proportion compared to clinical variables.

Results

CSCs exhibited significantly faster wound closure and greater tumorigenesis and regional metastasis in vivo than non-CSCs. In primary patient tumors, size and advanced stage were correlated with elevated proportion o

SUBMITTER: Chinn SB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4127160 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature