文档介绍：Head and Neck Cancer
Preface
Lillian L. Siu, MD, FRCPC
Guest Editor
This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America, entitled ‘‘Head and Neck
Cancer,’’ provides a timely update of the substantial knowledge that has been gained
in the diagnostic and therapeutic areas of head and neck malignancies over the past
decade. Advances in molecular biology have elucidated cellular proteins and
pathways that play critical roles in the pathogenesis and progression of head and
neck cancers. The identification of human papilloma virus (HPV) as an etiologic path-
ogen in an increasing subgroup of head and neck cancer patients has led to a growing
body of scientific and epidemiologic literature on this disease entity. Innovations in
surgical techniques, radiation delivery, systemic therapy (including chemotherapy
sequencing and incorporating of targeted agents), and diagnostic imaging constantly
are challenging existent standards of care.
Among the contributors to this issue are field experts from otolaryngology, radiation
and medical oncology, diagnostic imaging, speech language pathology, and biostatis-
tics, which highlights the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management
of this disease. Furthermore, the representation of authors from Asia, Australia,
Europe, and North America underscore that head and neck cancer is a worldwide
health issue.
The first three articles focus on the molecular, biological, and epidemiologic
advances that have furthered understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of
head and neck squamous cell cancer (). The article by Drs. Stadler, Patel,
Couch, and Hayes (entitled ‘‘Molecular Biology of Head & Neck Cancer: Risks and
Pathways’’) offers prehensive overview of various cellular molecules and path-
ways, perturbations of which have putatively culminated in the hallmark processes of
cancer. In their article entitled ‘‘Human Papilloma Virus in Head and Neck Squamous
Cell Cancer – Recognition