Growth and progression of head and neck cancer: A report of the upper aerodigestive cancer task force workshop

Abstract

Factors governing the initiation, growth, and progression of squamous cell carcinoma were the focus of a recent Upper Ae‐rodigestive Cancer Task Force workshop sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. The goal of the daylong workshop was to identify critical research concepts in head and neck cancer biology. Discussed were the multistep processes potentially involved in tumor evolution, including the role of carcinogens, viral promotors, host and tumor karyotypes, microenvironment growth factors and growth factor receptors, as well as host/tumor components inherent to the metastatic process. Concepts developed from research in other neoplastic processes but potentially relevant to head and neck cancer were emphasized. The process of identifying critical research directions is the first step by the National Cancer Institute in program development designed to advance the treatment of head and neck cancer.