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Updated: Apr 4, 2026
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Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Melvin L K Chua1, Joseph T S Wee1, Edwin P Hui2
1Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Duke-NUS, Graduate Medical School, Singapore.
Lancet (London, England)
|September 1, 2015
Summary
Mortality from nasopharyngeal carcinoma is declining due to improved screening, radiotherapy, and systemic treatments. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA is a key biomarker for screening and monitoring this cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Virology
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) incidence is declining globally, yet mortality rates have significantly decreased.
- Advances in medical technology and treatment modalities have contributed to improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological trends and advancements in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) management.
- To highlight the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as a biomarker in NPC.
- To discuss emerging therapies for metastatic NPC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of epidemiological data on NPC incidence and mortality.
- Review of recent advancements in radiotherapy, systemic agents, and biomarker applications.
- Examination of ongoing clinical trials for novel NPC treatments.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in NPC mortality observed, attributed to lifestyle changes, enhanced screening, advanced radiotherapy (intensity-modulated radiotherapy), and systemic therapies.
- Quantitative assessment of circulating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA is increasingly utilized for NPC screening, prognosis, and surveillance.
- Randomized trials are exploring EBV DNA's role in tailoring treatment intensity.
Conclusions:
- Improved management strategies, including advanced radiotherapy and EBV-based biomarkers, have substantially reduced nasopharyngeal carcinoma mortality.
- Emerging therapies like VEGF inhibition and immunotherapies show promise for metastatic disease.
- Continued research into EBV's role and novel treatments is crucial for further improving NPC patient outcomes.
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