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Updated: Oct 31, 2025
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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an evolving paradigm
Kenneth C W Wong1, Edwin P Hui1, Kwok-Wai Lo2
1State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Department of Clinical Oncology, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
Nature Reviews. Clinical Oncology
|July 1, 2021
Summary
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) research has advanced significantly, improving treatment outcomes. Ongoing studies focus on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) roles, biomarkers, and personalized therapies for this endemic cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancy prevalent in specific global regions.
- Significant progress has been made in understanding NPC's molecular biology and treatment over the last 30 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of nasopharyngeal carcinoma research, covering pathogenesis, treatment, screening, and biomarker development.
- To highlight technological advancements and clinical trial outcomes in NPC management.
- To discuss current challenges and future directions in NPC research.
Main Methods:
- Review of key research findings from the past three decades.
- Analysis of technological advancements in radiotherapy, including proton therapy.
- Examination of clinical trials for optimizing chemotherapy and radiotherapy sequencing.
- Integration of basic research on EBV, genomics, epigenomics, and the immune landscape.
Main Results:
- Technological progress has introduced advanced radiotherapy techniques.
- Decades of clinical trials are refining chemotherapy and radiotherapy combinations.
- Basic research has identified EBV's pathogenic role and the molecular landscape of NPC.
- Translational research is yielding new biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and personalized treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Advances in molecular biology and treatment have improved outcomes for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a crucial role in NPC pathogenesis.
- Personalized immunotherapy and targeted therapies are emerging for NPC patients.
- Continued research is essential to address current challenges and improve future investigations.
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