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[Oncogenic activity of head and neck tumors]
J Basterra1, M Armengot, M Martorell
1Hospital General Universitario, Facultad de Medicina, Valencia.
Abstract:
Some types of malignant neoplasms are consequence of genetic changes. The starting of oncogenesis begins when some genetic alterations arises, or the genome acquires some peculiar and pathological traits owing to the action of physical, chemical or viral agents. These alterations set in motion an activatory phenomenon upon the proto-oncogene which is turned into an oncogene. The oncogene is responsible for fixed alterations of the genome inducing to an anomalous cellular growth. In squamous carcinomata of the head and neck has been observed mutations of the p-53 tumour-suppressor gene, alike amplifications of the ras-gene, of the C-myc proto-oncogene and also of the epidermal growth factor gene (EGFG). The viruses induce mutations on the genome. That would be the explanatory reason for the association carcinoma of the rhinopharynx-Epstein-Barr virus.
Insights
Genetic alterations initiate oncogenesis, leading to malignant neoplasms. Specific gene mutations and viral infections, like Epstein-Barr virus in rhinopharynx carcinoma, drive abnormal cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Malignant neoplasms often arise from genetic alterations.
- Environmental factors (physical, chemical, viral) can induce pathological genomic changes.
- Proto-oncogenes can transform into oncogenes, promoting abnormal cellular growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the genetic basis of oncogenesis.
- To identify specific gene mutations associated with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.
- To investigate the role of viruses in inducing genomic mutations and cancer.
Main Methods:
- Observational analysis of genetic alterations in cancer tissues.
- Identification of mutations in key genes such as p53, ras, C-myc, and epidermal growth factor gene (EGFG).
- Correlation of viral infections with specific cancer types, exemplified by Epstein-Barr virus and rhinopharynx carcinoma.
Main Results:
- Mutations in the p-53 tumor-suppressor gene were observed in head and neck squamous carcinomata.
- Amplifications of ras-gene, C-myc proto-oncogene, and epidermal growth factor gene (EGFG) were identified.
- Viral agents were confirmed to induce mutations, explaining associations like Epstein-Barr virus with rhinopharynx carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- Genetic changes are fundamental to the development of malignant neoplasms.
- Specific gene mutations and viral oncogenesis play critical roles in various cancers.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for targeted cancer therapies.