Cell loss and tumor growth revisited

Cell loss is a biological phenomenon that occurs in normal and neoplastic tissue and is an important kinetic factor which contributes to the dynamic state of tumor growth. This relevant phenomenon which was introduced by tumor biologists in the early 1970s while studying tumor growth kinetics has been largely neglected in cancer therapy, although with adequate research it may hold potential for future strategies in cancer treatment. Cell loss occurs through various mechanisms which include exfoliation, metastasis, differentiation and cell death. Methods used for measuring cell loss will be examined and the importance of cell loss in tumor growth will be discussed.