MLKL-dependent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a novel finding and avenues for future research

摘要

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a cancer of the head and neck anatomical sub-site within the nasopharynx. The most common variety of NPC is the undifferentiated subtype, which is endemic to certain regions in Asia, particularly in southern China. Advances in treatment modalities over the preceding years, particularly in combined systemic treatment with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) have improved survival significantly in this disease ( ). Despite the good local control achieved in T1–2 disease, which averages around 80–90%, distant control remains a significant problem. Previous studies have shown a disparity between local control and distant control of 10–20% ( ). Treatment outcomes for metastatic NPC have been shown to be poor, with no effective systematic therapy to date for this group of patients ( ). Therefore, research into mechanisms of distant metastases and spread are important goals in this disease entity.