The Human SCCRO Gene Family: Characterization of its molecular function and role in carcinogenesis

Abstract

Cancer is an international public health problem. A total of 1,665,540 new cancer cases and 585,720 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States in 2015. Although the combined cancer death rate (deaths per 100,000 population per year) has been continuously declining for two decades, from a peak of 215 in 1991 to 172 in 2010, cancer is still a big health problem. Head and neck cancer represents the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. The vast majority of these patients are diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) (Figure 1). HNSCC and its treatment can result in cosmetic deformity and functional impairment of vital functions, including breathing, swallowing, speech, phonation, taste, hearing, and smell. The estimated yearly incidence worldwide is half a million people. Nearly 50% of patients die due to tumor-related complications. The disease ranks age dependently among the leading types of solid cancer and is responsible for more than 65,000 deaths annually in Europe. More than 50% of patients suffering from HNSCC sustain local relapses after primary treatment while up to 25% develop distant metastases. Despite significant improvements in treatment options of these cancers, with combinations of radiotherapy (RT), surgery and systemic therapy, the five-year disease-free survival of those patients remains unacceptably poor.