Recent Advances in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research and Its Pathogenesis

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a unique malignancy with high incidence in southern China and Southeast Asia. The etiology of NPC is associated with a complex interaction of genetic, viral, and environmental factors. Genetic susceptibility may be considered as the “first hit” for NPC development. Infection of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) may be taken as the “second hit,” whereas environmental carcinogens may play a promoting role in NPC carcinogenesis. These factors working together drive the normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells to preinvasive, then invasive tumor stages, as marked by various genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. Understanding of the unique molecular mechanisms of NPC has greatly increased in the last decade. This impressive achievement has led to the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for NPC. However, the search for molecular-based treatments for NPC has only just started. Identification of molecular targets specific for NPC may provide better treatment strategies for NPC in the future.