Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Progression: Accumulating Genomic Instability and Persistent Epstein-Barr Virus Infection

Genomic instability facilitates the evolution of cells, tissues, organs, and species. The progression of human malignancies can be regarded as the accumulation of genomic instability, which confers a high evolutionary potential for tumor cells to adapt to continuous changes in the tumor microenvironment. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a head-and-neck squamous-cell carcinoma closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. NPC progression is driven by a combination of accumulated genomic instability and persistent EBV infection. Here, we present a review of the key characteristics of genomic instability in NPC and the profound implications of EBV infection. We further discuss the significance of profiling genomic instability for the assessment of disease progression and treatment efficacy, as well as the opportunities and challenges of targeted therapies for NPC based on its unique genomic instability.

Automated summary

Genomic instability plays a crucial role in driving the evolution of malignancies, enhancing tumor cells' ability to adapt to the tumor microenvironment. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression is driven by genomic instability and persistent EBV infection, highlighting the importance of understanding and targeting genomic instability for effective treatment strategies.