The sequential genetic changes that drive a cell
towards malignancy occur over several years. In view of this, the
American Association for Cancer Research Task Force on the treatment
and prevention of intraepithelial neoplasia (IEN) has recognized the
importance of targeting the treatment of early cancerous lesions to
prevent or regress carcinogenesis [1]. Considerable research has
identified molecular markers of IEN that serve as useful targets or
endpoints of chemoprevention [1-3]. This laudable effort by the Task
Force can be complemented by identification of biomarkers in normal
tissues adjacent to tumors (peri-tumoral cancer fields). Validated
biomarkers from cancer fields should be useful for primary
chemoprevention studies as well.
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