Embryonic cells in the squamous-columnar junction of the cervix: scope for prophylactic ablation?
Menée sur 131 patientes présentant une néoplasie intra-épithéliale du col de l'utérus (durée maximale de suivi : 4 ans), cette étude évalue l'effet d'une ablation prophylactique de la jonction pavimento-cylindrique du col utérin sur le risque de récidive néoplasique ou le risque de cancer
In the present issue, Herfs et al[1] present an innovative assessment of the outcome of loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in 131 women who had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) at enrolment (n=125) and CIN2 or 3 in the cone biopsy (n=128) had been detected in the majority of study women. Authors were especially interested in the presence, at baseline and in subsequent visits, of a recently discovered population of cells of embryonic origin that derive from the squamous-columnar junction (SCJ) of the cervix (henceforth referred to as SCJ cells). These cells have a unique cuboidal morphology and express specific biomarkers, i.e., Krt7, AGR2, CD63, MMP7, and GDA.[2] Unlike the stratified epithelia of the cervix and anogenital tract, SCJ cells are not permissive for the entire HPV life cycle but may harbour the virus for extended periods of time.[3] Most importantly, Herfs et al[2, 4] have proposed that SCJ cells are the source of most, if not all, high grade CIN and cervical carcinoma, and that they do not regenerate after ablation of the SCJ and the transformation zone...
International Journal of Cancer , éditorial, 2013