Molecular Mechanisms of Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma: A Narrative Review
Abstract
Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA), a rare vascular tumor in adolescent males, involves dysregulated angiogenesis and hormonal interplay. Key molecular drivers include HIF-1α, VEGF, bFGF, and β-catenin, promoting tumor growth via pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and Ras signaling. Androgens and estrogen modulate progression, though mechanisms remain debated. Targeted therapies reduce tumor proliferation and vascularity in preclinical studies, yet clinical translation is hindered by drug resistance and inconsistent biomarker expression. Hormonal and MMP-targeted approaches also show potential but require validation. This review consolidates JNA's molecular landscape, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies, biomarker refinement, and combination therapies to improve therapeutic outcomes for this challenging tumor.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Salivary Gland Tumors Diagnosis and Treatment
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Current Oncology
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Volume
- 33
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 147–147
- Publication date
- 3 March 2026
- Language
- EN