Overview of the Maintenance of Authentic Cancer Cell Lines

The proper maintenance of cancer cell lines is critical to maintain the integrity of any experiment. Proper maintenance includes handling of cell lines and maintaining records on usage and confirmation of identity. Cross-contamination of cancer cell lines has been well documented by the ATCC and must be avoided at all costs. In addition, contamination by Mycoplasma sp. is a well-known issue, which, if left unchecked, can affect all data collected as this contamination can affect cell line metabolism and has uncharacterized effects. Considerations and specific recommendations for the proper maintenance of cancer cell lines are presented here.

Association of Mycoplasma Hominis and head and neck cancer with unknown primary

INTRODUCTION

Beside HPV infection, there is currently no evidence of association between head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and microbial infections. We report the case of a cervical squamous cell carcinoma by Mycoplasma hominis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 20-year-old woman, consulted for a swelling on the left cervical side. Clinical examination found a large fixed mass. Biological tests found no evidence of infection. Biopsies of the cervical lesion diagnosed an HPV negative squamous cell carcinoma. Microbiological tests of 16sRNA identification showed the presence of Mycoplasma hominis in the 3 specimens. The patient was treated by induction chemotherapy associated to antibiotherapy, followed by chemo-radiotherapy.

DISCUSSION

The present case suggests that oropharyngeal infection by Mycoplasma hominis might be more frequent than expected, that 16sRNA is an efficient technique to isolate this pathogen and finally that further studies are required to document its potential oncogenic role in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.