The Impact of the HeLa Cell in the Field of Otolaryngology: Honoring Henrietta Lacks

Introduction

The HeLa cell, which was first taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1952, was the first in vitro cell line discovered and propagated in mass. From polio vaccine development to understanding cancer biology, the HeLa cell has allowed for immeasurable scientific advances. No prior review has examined how the HeLa cell has influenced the field of otolaryngology.