Disease mechanism and biomarkers of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
This review focuses on oral cancer disease mechanisms and discusses ongoing research to identify molecular signatures or biomarkers for oral cancer. Other areas covered include the analysis, validation, and predictive value of these markers.


RESULTS
During the past years, progress has been made in the oral cancer genetic markers field, which includes alterations of the p53 tumor suppressor protein, the inactivation of cyclin dependant kinase inhibitors (e.g. p16) and the overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Many of these markers are thought to have potential clinical interest, yet few of them are being used in a clinical setting for oral cancer management. The particular modifications that characterize each step of oral cancer progression can now be profiled by several high throughput discovery techniques. Genomic and proteomic studies of oral cancer tissues, plasma, and saliva of oral cancer patients, have allowed the identification of several promising cancer signatures.


CONCLUSIONS
Important progress has been made in the molecular understanding of oral cancer and its application for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. The increased efforts in translational research will result in earlier diagnosis of oral cancer, better knowledge of prognostic factors, and the development of targeted treatment regimens based on patients' clinical and biological characteristics at presentation.
Brinkman
Brigitta M N
BM
School of Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Wong
David T W
DT
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D042822:Genomic Instability; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D009857:Oncogenes; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D054928:Validation Studies as Topic
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins