Genetics – Need to Evaluate its Role in Early Detection of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The concept of cancer genetics is relatively new and considered more in prostate and breast cancer. Its role in OSCC has never been given much attention, which is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. It is a tumour which can be treated by simple surgical procedure, if diagnosed at an early stage. Oral cavity and oropharynx are easily accessible for visualization. But high prevalence of oral abnormalities (5-15%) detected as a result of oral screening programmes (OSP) subjects large number of patients for biopsy which is impractical. Detection of early stage oral cancer is significantly impaired by absence of classic clinical characteristics of advanced oral cancer in early stage lesions. This influences 5 year survival rate for 80% of patients, despite major advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy. Many gene alterations have been implicated in development and progression of OSCC. Genetic differences is an important consideration to determine individual differences in susceptibility to chemical carcinogens. Many genetic changes are commonly observed in oral cancers. Salivary Transcriptome Diagnostics, based on specific mRNA signature in saliva as diagnostic marker, can be a suitable tool for development of non invasive diagnostic, chemoprevention, prognostic and follow up tests for cancer and also to detect cancer conversion of premalignant lesions. To summarize research on genetics will open new directions for estimation of risk of human cancer and its early diagnosis.