Immunohistochemical expression of p63 in oral premalignant disorders and its correlation with oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents 95% of all head and neck cancers, and its incidence has increased by 50% in the past decade. Accumulation of genetic alterations (mutations, loss of heterozygosity, loss or gain of chromosomes) is the basis for the progression from a normal cell to a cancer cell. OSCCs are frequently preceded by oral potentially malignant disorders (PMDs). It is difficult to predict the malignant transformation of these PMDs. Thus, early detection of genetic changes in PMDs can facilitate detection of those lesions, which may have potential to progress to malignancy. p63 is a protein coded by p63 gene which is a homolog of p53 gene. It has a critical role in cell cycle regulation and is associated with epithelial tumorigenesis. The present study aims to evaluate the role of p63 in carcinogenesis in PMDs (Leukoplakia, Oral submucous fibrosis and Lichen planus) and OSCCs using immunohistochemistry. Aims and Objectives: The aim is to evaluate the expression of the p63 IHC marker in oral premalignant disorders and to compare its expression in OSCC. Materials and Methods: Tissue sections of PMDs (105 cases) and OSCCs (35 cases) were stained for IHC marker p63. The percentage of positive cells and staining patterns were assessed for all the lesions. Results and Conclusions: Progressive accumulation of p63-immunopositive cells from PMDs to OSCC reflects its major role in the development of OSCC according to a multiple-stage model of carcinogenesis and can be a useful indicator of dysplastic change, thus serving as a biomarker for cancer progression.