Abstract
Oral neoplasm constitutes a predominant class of cancer that is encountered in South India. This is in large part due to the elevated risk of oncogenesis as a result of the habit of chewing of quids containing betel leaves, areca nut and smokeless tobacco. An array of molecular events are induced during the transformation of the buccal epithelium, among them the over-expression of oncogene products plays a key role. The c-Myc protein, a regulator of a number of key cellular signalling pathways, plays a pivotal role in a number of malignancies. The present study was undertaken to evaluate expression of the c-Myc protein in tumours of the oral cavity from the South Indian population, predominantly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The c-Myc protein was over-expressed in 80% of the cases studied. Taking into account the pivotal role demonstrated for c-Myc in tumourigenesis, our observations suggest a key role for Myc oncoprotein in the genesis of OSCC as well as its potential as a therapeutic target in this population.
Highlights
In Southern India, of the various classes of malignancies presenting at the clinic, a large proportion are cancers of the oral cavity
There were no detectable levels of the Myc oncoprotein in the fibrous tissue of a patient who presented with inflammation but no malignancy
Within the South Indian population, the key tumour markers that are expressed in oral carcinoma that could have prognostic as well as diagnostic implications
Summary
In Southern India, of the various classes of malignancies presenting at the clinic, a large proportion are cancers of the oral cavity. Oral malignancies in this population are unique as these are generated by biological alterations due to insult by physical and chemical agents due to the use of quids for extended periods of time [1,2]. In a study conducted on 140 patients, with age- and sex-matched controls, with oral cancers from Central India, tobacco use, smoking and alcohol consumption emerged as contributing factors that act in a synergistic fashion in the induction of oral neoplasia [5]. In the present investigation, c-Myc protein identification in oral cancers was made the focus of the study
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
