Abstract

Growth is a highly coordinated process which is sustained by several growth factors and apoptotic factors. Any disturbance in this delicate balance leads to pathologies and genes that have such potential to produce tumors when mutated are known as oncogenes. EGFR an important growth factor that is involved in several physiological processes is presently one of the most common genes in targeted cancer therapies. Though, its potential as an oncogene target in head and neck epithelial tumors like squamous cell carcinoma is gaining importance and opening doors to revolutionizing cancer treatment modalities, its role in other head and neck epithelia like odontogenic epithelia remains vague and needs attention. The present article highlights some of the key findings in our research evaluating the role of EGFR in physiologic odontogenic epithelium that is comprised within pericoronal follicles. The research involved study of immunohistochemical examination of 35 pericoronal follicles removed from patients with asymptomatic impacted tooth extractions. The follicles were assessed for intensity, percentage of staining and location of the EGFR stain. The follicles predominantly showed intense staining pattern and location of EGFR positivity in most epithelium and rests were combined both cytoplasmic and membrane positivity. These findings reemphasize the inherent proliferative potential present in follicles and their role in formation of odontogenic tumors like ameloblastomas in long term impacted teeth. The potential of EGFR as a treatment target in odontogenic tumors also remains plausible.

Full Text
Paper version not known

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.