Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and microRNAs: Challenges and future perspectives in oral cancer

Abstract

Background: Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) being the most representative type. OSCC is a public health problem with high morbidity and poor survival rate. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is emerging as a hallmark in OSCC.

Methods: In this study, we described the role of microRNAs in epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulation in OSCC based on a PubMed search using articles published in English between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2018.

Results: MicroRNA's regulatory networks seem to be a hallmark of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in OSCC pathophysiology becoming a growing challenge to design new studies and strategies from biology to clinical applications.

Conclusion: Therefore, we propose that targeting therapies to epithelial-mesenchymal transition-type cells, namely, coordinating microRNAs and/or hydrophobic drugs, such as conventional therapy, could be a promising strategy to improve the outcomes of patients with OSCC.

Keywords: epigenetic(s); epithelial-mesenchymal interactions; gene therapy/therapeutics; nanotechnology; oral carcinogenesis.