Molecular Insights into Oral Malignancy

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma constitutes around 95% of malignancies in the oral cavity. The 5-year overall survival has not substantially improved for oral cancers over the last few decades, despite several advances in diagnosis, imaging, and treatment modalities. With progressive improvement in knowledge of the molecular pathways, cancer therapy can now be individualized. Understanding the genetic processes and natural history of cancer has the scope to enhance the clinical outcomes. There has been a significant improvement in our understanding of oncogenesis, advances in molecular detection methods, and novel biomarkers for oral cancers in the past decade. Indicators of genomic instability, the existence of expression regulators such as miRNA, and several genes and protein markers can predict which premalignant lesions are likely to turn into cancer. The molecular biomarkers in oncology are fast evolving. Still, integrating novel molecular tests into clinical practice will require a better understanding of the genetic pathways that lead to malignancy. Our article investigates the most recent concepts and knowledge on oral carcinogenesis, malignant transformation, and molecular markers for oral cancers.

Keywords: Genomic abrasions; Molecular markers; Oral cancer; Surgical margins.

Fig. 1

Hallmarks of cancer

Fig. 2

Metabolic symbiosis at tumour site