Aloe vera in the management of oral submucous fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis is a pre-malignant condition commonly prevalent in India, Pakistan, Taiwan and Sri Lanka. Patients characteristically exhibit progressive reduction in mouth opening. The disease has a high malignant potential and thus should be diagnosed and treated at the earliest. However, none of the currently used medical therapies show promising results. The current article briefly reviews the role of Aloe vera in the management of oral submucous fibrosis.

KAI-1 and p53 expression in odontogenic cysts: An immunohistochemical (IHC) marker study

Background: KAI-1/CD82 is a tumour suppressor gene; decreased gene expression is associated with the increased invasive ability of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), as hypothesised for various odontogenic cysts and tumours. p53 protein functions in the G1-S phase of the cell cycle to allow repair of the damaged DNA. In the present study, p53 and KAI-1 expression was investigated by using monoclonal antibodies in the various odontogenic cysts. Aims: To detect KAI-1 and p53 expression in radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and to assess the relation between p53 and KAI-1 expression in the aforementioned cysts. Materials and Methods: The present study included histopathologically diagnosed cases of radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts and OKCs for the expression of KAI-1 and p53 antibodies. Results: Amongst odontogenic cysts, radicular cysts expressed a maximum positivity of KAI-1 (20.92%) while p53 positive cells were maximum in odontogenic keratocysts (4.04%). The correlation between KAI-1 and p53 expression in the various odontogenic cysts was not found to be significant. Conclusion: The increased KAI-1 expression in the radicular cysts and its downregulation in OKCs may be indicative of aggressive clinical behaviour and the fact that OKCs are hypothesised as neoplastic rather than being developmental in origin.

Tanshinones in management of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral submucous fibrosis is a premalignant condition predominantly occurring in Southeast Asian countries. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer. The current article highlights the promising benefits of the novel agent tanshinones (TSNs) in the management of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma. The letter is written with the aim to promote more research on TSNs in the management of oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Light-based headways: An innovation in oral cancer espial

Oral cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the world, mainly because of the widespread consumption of tobacco and related products. Early detection is very important in the management of oral cancer. However, when the lesion is detected in the oral cavity, it is at a much advanced stage for effective management, resulting in morbidity and mortality. A majority of deaths related to cancer are due in part to late diagnosis. In order to improve the clinical outcome of oral cancer, early detection is very important. One of the emerging technologies in the early detection of oral cancer is the use of noninvasive in vivo tissue imaging that captures the molecular changes at high resolution to improve the detection capability of oral cancer at an early stage.

Specific role of targeted molecular therapy in treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cancer is a potentially fatal disease that constitutes an important portion of tumors that occur in the head and neck region. Oral cancer can affect overall and mental health, appearance, employment, social life, and family living. The disease can cause serious changes in the functioning of the upper aero digestive tract that affects the quality of life in patients. The use of conventional treatment modalities (surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy) depends on tumor respectability and location as well as whether an organ preservation approach is feasible. However, their role in oral cancer treatment is nonselective and can cause damage to normal tissue. In particular, chemo radiotherapy is associated with systemic toxicities that often reduce patient compliance and prevent timely completion of therapy. The development of targeted therapies to target select pathways involved in carcinogenesis, potentially decrease systemic toxicities and morbidities associated with cancer burden and hence improve the prognosis in cancer patients. In the present article, the role of various targeted molecules in the treatment of oral cancer is discussed.

An update on light-based technologies and fluorescent imaging in oral cancer detection

Oral cancer is a potentially fatal disease that constitutes an important portion of tumors of head and neck region. More than 90% of oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). Regardless of the fact that the oral cavity is easily accessible to the accumulation of carcinogens, most oral cancers are typically detected at an advanced stage leading to lower survival rate among subjects. Therefore, early detection of the oral cancer and its precursor lesions may be the most effective means to improve prognosis and treatment in most patients. One of the emerging technologies is the use of optical methods to capture the molecular changes at high-resolution to improve the detection capability of early stage disease. Optical diagnosis techniques when compared with traditional approaches such as vital staining, biopsy has many advantages such as objectivity, speed, and cost. Moreover, these incorporate particularly noninvasive methods of oral cancer detection. The present article highlights various optical methods and their role in oral cancer detection.

Radiotherapy-induced depigmentation in breast cancer patients without prior history of vitiligo: A review

Background: Vitiligo is a relatively common pigment disorder. Exacerbation or complete depigmentation within the radiation portals as a result of the Koebner phenomenon in patients with preexisting vitiligo has been reported in the literature. However, new-onset vitiligo triggered by radiation in patients without prior history of the disorder is a rare occurrence. Methods: The authors report one such occurrence in a breast cancer patient wherein the depigmentation remained localised within the radiotherapy target volume without generalisation. This young lady had received adjuvant radiotherapy to the right breast and ipsilateral supraclavicular fossa to a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions followed by 15 Gy in 6 fractions to the tumour bed. Discussion: The authors present a short review of the literature and discussion on the etiopathogenesis and therapeutic implication of the condition in cancer management. Conclusion: This rare occurrence highlights the importance of taking decision on radiotherapy on a case-to-case basis in patients known to have vitiligo as it has direct bearing on the ultimate cosmetic and psychological outcome. However, it is also equally important to be aware that radiation-induced depigmentation be a precursor of subsequent new-onset generalised vitiligo.