PI3K-Akt expression in dysplastic oral lesions and implications for recurrence and malignant transformation

The aim of PI3K-Akt expression in dysplastic oral lesions and implications for recurrence and malignant transformation at University of Dundee is to determine whether there is an association between the expression on PI3K-Akt in oral dysplastic lesions with recurrence, field cancerisation and malignant transformation. 

Context of PI3K-Akt expression in dysplastic oral lesions and implications for recurrence and malignant transformation at University of Dundee

Also determine the efficacy of potential biomarkers such as cell cycle molecules, angiogenic markers and S100 protein expression.

In 2010 the National Screening Committee review (NSC) stated that there is “good evidence that tobacco in all forms (both smoked and smokeless, including snuff) and betel quid are carcinogenic in the upper aerodigestive tract, which includes the mouth. There is also convincing evidence that alcoholic drinks are carcinogenic and act synergistically with tobacco” (Speight & Warnakulasuriya 2010).

• The natural history of oral cancer is only partly understood, with reports of “it is clear that oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is preceded by changes in the oral mucosa, but the extent or nature of these changes is uncertain” (Speight & Warnakulasuriya 2010).

• However, it was also noted that “only about 5% of these lesions will progress to malignancy and although some clinical features are associated with higher risk (e.g. non-homogenous, speckled or red lesions) there are still no reliable ways to predict which individuals or lesions will develop OSCC” (Speight & Warnakulasuriya 2010).
• The difficulty in interpreting some of the published work on malignant progression is that many studies do not actually investigate biopsy proven dysplasias but leucoplakias and therefore these may not actually be potentially malignant.