Molecular Aspects of Oral Cancer

The new researches and developments in molecular biology techniques have provided a new dimension in our approach to oral cancer. This understanding has divulged new outlook for the development of new therapies as well as control and management of oral cancer. These studies have helped develop a better understanding about carcinogenesis, proto-oncogenes, oncogenes, TSGs, viruses, transcription factors, and some signaling pathways which play a crucial role in progression and development of oral cancer. Multiple genetic events are responsible for carcinogenesis process such as the activation of oncogenes and inactivation of TSGs. Hence there is a need to initiate oral cancer research programs at molecular and genetic level. Through this approach, early prevention of oral cancer will be possible and this approach may lead to development of target dependent tumor-specific drugs and appropriate gene therapy.