Cyclin D1 could predict outcomes in oral cancer

In Taiwanese men, oral cancer is the fourth most common cancer, linked with tobacco and alcohol use and chewing areca (betel) nuts, and most of these cancers are in the mouth. A team of researchers from Taiwan has linked the biomarker cyclin D1 with the level of aggressiveness of oral cancer, and believe that it could be used in prognosis.

The study involved cancer samples from 264 Taiwanese male oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, and the results showed that increased levels of cyclin D1 were linked with later stage cancer and increased chance of the tumor spreading, as well as a reduced chance of survival. This supports results from earlier studies that suggest that cyclin D1 could be used as a prognostic biomarker.

Biomarkers would help researchers know more about OSCC and could help physicians choose the best treatment. More research is needed, but assessing levels of cyclin D1 at diagnosis could help to personalize treatment.

- see the abstract