O potencial translacional dos biomarcadores na abordagem da leucoplasia oral

Abstract

Cancer such as malignant neoplasm represents a dysmorphic continuous native cells proliferation of a given organ, able of tissue invasion and metastization. The onset of these pathological conditions is a result of a physiopathological process with genetic and epigenetic alterations, which lead to foundation of clonal cell populations with selective growth modifications. Despite all the technological advances and the background knowledge available to oral cancer management, its mortality shows alarming higher than other malignant pathologies, such as cancer of the cervix, breast or colon. With respect to the oral cavity, the potential of the transcriptome translation into clinical practice will reduce morbidity and mortality of oral cancer, since objectify the early diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders, such as oral leukoplakia. Currently, differential diagnosis between benign oral reactive/inflammatory lesions and oral potentially malignant disorders has been based on histological examination of biopsied specimens by mere existence of suspected lesions. Moreover, histological diagnosis of dysplasia is subjective and is only related to the increased risk of malignant transformation. Biochemical studies and molecular knowledge practiced today, serve as a pedestal for a clinical classification more likely that may more accurately predict the potential malignant. It takes molecular biomarkers capable of identifying the pathophysiology of each of these oral potentially malignant disorders, particularly leukoplakia, to eliminate these dilemmas in clinical diagnosis, correct differential diagnoses, as well as recognize risk factors in order to verify the individual susceptibility to oral malignancy. Dentists should integrate in their basic skills the earliest possible diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders, classifying their staging through validated scientific evidence. The major objective of this study plan goes through customization and optimization of medical care.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Rui Amaral Mendes (Supervisor)