Test Predicts Hidden Lymph Node Metastases in Oral Cancer Patients
11/29/2005 staff cancerconsultants.com A test to detect changes in the Cyclin D1 gene provides information about the probability of occult (hidden) lymph node metastases in patients with stage I or stage II squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth, according to a study published in the journal Cancer . Cancer of the oral cavity involves the tongue, gums, the inner lining of the cheeks and lips, the hard palate, or the floor of the mouth. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer; it refers to the type of cell in which the cancer originates. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is strongly linked with tobacco use, and the combination of tobacco with alcohol further increases risk. Among patients with early (stage I or stage II) OSCC, an important clinical decision involves whether or not to remove and evaluate lymph nodes in the neck for evidence of occult metastases. The presence of lymph node metastases is an important indicator of prognosis and guides treatment decisions. Some patients are at greater risk of having lymph node metastases and are therefore more likely to benefit from lymph node dissection. One potential predictor of the presence of lymph node metastases is the Cyclin D1 gene. The protein produced by this gene plays a role in cell proliferation. To evaluate the relationship between numerical alterations in the Cyclin D1 gene and postoperative lymph node metastases, researchers in Japan conducted a study among 45 patients with stage I or stage II oral cancer. Patients [...]