Abstract:
Introduction: Oral cancer ranks as the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer type originating from oral tissues. The incidence of oral cancer varies globally, with higher prevalence in developing countries. Traditional risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) have been implicated in oral cancer development. However, there have been instances where patients lacking these traditional risk factors have been diagnosed with Oral Cancer, prompting the need for an understanding of the genetic basis of oral cancer in this group.
Method: Following the PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant studies up until 17/11/24. Keywords like “Genetic Markers,” “Oral Cancer,” “Non-smokers” and “Never drinkers” were utilized. Additionally, grey literature was sourced through Google searches. Only studies written in English Language focusing on genes associated with oral cancer in non-traditional risk factor patients and that are listed on “ORNATE” (https://bmi.icmr.org.in/ornate/) were considered.
Result: Among the articles retrieved (n=174), this review incorporates 32 relevant articles. The review identified (n=39) genetic markers contributing to oral cancer in non-traditional risk patients. Some identified markers include TP53, CDKN2A, PIK3CA, CASP-8 etc. The genetic markers identified in this study represent 14.77% of the total genes (n=264) listed on “ORNATE”.
Conclusion: Oral cancers among patients who lack conventional risk factors presents an intriguing and perplexing clinical phenomenon. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the specific genetic factors and to provide insights into the underlying causes of oral cancers in this unique patient group.
