EGFR expression and the role of Gefitinib in Oral cavity lesions

Oral Cavity cancer is the 10th most common malignancy globally. EGFR is a glycoprotein encoded by a gene located on chromosome 7p12. Stimulation of EGFR will activate an intracellular signalling pathway, leading to the inhibition of apoptosis, activation of cell proliferation and angiogenesis, as well as an increase in metastatic spread potential. In premalignant lesions EGFR can be considered as an early marker of a cell proliferation on cell differentiation as well as early marker of epithelial dysplasia and onset of cancer in oral premaligant lesions. Hence cancers of oral cavity can be prevented and progress of carcinogenisis may be stopped at a early stage. EGFR evaluation can be used as a Screening tool in premalignant lesions to determine its malignant potential. In Malignant it has been seen that there is better response to treatment when EGFR Inhibitor Gefitinib was combined to the standard regimen of CCRT in Locally advanced Oral cavity malignant lesions.