Current molecular biology research contributing to the early diagnosis of oral cancer (Review Article)

Abstract

On the basis of research results of the past few decades, it is widely accepted that tumor-derived cells (CTCs) or circulating tumor-derived nucleic acids (ctNAs) found in the circulation of cancer patients might be a sign of micrometastases and thus could be an important predictor of prognosis. It is possible to estimate CTCs/ctNAs by immunocytochemical or molecular assays and these assays might also be used to monitor signs not only systemically but also in real-time in patients with malignant tumors. In this article, we discuss the transition of CTCs/ctNAs from the research setting to clinical application in oral cancer, especially our current research findings.