Infectious Aetiology of Potentially Malignant Disorders and Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Cavity

Infectious Aetiology of Potentially Malignant Disorders and Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Cavity

Recent studies estimated that 15 to 20% of all cancers in humans are associated with viruses. Among oral cancer about 90% are oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). Alcohol and tobacco consumption have been recognized for years as the main risk factors for development of OSCCs. However, 10 to 20% of patients suffering from OSCCs are non-smokers and/ or non-drinkers. Consequently, the hypothesis of another agent responsible has risen. Indeed, several studies have suggested the possibility that a virus could be associated with or be a causal agent of OSCC. The first objective is to detect and characterize the presence of infectious agent (mostly virus) transcripts in pre-malignant or malignant tumours from patients with OSCCs.The secondary objectives are (i) to associate and (ii) if possible define a causality link between these agents and a subset of potentially malignant disorders and/or OSCCs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient over 18 years,
• For subgroup "potentially malignant disorder : clinical diagnosis of leukoplakia,
• For subgroup "OSCC" : histological diagnosis of OSCC,
• Patient who never smoked, or light smoker, (≤5 pack-year) or 15 years of cessation,
• Patient who never drank, or light drinker (≤ 20 g/day for men and 10g/day for women) or 15 years of cessation,
• Informed consent signed.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous treatment of oral cancer,