Literature review of cancer stem cells in oral lichen planus: a premalignant lesion

Abstract

Objective: As there is no review study about cancer stem cells (CSCs) involved in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus (OLP), for the first time we review the role of these cells in OLP and this hypothesis may be a clue for the evaluation of the premalignancy of OLP.Background: Cellular mediated immune responses are the main etiopathogenesis in OLP and it is a potentially premalignant lesion. One of the factors proposed in the pathogenesis of OLP and the comparable trend of this autoimmune disease to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are CSCs. CSCs have been detected in several solid tumors including head and neck cancers, and have special characteristics including metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy.Methods: Related keywords were searched and risk of bias assessment was done for each study.Conclusions: Among all of the studies reviewed in this article, all markers had increased expression in OLP compared to controls that are consistent with SCC. Only CD44 was in contradiction to other papers, in which different expression of CD44 strains was measured in different samples such as saliva and tissue.Based on the results of this review and more studies in the future by investigating the levels of these markers in OLP, it may be possible to determine the prognosis and course of the disease for each patient individually.

Diversity of the Origin of Cancer Stem Cells in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Clinical Implications

“…Previous studies have suggested that cancers are organized as a cellular hierarchy of various populations of cancer cells, and the hierarchy is maintained by a small subset of cancer cells, called CSCs [ 33 , 34 ]. CSCs have stemness and are also called cancer-initiating cells [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 45 ]. CSCs were identified for the first time in 1997 by Bonnet and Dick in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia [ 46 ].…”

“…CSCs have also been shown to play important roles in the development and progression of OSCC [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. It is reported that only a small percentage of the cell population contributes to the development of OSCC, and this population has properties corresponding to those of CSCs [ 31 , 40 ].…”

“…We have focused on the diversity of the origin of OSCC and on cancer stem cells (CSCs) [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ] as a key plyer to explain the malignancy of OSCC. CSCs are a subset of cancer cells that occupy a very small portion of the tumor mass and have characteristics of stem cells [ 34 , 35 , 37 , 40 , 41 ]. CSCs have a capability of asymmetrical cell division, and the self-renewal capacity of CSCs produces a heterogeneous population of cancer cells.…”

The oncogenic potential of salivary microRNA-93 and microRNA-412-3p in oral lichen planus: A Case-Control Study

“…2 The disease is considered as premalignant lesion with rare potential of malignant transformation. 3 T-lymphocytes infiltration in the basal cell layer of the epithelium and cytoid bodies are characteristic histopathologic features of the disease. 2 Genetic malformations and epigenetic mechanisms as microRNAs may have a rule in these changes.…”

Neuroticism and Psychological Stress in Patients Suffering Oral Lichen Planus: Research Evidence of Psycho-Stomatology?

“…The malignancy mechanism of OLP is still unknown. However, a factor proposed in the pathogenesis of OLP are cancer stem cells, which are increasing in atrophic-erosive clinical forms compared to reticular ones [ 18 ]. To date, there is no curative treatment for OLP.…”