Expression of p53 and ki-67 in oral Squamous cell carcinoma with the background of oral Submucous fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder with 7.6% of transformation rate into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of which majority display low grade of tumor differentiation. The aim of the study is to assess the genetic markers p53 and ki-67 in OSMF, OSCC and OSCC with the background of OSMF. 10 cases of each group were stained with p53 and Ki-67 by immunohistochemistry. Statistically significant results were found amongst the 3 groups with moderate to severe expression (p<0.05) of both the markers. To conclude, these biomarkers can be useful in assessing the malignant transformation in oral precancerous conditions and may serve as intermediate points for cancer prevention programmes.