Abstract
Background: FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 (fibroblast growth factor receptors) have been shown to play an important role in several processes including carcinogenesis. This study was designed to determine gradual FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 expression in sequential stages of oral carcinogenesis in an experimental animal system of Syrian golden hamsters. Materials and Methods: Tissue sections ranging from normal mucosa to squamous cell carcinoma were studied using monoclonal antibodies against FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 proteins. Results: A significant elevation was revealed in both FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 expression during the stages of dysplasia and early invasion, while in the later stages of oral carcinogenesis the expression of both FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 decreased although not significantly. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 seem to play an important role in the initial stages of oral cancer progression.
Footnotes
- Received August 3, 2006.
- Accepted October 10, 2006.
- Copyright© 2006 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved