THE ROLE OF ADHESION MOLECULES IN ORAL-CANCER

Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions are mediated by adhesion molecu les. By altering interactions between epithelial cells, extracellular matrix and leukocytes, changes in adhesion molecule expression can inf luence tumour development and metastasis. This study compared the adhe sion molecule profile of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with norma l buccal mucosa. The pattern of expression of adhesion molecules diffe red between normal epithelial cells and tumour cells, while leukocytes and endothelial cells adjacent to the tumour showed a pattern common to inflammatory sites. Aberrations in cell adhesion receptors on tumou r cells may contribute to the unique biologic behaviour of individual tumours.