Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, Vol 2, 153-175, Copyright © 1991 by International & American Associations for Dental Research

ARTICLES

Viruses and oral cancer

C. Steele and E. J. Shillitoe
Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston 77225.

Oral cancer is a disease with a complex etiology. There is evidence for important roles of smoking, drinking, and genetic susceptibility, as well as strong indications that DNA viruses could be involved. The herpes simplex virus type 1 has been associated with oral cancer by serological studies, and animal models and in vitro systems have demonstrated that it is capable of inducing oral cancer. Papillomaviruses are found in many oral cancers and are also capable of transforming cells to a malignant phenotype. However, both virus groups depend on co-factors for their carcinogenic effects. Future research on viruses and oral cancer is expected to clarify the role of these viruses, and this will lead to improvements in diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

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