Chemoprevention of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

The potential for chemoprevention of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity has long been recognized. Its easily identifiable precursor lesions and the failure of local therapies to prevent progression of these lesions to cancer has fueled much of the interest in identifying an effective chemopreventive compound. Early optimism regarding retinoids has been tempered by concerns about toxicity and lack of long-term efficacy. Although several other compounds have been studied, none as yet have been shown to be safe and effective in large studies. Agents that target specific molecular carcinogenic pathways have shown promise. Chemoprevention of this disease remains an active area of investigation.