It is possible that allelic loss of a tumor suppressor gene such as WHSC1 and/or FGFR3 from the deleted segment 4p16.3 plays a critical role in the process of malignant transformation.
Overall this study advances our understanding of the molecular alterations occurring during urothelial malignant transformation and indicates TAZ as a possible therapeutic target in FGFR3-dependent bladder tumours.
The present study was undertaken to analyze expression of FGF-2 and its receptors FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 in 72 PMOLs, 108 OSCC and 52 healthy controls, and their role in risk assessment for malignant transformation of Leukoplakia (LKP) and Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) to OSCC.