Evaluating The Malignant Transformation Of Tobacco-Induced Oral Leukoplakia Using Tissue P53 As A Prognostic Marker.

Background: Oral leukoplakia, a potentially precancerous lesion primarily attributed to tobacco use, poses a significant health concern worldwide. Identifying reliable prognostic markers for predicting the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia is essential for early intervention and improved patient outcomes. This study explores the use of tissue p53 expression as a potential prognostic marker for assessing the risk of malignant transformation in individuals with tobacco-induced oral leukoplakia. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, tissue samples from 150 patients with tobacco-induced oral leukoplakia were collected and analyzed for p53 expression using immunohistochemistry. Clinical data, including age, gender, tobacco consumption history, and follow-up information, were also gathered. Patients were categorized into two groups based on p53 expression: high p53 and low p53. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 5 years. Results: Among the 150 patients, 65 (43.3%) exhibited high p53 expression in their oral leukoplakia tissue samples, while the remaining 85 (56.7%) had low p53 expression. During the follow-up period, 20 out of 65 patients (30.8%) with high p53 expression experienced malignant transformation, whereas only 8 out of 85 patients (9.4%) with low p53 expression developed malignancies. The odds ratio for malignant transformation in the high p53 group compared to the low p53 group was 4.12 (95% CI: 1.79-9.47, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that tissue p53 expression is a valuable prognostic marker for assessing the risk of malignant transformation in individuals with tobacco-induced oral leukoplakia. Patients with high p53 expression in their oral lesions are significantly more likely to experience malignant transformation compared to those with low p53 expression. These findings underscore the importance of regular monitoring and early intervention for individuals with high p53 expression to reduce the risk of oral cancer development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]