OBJECTIVES: To explore, map and summarize the extent of evidence from clinical studies investigating the differential expression of lncRNAs in oral/tongue squamous cell carcinoma.
METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were used as search engines. Clinical, full-length, English language studies were included. PRISMA-ScR protocol was used to evaluate and present results. The present scoping review summarizes relationships of the differential expression of lncRNAs with the presence of tumour and with clinicopathological features including survival.
RESULTS: Almost half of the investigated transcripts have been explored in more than one study, yet not always with consistent results. The collected data were also compared to the limited studies investigating oral epithelial dysplasia. Data are not easily comparable, first because of different methods used to define what differential expression is, and second because only a limited number of studies performed multivariate analyses to identify clinicopathological features associated with the differentially expressed lncRNAs.
CONCLUSIONS: Standard methods and more appropriate data analyses are needed in order to achieve reliable results from future studies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey on dentists' knowledge and their practices in prevention and early detection of oral cancer was conducted using a 26-item self-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A response rate of 41.7% was achieved. The level of knowledge on early signs and risk habits associated with oral cancer was high and the majority reported to have conducted opportunistic screening and advised patients on risk habit cessation. Factors that influenced the dentist in practising prevention and early detection of oral cancer were continuous education on oral cancer, age, nature of practice and recent graduation. Notably, dentists were receptive to further training in the area of oral cancer detection and cessation of risk habits. Taken together, the study demonstrated that the dental clinic is a good avenue to conduct programs on opportunistic screening, and continuous education in these areas is necessary to adequately equip dentists in running these programs. Further, this study also highlighted knowledge deficits and practice shortcomings which will help in planning and developing programs that further encourage better participation of dentists in prevention and early detection of oral cancer.
METHODS: Baseline awareness and impact of the campaign was measured using self-administered questionnaires sent via email to individuals. The campaign was aired on two national television channels and the reach was monitored through an independent programme monitoring system.
RESULTS: 78.2% of respondents had heard of oral cancer, and this increased significantly after the campaign. However, the ability to recognize signs and symptoms remains unchanged. We found that the level of awareness differed between the distinct ethnic subgroups and the reach of the campaign was not uniform across all ethnicities.
CONCLUSION: This substantial study to measure the oral cancer awareness in Malaysia provides important baseline data for the planning of public health policies. Despite encouraging evidence that a mass media campaign could increase the awareness of oral cancer, further research is required to address the acceptability, comprehensiveness and effectiveness. Furthermore, different campaign approaches may be required for specific ethnic groups in a multi-ethnic country such as Malaysia.