Interferons in oral potentially malignant disorders, its effect and cure: A review

Potentially malignant lesion earlier known as a precancerous lesion is a morphologic alteration in the tissue which may progress into the development of malignancy. Similarly, a potentially malignant condition is associated with high risk of cancer. These lesions are commonly seen to occur after exposure to carcinogens, such as tobacco, areca nut, and alcohol, and they frequently progress to frank malignancy. Although, these lesions in the early stage (with hyperplasia and mild dysplasia) respond to retinoid therapy, advanced lesions (with moderate to severe dysplasia) are known to show resistance to the therapy. Bio-chemo-preventive therapy appears to be highly active in cases of advanced premalignant lesions, particularly those of the oral cavity. Interferons (IFNs) came into limelight with their use in hepatitis infections. It has been used in various cancer treatment modalities. IFNs and its uses have been less seeked in cases of head and neck cancers. This review will demonstrate the critical importance IFNs and its mode of action with a translational approach toward advancing our understanding of the pathobiologic basis of tumorigenesis and therapeutic outcome of IFNs in oral potentially malignant disorders.