Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and hyperhomocysteinemia. There's a correlation? A preliminary study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare serum levels of HCY and Folate with SCCOC, in order to find statistically significant data showing that the correction of these levels might correspond to an improvement in conventional therapies. The Study also aims to highlight the possibility that Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHCY) could be considered as a tumoral marker. Materials and Methods: Serum levels of Folate and HCY were measured in 20 patients with histologically-proven SCCOC, before any treatment, and in 20 healty patients, non-smokers. These patients were subjected to nutritional control, with the supplementation of Folate (4 mg tablets, 1x2 for 6 months) aided by consumption of two kiwifruit a day. Checks were made at the beginning of therapy and after 1 month, 3 and six months. Results: At the first check, cancer patiens showed consistently high values, particularly those with low-grade carcinomas. These high values, at the end of the observation period, appeared much improved. Even the healty patients revealed clear improvements. Conclusions: The role of HCY and folates appears to be important in carcinogenesis of SCCOC, but these serum levels are still not a reference value, so they cannot be included among the known tumor markers. © 2015 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.