Modalities to restrain the progression of oral potentially malignant diseases and oral squamous cell carcinoma in COVID-19 pandemic

The potential role of COVID-19 in progression, chemo-resistance, and tumor recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)

Numerous studies have revealed that cancer patients are more likely to develop severe Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), which can cause mortality, as well as cancer progression and treatment failure. Among these patients who may be particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 and COVID-19-associated cancer progression are those with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this regard, therapeutic approaches must be developed to lower the risk of cancer development, chemo-resistance, tumor recurrence, and death in OSCC patients with COVID-19. It may be helpful to comprehend the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contributes to these problems. In this line, in this review, we described the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms that SARS-CoV-2 can exert its role and based on them pharmacological targeted therapies were suggested. However, in this study, we encourage more investigations in the future to uncover other cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of SARS-CoV-2 to develop beneficial therapeutic strategies for such patients.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Oral Oncology-related Outpatient Volume at Indian Dental Institutions

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the lockdown on oral oncology-related out-patient volume at Indian dental institutions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The total number of newly diagnosed cases of oral submucous fibrosis, oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, and oral cancers, recorded at two dental institutional settings before lockdown (January-March 2020) and after lockdown (June-August 2020), were included retrospectively and compared.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 797 cases at both institutions. At Institution-I, a total of 312 cases were recorded before the lockdown, and 63 cases were recorded after the lockdown. At Institution-II, a total of 311 cases were reported before lockdown, and 111 cases were recorded after lockdown. Comparisons between the pre-lockdown and post-lockdown data yielded a significant change in the proportions of oral sub-mucous fibrosis, oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, and oral cancers at both institutions (Chi-square test; p < 0.001). Following the lockdown, a substantial reduction was observed in the proportion of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) cases at both institutions, and the proportion of oral cancers increased at both institutions. There was a significant difference between the proportions of cases reported before lockdown at both institutions (p < 0.001). However, after-lockdown, no such differences were noted (p = 0.69); the absence of significance could most likely be due to the low sample size or low-power during the post-lockdown period.

CONCLUSION

The oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral cancer (OC) patient volumes reduced substantially following lockdown. During the post-lockdown period, the proportion of oral cancers increased, whereas the proportion of OSMF cases decreased. Results indicate that OPMD and oral cancer patients were impacted differently by the lockdown.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides insight into the impact of lockdown and highlights the importance of reestablishing oral oncology-related patient care. A vital discussion is also provided on useful compensatory strategies that may reduce delays during the ongoing crisis. How to cite this article: Panta P, Reddy P, Misra SR, et al. Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Oral Oncology-related Outpatient Volume at Indian Dental Institutions. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):501-505.