Validation of DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Oral Cancer Detection-Follow up Study

This is a follow up study which aims to evaluate the correlation between several methylated genes (potential biomarkers) and oral cancers. A prospective case control trial is designed with sample size of at least 300 cases with estimated 200 subjects with precancerous lesion or oral cancer, and 100 subjects with normal oral mucosa. This study is approved by the National Taiwan University Hospital Research Ethics Committee. After signing the informed consent, all subjects will receive an intraoral examination and followed by epithelial cells collection with oral swab. The gDNA will be extracted from the oral swab collected cells and followed by bisulfite conversion procedures. Subsequently, bisulfite converted DNA will be subjected to methylated gene detection by Real-Time PCR. The methylation index (clinical sensitivity and specificity) of oral cancer related genes will be evaluated. For diagnosis confirmation, photos and biopsy specimens will be taken upon observation of abnormal lesion.