Expression of Latent Membrane Protein 1 of Epstein Barr Virus in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma – A Baseline Clinicopathologic Study

Winnifred Christy A; Uma Sudhakar; Snophia Rani Rajamani; Thalaimalai Saravanan; David Praveenkumar D; Arunkumar Nandagopal

doi:10.2478/amma-2026-0009

Winnifred Christy A Professor, Dept of Oral Medicine and Radiology, CSI College of Dental Sciences and Research
Uma Sudhakar Professor and Head and Vice Principal Dept of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital Chennai
Snophia Rani Rajamani Professor Dept of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital Chennai
Thalaimalai Saravanan Professor and Vice Principal Dept of Oral Medicine and Radiology Karpaga Vinayaga Institute of Dental Sciences Chengalpattu, Tamilnadu
David Praveenkumar D Consultant Medical Oncologist Vadamalayan Hospitals Madurai
Arunkumar Nandagopal Consultant Pathologist Vadamalayan Hospitals Madurai

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/amma-2026-0009

Keywords: Epstein Barr Virus, Latent Membrane Protein, Oral Squamous cell carcinoma, Prognosis, Survival, Sharp Tooth

Abstract

Abstract

Background: In addition to tobacco and alcohol, viruses with oncogenic potential may play a significant role. Epstein Barr virus being latent in oral cavity association of Epstein Barr Virus encoded latent membrane protein 1 expression may provide a link in development of oral cancer.

Aim: To find the association of Epstein Barr Virus in oral squamous cell carcinoma and to find the clinical outcomes of overexpression and non-expression of Latent Membrane Protein in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients

Materials and Methods: This observational study comprised of 51 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who had never consumed tobacco or alcohol. The resected tissues were subjected to immunohistochemistry to evaluate Epstein Barr virus encoded latent membrane protein 1 overexpression. Overexpression of Epstein Barr virus latent membrane protein1 was compared with various clinical and histological parameters using Chi square tests, Fisher’s test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test with P value less than 0.05 being considered significant.

Results: Out of the 51 patients, 6 of them overexpressed Epstein Barr virus latent membrane 1 antigen out of which 2 patients had sharp tooth. Histologically 4 cases were grade 1 and 2 were grade 2. Disease free survival and overall survival was more in Epstein Barr virus latent membrane 1 overexpressed patients (28.6, 33.3 vs 19.8, 22.13)

Conclusion: Epstein Barr virus may be associated in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma and may influence survival rates in such patients.

Key words: Epstein Barr Virus, Latent Membrane Protein, Oral Squamous cell carcinoma, Prognosis, Survival, Sharp Tooth