A Comprehensive Analysis of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Family in Oral Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Translation

Oral squamous cell carcinoma has created a major health burden in developing countries. High incidence of tobacco addiction and limited awareness in the general population leads to its usual presentation in the advanced stage. Angiogenesis, being one of the important factors associated with carcinogenesis, has emerged as a topic of interest for better understanding of the molecular micromechanisms responsible for carcinoma growth and progression. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family acts as a primary regulator of this process. The molecular biology of the VEGF family along with its association with development and progression of oral carcinoma has been explored in this review. Further potential of VEGF as a diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic marker has also been analysed.