AUTHOR=de Lima-Souza Reydson Alcides , Gonçalves Moisés Willian Aparecido , Sales de Sá Raisa , Lavareze Luccas , Scarini João Figueira , Kimura Talita de Carvalho , Ribeiro Fernanda Cristina Poscai , Altemani Albina , Mariano Fernanda Viviane , Fillmore Gary Chris , Egal Erika Said Abu 

TITLE=Exploring the complex role of the Eph/Ephrin signaling in oral and maxillofacial cancers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1554751

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2025.1554751

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=The Eph (erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma) receptor family represents the largest subgroup within the tyrosine kinase receptor family and is recognized for its critical role in regulating the growth, migration, and survival of both normal and malignant cells. The Eph/ephrin signaling has an ambiguous role in squamous cell carcinomas of the oral region, playing both a suppressive and oncogenic role. In salivary gland cancers, the results are reserved, although they suggest that some molecules are associated with a worse prognosis for patients. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the existing literature, underscoring the evidence that supports the involvement of the Eph/ephrin signaling in oral and maxillofacial cancers. Additionally, we examine molecular discoveries that may present promising therapeutic targets for these malignancies.