Osteopontin（OPN）is an integrin- binding protein, believed to be involved in a variety of physiological cellular functions. It has shown to play an important role in tumor genesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis in breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancers. By reviewing related literature，we realized that in the head and neck region, over- expression of OPN was found only in dysplastic and squamous cell carcinoma（SCC） and not in normal mucosa. The expression levels suggesting a correlation between OPN function with malignancy and metastasis. We hope in the near future the osteopontin could be used as a potential target of SCC therapy.
