Objective: CYP1B1 is crucial for the metabolism of tobacco-derived procarcinogens to reactive metabolites which is known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of the review was to know whether CYP1B1 gene is associated with OSCC risk.

Materials and Methods: The databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched to synthesize evidence on the relationship between CYP1B1 and OSCC.

Results: Seven studies investigated CYP1B1 in 450 OSCC patients and 917 controls. Four studies have concluded that CYP1B1 is upregulated in OSCC, while three of the studies reported presence of polymorphism. Upregulation and downregulation of CYP1B1 was reported in three and two studies, respectively, while the remaining two studies reported differential presence of polymorphism. Different samples and methods were used for evaluation. Further, habits information was provided in a few studies. The most common polymorphisms were Arg48Gly, Ala119Ser, Leu432Val, and Ans453Ser. Overall, only four studies suggested CYP1B1 association with OSCC.

Conclusions: There is not sufficient evidence to suggest a clear association of CYP1B1 with OSCC. However, considering the clearly defined role of CYP1B1 in metabolizing pro-carcinogens like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phase I metabolism, there is need for well-designed cohort study.