These data add DBCCR1 to the list of tumour suppressor genes known to be targeted by promoter hypermethylation in oral carcinomas, including p16, p15, E-cadherin, MGMT and ABO (Akanuma et al, 1999; Kim et al, 2000; Yakushiji et al, 2001; Chang et al, 2002; Hasegawa et al, 2002; Viswanathan et al, 2003; Gao et al, 2004). This evidence concerns the gene ABO and lip and oral cavity carcinoma.