[Oral cavity cancer: A distinct entity]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cancer Research
• Oral Medicine

Context:

• Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ranks as the 17th most prevalent cancer globally.
• Key risk factors include alcohol and tobacco, with potential contributions from diet, genetics, and oral health.
• Current diagnostic methods rely on biopsies, often leading to late detection and poor patient prognosis.

Purpose:

• To explore advancements in early detection and treatment of OSCC.
• To highlight the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and salivary biomarkers in improving diagnostic timeliness.
• To discuss future therapeutic avenues, including immunotherapy and the prognostic significance of the tumor immune microenvironment.

Summary:

• OSCC diagnosis is frequently delayed, impacting survival rates.
• Novel approaches, including AI-driven analysis and quantitative evaluation of salivary biological markers, show promise for earlier detection.
• Current surgical management can be disfiguring; future treatments may involve immunotherapies, with the immune microenvironment offering prognostic insights.

Impact:

• Accelerated diagnosis of oral cancer through AI and biomarker analysis.
• Reduced morbidity associated with late-stage cancer treatment.
• Development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies and prognostic tools for OSCC.