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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
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Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
Published on: April 22, 2019
Microenvironment-based immunotherapy in oral cancer: a comprehensive review
Hassan Mivehchi1, Aisan Eskandari-Yaghbastlo2, Mohammaderfan Ghazanfarpour3
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
Medical Oncology (Northwood, London, England)
|March 28, 2025
Summary
Oral cancer immunotherapy shows promise by targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). Treatments like immune checkpoint inhibitors and cell therapies offer new hope for managing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), represents a significant global health challenge with a 50% survival rate.
- Current treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) have severe side effects and are often complicated by the tumor microenvironment (TME).
- The TME, comprising extracellular matrix and various cells, actively promotes tumor growth and immune evasion, hindering effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in regulating oral cancer proliferation and metastasis via autocrine-paracrine signaling.
- To detail the effectiveness and mechanisms of various immunotherapies in combating oral cancers.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of emerging immunotherapy strategies for oral cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the TME's influence on oral cancer.
- Analysis of immunotherapy strategies including immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1, CTLA-4), monoclonal antibodies (pembrolizumab, cetuximab), adoptive cell transfer (CAR-T), cytokine therapy (IL-2), and tumor vaccines.
- Examination of autocrine-paracrine signaling pathways within the TME.
Main Results:
- The TME significantly influences oral cancer progression and immune response.
- Immunotherapy, by targeting immune checkpoints and utilizing agents like CAR-T cells and monoclonal antibodies, demonstrates potential in regulating tumor growth and metastasis.
- Various immunotherapy modalities collectively modulate the TME to enhance anti-tumor immunity.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy offers a promising avenue for oral cancer treatment, effectively targeting the complex tumor microenvironment.
- Targeting immune checkpoints and employing advanced therapies like CAR-T cell therapy are key strategies in overcoming treatment resistance.
- Further research into immunotherapy's role in oral cancer holds potential for improving patient outcomes and survival rates.
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