Epigenetic targeting in oral squamous cell carcinoma: mechanisms, therapies, and translational potential

Junting Yang1,2, Xiaoru Yan1,2, Xiaotang Wang1,2

  • 1Laboratory Animal Center, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal Science and Human Disease Animal Model, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.

Abstract

Insights

Epigenetic therapies, particularly those targeting noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), show promise for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Advanced delivery systems and combination strategies may improve treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a complex cancer with poor prognosis.
  • Epigenetic alterations like DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA (ncRNA) regulation drive OSCC progression.
  • These epigenetic changes offer potential therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review major epigenetic mechanisms in OSCC.
  • To highlight recent advances in epigenetic therapeutic agents and molecular targets for OSCC.
  • To discuss novel delivery strategies and clinical trial progress for OSCC epigenetic therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov (January 2002 - July 2025).
  • Focus on ncRNA-based modulators (miRNAs, lncRNAs) and their roles in OSCC.
  • Analysis of innovative delivery systems (exosomes, nanoparticles) and clinical trial data.

Main Results:

  • ncRNA-based therapies are promising candidates for OSCC treatment.
  • Advanced delivery systems like exosomes and nanoparticles enhance specificity and overcome resistance.
  • An update on clinical trials targeting epigenetic regulators in OSCC is provided.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic therapies offer potential for precision treatment of OSCC.
  • Combination strategies and advanced delivery systems may accelerate clinical translation.
  • Biomarkers are crucial for early detection, risk stratification, and personalized OSCC therapy.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.6K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
9.8K
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...
7.7K
Epigenetic Regulation01:37

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
3.7K
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
53.5K