Evaluating the Role of Candida albicans as a Potential Oral Carcinogen

Oral cavity cancers, especially oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), are a major subset of head and neck malignancies. Increasing evidence indicates that oral microbiota, particularly Candida albicans (C. albicans), plays a significant role in OSCC development and progression. While C. albicans is normally a commensal organism in the human microbiome, it can become pathogenic under certain conditions. The carcinogenic potential of C. albicans contributes to oral cancer by acting both as a co-factor and a direct pathogen. This involves complex interactions with the host immune system and the expression of multiple virulence factors. The dynamic relationship between C. albicans and its host influences disease outcomes and cancer progression. This review focuses on key virulence mechanisms of C. albicans, including adhesion to host cells, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, production of carcinogenic metabolites, induction of chronic inflammation, and release of candidalysin, a cytolytic peptide toxin. Understanding these factors is essential to clarify how C. albicans promotes OSCC initiation and progression. Improved knowledge of C. albicans virulence may lead to targeted therapies, preventive strategies, and novel biomarkers for early detection, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes and prognosis for patients with oral cavity cancers.