Crosstalk in Signaling Pathways and Mutations of Therapeutic Target Genes in Oral Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is an aggressive malignancy with poor survival rates due to late diagnosis and recurrence. This study aims to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve early detection and treatment, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and reducing mortality associated with HNSCC and OC.

This review explores the major cross-talking signals, drugs, and target genes of HNSCC and OC, with a focus on Wnt as a key resource. Keywords in OC studies were categorized, revealing highly specific pathways and the role of pharmacogenomics, nutrigenomics, and gene mutations for future drug development.

The roles of interlinked signaling pathways and gene networks in HNSCC and OC, identifying major regulatory pathways as potential therapeutic targets, and discussing target genes and therapies.

Understanding molecular pathways is crucial for precision medicine in OC Integrating pharmacogenomic and nutrigenomic insights can improve therapeutic outcomes and reduce toxicity, despite resistance and heterogeneity challenges.

This review focuses on HNSCC and OC, both of which are complex diseases with multiple molecular mechanisms. Understanding the cross-talk between signaling pathways is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic targets. Despite advancements in modern medicine and synthetic drugs, herbal remedies continue to be used in healthcare and can effectively support therapy in various ways. Biological therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, can help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, whereas synthetic drugs have posed challenges in recent years.