Nuances of Perioperative Therapy in Gingivobuccal Cancers

Gingivobuccal complex cancers represent the most common oral cavity malignancy in the Indian subcontinent, constituting up to 40% of oral cancers in Southeast Asia. Despite surgery being the primary treatment modality, locoregional recurrence remains a significant challenge in locally advanced disease. Adjuvant radiotherapy improves locoregional control in patients with adverse pathologic features. Implementation of evidence-based dose constraints, comprehensive dental prophylaxis, and early supportive care measures are critical for minimizing treatment-related morbidity while maintaining oncological efficacy in this challenging subsite. Induction chemotherapy offers a valuable strategy for converting borderline resectable T4b tumors with infratemporal fossa involvement to surgically amenable disease.