Exploration of Medicine

Special Issue Topic

Advances in Oral Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics

Submission Deadline: July 31, 2025

Guest Editor

Dr. Luca Fiorillo E-Mail

Research Assistant and Adjunct Professor of Prosthodontics (MED/28), Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Images, School of Dentistry University of Messina, Messina, Italy

About the Special Issue

Oral cancer represents a significant global health challenge due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. In response to the pressing need for advancements in this field, we are pleased to announce the special issue, “Advances in Oral Cancer: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics.” This issue aims to serve as a comprehensive platform for disseminating cutting-edge research addressing the multifaceted challenges of oral cancer. Our scope encompasses many topics, including identifying novel biomarkers for early detection, advancements in imaging technologies, innovative surgical techniques, targeted therapies development, and immunotherapy’s emerging role in oral cancer treatment.
We prioritize original research articles that contribute novel findings, aiming to enhance our understanding of oral cancer’s molecular and genetic underpinnings. Epidemiological studies shedding light on risk factors and prevention strategies and clinical trials evaluating new treatment modalities are highly encouraged. Additionally, we welcome high-quality review articles that critically assess existing literature and provide novel viewpoints on current controversies and future directions in oral cancer research.
To ensure a diverse and international representation, we seek contributions from researchers worldwide. This approach aims to foster collaborative efforts and ensure the global relevance and applicability of the findings presented in this issue.

Keywords: Oral cancer, biomarkers, early detection, imaging technologies, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, surgical techniques, epidemiology

Call for Papers

Published Articles

Open Access

Systematic Review

Innovative technologies for identifying oral potentially malignant disorders: a systematic review
Background: Early detection of precancerous oral lesions is crucial for preventing oral cancer. Traditional visual inspections have limitations, prompting [...] Read more.

Background:

Early detection of precancerous oral lesions is crucial for preventing oral cancer. Traditional visual inspections have limitations, prompting the development of advanced technologies to improve detection accuracy. The study focused on evaluating and summarizing recent advancements in optical, molecular, and digital technologies used for the identification of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies published in English between 2014 and 2024. The search targeted pioneering research addressing key challenges in OPMD detection. Selection criteria prioritized innovative approaches for identifying potentially malignant oral lesions.

Results:

The initial search yielded 359 studies, with 10 meeting the inclusion criteria for in-depth analysis. These studies highlight emerging technologies that enhance early detection, including molecular biomarkers for analyzing genetic and protein alterations, liquid biopsy for detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and AI-assisted diagnostics. Additionally, fluorescence spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) improve detection accuracy, enabling early interventions and better patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

The systematic review underscores the growing significance of innovative technologies in the early identification of OPMDs. Advances in optical methods such as fluorescence spectroscopy and OCT, molecular techniques including biomarker analysis and liquid biopsy, and digital innovations like AI-driven diagnostics offer substantial improvements over conventional visual inspection. These technologies not only enhance detection accuracy but also hold promise for earlier diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. Continued research and validation are essential to translate these emerging tools into routine clinical practice, ensuring timely intervention and effective prevention of oral cancer.

Supraja Salwaji ... Giuseppe Minervini

Published: May 05, 2025 Explor Med. 2025;6:1001315
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2025.1001315

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Background:

Early detection of precancerous oral lesions is crucial for preventing oral cancer. Traditional visual inspections have limitations, prompting the development of advanced technologies to improve detection accuracy. The study focused on evaluating and summarizing recent advancements in optical, molecular, and digital technologies used for the identification of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on studies published in English between 2014 and 2024. The search targeted pioneering research addressing key challenges in OPMD detection. Selection criteria prioritized innovative approaches for identifying potentially malignant oral lesions.

Results:

The initial search yielded 359 studies, with 10 meeting the inclusion criteria for in-depth analysis. These studies highlight emerging technologies that enhance early detection, including molecular biomarkers for analyzing genetic and protein alterations, liquid biopsy for detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and AI-assisted diagnostics. Additionally, fluorescence spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) improve detection accuracy, enabling early interventions and better patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

The systematic review underscores the growing significance of innovative technologies in the early identification of OPMDs. Advances in optical methods such as fluorescence spectroscopy and OCT, molecular techniques including biomarker analysis and liquid biopsy, and digital innovations like AI-driven diagnostics offer substantial improvements over conventional visual inspection. These technologies not only enhance detection accuracy but also hold promise for earlier diagnosis and improved clinical outcomes. Continued research and validation are essential to translate these emerging tools into routine clinical practice, ensuring timely intervention and effective prevention of oral cancer.

Open Access

Original Article

Cytotoxic effects of opiate agonist loperamide hydrochloride on human oral cancer cells—an invitro study
Aim: Loperamide hydrochloride (HCl), a peripheral opioid receptor agonist primarily used as an antidiarrheal drug, has been reported to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. However, its [...] Read more.

Aim:

Loperamide hydrochloride (HCl), a peripheral opioid receptor agonist primarily used as an antidiarrheal drug, has been reported to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. However, its effects on oral cancer cells are yet to be ascertained. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of loperamide HCl on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, exploring its potential as a repurposed therapeutic agent.

Methods:

The OECM-1 OSCC cells were treated with various concentrations of loperamide HCl. The metabolic alterations of OECM-1 cells were spectrophotometrically assessed at 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours using the alamarBlue cell proliferation assay. The half-inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of loperamide HCl on OECM-1 cells was calculated through non-linear regression analysis. Apoptosis was evaluated using the Caspase-3/7 assay.

Results:

Loperamide HCl suppressed OECM-1 cell proliferation after 24 hours. The IC₅₀values of loperamide HCl on OECM-1 cells were non-evaluable at 4 hours but progressively decreased to 80.82 µM at 24 hours, 37.69 µM at 48 hours, and 34.29 µM at 72 hours. Significant apoptosis was observed at loperamide HCl concentrations of 40 µM and 50 µM after 72 hours of treatment.

Conclusions:

Loperamide HCl demonstrates a time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on OECM-1 cells, significantly inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis at higher concentrations. The decreasing IC₅₀values over time indicate enhanced cytotoxicity with prolonged exposure. These findings suggest loperamide HCl’s potential as a therapeutic agent for OSCC.

Chie Ching Tan ... Spoorthi Ravi Banavar

Published: April 02, 2025 Explor Med. 2025;6:1001301
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2025.1001301

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Aim:

Loperamide hydrochloride (HCl), a peripheral opioid receptor agonist primarily used as an antidiarrheal drug, has been reported to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. However, its effects on oral cancer cells are yet to be ascertained. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of loperamide HCl on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, exploring its potential as a repurposed therapeutic agent.

Methods:

The OECM-1 OSCC cells were treated with various concentrations of loperamide HCl. The metabolic alterations of OECM-1 cells were spectrophotometrically assessed at 4, 24, 48, and 72 hours using the alamarBlue cell proliferation assay. The half-inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of loperamide HCl on OECM-1 cells was calculated through non-linear regression analysis. Apoptosis was evaluated using the Caspase-3/7 assay.

Results:

Loperamide HCl suppressed OECM-1 cell proliferation after 24 hours. The IC₅₀values of loperamide HCl on OECM-1 cells were non-evaluable at 4 hours but progressively decreased to 80.82 µM at 24 hours, 37.69 µM at 48 hours, and 34.29 µM at 72 hours. Significant apoptosis was observed at loperamide HCl concentrations of 40 µM and 50 µM after 72 hours of treatment.

Conclusions:

Loperamide HCl demonstrates a time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on OECM-1 cells, significantly inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis at higher concentrations. The decreasing IC₅₀values over time indicate enhanced cytotoxicity with prolonged exposure. These findings suggest loperamide HCl’s potential as a therapeutic agent for OSCC.

Open Access

Original Article

Feasibility of cinobufacini for the treatment of oral premalignant lesions: an open-label pilot trial
Aim: This study aimed to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of cinobufacini in patients with oral premalignant lesions (OPLs). Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed [...] Read more.

Aim:

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of cinobufacini in patients with oral premalignant lesions (OPLs).

Methods:

Patients with histologically confirmed OPLs participated in an open-label uncontrolled pilot clinical study and received a 4-week or 12-week treatment, the efficacy and safety of cinobufacini for the treatment of OPLs were assessed.

Results:

During the treatment course ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks, no one withdrew because of adverse effects, no one had clinical or histologic progressive disease. Of the 8 participants who took cinobufacini for 12 weeks, one had a complete clinical response, and 4 had a complete histologic response. Of note, 9 participants had varying degrees of pain reduction.

Conclusions:

This small pilot study supports the feasibility of a larger clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of cinobufacini in the treatment of OPLs [Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (chictr.org.cn) identifier: ChiCTR2300068529].

Yang Liu ... Xinwen Wang

Published: January 09, 2025 Explor Med. 2025;6:1001269
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2025.1001269

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Aim:

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of cinobufacini in patients with oral premalignant lesions (OPLs).

Methods:

Patients with histologically confirmed OPLs participated in an open-label uncontrolled pilot clinical study and received a 4-week or 12-week treatment, the efficacy and safety of cinobufacini for the treatment of OPLs were assessed.

Results:

During the treatment course ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks, no one withdrew because of adverse effects, no one had clinical or histologic progressive disease. Of the 8 participants who took cinobufacini for 12 weeks, one had a complete clinical response, and 4 had a complete histologic response. Of note, 9 participants had varying degrees of pain reduction.

Conclusions:

This small pilot study supports the feasibility of a larger clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of cinobufacini in the treatment of OPLs [Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (chictr.org.cn) identifier: ChiCTR2300068529].

Open Access

Review

Risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and immunotherapy’s involvement in the fight against oral cancer: a comprehensive review
Oral cancer is rare in Western nations but widespread in high-risk regions around the globe. Risk factors, such as tobacco usage, alcohol intake, and betel nut chewing, enhance the chance of the ill [...] Read more.

Oral cancer is rare in Western nations but widespread in high-risk regions around the globe. Risk factors, such as tobacco usage, alcohol intake, and betel nut chewing, enhance the chance of the illness, making it mostly avoidable. Due to its high mortality, early detection is crucial. Prevention and diagnosis begin with oral mucosa lesions that may be malignant and local diseases that cause persistent inflammation. Clinical therapies for oral cancer mostly include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Unsatisfactory therapeutic impact and harmful side effects remain clinical treatment’s key issues. Future research should examine the cancer microenvironment and treatment. This review examined oral cancer risk factors, preventative strategies, and early diagnostic approaches. This review also discusses immunotherapy methods for countering this fatal disease. Immunotherapy targeting the cancer microenvironment may provide a novel oral cancer treatment.

Mohd Javed Naim

Published: January 10, 2025 Explor Med. 2025;6:1001270
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37349/emed.2025.1001270

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Oral cancer is rare in Western nations but widespread in high-risk regions around the globe. Risk factors, such as tobacco usage, alcohol intake, and betel nut chewing, enhance the chance of the illness, making it mostly avoidable. Due to its high mortality, early detection is crucial. Prevention and diagnosis begin with oral mucosa lesions that may be malignant and local diseases that cause persistent inflammation. Clinical therapies for oral cancer mostly include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Unsatisfactory therapeutic impact and harmful side effects remain clinical treatment’s key issues. Future research should examine the cancer microenvironment and treatment. This review examined oral cancer risk factors, preventative strategies, and early diagnostic approaches. This review also discusses immunotherapy methods for countering this fatal disease. Immunotherapy targeting the cancer microenvironment may provide a novel oral cancer treatment.

Guest Editor

About the Special Issue

Call for Papers

Published Articles

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