Chemopreventive and Biological Strategies in the Management of Oral Potentially Malignant and Malignant Disorders

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)\r\nrepresent a significant global health burden due to their potential for malignant transformation\r\nand the challenges associated with their diagnosis and treatment. Chemoprevention, an innovative\r\napproach aimed at halting or reversing the neoplastic process before full malignancy, has emerged as\r\na promising avenue for mitigating the impact of OPMD and OSCC. The pivotal role of chemopreventive\r\nstrategies is underscored by the need for effective interventions that go beyond traditional\r\ntherapies. In this regard, chemopreventive agents offer a unique opportunity to intercept disease\r\nprogression by targeting the molecular pathways implicated in carcinogenesis. Natural compounds,\r\nsuch as curcumin, green tea polyphenols, and resveratrol, exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and\r\nanti-cancer properties that could make them potential candidates for curtailing the transformation\r\nof OPMD to OSCC. Moreover, targeted therapies directed at specific molecular alterations hold\r\npromise in disrupting the signaling cascades driving OSCC growth. Immunomodulatory agents,\r\nlike immune checkpoint inhibitors, are gaining attention for their potential to harness the body’s\r\nimmune response against early malignancies, thus impeding OSCC advancement. Additionally, nutritional\r\ninterventions and topical formulations of chemopreventive agents offer localized strategies\r\nfor preventing carcinogenesis in the oral cavity. The challenge lies in optimizing these strategies for\r\nefficacy, safety, and patient compliance. This review presents an up to date on the dynamic interplay\r\nbetween molecular insights, clinical interventions, and the broader goal of reducing the burden of oral\r\nmalignancies. As research progresses, the synergy between early diagnosis, non-invasive biomarker\r\nidentification, and chemopreventive therapy is poised to reshape the landscape of OPMD and OSCC\r\nmanagement, offering a glimpse of a future where these diseases are no longer insurmountable\r\nchallenges but rather preventable and manageable conditions.