Revolutionizing Oral Cancer Treatment: Immunotherapeutic Approaches

Background: Immunotherapy is a promising addition to the cancer treatment arsenal, with the potential to be an effective adjuvant therapy. In the ever-changing landscape of cancer care, it appears as a potential fourth pillar, supplementing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The key to effective immunotherapy is cautious patient selection, which is based on a thorough study of the unique immune makeup of each patient. Aim: This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of tumor immunity and immunotherapy, with a specific focus on oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: The review involved a thorough investigation of scientific databases and relevant publications, including studies conducted up to the present date obtained from PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar Key. The selected studies underwent careful evaluation for methodological rigor and the significance of their findings. Results: Checkpoint inhibitors, targeted monoclonal antibodies, adoptive cell transfer, cancer vaccines, biomarkers and prediction tools, and cytokine immunotherapy are all promising treatments for oral cancer. Conclusion: In recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in interest and study in cancer immunotherapy, indicating a turning point in our approach to cancer treatment. While significant progress has been made, major hurdles remain across a range of cancers.